Raighne

So, it is now confirmed that the new USB port which can also handle a memory stick or iPod (with dock connector cable) is situated on the fashia of the rear-centre console next to the aux connector.

I'm sorry but I don't understand what BMW designers were thinking with the facelift.
Are they expecting us to have out iPods etc. dangling on a cable out of the rear console, lying across the floor only to be crushed by a passenger's boot.

Why, in the name of god, didn't they put the USB connector in a sensible place like inside the centre armrest (like the E90) or even in the glovebox. Someplace at least where the MP3 player could be kept out of harms way (and out of sight).

Do you agree?

Spig

Absolutely 100%

Alex.br

Maybe they didn't think that a real BMW owner could listen music when driving...

Raighne

Somehow, I was expecting this thread to be a 'resounding yes' followed by some serious bitching.
Seems that most people aren't too bothered about the position of the USB port. Perhaps, I am just on the wrong drugs.

forceten

Hi.. is it possible that's a secondary connector? One for the rear seat folks to plug into... I was made to understand in the ROUNDEL that the new IPod tech has a nice snug home in the glove compartment.

If what you say is true, that's a major faux pas.

Wiu-Bimmer

I do agree, pretty bad postion to put it. But then again, that is the only place where you get not one but two extra power outlets. I guess they assume that whatever you are going to connect there will need to be charged.

A power outlet and the USB port in the glovebox (Or inside the center console) would make more sense.
At least they did not put it in the trunk, where you have another power outlet which is useless because once you take the key away, it cuts the power.

But since I am not going to buy a facelifted E60, I don't care where they put it. If a retrofit is available, you can put it wherever you want to.

Raighne

Well, the old dealer-installed iPod kit certainly had an iPod cable in the glovebox. It used the CD Changer interface so if you had a CD Changer in your car you had to remove it. The interface with iDrive was a hack and in particular, scrolling through music was painfully slow.

Supposedly, in the LCI, an iPod (or USB memory stick) can be plugged into the the USB port on the rear console (presumably you would have to supply your own iPod -> USB cable). The way in which iDrive accesses the iPod is also supposed to be quite different (some people think it will use disc-mode): if that it indeed true then it would be interesting to find out if the iTunes library file, playlists and metadata like album art would be read. The biggest question of all is... would that also mean that only MP3 tracks can be played (and perhaps not Apple DRM encrypted AAC and other formats) - that would be bad, very bad.

All of that is an entirely different topic though (probably for another thread when we find out more about how it will actually work).

I doubt if there is a factory installed iPod cable in the glovebox in conjunction to the new USB port (but maybe Roundel is right).

Raighne

Not really.
iPod (and other such devices) are charged over USB itself.
USB 2.0 supplies enough power for this kind of thing (up to 500mA)

Wiu-Bimmer

Me bad , correction taken , agree

Redrum

Yep. Daft. Aux in was completely in the wrong place for me - De-install every time I park up so no wires in evidence for the local scrotes. USB location won't suit me either.


Red