I talked to my local BMW shop and they want ALOT of money for the USB interface to the iDrive.
That made me wonder if its possible to buy seperate and install yourself ?

Anyone know what the price is for the USB interface (the salesman talked about that a special module was needed to be able for the USB to talk to the iDrive system) ?
Can it be installed yourself ?

Has anyone any experiences with the USB interface ?

 

No one ?

I cant be the first person to want this option ... All I want to do is connect a USB Memory stick (or USB harddrive) and be able to use the iDrive to navigate/play the songs on the USB Memory stick....

 

Dension 500 has USB socket (among other things) for playing audio files via optical input using I-drive controller. Not sure if supports HDD though..

http://www.ipodcarkitdirect.co.uk/Dension_...OST_fiber_optic

 

That looks interesting... I have search the forum and google for this product, and there seem to be differing opinions about what requirements there is.

My car is a E61 with MP3 enabled but no CDC, since the Dension emulates a CDC I guess I need BMW to enable it ?
Whats the normal cost to get that update from BMW ?

 

I think the issue is whether you have CDC wiring installed.

If you have that, it can be coded by the dealer to install the unit, because as you say, it emulates a CDC.

 

Any way for me to check if the wiring is there ?

 

I Think BMW has tree interface for USB/Ipod

1: Ipod interface. The Ipod replace the CD changer. More info:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?mo...hg=65&fg=95

2: USB/Audio interface:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?mo...hg=65&fg=95
This can play MP3 from USB harddisk, memmory stick or Ipod.

3: ACM with USB. With this you can play both video and audio from USB and other audio/video source:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?mo...hg=65&fg=95
And:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?mo...hg=65&fg=95