2 questions about pre-wiring for iPod and Sat

TurboSpecC · 07-02-2008, 07:29 PM

1. If I pick up a used 335i Coupe WITHOUT idrive (with prem package if that matters), can I get the $320 cable from the dealership that will allow me to control the iPod with the head unit/steering wheel controls?

I see the 6FL option is $400 (and includes USB) as an "Option" on BMWUSA.com, and for $320 you get the cable which they claim can control the ipod (as opposed to a cheap aux jack).

2. If I'm looking at a used car, can sat radio be added to it, or did it have to come with some pre-wired box from the factory?

I searched and there seemed to be some confusion; but I hope to get a straight answer from someone! Thanks!

JSpira · 07-02-2008, 07:41 PM

There's no magic cable.

You either get the factory 6FL option for iPod/USB or, if you already have the car, you can purchase the MOST bus retrofit which will give you some but not all of the functionality that the factory option has.

It's a decent option (and was the only option for a while) but you should order a car with the 6FL option if you don't already have the car already.

TurboSpecC · 07-02-2008, 08:02 PM

That's annoying.. I'm looking at CPO cars and have yet to come across one with the 6FL listed as an option.

JSpira · 07-02-2008, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurboSpecC

That's annoying.. I'm looking at CPO cars and have yet to come across one with the 6FL listed as an option.

What is annoying? That you can't find a car with the option. People are buying them so they gotta be out there.

Here is a link to my article on the iPod/USB option

tintivilus · 07-02-2008, 08:27 PM

FWIW, the MOST iPod adapter isn't horrible. 6FL is the better bet if you can find it, but I still greatly prefer using my MOST adapter to just the aux input.

JSpira · 07-02-2008, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tintivilus

FWIW, the MOST iPod adapter isn't horrible. 6FL is the better bet if you can find it, but I still greatly prefer using my MOST adapter to just the aux input.

Correct. It's quite good if the alternative is the aux-in. But (with one exception, and that's podcast management), the 6FL option gives you complete access to the iPod and much better and faster control.

TurboSpecC · 07-02-2008, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSpira

What is annoying? That you can't find a car with the option. People are buying them so they gotta be out there.

Here is a link to my article on the iPod/USB option

It's annoying since my $200 alpine cda-9856 head unit could do it 2 years ago; a premium car with a premium sound system should be able to do it with a $320 cable.

voltron1011 · 07-08-2008, 10:40 PM

JSpira,
It doesn't look like your link is functioning... Can you post it here, by chance?

07-02-2008, 07:29 PM	#1
TurboSpecC Bavarian Wolverine 96 Rep 525 Posts Drives: 2015 428 Gran Coupe Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan iTrader: (4)	2 questions about pre-wiring for iPod and Sat 1. If I pick up a used 335i Coupe WITHOUT idrive (with prem package if that matters), can I get the $320 cable from the dealership that will allow me to control the iPod with the head unit/steering wheel controls? I see the 6FL option is $400 (and includes USB) as an "Option" on BMWUSA.com, and for $320 you get the cable which they claim can control the ipod (as opposed to a cheap aux jack). 2. If I'm looking at a used car, can sat radio be added to it, or did it have to come with some pre-wired box from the factory? I searched and there seemed to be some confusion; but I hope to get a straight answer from someone! Thanks!
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07-02-2008, 07:41 PM	#2
JSpira Freude am Fahren 336 Rep 5,254 Posts Drives: Fünfer, Dreier, + Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New York, München, Wien iTrader: (1)	There's no magic cable. You either get the factory 6FL option for iPod/USB or, if you already have the car, you can purchase the MOST bus retrofit which will give you some but not all of the functionality that the factory option has. It's a decent option (and was the only option for a while) but you should order a car with the 6FL option if you don't already have the car already. __________________ Freude am Fahren. Jonathan E90 2006 330xi E90 2006 325i E39 2003 530i Sport* E46 2000 328Ci* E36 1996 328iS* E36 1992 325i* E30 1991 318is E21 1982 320iS* E21 1979 320 (6-Zyl)* *retired Nominated: Most Contributing Member
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07-02-2008, 08:02 PM	#3
TurboSpecC Bavarian Wolverine 96 Rep 525 Posts Drives: 2015 428 Gran Coupe Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan iTrader: (4)	That's annoying.. I'm looking at CPO cars and have yet to come across one with the 6FL listed as an option.
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07-02-2008, 08:27 PM	#5
tintivilus Lieutenant Colonel 26 Rep 1,826 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Lake County, IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [0.00] 2003 325i [0.00]	FWIW, the MOST iPod adapter isn't horrible. 6FL is the better bet if you can find it, but I still greatly prefer using my MOST adapter to just the aux input.
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07-08-2008, 10:40 PM	#8
voltron1011 Colonel 119 Rep 2,909 Posts Drives: 2011 135i, FJR-1300 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wiesbaden iTrader: (2)	JSpira, It doesn't look like your link is functioning... Can you post it here, by chance? __________________ '06 E90 325i (Delivered May '05) 6-spd manual, Nav, Xenons, 18' 162's, sport-suspension, 15mm RE spacers, NURBURGRING: http://www.e90post.com/forums/album.php?albumid=3270
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