You seem to be talking about two different things.
#1. the iPod/iPhone adapter. You need the 6FL option on your car and the Y-cable that connects in the center console. (You do not have 6FL option). This enables you control the music through the steering wheel or iDrive. I have seen mention of this retrofit on this forum. Of course, it's not cheap.
#2. the iPhone snap-in adapter (+ eject box + frame) that allows you to charge your phone and use external antenna.

You cannot use both option #1 and option #2 at the same time on an iPhone. (You can have iPod on #1 and iPhone on #2.)

Hahaha. Of course there's a 3rd option ...

#3) the smartphone integration. Option 6NF. (Requires option 6FL). Uses a different cradle to standard snap in adapter but will allow music playback, charging, and external antenna. Not available in all countries.

I do not have the 6NF option, ipod intergration kit option or premium sound pacakge on my 08. The only thing I got is AUX input. What is my option here? If I want to connect my iphone to control via steering wheel and idrive while charging it (Cost effective way if possible)

Thanks.

hmm. you might want to check with EAS, they may have a CD changer emulation kit for the X5 that might work that would allow what you ask for.

Yes, that's an option for new X5's that are purchased now. Not an option for us_matrix though...

Got my 3g Iphone cradle today from the UK ($!30 shipped).. now just need to get an iPhone !!!

Are there any guru's out there that can answer this?

If you have 6FL (USB) in the centre compartment
Also have Premium Sound & Business Nav
6 stacker in glovebox

But you don't have 6NF (smartphone intergration) which is the base plate that allows the iPhone to be used thru the cradle as phone and iPod all in one.

Can you by buying the correct base plate (6NF) & matching Iphone G3 cradle install this, I mean take out the current base plate and plug in the new one which would give you smartphone intergration as you have all the other items already installed?

Does anyone in the States have the part number for this 6NF base plate?

When you order the smart phone integration the car already comes with the base plate from factory. I'm pretty certain they changed the wiring harness so its wouldn't be that simple to just get the base plate.

I can't even look for you, because getting the base plate out is a royal pain in the a**.

We don't get 6NF here but I don't think the change to the wiring is all the way to the computer. It would be how it joins the 6FL USB in the centre compartment. The 6NF base plate USB output would join into the 6FL wiring then into the computer.

Its a pitty we cannot get a diagram of the two different base plates!

Knowing BMW ... it will have being over engineered to death ... !!