Let the drooling begin
 

Okay, so who is going to be the first to try to integrate this into our E53's?

Is this for an ipod?

It's for ipod and any mp3 player. The plug is an option on the new 3 series, the 1 series and will be available on the new X5's. Hopefully someone will be able to figure out how to retrofit it to the E53's.

is this the thing that goes on the rear center console underneath the vents and heat seat switches?

E53 and E70 have a different bus architecture, so not likely compatible :tsk:

Besides, the AUX input is already available for the E53, and what is the application for the USB interface?

It probably would fit there.

You are corrent in that they have a different bus architecture, but it's really just a connector and as long as it's wired up for a specific function it would work to some degree (like acting as a 12 volt input for an ipod).

The USB interface could, in theory, work in the same way as any USB interface.

Don't think it'll be an easy task as the whole control panel unit is sealed. All the connectors on the panel is very likely to be on a circuit board as well. I did attempt to put my AUX input in that panel location, until I saw how the whole buttons/panel is put together, I gave up and didn't want to mess with it. If anyone wants to give it a shot, take plenty of pictures of the modding process please :)