+1. Thats my understanding too from reading around the forums. It's all about which allocation slot you get assigned to.

Fortunately, my sales adviser called me and told me mine will be going into production this Thursday. I'll believe it when I see the status update on MyBMW =)

Well unless you have a iphone its not much use for sure .... Anyway without apps you don't get internet radio or pandora with a "rich" user interface in idrive. The twitter and Facebook functionality is worthless.

Even if you don't pay for apps now, the function can be enabled afterwards through coding by a 3rd party.

Agreed, twitter and facebook through iDrive is useless. Internet radio / Pandora can still be used through bluetooth audio with the iPod adapter right?

The only thing that interested me is the iPhone video playback function but I read you cant use that when the vehicle is in motion so ... again not worth it.

Ard, thanks for the all caps message. I hear you and I have been reading the posts and I understand the allocation issue and what to specifically ask the dealership. This message board has been invaluable in helping me understand the specific questions that I need to ask. I did not want to bore the thread with all the details of my experience, but I have specifically asked my dealer about how many slots they have allocated, production date/week, etc. and which one was mine (after I purchased the car I might add, so I was a little late in asking that question . . . granted) and they have told me (most recently) that the Japanese earthquake has affected some of the supplies for my particular car and that is what's causing the delay. Other than the lane departure warning, it appears my X5 50i M Sport Package configuration is similar to Fiver's and if his goes into production before mine, then it likely has nothing to do with the Japanese earthquake and it will have everything to do with slots allocated and, I , will therefore have been getting the runaround. That's all I was getting at.

My theory: I paid $200 over invoice (actually got invoice at another local dealership, but this dealership is closer to my home/work) and I believe they are allocating their slots to people who paid significantly more. I understand why they would do it . . . it makes good financial sense, but not necessarily good business sense because they may lose a customer.

Sorry to bring everyone into the nitty details of my purchasing experience, but just wanted to respond to say that I am aware of the slots allocated question and been there and done that, just didn't do it at time of purchase.

** Update ** Confirmed. MyBMW status shows "IN PRODUCTION" now.
:yikes::yikes::yikes:

:D

Thanks for the update. Mine went into production today as well. It took me close to 4 weeks to get here, but I'm finally here. I think I am partially here because about a week ago I used info from this board and asked questions consistent with what Ard had suggested. While they didn't give me an allocation slot, I think they knew I was informed and thinking about walking, so they ceased the games. I called the 1 800 number and was informed the completion date is scheduled for July 14. It's a surprise 40th birthday present for my wife, so while it will not get here before her birthday, it should at least come in during her birthday month.

I find it hilarious that some people would actually pay good money to access Facebook and Twitter via their car. Seriously? Losers:bustingup:dunno:

Yes, however you don't get a rich user interface or will only get limited control via BT audio streaming.

For example, you won't be able to perform a pandora "thumbs up" or create a new station via idrive without Apps. Similarly, you won't be able to choose a internet radio station via idrive. You would need to use the handset for that. Small things ... yes ... but that's the point of Apps ... provide a gateway to the handset through idrive.

Good color choice. Enjoy!

Sucks, I just got an email from a local dealer re: the ultimate drive event and the fine print says any car on order already will not qualify.