mk100014

I requested a quote on the IPOD interface for my 2005 BMW 530I, from my dealer in Dayton OHIO. My CAR currently doesn't have a CD changer installed, so the "bay" is available the glovebox.


The quote came back as 459.99 plus tax.

The break down was
299.99 for the interface ?????????
79.99 for the cable
80 Dollars in Labor ( Which I think is an hour )

I have a couple of questions for the board;

1) Do you think this is a reasonable quote ??? If I got to BMWUSA.COM the "IPOD Your BMW" page comes back with a retail price starting from $149.99 plus installation. I plan on taking a copy of the page into the dealership today when I pick up the CAR.
2) I have read the instructions and the installation seems straight forward. I have read, on this board, that it may also require an IDRIVE upgrade. I assume this can only be done by the dealer, so how do I get them to do this for FREE ???
3) How do I tell if my current version of the IDRIVE software supports the IPOD ???
4) Does anyone have a link to site where I can buy the product for a DIY installation ???

Any help would be appreciated.

hillokone

Hi,

If the interface is been advertised for 149,99 USD + installation, then 299,99 for an interface is a rip off. You may get quote from another dealer. I have seen E60 iPod interface kits on ebay, you may try search there (sorry no link).

You will need the optical cable (because you have no cd-changer) + interface.

If your car software (progman) hasn?t been upgraded since 2005 you probably need a newer version. You may get the software upgrade for free if you have some software related problem and your car is under warranty. But you will need to retrofit ipod interface/cd-changer via SSS computer using retrofit path, and this is not for free (unless you have a friend with SSS computer).

Only way telling that you have required progman version is to hook your car to SSS computer. Even if you had required version you will need to follow the retrofit path (vehicle order is modified by SSS).

I hope this helps.

mk100014

Thanks for the information

Thats not want I wanted to hear, sounds like I need to get this done at the dealership, as I'm sure my IDRIVE is not on the correct version

I guess I will ask why is the part twice as much as advertized.

kscarrol

I have never seen the iPod interface advertised for $149. Aux input maybe. Doesn't mean it hasn't been but I've never seen it. You can likely get it cheaper though, especially if you are a member of BMWCCA. Many dealers give discounts on parts to club members. Also check with folks like Circle BMW or others who advertise and sell parts nationwide.

I paid $299 for mine. The $79.99 for cable is because you don't have the 6-disc changer. I had the changer and therefore already had the cable running to radio unit. The labor, it is what it is...

Edit: Just went and checked the official BMW website and it does say the parts "start" at $149.99 plus installation. Would definitely check around for lower price through another dealer but given my experience, that may be the cost for the 5 series. The $149 could be for the 3 series adaptor, the website doesn't specify...

mk100014

Thanks for the information, I did go back to BMWUSA.com and it doesn't seem it change the price if yo select a differant vehicle. So you could be right on the 3 series pricing.

On the Changer. I do have cables in the glovebox, its pre-wired for the Changer and I also have Sirius.

I guess I will suck it up and pay 500 bucks, I just didn't want to be ripped off.

kscarrol

If the car is pre-wired for the changer, I'd ask what the $79 is for! There was no such charge on my bill. Could be a way for them to pad the bill, or maybe the person giving you the quote doesn't realize that the car is pre-wired...

snikt21

I believe the $149 is for the aux input setup.
The ipod integration where you can navigate thru iDrive costs more. $459.99 is actually quite cheap compared to here in So Cal area.
The cheapest quote I got is $600 (including tax + parts).

djr77

I agree. I paid $650 because they had to update my iDrive also.

mk100014

Thats good news on the 450 price. The BMW website confused me by saying it was 149.99 starting, I thought I was being ripped off.

I will order the part and schedule the installation tonight.

Thanks again all

lokoloko

Sorry for the late reply. I bought my interface kit from Garry at BMW of Newport for $224.96 + $3.98 for the CD cover (and $12 shpping from NY to CA). I had the changer so I installed it myself. Installation was a breeze, I had a harder time installing my grille. However, I had to get the idrive coded at the stealers which set me back around $200 (I think). $299 for the interface is a bit high IMO, plus they have to add-on extra for the coding.