Here are some picture of an Iphone 3G Snap in adapter. Note how the sides of the box needed to be trimmed in order to allow the adapter and phone to fit properly.

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Sweet. Thanks for the photos. Did you do the trimming to make it fit? And do you remember what are the part numbers of the eject box and snap-in adapter?

Three Part Numbers

84 21 6 946 064 - Eject Box
51 15 3 401 961 - Insert - Replaces the OEM tray
84 21 2 151 043 - Snap - in - Adapter


Cost $360 U.S.

I did the trimming. It is a bit of a hatchet job but I know the second time around it would be neater because it took a while to figure out what needed to be cut.

Great info, thanks. How long ago did you buy these parts? From what I understand the 064 eject box has been superseded with 84-10-9-168-940. And the 043 snap in adapter is actually for the E70, not the E53/E83 and it has been superseded with 84-21-2-158-683 which is a USB snap in adapter. The E53/E83 snap in adapter (non-USB obviously) is 84-21-2-158-682 and apparently requires the eject box frame 84-21-2-153-098. I'm very curious how those look together. Maybe they would have not required cutting?

Purchased in February 2009.

Funny part is that I don't use it much because I tend to peek at company email when I'm on the road which is alot.

Another thought. The Iphone 3G is wider than most. Other phones might not have required cutting the eject box.

Personally looks like a hack and I like to utilize the center console for an arm rest. I use a Proclip with my HTC and it works fine. But the Proclip too is not aesthetically pleasing too. Ideally an eject box mounted inside of the center glove box would be ideal (sleeve like would be the best).

I too don't answer emails or even TXT messages as its too distracting. Did though modify MS Mobile OS to pass text messages to my HU display on the E46. Never tried though with the X3 BT.

__________________
E83 - Aero PKG Mods installed: Homelink mirror. CIS-IBUS video module, AUX, Rr Dr Release, stock wheels, Remote start, CarPC (Atom) & mud flaps - NAV - MKIV - NA Map DVD - 2011
E46 - 18.5 wheels/tires (summer), 17 stock (winter), Homelink, NAV software upgrade, BMW video module, Radio to V53, AUX, USB IBUS interface,BMW alarm install, CarPC(Epia), remote starter, tank battery & angel eyes. NAV - MKIII - NA Map CD - High Version 2008.1

So the Eject Box and Snap in Adapter are inside the console not outside so there is an armrest. Tried every clip and mount and they are ugly.

Replying to email is impossible but reading is easy enough.

Sorry didn't notice that the armrest still folds down.

You are right though every clip and mount looks like a POS but personally sometimes I keep switching from looking at the phone (which I shouldn't) right in my face to looking at the HU.

Considering how popular the I-Phone is wondering why a "hack" or modification needed to be done to the eject box for an IPhone.

A welcome BMW sponsored tweak would be a mix and match eject box for more popular models of PDA / Cell phones.

You gave me an idea though .....a VNC / RDP session to my CE phone from my CarPC to my HU would work even better. I could then put the phone away out of site....and just use the radio knobs to remote the phone and its functions...I can already RDP from the phone to the carpc.

Updating my E46 for BT retrofitting a Motorola CDMA setup did cost me initially but I guess it would have been more had I purchased the Eject box. None the less I am on a 4th version PDA MS Mobile phone as I keep wanting more features so updates to phone are regular (both phone and software) and every phone has been a little bit different. The Progear front piece of their bracket has been replaced 4 times in the E46 and 2 times in the E83. (a bit cheaper though than a custom eject box).

Many folks have retrofitted a Sirius reciever into their E83. It was a welcome addition for me (OEM Sirius) to have another source of live media when traveling to FL from the MW after Christmas this past year.

The E83 is a bit of a stepchild in the electronics piece. I personally welcomed my familiarity with the legacy IBUS verus new CAN Bus on my E83. Because I am OLD and for the sake of "hacking" and use of CarPC in an already well documented communications protocol.

A tangent - purchased the changer retrofit for the center console about 3 years ago and have yet installed it cuz I value the little bit of space there versus utilization for a BMW CD changer.

BTW It was great day for golf here in the MW yesterday. A bit windy but still around almost 80. (golfed in the PM). Today its raining this morning but may be good for golf by the end of the day....

__________________
E83 - Aero PKG Mods installed: Homelink mirror. CIS-IBUS video module, AUX, Rr Dr Release, stock wheels, Remote start, CarPC (Atom) & mud flaps - NAV - MKIV - NA Map DVD - 2011
E46 - 18.5 wheels/tires (summer), 17 stock (winter), Homelink, NAV software upgrade, BMW video module, Radio to V53, AUX, USB IBUS interface,BMW alarm install, CarPC(Epia), remote starter, tank battery & angel eyes. NAV - MKIII - NA Map CD - High Version 2008.1

The snap in adapter is a little too wide for the eject box. Since I made my purchases, updated parts have been released I believe. I had to cut the sides of the eject box to accomodate the adapter. this is not an issue with the snap in adapter for most other devices.

The X3 seems to be a step-child when it comes to updated electronics. Note the wait for a new sirius reciever many have bemoaned on this site. I was lucky to pick up a module on ebay for $150. Many are selling for over $500 (> than cost through BMW).