Stereo query & USB2 location

[markrtw]

Hi, I'm still setling in with my 2014 35i (UK RHD) and trying to understand the (low) tech. The car is 100% as it came from the original dealer.
I have the joy of many options ticked when the vehicle was originally ordered Inc the better speaker package, but it only has the professional stereo with no Nav / I drive.

I have two questions:
1) What benefits would retrofitting pro Nav, i drive & screen bring (beyond Nav obviously)? Would it allow audio over Bluetooth? Does it actually sound any better?
2) On my stereo's screen USB and USB2 are shown as input sources (among various others). USB is under the arm rest and from searching I believe USB2 should be in the glove box. Near top corner closest to the centre console. There is nothing there (I've checked with my head in the footwell with a torch and also phone camera in all the hard to see places). Above the damping piston is a square hole - should it be there?
It's just bugging me a bit as there stereo shows it as there and available. Could the connection on the back of the stereo just have not been connected from new?

Thank you in advance.

 

[B21]

Refitting iDrive is technically challenging and very costly as even second hand the bits are rare and very expensive.

The head units can all generate decent audio..there are two higher end speaker and amp packages the 10 speaker and 14 speaker versions.

iDrive has no impact on sound..except as below.

Bluetooth streaming music is independent of iDRive

I think the 14 speaker version only was available with iDrive.

Via the USB in the armrest offers a high quality audio input for USB stick or say iphone.

I guess you can get Bluetooth adapters that plug into the USB port?

The USB in the glovebox is for map updates.

 

[AnubisZed]

The standard (non-iDrive) stereo can come in many forms even though they all look the same.
But I'm trying to think what USB2 would actually be, I do have one idea though and that is.... do you have the phone mount in the centre console?

As for iDrive, well I've retrofitted it and it's not for the faint of heart It doesn't give you streaming music without the addition of a Combox.
For a simpler install I'd suggest an Android touchscreen. It'll give you bluetooth calls and music streaming, sat-nav, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (depending what phone you have) plus quite a few more options. You retain your original stereo set up and just run it through the AUX input.

 

[matsmith749]

There is indeed a 2nd USB in the glovebox. On a UK car it is on the righthand side at the top as you open the door.

It's hard to see (get a torch) - but it is indeed there. I swore blind that there wasn't - but found it on teh 3rd attempt

AFAIK it's only used for the map updates.

 

[Pondy]

There is indeed a 2nd USB in the glovebox. On a UK car it is on the righthand side at the top as you open the door.

No i-Drive = no second USB. Just a square hole as per the OP's first post.

 

[B21]

There is indeed a 2nd USB in the glovebox. On a UK car it is on the righthand side at the top as you open the door.

No i-Drive = no second USB. Just a square hole as per the OP's first post.

Incorrect…

You can have USB in the armrest ..ie 2 USBs without iDrive…

 

[AnubisZed]

Incorrect…

You can have USB in the armrest ..ie 2 USBs without iDrive…

1 in the armrest, along with the AUX.
2nd one????

 

[flybobbie]

Don't want to deviate from thread, but why as my car's glove box got a sort of empty box occupying half the box on the back left?

 

[B21]

Incorrect…

You can have USB in the armrest ..ie 2 USBs without iDrive…

1 in the armrest, along with the AUX.
2nd one????

In the glovebox tucked out of sight for idrive map updates

 

[Pondy]

Incorrect…

You can have USB in the armrest ..ie 2 USBs without iDrive…

1 in the armrest, along with the AUX.
2nd one????

In the glovebox tucked out of sight for idrive map updates

Well the OP's car ain't got one in the glovebox, nor has mine (I checked). Just a gaping hole where it would be.
You said yourself it was for map updates. The OP and I have no i-Drive so why would we have a usb for that purpose? We haven't! :roll:

 

[B21]

1 in the armrest, along with the AUX.
2nd one????

In the glovebox tucked out of sight for idrive map updates

Well the OP's car ain't got one in the glovebox, nor has mine (I checked). Just a gaping hole where it would be.
You said yourself it was for map updates. The OP and I have no i-Drive so why would we have a usb for that purpose? We haven't! :roll:

Your correct apologies..I misread it in my haste…what I meant to say is yiou can have usb support in armrest without idrive