if you got the faceplate as a combo it'd prob. make sense to buy it together. otherwise, if you are just looking for the faceplate, you're actually better off just buying it from your local BMW dealer

Thank you for sending me the information. I just had another question, what is the difference between the dealer doing the MP3 retrofit and the actual iPOD interface programming? Is that one and the same? Also, should I get the MP3 retrofit programming done first or after installing the iPod interface?

mp3 retrofit will allow you to play mp3 cd's in the single cd slot on the dash. The ipod integration
will recognize the ipod module and allow you to control it on your nav screen. :) I would suggest
installing the ipod module, and having the integration and mp3 retrofit done at the same time.

Thank you for clarifying!

That's not quite true!

Yes, the mp3 retrofit will allow you to play mp3 cd's !!!!BUT!!!! it will also allow you to use the ipod interface. All you need to do is the mp3 retrofit and the iPod interface will work. you do NOT need the ipod integration! you can do mp3 retrofit either way, before or after the installation. i had my mp3 retrofit done before the installation and did not have anything done in regards to ipod integration. then just poped the interface in and it worked.

If you tell BMW anything about ipod integration they WILL charge you for it! So don't even mention it to them and just have the mp3 retrofit done for free and enjoy your ipod interface.

I installed my iPod interface (the pics really helped). Took me about 15 minutes.

I had the dealer do the MP3 support (and iDrive issues).

Got to say, this is a great mod! Highly recommended.

glad i could help:)

hello all. I just purchased 2005 545i and wanted to install the ipod interface. I see the great pics here. I am confused regarding the mp3 retro fit vs just installing the interface...do I need to reprogram the car or does it have to be done by the dealer. Thanks

it depends. put an mp3 cd into your cd player and see if it plays the files. if yes then you don't need the retrofit. if it does not play then you have to get the car coded to enable mp3 which is free with the proper bulletin:)

you can find the ipod interface @ www.aftermarketbulbsshop.com with or without the faceplate.

Thanks for this great DIY and also the advice about the retrofit. I just put mine in today and had the dealer programmed the mp3 retro fit yesterday. Everything works well. The only thing I've noticed is that it takes forever to go from "CD1" to "CD2", etc. About 1-3 minutes. Is that normal?