[Ewing]

Has anyone installed this after the fact? The dealer is telling me "oh there is a whole kit that includes some module and the kit and install costs $800" yet on the accessories section on bmwusa.com the "kit" costs just $319.95!!!!!! So my guess is it really is just the cable and I can get it done at some good quality BMW shop. Anyone else done this AFTER getting their car? I think I've seen it called 6fl option?? This is the cable on ebay:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=130179037060 FYI, the car has iDrive.

[jmonier]

The kit that the dealer is talking about is ONLY for the iPod and does NOT have USB. It is different from the 6FL factory option that includes USB. The dealer price probably includes installation although that price is very high (500-600 is more like it). Even if that kit is installed by a non-dealer shop, the dealer has to program the car to accept it.

The cable on eBay is for use with the 6FL only and requires that you already have 6FL. However, it is included with the 6FL option in the US.

Currently USB (6FL) cannot be retrofitted.

Oh, and do a search. There are many posts on this subject.

[Ewing]

Then what option is this: http://www.bmwusa.com/BMW2003/Templa...ACHEHINT=Guest

It says you can control the iPod through the iDrive and that it is a dealer installed option. So is this more than just the cable? It seems like it gives you all the functionality from the factory installed option. I don't get it.

[akhter]

The one on the link is the ipod MOST adapter. It has a dock connector in the dash and costs 400-500 installed from most dealers.

The USB connecter is different and cannot be installed after the car leaves the factory. It is a USB jack in the armrest that works with not just ipods (using standard ipod cable), but any device that works as a usb mass storage device including flashdrives/harddisks any many other mp3 players.

[Ewing]

Originally Posted by akhter

The one on the link is the ipod MOST adapter. It has a dock connector in the dash and costs 400-500 installed from most dealers.

The USB connecter is different and cannot be installed after the car leaves the factory. It is a USB jack in the armrest that works with not just ipods (using standard ipod cable), but any device that works as a usb mass storage device including flashdrives/harddisks any many other mp3 players.

THANK YOU! That definitely clears things up for me. So can this MOST adapter be DIY or do you NEED the dealership to do it? Is that cable on ebay the MOST adapter?

[jmonier]

Originally Posted by Ewing

THANK YOU! That definitely clears things up for me. So can this MOST adapter be DIY or do you NEED the dealership to do it? Is that cable on ebay the MOST adapter?

Installing the MOST adapter is a major effort that involves removing the dash (among other things). Even if it were done DIY the dealer would have to program it. That part cannot be done DIY. So, yes, you need the dealer to do it.

The cable on eBay has NOTHING to do with the MOST adapter. It is of NO use by itself.

[Ewing]

Originally Posted by jmonier

Installing the MOST adapter is a major effort that involves removing the dash (among other things). Even if it were done DIY the dealer would have to program it. That part cannot be done DIY. So, yes, you need the dealer to do it.

The cable on eBay has NOTHING to do with the MOST adapter. It is of NO use by itself.

Got it. I guess I'm going to have to start getting quotes from dealerships in my area because $800 just seems overkill to me but at least you saved me from that ebay BS. Thanks again.

[drkeng]

I paid about $600 a few months ago for it. I had to bring the car back because they screwed up the electronic glovebox lock installing it. And yes, I saw the entire dash disassembled during the install.

Remember, anything other than playlists take a while to load. And any list goes back to "A" when you go back.

[Ewing]

Originally Posted by drkeng

Remember, anything other than playlists take a while to load. And any list goes back to "A" when you go back.

I'm sure it's better than some crappy FM transmitter though? As long as I can manipulate the iPod through the iDrive, search songs, playlists and artists it's gotta be better than any possible aftermarket option out there am I right?