For everyone curious.. I'm using a 1TB portable/external hard drive.. It has 3 main folders and a ton of subfolders, plays all my songs no prob.. My song files are all mp3 and m4a so I don't know what other files it will support.. I leave my hard drive plugged In and in the console all the time unless I'm bringing it in the house to add more songs.. I think size limit might be 1-2TB.. Can't remember if my 2TB worked but can't try again Cruz it died recently

USB flash drives work!
 

Just tried a 16GB USB stick and it works, just a case of transferring .MP3 files into it and plugging it into the USB of the car.

Best way I found is to upload song data e.g Artist, Album Artwork etc through iTunes and create a playlist of your desired songs and copy them over by dragging and dropping them into the USB sticks window. Once the download has completed you can just plug it into the car and then go into Entertainment and find your USB stick (Will be under the name of your USB stick) and the music is there.
I couldn't figure out a way to make playlists so I just changed the genre so it's kinda like a playlist (Image attached)

Also if u have 30gbs worth of music it may take up to 3 mins to load and show up under USB

I haven't tried mp3 CD in DVD changer but in main CD player it works fine for mine.

Do you have both 6 DVD changer and USB? or did you do some MOD your vehicle?
Nowadays, USB is most convenient way to play music, so I am thinking about getting mod..

My car came with both the 6 CD changer and USB/AUX input so I can't help there but on that note I found this thread which explains about how to retrofit a USB input into the centre console :thumbup:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...lovebox-2.html

Thanks for the info!!

Sorry for having jacked the thread about a little.

As for MP3 player.
I have a 2008 e70 and over the weekend have purchased a 1TB drive.
In its original configuration it does not work.

Here are changes I've made:
- Remount the Drive Partition at 32GB, FAT32 @ 16KB a sector(default fat32 for a drive that size)
- Made the partition an Active Partition
- Copied music
- Enjoyed

What did not work
- anything over 32GB

I've tried
- 64GB exFAT @ 16KB a sector
- 64GB exFAT @ 128KB a sector
- 60GB exFAT @ default
- 500GB exFAT @ default

Here is some other info that rest of you may find usefull:
http://www.bmw.ca/ca/en/_teaserpool/...s_June__08.pdf

Default cluster size for NTFS, FAT, and exFAT

Is there an official BMW policy on the use of USB flash drives? - Page 2

Thanks, I too have been wondering about this but just been lazy to try...I'm going to use a nice super small HP 32GB Flash drive my rep gave me I have laying around.

On another note I bought this for my old 60GB iPod which works perfect, been using it 3 mo's so far...can't beat the price! Amazon.com: BMW Idrive Ipod Iphone Ipad Xtenzi Cable Adapter Usb Aux Mini Cooper Maserati Lead Wire Cord Ref # 61120440796 or 61120440812: Cell Phones & Accessories

I hear what you are saying about the iPod. I do have the cable and have used it with my 64GB iPhone 5s and it works well. My reason for chasing an alternate to the iDevices is that I do not want to connect and disconnect every time I get in the car. I'm always on the move and having a permanent source of tunes in the car is my goal, in addition to a low cost. (just my 5cents)