Instructions to install the MOST ipod interface adapter for cars with Idrive.
MOST interface Part # 65 11 0 036 446
I got it from Tischer BMW

EvanL created a DIY here:
Click here to read the entire tutorial

You rock, thanks for putting this together for the community!

No problemo.

I updated posts 8,9, and 10 with more comments and pictures.

Your dealer performed the installation and coding for under $100?

I had bluetooth and ipod put in at the same time. They billed me for install and coding of the ipod for 1 hour and the bluetooth install and coding for 3 hours. Their per hour fee is $95. So yes, I had it done for less than 100. Thats why I didnt bother to install it myself. ipod was easy, bluetooth, man that was a bitch.

Hi people i need HELP! I had problems with my dealer- i asked for my ipod adapert but they said that they wont sell it to me if i won't have it fitted at their place... i managed to get hold of the ipod adapter from somwhere else and fitted it my self... AS it requires coding i had to take it to my local dealer... they where very polite (but obviously not happy that they couldnt get the money from me for the fitting)

I know coding is a simple process and doesn't require 3 hours labour!!
that what they charged me for claming that they had to "initialize" tyre pressure, electrical windows, steering angle etc. I think that they simply CHEATED ME and thet the work that they carrid out was not necessary! they charged me £210 which is crazy!

Also i have recently done a full service at another dealer and the car was showing 27000km to another service, after they have tapered with the car software not it show 7000km which is crazy as well, i think they changed it on propose hoping that i will not notice and will rip me of during the another service (that obviously is not required this soon!)

i want to write a formal complaint about this behavior to BMW customer service. And i decided to have them on and proved that they stole money form me and tried to setal some more by making me have a service sooner than required. in order to do this COULD I KINDLY ASK ANYONE TO SENT ME THEIR INVOICE SHOWING THAT THE CODING WAS DONE WITHIN AN HOUR PLEASE????

please get in touch with me other e90 bimmer owners as i need your help on this
my email ems23@bath.ac.uk

HELP MUCH APPRICIETED
THANKS ERYK

Yeah, at that price I would have the dealer install it as well. I just got quoted roughly $300 for the 2 hour installation and 1 hour of programming. Looks like it's well worth it for me to handle the installation myself and just go to them for the programming.

Did you reinstall your radio before taking it in for programming? Can they successfully update/test the firmware without the radio present?

I just installed everything tonight with these instructions and it went very smooth

Thanks!

I reinstalled everything. I just left the trim out and did not screw the radio.
Once programming was completed, I did all screws and trim pieces.

Glad to hear the instructions helped.

Argh - I should have left the trim out as well

I was driving around and everything was working great... until I went to turn on my heated seat and saw that it wasn't lit up. I missed a connection when I was putting it all back together, so I started taking the dash apart again and went a little too quickly and snapped the plastic clip on the passenger side of the dash trim (the black plastic on the back of the trim that holds the silver nail-like piece). I got the heated seats connected and then ran to Safeway for some epoxy to fix that trim clip issue

So I spent $280 on the MOST kit + $2 epoxy glue, this is definitely a great DIY for saving $200 on dealership labor.

My iPod is currently showing the BMW logo on it, so I think I'm good to go for some dealership retrofit programming this week

Do not pay more than 1 hour of labor for software update.
Bring the instructions with you.

Good luck.

Another great DIY Frank!!!

Good call, I'm heading in for the programming tomorrow morning - I'll let you know how it goes

They charged me for 1 hour of labor ($116 after CCA discount) and my installation was correct, they ran into some issues while programming it and had to update some other modules - but in the end everything is working perfectly. I was the first person to do this DIY and just come in for programming they said, but it did end up saving me $100+ on labor costs. They said that most installations took an hour and a half or more. Whoohoo

Thanks again!

What is the harness on the further right for? I see trunk switch, flashlight and glovebox light, but what's the other for?

-N

I don't believe it is plugged in to anything, if I remember correctly from the install. It's just held in place by some clips. Perhaps for some option that I don't have on my car.

Excellent write-up, thanks! This will help me immensely.

Has anyone successfully installed the ipod adapter in the center console instead of the glovebox, and if so, where did you put the interface box? Is the cable long enough to be run from the recommended mounting position to the center console, or does the box need to be positioned somewhere else? FrankoQ- I thought that you mentioned in another thread that you planned to put the cable in the center console, but it looks like you ended up putting it in the glovebox. Is there a reason you changed your mind?

very nice i did this before on a e46 m3 and it was a bitch but it looks pretty simple and with your pics makes it so much easier.. thanks alot for the write up

Yes. The cable is not long enough. It's about 3 feet and if you keep the interface box where it should, the cable does not reach the center console.
There is no other place to put the box to get it closer to the console.
There was no "longer" cable.
But I'm looking for an extension cable. An Ipod cable that is a female on one end and make on the other. If I find one, I'm moving the ipod to the center console. As I suspected, I'm constantly needed to grab the ipod to update music. Having it in the glove box is a pain.
To remove it, you need both hands. Sitting on the driver seat, it's a pain to reach out to it with both hands.
I sometimes have to go out the car, get in thru the passenger seat.
So, If anyone knows of such cable, let me know.

You're very welcome.
So far so good. I love the interface.
It has a couple of nuisances but it does the job.

This should work...

http://www.cablejive.com/extendercable.html

Nice. I found another one on Ebay. I'll let you know if it works.

BTW, someone asked me... Does this adapter work with an Iphone?
The answer is YES!
Idrive will treat it like any ipod but it will not charge the iphone.