I went to Southbay BMW today for a scheduled oil change and maintenance. I asked the service assistant if he could quote me on AUX. INPUT and if he could update me with the newest IDRIVE program... (v.26 I think ...the nice gray screen template). The AUX INPUT is quoted as $75.00 for the part and labor fees need to be assigned per car.

I got a call and they said the AUX installation would cost $550.00 because they have to put in the new system. They can not give me a update of the newest IDRIVE either, and only can if there is something wrong with the current one.

I know both of these topics have been talked about....but I also know people have gotten the AUX for cheaper at the dealership and have gotten the new IDRIVE installed w.o hassle or excuses from the dealership.


HOW DO YOU DO IT?

 

I had a similar experience. I wanted to 'iPod' my 04 E60. 7 hours to download / install the required software.

Guess it doesn't pay to buy an early model year car.

 

I don't know much about the prices on AUX input, but from what I understand the dealer will not do a program update on the iDrive unless there is something wrong just as you were told. Best bet is to try different dealers and tell them that your iDrive is 'slow' or glitchy. This way they'll have no choice but to update.

Also, I noticed you mentioned Southbay BMW. Are you referring to the one in Torrance? If so, I would try giving Long Beach BMW a shot. I had a good experience test driving cars at SouthBay a long time back, but their service department is crap. This is speaking from personal experience.

 

If you have a CD changer and Navigation DENSION gateway 500 is the best alternative for you. Although the cost of device varies from $399-500
you can install it yourself and have IPOD, USB as well as AUX input. follow this link
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=...&hl=dension

 

When I had my AUX-IN installed in May last year it cost me $118.50 Canadian for parts and $224.00 Canadian for labour including installing the software upgrade to enable AUX on the iDrive screen.

 

Thanks for all the advice... I will try some different dealerships and tell them that my IDRIVE is slow and glitchy....hopefully they will have to upgrade.

I am thinking about getting one of the external IPOD connectors. Hopefully that will work and not cost me $560 for a AUX INPUT.

 

My nice friendly UK dealer did a program update (from 24.02 to 26.02) for the equivalent of $140 (?70) just because I wanted the mp3 functionality. Sometimes it pays to be loyal to the same dealer over many years.

 

soory this is kinda offtopic....but does anyone have a pic of the new idrive screen (gray templae as mentioned)? If so pease post it I would like to see it.

 

+1. Long Beach BMW is where i take my car for service, even though i live closer to crevier and shelly bmw.

 

I went to my dealer and asked for an upgrade to the latest software version. They also said they would not do it unless there was a problem. I replied the CD player continued to run after I shut off the car 'wink' 'wink' 'nod' 'nod'. He knew there was no problem but said that they would do the upgrade for me. Fortunately, they are a good dealership and I have been doing business with them for years.