rototerrier

I have spent a couple hours browsing the DIY sections and other forums for this answer and can't find anything specific.

I have a 2008 535i with only the Aux in jack located behind the armrest. I have no plugs inside the armrest. I have no nav or sat but it does play MP3's from CD's.

I have no interested in an iPod interface.

All I want to do is have a USB port installed inside the glove box where I can insert a thumb drive filled with MP3s and play them. I know the system plays mp3 because I already do it all day long from a CD. Problem is, I have way more songs than will fit on 1 disk and I only have a single disk player. I don't want to have a bunch of cds laying around and have to mess with them.

What are my options for just getting a USB installed?

I called my local dealership and they wanted $1000 to install a USB/iPod interface. That seems steep to me. I would really like to just get a USB. Is there something already out there that I can just buy and plug into the little plug in the glove box and be on my way?

I have checked and I do have an unused blank plug all taped up just dangling up inside the glove box.

Any advise or suggestions will be very very very greatly appreciated. I have been researching this for a week and haven't found a nice simple solution.

nomis_nehc

Because there is no simple solution.

Get an iPod and hook it up to your AUX, that's your cheapest option.

rototerrier

Ok, how about we add in that I am not necessarily looking for cheap...just the cheapest USB solution. When referring to price, I was more interested in a lesser USB solution that does not include the iPod hookup. Not necessarily looking to pay for something I will never use, if that makes sense.

So, rephrasing the question:

Can anyone point me in the right direction / option for playing music directly from a USB drive? I would also like this to be integrated so I can continue using the MP3 features of iDrive.

Thanks

luigi524td

I think the Dension route is the best (not the least expensive) route to getting USB ... lots of posts - here's one http://tinyurl.com/6gxkbhy

AchtungE60

Very simple. You have an AUX port right, you can use this and select AUX on your system use a 3.5" to 3.5" male to male audio cable and plug in your MP3 player. Done deal. Forget the USB drive...even if you made or bought a USB to 3.5" male audio jack, a thumbdrive will not play the MP3. You need a device that plays the MP3 and uses your system as its external "speakers" in a sense (headphones) most phones will have a 3.5" audio jack output on them.

neoe60

I think he wants to go the USB route so he can use the iDrive display to navigate songs instead of trying to fiddle with a tiny 3.5" display ipod.

Safety wise, I think it's a better idea too. Keep us updated with whatever you mind, I'd want to do this upgrade as well

rototerrier

Correct.

Pretty much just want the factory usb option. Shame I didn't know to look for this when I was purchasing the vehicle. Hate finding out I don't have something after the fact.

AchtungE60

I don't think the factory USB does that though does it?

nomis_nehc

With CIC it does, but it doesn't play it off the USB drive per se, it downloads it into the hard drive first.

nomis_nehc

I just came across this, combined with AUX, theoretically it should work http://www.dealextreme.com/p/car-mp3...d-dc-12v-90148

You'll get USB play, but no iDrive control.