6FL iPod/USB & Smartphone Integration - Best option EVER..
 

While searching the forum for more info on 6FL, I stumbled upon a fun and educational thread. I posted a reply to bump the thread back into action and after submitting realized it was posting in the X///M sub-forum. Decided the M'ers shouldn't have this all to themselves and decided to post a link to the thread here: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...tml#post715632
The thread is currently about 4 pages long. If you don't want to read thru it, I'll post/quote the OP and my reply:
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.

I can't disagree with any of that but to me the external antenna connection (inductive) is worth the extra on its own. Plus I don't want to have to sync my iphone and then copy all my music, podcasts, audio books etc to USB sticks. I just clip my iphone in and everything is done.

I seem to remember from other forums that the Bluetooth connection for your phone already connects your phone to the external antenna... I'll look around and post if I find something factual (other than my faulty memory!).

Edit: My memory is indeed faulty- looks like you need smartphone integration for the external antenna connections, which makes sense now that I think of it!

Bluetooth can never make a connection for the RF to the antenna.

The iPhone cradle uses inductive coupling.

I have a dock which I purchased and am very happy with it. I typically get about 2 bars on my signal meter on my iPhone when I am at home. When I plug in I get 5 bars. Good enough for me :D

I have a 32G stick plugged into my 6FL. Good thing about that is that I can still have music in the car for my guests while I have my iphone in my hand out of the car.

People will always complain about EVERYTHING. Simple though, if you don't like it, don't buy it.

I AGREE WITH LONDON LAD

Kman

I also saw the increase in signal strength with the dock yesterday. I was in an area where it was bouncing between one and two bars, once I "snapped" it into the adapter, I had a full signal.

Also, I keep all my music on my iPhone 3Gs, and the smartphone adaptor requires no cables for full iDrive integration.

Now is it worth the extra $ for the option and adaptor? Well, that's for each to decide. I like it!

:)

Yes indeed, duh! (reference only to me of course!)

is this "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."


correct? 6fl gives you nothing?! how is this possible?

It is not that 6FL gives you nothing. It certainly puts a USB port in the center console right next to the AUX port. And, it certainly gives you the iPod adapter cable. It also appears that 6FL, during production, adds some programming (which i think I read can ONLY be done during production) which enables iPod control though iDrive (which you would not have without 6FL and would have to control the ipod via the iPod screen).

The remaining issue, to which I was alluding, which remains not yet clarified, is whether or not the USB port in the glovebox comes only with 6FL (seems redundant) or if it still comes even if you do not get 6FL. So, my statement you quoted may be true. At the time I posted that statement I had only had my X for a few weeks. As of this date, I am still uncertain about the USB port in the glovebox without 6FL. I am fairly certain the AUX port in the center console comes regardless. But, as I said, I think you cannot control an iPod connected solely via AUX thru iDrive.

As for the other part of my statement "no-one will tell us when ordering (nor is it in the BMW X5 brochure)" - this part remains. I have posted this issue in several threads and no one has clarified. I suspect no one knows for sure and the dealer certainly does not offer this info. For me, I do not use ipods and I paid for 6FL (listed as "iPod/USB") because I assumed it was the only way to get the USB port which I wanted for loading my music to the hardrive. At delivery, the salesman told me to load my USB content via the USB port in the glovebox. Another poster, here in the forum, stated that the USB port in the center console is solely for listening to USB content of an external device. However, I have a USB stick connected to that center console USB port (as I wish to keep this content separate from my HD) and when I activate that music source, the iDrive offers the option to download that music.

So, bottom line, there is still no clear answer. Perhaps one day someone who knows for certain, not speculating, will post the facts. If I were to order an X today and have no need for an iPod, I would now know to ask if the glovebox USB port comes standard even if I were to pass on the 6FL. but, I suspect even the sales people do not know for certain. Kind of pathetic but I have not found a verifiable answer to this even after 2 months of asking.

Hope this clarifies the that which is so far unverifiable! :rofl:

:)

I also use the port on my 07 e70 exclusively for usb stick mp3s. I dont use it for ipod control at all. back in 07, the usb port did not come standard for sure, but then again, there was no internal hard drive as well...

so:

To anyone reading this post:
-Do you have a 09+ e70?
-Do you have a USB port next to the aux input in the center console?
-Do you have a USB port in the glove box?
-Did you order 6fl/USB?
-Did you order the Tech option or the Nav option?

THANKS!

I am fairly certain that the center console USB (next to AUX) only comes with 6FL. The question is: Do you have a Glovebox USB port (without 6FL)?

Thanks red, updates my post... and learned something new today.

I believe the glovebox USB port comes with the tech package,

Penguin - updated my post again... thanks

clear some of your saved PM - you are at capacity and cannot receive my next.

done - thanks for the heads up

Guys, any info here would be appreciated...

To anyone reading this post:

If you have a 09+ e70:
-Do you have a USB port next to the aux input in the center console?
-Do you have a USB port in the glove box?
-Did you order 6fl/USB?
-Did you order the Tech option or the Nav option?

THANKS!

Thanks London Lad. Im actually most interested in answers from those who answer no to 6FL :)

If its any help, I didn't 'tick' USB on my original order notes but the sales guy said my iPhone holder / cup would not work without it.

I believe both the USB port in the glovebox and the AUX-IN in the armrest come standard in an x5 e70.

The glovebox USB port is only for importing songs onto the hard drive from a USB stick - it's not for an iPod or iPhone.

The AUX-IN in the armrest is for connecting an external audio source e.g. an MP3 player.

Adding the 6FL option gives you a second USB port in the armrest next to the AUX-IN. This is for connecting a USB stick or iPod/iPhone, and gives you the ability to control the device via iDrive. A special BMW iPod "Y" cable is required for an iPod/iPhone to be recognised as a supported device.

I agree and that explains why you have to have 6FL with the full iPhone kit even if you are never going to connect the iPhone to the USB socket.

I think what Pas is reaching for is (hard factual confirmation) if a glovebox USB will come if 6FL is not ordered. Pas is getting ready to order a new X and wants music on HD. There has been much confusion about whether or not the glovebox USB port is standard on all X5 regardless of 6FL. We know the center console USB is part of 6FL and the AUX is standard. One very knowledgeable poster suspects the glovebox USB is an undocumented part of the TEch package. So far, all we have found is "I think" but the answer is not in the BMW X5 brochure and the dealers do not seem to know either.

As we all know, the ordering process can include a bit of info overload. Pas is unclear about the USB and another poster was confused not realizing that Nav can be ordered as a stand alone or as part of Tech pkg.

I think (not certain) the X's user-recordable HD only comes if you get Nav (either stand alone or w/Tech pkg). We know music files can be loaded to HD via CD player. But, clearly, USB is faster and easier. So, back to point, Pas is looking for factual and reliable confirmation that a USB port will come in the glovebox if 6FL is NOT ordered.

Pas, given that this has been discussed several times in the forums and no one seems to know for certain (although I have confidence in Penguin's speculation -> undoc'd incl in Tech), I suspect your best bet is to call BMWUSA and ask. If you get an "I think" or other uncertain/vague answer, ask for a manager. Escalate as necessary until you DO get a 100% answer. You'll get it - albeit eventually. You can do the same at your dealer but as we all know, relying on anything a dealer says (without factual confirmation) is doing so at your own risk.

Let us know what you find - cause as you can see, we don't know for sure either! :)

EDIT: I am beginning to suspect (even more) that Penguin's speculation is correct. While apparently undocumented, it makes perfect sense (even when a bunch of BMW decisions do not - no auto day/night nav display, no day/night with traffic notifications turned on...). If the HD is part of Nav, then a USB port would make sense for loading to it. But, because Nav can be ordered as a stand alone, we do not see documentation about the glovebox USB under "tech package" details. While Penguin speculates the glovebox USB is part of TEch, I am beginning to suspect the glove USB comes with NAV (stand alone or tech).

There would seem to be no point in having the front glove-box USB socket if you have no hard drive.

spent time on the phone with BMWNA and they are basically clueless...

Obviously, but this does not address Pas's issue. If you think about it, putting the USB in the glovebox makes no sense at all. The one in the center console (that comes with 6FL) DOES permit HD loading (mine does). So, why ever put one in the glovebox? it makes no sense to put one there, never need two, and it could come in the center console regardless. But, as we can clearly see - no one knows the what/why.

I faced this very issue and assumed USB only came with 6FL because of the "iPod/USB description. So I ordered 6FL. I later began to kick myself when I realized I probably could have passed on 6FL and still had a USB port to HD load. So I completely appreciate Pas's efforts.

As it was explained to me. If you have Nav you get the USB connection in the glovebox which will allow you to load audio files (eg. mp3) onto the iDrive hard disk. You can then play them using the iDrive controls in the same way that you can make a copy of a music CD on the iDrive.

I you select the 6FL option you can also control your IPod/IPhone from the arm rest and use it to directly play music through the stereo. In this case the files are not copied to the iDrive. I have not tried it but believe with this option you can control your IPod from the USB in the glove box. However, there is no earphone jack in the glovebox so there is no way to hear the IPod music through the stereo when connected in the glovebox. I believe the 6FL option updates the iDrive to enable control of the IPod and gives you a second USB connection next to the earphone jack.

Having the USB port in the glove box does allow you to play music from there even if you dont want to put them onto the hard drive (or can't if you dont have the hard drive) so to that extent there is a point in having it.

Peter T

Thanks j11398. We know the 6FL provides iDrive iPod control. However, we are just focusing on the first part about the USB in the glovebox for loading the HD. Some have posted they did not get a glovebox USB but did not clarify if they got nav (either stand alone or in Tech). This is what we are hoping to definitively flush out. It is looking more and more like the glovebox USB port does come (albeit undocumented) with nav.

I got the 6FL and I have a thumbdrive stick connected to center console USB port (easier to reach than the glove box), to keep that music separate from my HD. Every time I access that drive to listen to that music, iDrive gives me the option to download it. So, while that center console USB IS part of 6FL and can be used for iPods, it can also play additional thumbdrive sticks and appears to have HD download capabilities. My dealer told me to download from glovebox USB but it does appear either can be used to HD download.

So, we are still focused on getting a DEFINITIVE (not speculative) answer for Paspar2 about the glovebox USB if not ordering the 6FL. Yes, we all are speculating it comes with the Nav but we still do not know with 100% certainty.

I agree you can play music froma USB stick connected in the glovebox or the arm rest.

I did notice that on page 118 of the x5/x6 manual it references the USB connection in the glove box. There is no * on the title which means it is not an option (assuming the manual is correct).

On page 183 where the reference the USB connection in the arm rest you will see the * indicating it is an option.

I don't know if the manual for the car is definitive but this with what I was told by the dealer.

:iagree: + if you then add the 'full' iphone kit you get the cradel in the arm rest which gives you the addition of inductive outside antenna connection and better quality music straight out of the iphone bottom socket. In addition you don't have to mess with leads and you have a phone holder. :thumbup:

So maybe he should start a thread titled 'has anyone got an e70 without navigation' to get straight to the point ;)

6FL provides a HD option - external USB powered
 

I have 09 x35d with 6FL and Premium Sound. I have DVD Nav. There is no USB port in the glove box. I thought that was only for 2010 since you have HD Nav system.

I use an external, USB powered HD for my music and it works great. I have a 120GB Western Digital Passport drive. It is formatted in FAT32 and I have a mix of mp3 files at 320kbps and WMA Lossless files. The X5 handles this beautifully.

I create the WMA Lossless using Foobar2000 and my library of flac files.

I can hear a difference between the compressed and lossless files. You will too.

for whom ever stumbles upon this old thread: just took delivery on my my2011 50 with tech and no 6fl and I DO have a usb in the glove....

Congrats on your new ride! What else did you get in it? color combo? Post some pics? Are you happy? Any issues?

As for the 6FL, it is looking more and more like the glove USB is an undocumented part of Nav (which, in your case - and mine too, is part of Tech Pkg.). Kind of pathetic it is not listed anywhere (not in vehicle brochure, web site or in any literature whatsoever) and the dealers do not know this to tell to customers. or, perhaps they don't mention it on purpose as 6FL has "USB" as part of the description so if they don't mention the glove USB they have a better chance of selling the 6FL add-on. More than likely tho, I suspect they just don't know.

Ah, I missed that. So you only get a center console USB with the smart phone option?
Otherwise it's just in the glovebox? Is there a power outlet inside the glovebox?

Red, got a white on black 50 with prem/tech/sport etc but no usb option... unplugged the 8gb usb stick from the 07, plugged it into the 2011 and imported. Took a bit to import but let me set up my bt phone in the meantime. I then removed the usb stick and put it in the car junk drawer for backup:)

I still have a my old usb<-> ipod adapter from bmw from the 07... I never used it bc the sounds quality was crap and I dont like to ipod anyhow (unlike my wife)

Actually, no. I "think" the glove box power outlet may come regardless. It is all very unclear as there is no documentation supporting any of our conclusions. And, we have a few different threads trying to hone in on the exact facts. So far, it looks like the glove box USB (used for importing music into the vehicle's hard drive) comes as part of the Navigation option (regardless of stand alone Nav or part of the Tech Package). The 6FL iPod/USB option provides another USB port in the center console (which can be used to listen to additional USB music collection or for iPhone/iPad connection) along with the iPod/iPhone cable to connect an iPod or iPhone, and the factory programming that will permit you to operate the device thru the iDrive and steering wheel controls. The Integrated phone option is a separate option and may require 6FL as a prerequisite. That option provides a cradle for the phone and, I believe, also can improve your reception as I think that option also connects the phone to the roof antenna (AT&T iPhone users say it is a noticeable improvement in reception and dropped call reduction). EDIT: The cradle, I believe, is phone model specific so if you change phones you will probably have to replace the cradle. if you use iPhone, Apple is getting ready to release a new model and all points to a new body. If you are planning to order this, keep that part in mind.

If you are planning to buy an X5, I suggest you try to verify this but so far, no-one has been 100% successful at obtaining a 100% factual response from any dealer. Most dealer responses seem to be at least a bit vague or at least leave room for a bit of uncertainty. This is why PasPar2 posted about what came in his X5. We have been discussing these uncertainties without ever getting a 100% concrete factual answer from anyone at BMW.

Well congrats again and hope you love your new ride! I have about 4.5 GB loaded and it takes about 25 minutes to fully download so I would think an 8GB stick (holds just under that amount) would take about 45 minutes. The dealer told me if you shut the vehicle off during download it will automatically resume the download when next you start the vehicle. I have re-loaded and shut down during download, it did not resume so I had to delete the first partial and start over - this is how I have such a clear focus on the download time. I have added more music so I have to re-do it again. This is one more little glitch in the system; you cannot add music to an existing download folder as a subsequent download will create another (new) folder and there is no way to combine the two. I don't plan to add more any time soon so I should be good after this next delete and download. If I wanted to continually add/edit my collection, I would not bother with the download and just leave the files on the USB stick plugged in and play directly off that. The stick is easily editable on a computer but to change the car's HD file, you have to delate and re-download. Unless, of course, you don't mind having multiple files (can be a good thing for keeping different music collections separate).

Why do you say it's undocumented. The feature is described in the owners manual. Only the USB port in the glovebox can be used for storing music on the idrive hard drive.

Undocumented in that there is no information that definitively informs the shopping buyer for determining what components come with options. Read an X5 brochure, look on-line at BMWUSA, ask any dealer and none will tell you. I wanted a USB port for the simple purpose of downloading music the the car's HD. had I known it would come with my Tech package, I never would have ordered 6FL (have no use for it). I even told my salesman I wanted a USB to download music and he told me I needed 6FL (which we NOW know was incorrect). Is it possible he lied to sell me a $400 feature I did not need? yes, but given the extensive discussion and absence of any "documentation" informing buyers about these features, we are concluding that no one knows - definitively. We have at least 4 or 5 threads, since I joined the BMW forums in January, discussing these points and no one has 100% concrete factual information. So far, it has been speculation and process of elimination (with posts like PasPar2's just above). Paspar2, others and I have been bouncing this around for months.

This is why PasPar2 posted: "for whom ever stumbles upon this old thread: just took delivery on my my 2011 50 with tech and no 6fl and I DO have a usb in the glove...."

The manual may cover the features but it does not tell you which features come standard, which are stand alone options and which features come with other features. For example, no forum members seem to have seen anything that says the glove box USB is a feature component of the navigation system - either Nav stand alone or as part of the Tech package. After much forum bantering around, we are down to posting what we get in our vehicles (relative to these features) based on the options we ordered. Thus --> undocumented

Wow, that blows from a usability perspective but interface usability hasn't been BMW's strong suit recently. Hopefully they can build a better file/disk management utility with a software upgrade. Ideally, they'd let a computer mount the 8GB remotely as a drive and just allow us to control the contents via a laptop.

Any chance you can throw in some snapshots of the UI or send a pointer to the 2011 X5 manual? Would be interesting to see the UI ahead of time.

the interface is crap. I added songs to my usb stick and imported it and everything doubled. I need to clobber the collection on the internal drive then reimport...

bb, I have 2010 but I am sure the 2011 manual is avail on-line. Got mine on-line before ordering. check out bmwusa.com

Also, keep in mind that my comments are based on 2010 model and I have not even seen a 2011. But, while I have not been researching, I haven't seen any indications that the iDrive system has changed between 2010 and 2011. Additionally, while I may be compu-friendly, I am no techie. Please take my comments with THAT into consideration. The system is not really "smart". If you plug a stick into the glove USB port (one used for download), the system does not prompt you to download. You have to go into iDrive options (about 3 menu layers) to find the "Import" option. Each successive "import" creates a new file "USB 1, USB 2, etc" So, after doing something similar PasPar2 (added a few CDs to a blank stick and "imported" - assuming it would just add to the existing folder or at least give me the option of adding or separating) and seeing new file "USB 2", I tried to rename "USB 2" to "USB 1" thinking the files might merge. They didn't, just left me with two separate files "USB 1" Also, as PasPar2 pointed out, the system is not smart enough to compare the HD file to what is on a stick. As PasPar2 pointed out, you get an entire second version.

However, if we choose to look for the silver lining in the cloud, it can be found. While I do prefer to have a music collection that I can hit random play across all songs, and I do, I also have other music that I want completely separate. I had been keeping that separate music on a separate stick and plugging it into the console USB whenever I wanted to listen to it. With these separate HD folders, I have now "imported" it to the HD and have it in a separate file accessible within iDrive. Ultimately, one could create multiple "import" files (and rename each - it DOES allow you to rename each). So you could import audio books, variety of music styles, etc and keep all separate.

As I said in an earlier post, you CAN have basically unlimited music that is all controllable thru the iDrive and steering wheel controls (just use larger sticks and leave the music ON the sticks - iDrive does play directly from sticks with no UI difference other than the chosen source. Huge capacity sticks get pretty pricey but a few 16 GBs should be able to handle more than most people's collections. This way, you can just pull the stick and edit on your computer and then throw it back in the car.