E89 iPod Options/Connectivity

[R.E92]

Hello,

First post here. I'm in the market for a used E89 Z4 35i (most likely 2009/2010 model) and a bit confused about the iPod integration.
I have searched in depth but keep getting conflicting information.

I currently drive an E92 320d (with just an aux port) and for my next car I would really like a more integrated solution.

I had a new 5-series loan car for a while and it had a USB slot but no cable so I just used the Bluetooth streaming functionality. There was no artwork displayed and a 2 second input lag from the steering wheel controls made it a chore. I was also unable to navigate my music collection using the iDrive. I didn't get chance to see what the USB was like but the Bluetooth streaming was a waste of time.

I'm not too bothered about Nav but if I can plug my iPod in via USB and have artwork displayed on the iDrive screen then it would be higher on my priorities.

I know the Z4 comes standard with a USB port. What is the standard USB capable of and what different options are available? Also what is the input lag like when moving between songs?

 

[Maniac]

iDrive comes with Nav, its not an option to have iDrive without Nav. The Z4 e89 only comes with USB ports from 2010/2011 on, 2009 and some 2010 models its an option.

The iPod works just as the music library does with full listing/access and search functions. The speed of access can be a little sluggish with a lot of tracks on there, but its never particularly slow. Again, 2009/10 models are pre-combox cars and there are functional differences such as combox enabled cars get artwork on screen, pre-combox do not get this. Also, bluetooth music is only available on combox enabled cars.

I would suggest getting the VIN of any cars you're interested in and using an online VIN checker to look for combox if you want bluetooth audio or artwork on screen. If buying from a dealer they should also be able to confirm this for you.

You can retrofit combox, but its not straight forward and it does not function with some aspects of BMW Online/Assist when retrofitted so I'd avoid considering retrofitting.

 

[R.E92]

Thanks for the information,

So some early models just come with the standard AUX port? Laughable on such an expensive car, still it's a step ahead of the Cayman with it's Fisher-Price stereo.

I haven't seen any without the USB so far. Did the USB integration come free with the iDrive option?

I mainly looking at buying AUC. What option should I be asking about if I want to see artwork? I'm guessing they call it something other than combo box. IIRC it was 6FL/6NL on the 3 series for the different grades of USB.

 

[Maniac]

No USB was an extra even having paid out £2000 for iDrive, at least up until late 2010/early 2011 on when USB was standard. There is one USB port with iDrive in the glovebox which is used solely for importing tracks into the system (hard disk) or for importing routes/map updates.

I've no idea on the part or option numbers, dealers should know what a combox is. If they don't reconsider your dealer or get the VIN and check it online yourself.

 

[R.E92]

OK, thanks.

My list of must-haves is turning out rather inhibitive.

In order of priority it's;

35i engine
Manual box
USB
Pro Hi-FI
Heated Sport Seats

With MSport being something I would really like but could live without. (will miss that leather wheel and gearknob!)


It's a good job I'm not in a hurry. These 35i cars are pretty rare.

 

[Maniac]

These 35i cars are pretty rare.

That's because they cost us a fortune and we love them