Smartphone Integration - Best option EVER..
 

Like I was, I'm sure a lot of you are probably wondering about the Smartphone Integration. Thought I would take a minute to tell you all about it.

1) It only takes up 1/2 the center console
2) Besides the purchase of the option for $150, you only have to buy another additional piece from BMW for the cost of $136.

So your probably wondering, for $286 dollars, what does this fantastic invention do?

Well, it gives you Bluetooth. Wait a minute, wait a minute you're probably asking, don't I have Bluetooth without the module? This I will answer later in the post.

Its also is a charging station. Wait a minute, wait a minute, you're probably asking, don't I have a charging station that comes with the Ipod and USB adaptor as part of the premium sound package? This I will also answer shortly.

But lets summarize, it gives you a charging station, gives you Bluetooth functionality and reportedly even gives you access to your music library.

So the next logical question is, doesn't the USB cable do all that already? The short answer is, Yes, it does, but it's not "integrated"..

Which leads to, what does "integrated" really mean? What integrated really means is, it's hard, fixed, and in your storage area. More importantly though, it's perfectly sized for your iphone.
- But wait, what if my iphone has a case on it? Sorry, you have to take the case off before installing your phone in your center console. Even if it's a small case that is form fitted and fits in every other iphone charging station like clock radios or home stereo base stations.

Then your next question is most likely, how does the Iphone music access work? Unfortunately I can't answer this question for you as mine still hasn't worked through the integrated module even though it works amazingly well through the USB ipod cable.

By now your probably scratching your head thinking.. This piece of garbage costs $286, does the same thing as the USB cable which is included for free in the premium sound package, (though the USB cable gives immediate access to music library, also charges the phone and does not require you to take off your iphone case.) And the Smartphone Integration takes up half the center console ???!!!???

But what you would be forgetting to equate in all this is, BMW gives you the word "integration" so by definition it must be better. And it's expensive.

More importantly, the real reason to get this option is simple. If I paid for it, so should you. I mean really, I've been a member of this forum for like 27 years, have 19,000 posts and am on my sixth BMW X5. And if my stuck with this piece of garbage, then so too should you. And I don't want to hear any whining, "I don't need it, the USB cable is better" or "I don't want to lose half my storage compartment" or "I don't want to have to take my case off every time I get in and out of the car." or "My music access doesn't work and the Bluetooth gets confused if I don't immediately snap it in or take it out."

Cause those are all complaints that only a sissy whines about. Man up. It's only $286

I didn't order it. I wonder if I can cancel and have a new X6 built so I can have one too.

:p:

I got it too and at first the music did not work for me either....the trick is you have to unplug the usb cable in the armrest console....it does not work with both plugged in

Best option EVER.. ;)

I tried that.. No joy. It just says AUX.

Well that sucks, sorry you are having those problems, mine seems to work ok... but I have to admit that while the interface for accessing the music is usable, its not ideal...I dont know why they couldnt just mimic the ipod interface. as an aside, do you have anything plugged into the mini-jack connector? cause I disconnected that too

Nope, I pulled the whole USB mini-jack cable. Turned the car off then on again and it still didn't work.. I'm sure there's a relative simple answer to making it work but my point is, why should I bother?

It really seems like the USB cable is the better choice. Doesn't take up space, charges, gives you the music library, doesn't need to have the iphone out of the case and it's free.

The integration for the iphone is kind of stupid.

I guess it may be useful on a really long drive but it seems to create more problems than solutions.

The main reason why I did NOT get this option, plus I have about 95GB of music on my iPod and rarely use the iPhone for music unless I'm on a plane.

:(

I guess I agree with you, but since I did not have idrive in my previous car, and they dont really explain it to you ahead of time, I did not know what the "integration" really gave you so of course I bought it too. If one were to not order it, do you still get to control ipods/iphones through the stereo?

Let me be very clear about this.

You can 100% control, charge and also make phone calls, through the BMW system using nothing more than just the USB cable.

In other words, if you hook your phone up to the USB cable, you get full access to your music library through the idrive. You get your playlists, artist search, song search, etc.

You do not need to even touch your iphone or your ipod if you are hooked up to just the USB cable that comes with the premium sound package.

OK then, I guess we both got screwed! but hey, whats $286 in a car that cost 100k anyway...I hope that this is the worst fleecing we ever have to endure! (somehow I doubt it will be)

B-Line, that is one of the best posts EVER!!!

Ever? Really? ;)

seth.. you are easily amused/entertained.. LOL

Had someone written a review like this before I ordered my car, i'd be $286 richer :nanana:

So how is 1st-3rd gear again?

Thanks for your posts.

K

Don't you need the $1400 Premium sound package as pre-requisite to smartphone integration?

I agree.

Poorly marketed by BMW, baffling to both customers and sales associates, this 'Integration' is unnecessary.

At least I 'only' paid the $150 for the factory half-measure.

I'm taking it out.

Maybe I should send it in with my last payment (less $150).

(good post)

I don't know. I can tell you this though, the Premium sound package is great. The system sounds amazing.

it occurred to me that theoretically you do get one benefit from the integration kit... it is supposed to boost your reception and use the roof antenna (and it seems to actually do it to some extent). If you have the iphone then this might actually be useful since ATT coverage is pretty awful (at least in Denver).

Hilarious :rofl::bustingup

Thanks for the heads up.:thumbup:

$1400+$286= only $1686 ;)

You forgot to mention that it uses the external antenna as RBAROR as mentioned.

I have the smartphone integration in my 09 X5 and I use the USB instead. I have been unable to get the music integration to work from the dock. I have noticed the better reception when my phone is mounted in it tho.
But for $286 I would order it just to have it. Maybe get your dealer to fix the music problem.

Quick question..if I have an auxillary cable input in my central console compartment (just a headphone jack without USB), can I changed that to a USB adapter type connection? Does it mean I need to strip out the entire module and do rewiring to the head unit?

How much will be that option?

Hey,

Hopefully one of youall can give me a pointer.

I am in the process of ordering a 2010 X5 48i and am an iPhone user. (USA)

1) I have noticed that the SmartPhone Integration option takes over half of the console; but I've never actually seen this in person. Is there space under the phone cradle for normal console storage, or does it go all the way down to the bottom of the console?

2) Would it be relatively easy to remove the phone cradle if one finds that it is not useful?

3) When transferring music/audiobooks to the internal hard drive, what file format is required, mp3, wma, mp4? Source drive organization? For example, if you are using a thumb drive as the source, does the BMW software recognize source folders as playlists?

4) Am I correct that you must use a USB port in the glovebox when moving files to the hard drive?

Thanks. Especially in re the smart phone questions. Sounds like I don't need this feature, and would be better off just using the iPod/USP port.

Regards.

.

Thanks B-Line for the input. I appreciated your previous observations on this subject. I've pretty well decided I don't need/wouldn't use this option and will go with just he iPod/USB ports. I'll be glad to have those after 7 yrs. with my current 2002 X5 4.4. Been a great car tho.

What irks me on the 2010 4.8 is that I have to purchase the $2K Premium Sound radio inorder to get the factory iPod/USB ports. If I were ordering either the 6 cyl gas or diesel, they are a stand alone $400 option without having to get the Premium Sound. I'll never use the 6-disk CD player; rarely did in my 02 X5, even before I had iPods and iPhones.

Question. How does this work with a iphone with a skin case around it? Will it fit?

Nope. You have to remove it from it's case before you dock it.

I'm confused. So should I get it or not?

no, not really, he was just being nice.

I like it. I have the cradle for my iPhone. It does improve reception. I like it. Makes texting and emailing whilst driving more difficult! :)... Just kidding. Overall, I dont have any concerns with it. Wish there were more cradles available.

If you cannot detect the sarcasm in the OP then you should get it!

If, however, you can detect some sarcasm, then by inference, you will realise it is a waste of money.

Up to you.

Sarcasm is my middle name chief.

Well then easy decision for you X5 Sarcasm Meister. :D

Other than reaching in a breaking it off. Has someone already removed or know how to remove the cradle?

thank

Had the same problem with a customer's X6. My boss has an X5 and it works beautifully. Turns out that there is some different part that needs to be ordered to get it to work. IMO, the dock just means that every time I get out, I have to screw around with it to get my phone out. I'd rather just have bluetooth for the phone and keep it in my pocket (like I already have), or have BMW include bluetooth audio for the X5, so I don't have to plug in or put my phone in a cradle to listen to music.

Thought I'd :bump: this thread as it really IS entertaining - and educational too. BMW nor the dealers really provide any REAL information on these various features/what's included or what they really do for the money. I am starting to get a clue (now that I have my X5 for a few weeks and after following forums for 2 months!!). Still, even after all this some issues remain unclear. I'll write what I think I understand and hope someone with more FACTUAL information will correct any errors.

It now seems, and no-one will tell us when ordering (nor is it in the BMW X5 brochure), the vehicle seems to come - as standard equipment (no extra charges) with an AUX plug in the center console and a USB port in the glove box for downloading music to the vehicle's HD.

$400 6FL (iPod/USB) seems to add one additional USB port next to the AUX plug in the center console and some internal programming that allows the iDrive to "see" and navigate the iPod thru the iDrive and steering wheel controls. However, if you don't mind navigating your iPod songs on the iPod, you can plug it in with just the AUX plug and use the 12v for power/charging. Sound quality should be just as good. Alternatively, you can use your computer to drag and drop all of your music onto USB thumb drive sticks (cheap ~$20 4GBs, <$30 8Gbs and and not too much more for 16GBs) and use the USB port in the glove box to download to the vehicles HD. Additionally, if you have a very large music collection you can fill the HD and still have virtually UNLIMITED music capacity by just having additional USB thumb drive sticks (each 16 GB should hold at least 3500 to 4000 songs at 128 rip rate - so with about 3000 songs on the HD and a single 16GB stick you should be able to have over 7,000 songs connected thru your iDrive at all times with ability to swap out sticks as often as you may choose).

No one tells you any of this. I ordered the 6FL thinking that would be the only way to have the USB port (don't have or want an iPod) - now finding I spent $400 for nothing. I have also read you can store very large amounts of music onto a DVD and the primary CD slot will read and/or store those too (again, another standard option that provides us with virtually unlimited music capacity that is not mentioned anywhere and the dealers don't tell you either - of course, if they did, they might actually generate some customer goodwill but we certainly can't have THAT at a BMW dealership now can we?!

Finally, to concur with B-Line's OP, the smartphone integration, I believe, is phone specific. So, if you change phones the feature will no longer work - even the 4G iPhone is speculated to have a new shape! All features are basically duplicating what is already available thru standard equipment. HOWEVER, the one non-duplicated feature seems to be the connection to the vehicle's antenna and if you use an IPHONE - YOU ARE GOING TO NEED THIS FEATURE!!!!:rofl: You will likely still drop multiple calls each day but isn't that part of the iPhone (on AT&T) experience??!! The external car antenna might help you drop one or two less so isn't that worth the extra $$??!

No need for :flame: or :chair: This is a fun, entertaining and educational thread so let's try to keep it that way. :beerchug:

Thought I'd drop this in here in case anyone didn't already know about it... The iPhone 3G and 3GS do not charge when connected to the USB audio interface via the Y-cable.
See attached SIB 652609

My iPhone 3G and my 3GS both charge using the Y-cable. :confused:

YMMV

Pick up one of these: Scosche passPORT Charging Adapter for iPhone 3G - Apple Store (U.S.)

The iPhone has the charging pin in a different location than the older iPods. Just plug that in in-line and it will rectify the problem.

From BMW: