[alpina527]

I'm looking at the combox retrofits and am getting confused as to the pro's and cons of the media and telematics units.

Do both units allow BMW live and what are the main advantages of each type?

Anyone got one and wishes they had the other?

I understand the telematics is trickier to fit. Can someone explain in everyday terms what extra hardware is needed.

Do both types of combox replace the unit that sits under the trunk carpet? I saw a pdf that states it goes in the dash

Anyone got a link to a combox retrofit in a 2008 e92 that has a cic retrofit already?

pm's welcome if this is sensitive

[DieselDiner]

Contact the vendor that originated this thread: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=507471

He can explain your options.

[alpina527]

Originally Posted by DieselDiner

Contact the vendor that originated this thread: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=507471

He can explain your options.

I already have, but I want some real time user experiences if possible.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by alpina527

I already have, but I want some real time user experiences if possible.

Combox Media = 6FL, 6NR, iPod Out, dual-channel Bluetooth, BMW Live, Internet = only Media

Combox Telematics = Combox Media + Telematics = Media + Assist

I have installed both and those are the differences.

[alpina527]

Originally Posted by Technic

Combox Media = 6FL, 6NR, iPod Out, dual-channel Bluetooth, BMW Live, Internet = only Media

Combox Telematics = Combox Media + Telematics = Media + Assist

I have installed both and those are the differences.

Thanks Technic. I already have Assist, so maybe it will be best to go for Telematics.

Is there much difference in the fitting process for each type? The BMW pdf shows it fitting in the dash, but I thought it replaced the unit on the trunk floor.

Will I need to run any cables up the car and does the armrest area need to be pulled apart?

[Technic]

Originally Posted by alpina527

Thanks Technic. I already have Assist, so maybe it will be best to go for Telematics.

Is there much difference in the fitting process for each type? The BMW pdf shows it fitting in the dash, but I thought it replaced the unit on the trunk floor.

The Combox dash install is when there is no Telematics (TCU) unit in your car at all. The Combox trunk install is when there is a TCU in the car: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=560216

Will I need to run any cables up the car and does the armrest area need to be pulled apart?

You need to get the CAN wires to the Combox harness. I use the iDrive Quadralock CAN wires for that. I do not remove any armrest parts unless a Video port is to be installed and then I only replace the existing OEM USB port with an OEM USB/Video composite port.

[cptcrunch]

I've done some research on the different Combox retrofits, and have been told that with the media version, you have to deactivate it before your car goes in for service due to an issue with programming. I'd get the telematics version just to not have to deal with that hassle.

[mpeng98]

Originally Posted by Technic

Combox Media = 6FL, 6NR, iPod Out, dual-channel Bluetooth, BMW Live, Internet = only Media

Combox Telematics = Combox Media + Telematics = Media + Assist

I have installed both and those are the differences.

With Combox Media you lose BMW Assist ?

[Technic]

Originally Posted by mpeng98

With Combox Media you lose BMW Assist ?

That's what I wrote.

[robertcohen]

It been announced that Samsung and BMW have got together and the new S3 will be the first Android phone to get the same apps as the iPhone has from March 2013. Now I agree it time to consider getting this retrofitted to my car.

BMW Remote App is now already out but unlike the iPhone version I cannot set my heating or A/C to come on ten minutes before I decide to fire her up, shame really it a nice feature.

I wonder if there an app that would allow you to start you car and put your hood down / back up again at the touch of a button, that would be really cool.