Smartphone integration
 

New to the forum and could use some help. Just picked up my brand new '09 X5, which, among other things, has the smartphone integration option. I knew that I would need to purchase the cradle to use it and for my iphone to hook into idrive. But the dealer's telling me that I also need to pay for 2 hours of labor for the install (something with the software), which is going to run me $250.

Can anyone tell me if that's for real? Do I really need to pay an additional $250 for the labor or can I just plug the cradle in and go?

Absolutely not ... the cradle takes 2 seconds to pop in, and then you will be up and running. You do not need any software update done in the car. Thats rubbish.

Which iPhone do you own. The 2G or the 3G or 3Gs. I have a spare smartphone iPhone cradle for the original iPhone 2G if you're interested !
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Thanks for the response. I thought that was the case. Otherwise, not sure what I was paying for for the smartphone integration in the first place.

I have 3G S, but thanks for the offer. Given that there's no 3G S cradle yet, I'm hoping that the 3G cradle works.

The 3G and the 3GS are the same phone form and the same adapter.

What BMW dealer told you it was a two hour install? The first dealer I went to had no idea what parts I needed and wanted to ordered something completely unnecessary doubling the cost.

The dealer I ended up buying it from got it right the first try and it literally takes longer to open the box then it does to install.

Chip-

I've got the 3gs, but use the regular 3g cradle. No issues.

Not to hijack this thread but...

What exactly does the $150 "Smart Phone Integration" do that the prerequisite $400 "iPod and USB Adapter" does not do?

FWIW I'm planning to commit to a build-to-order X5 35d tomorrow and hence trying to nail down the exact options ASAP :)

Funf Dreisig

I'm told -- but not sure if it's true -- that you need the ipod/usb adapter for the smartphone integration to work (in other words, you need to get both). So, I did.

Pretty unbelievable the absolute lack of dealership knowledge on smartphone integration -- but that they're more than happy to charge an additional several hundred dollars for totally unnecessary service.

No place to hold the phone.
Cannot use the car external sharkfin as handset antenna for "better" reception.

Thanks for the clear and concise answer :)

FWIW my salesman has an iPhone & iPod and really knows a lot about these options, since he recently bought a BMW for himself. He explained all the nuisances in great detail. I opted not to get the "smart phone integration" option because...
1 - It significantly restricts access in the console (passenger side).
2 - I rarely use my phone while driving.
3 - I can't imagine taking the time to plug in/out every time I got in/out of the X5 except when on long trips.
4 - I don't own an iPhone (yet).

Funf Dreisig

Which dealer?