iPod/USB a must or not?
 

Is this option a must or can I get away with the standard issue AUX input to play my iPod? Thanks in advance. Getting close to pulling the trigger and this is the only outstanding option I'm questioning.

My vote is its a must - especially if your not going for the 6 disc changer.

you still can use iPod via AUX, yea?

If you have the 6 disc DVD changer, you do NOT need the iPod connection. There is so many tracks that you can put on the DVD's! I don't even use my iPod connection connection anymore. I have hundreds of tracks on my DVDs...

:iagree:

The Ipod/USB is a must. I got sick of the radio and decided on one. If you don't want the USB, then you should get the DICE module WITH the spec dock. It looks amazing and blends in with the X's interior.;)

Yes, but the ipod doesn't get charged. My 1st gen nano has 2-5 minutes of battery life.:rofl:

IMO - well worth the $400.

It is a feature I use everyday. Much of the electronic wizardry in modern BMWs is useless, but the iPod connection is truly useful if you use an iPod for your music.

Hands down must have feature. Sure you can play the IPod through the AUX in feature, but you won't get the IPOD interface on your IDrive screen. It's really nice!

I agree with the majority so far. It is the best extra I have (asside from the heated steering wheel). The IDrive interface is great and allows easy access to all that is on the IPOD. Just tuck the IPOD in the center console and forget about it. Well worth the $400.

PS I did skip the 6 changer CD. With over 1000 songs on my IPOD, why would I limit myself to 6 CDs? Plus the bulk of carrying them around etc.

I confirm it worth the price. I also have the 6 disc DVD and Professional DSP for watching movies, the sound in Dolby Digital is fantastic.
You may see pictures here of the iPod connection here:
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e70-forum/...-215-rims.html

Is worth it when is working. Mine stopped with both my Ipod and Iphone.
It is stuck on loading the data. I think it might be the cable since the AUX works and the USB works with the Apple cable.

And the best part? You don't even need an IPod to use it. You can just put all your music on a USB flash drive and use that for a lot less than an IPod - plus, you can get them with a 16 or even 32gb capacity!

REALLY? :thumbup:

My wife's been complaining since I've taken my iPod out of our E90 and put it in our X that she never drives. I'll have to load some music onto a flash drive for her. Good stuff...

The seamless iPod connectivity is one of my favorite feature especially since I listen to a lot of podcasts. I listen to a lot of music too, but honestly, I haven't played anything yet in my single CD player since I got my X5 last Christmas.

:iagree: took out the ipod in with my 16G flashdrive.

YESSSSS!!! that's the stuff I was looking for!
USB interface is an absolute must. You can simply forget all the cd chargers, radios, etc. the only bad thing is that usb connection works only either with apple ipod (which I hate: I love mp3 freedom, not apple itunes handcuffs!) or with no-software mp3 readers (i.e. the small ones). I thought that it could mean that any 10$ usb flash drive may work, did you try?

No, it's not a CD changer. It's a DVD changer. The 6 DVDs can hold over 2,000 - 3,000 songs...

IPOD interface is an absolute must, i find that i use it more thant the Sat radio. CD's are pretty much useless these days.

i would definitely get the premium sound option....PLUS the ipod/usb adapter..

the premium sound will add more speakers and alot more amp power...

the ipod is all you need after that!!

i haven't used anything else since getting the vehicle..

thousands of songs on the ipod... and you can control it through the steering wheel controls plus manage playlists via the Idrive screen...

download a quick 99cent itune song, sync it with your ipod, plug it into the port, scroll through the idrive, hit to play and drive....

nothing could be better!

Im about to pull th trigger on my dealer.
The USB DOES NOT WORK on my new X5!!!!
I have tried several Gen's of iPod and iPhone and the damn thing wont recognise the USB device.
It charges it just fine, which is great, keeps me on teh go - but would love to listen to some decent audio instead of crappy Sydney radio!!!! Driving me nuts!!!

It doesn't work with the standard iPod cable, you need a special one from BMW which has two plugs: USB and Mini-jack. I have posted a picture here:
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e70-forum/...-215-rims.html

you are right Crax, and by the way....there is a clear picture in my x5 instruction booklet! remember juicer: reading could be helpful before pulling any trigger!

When you use your USB flash drive, how do you get to your playlists? Is there any way other than going through the 4 or 5 steps of the I-drive entertainment menu?

Would an IPOD or a competitor simply this kind of thing?