Can you play your music still? If so, how? If not, what's the use?
No you cannot play the music through the car's speakers using the iPhone cradle.
If you have the iPod connector in the glove box you may as well use that and forget about the cradle.
I still have a 6 CD changer and just needed a nice solution to charging the iPhone on the move without cables trailing from cigarette sockets across the car. Other's need it to make use of the external antenna connection if they are constantly driving through low signal areas.
If BMW decided to intergrate A2DP into the iDrive which would allow music to be streamed from mobile devices via bluetooth then we'd be on for a winner but for now there's no way other than iPod in the glovebox.
I'm still waiting for some genius on the board to extend the glovebox connection and splice it into the phone cradle to have it charge, use antenna and connect to iDrive for music....come on somebody must be clever enough....and bored?
__________________ 2005-12 E60 M5 :: Silverstone :: Silverstone Full Perforated Delimited :: Twin rear screens + PS2 + DVD :: Origin B2+laser detect :: Pentagon Security Glass
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I just installed all three parts mentioned above in my US spec '08 M5. While not terribly difficult, it wasn't simple either, and I had to get the installation instructions from my local BMW dealer. I can provide a copy to anyone who might need them. In order to install the cradle in an NA vehicle, you have to remove the coin box, remove the driver armrest and trim panel below it, and open the rear passenger console panel below the vents. I am always concerned that the removal of such items will cause them to become loose later on, but everything seems to be tight (for now). I started using an old iPod for my music a few months ago because I kept forgetting to remove my phone from the car, so I don't miss the ability to access digital audio from my iPhone. And, I see a real difference in signal strength using the shark-fin antenna. Finally, I like the built-in appearance. It might be a little expensive for what you are getting, and the install is a hassle, but I think it was generally worth it.
I started using an old iPod for my music a few months ago because I kept forgetting to remove my phone from the car
I was thinking of getting the iPod interface inplace of my CD changer and doing just that as I have an old 8GB nano in a drawer doing nothing but I'm still a little concerned about the interface being slow so I'm waiting until I get hands-on with somebody else's soon.
Be warned though, there have been a few occassions when I've gone into work/meeting/pub and reaslised I've left the iPhone on charge in the cradle. My solution was to driving round with the armrest UP for a day or two to remind me to take the phone out I don't forget anymore.
__________________ 2005-12 E60 M5 :: Silverstone :: Silverstone Full Perforated Delimited :: Twin rear screens + PS2 + DVD :: Origin B2+laser detect :: Pentagon Security Glass
My Sites :: Twitter :: Blog :: YouTube :: Coopers
Good tip about leaving the armrest up for a few days as I am still forgetting the phone in the car. I am also using an 8gb Nano. Unfortunately, I would not say that the interface is instantaneous, but it's not terribly slow, either (navigating long lists of songs or artists also reveals one of the flaws of the iDrive controller - I sometimes have to spin it well over a dozen times to get to the bottom of a list). Nevertheless, one thing I can say without hesitation is that the iPod interface is still much more enjoyable than the 6 disc CD changer I had in my previous BMW. I highly doubt you will regret the decision to change.
I just purchased an iPhone and my M5 starts production in June 2008. I was curious if anyone else is experiencing problems with scratches to their iPhone with the cradle installation.
Scoopz,
Did you get BMW to repair/fix your scratched iPhone?
Best Regards,
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I just purchased an iPhone and my M5 starts production in June 2008. I was curious if anyone else is experiencing problems with scratches to their iPhone with the cradle installation.
Scoopz,
Did you get BMW to repair/fix your scratched iPhone?
Best Regards,
I have an 08 M5 with the iPhone cradle and have not experienced problems.
![BMW iPhone snap-in cradle installed [lots of pics]](http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/iconimages/e60-m5-e61-m5-touring-discussion/bmw-iphone-snap-cradle-installed-lots-pics_ltr.gif)
and just needed a nice solution to charging the iPhone on the move without cables trailing from cigarette sockets across the car. Other's need it to make use of the external antenna connection if they are constantly driving through low signal areas.
on the board to extend the glovebox connection and splice it into the phone cradle to have it charge, use antenna and connect to iDrive for music....come on somebody must be clever enough....and bored?
My solution was to driving round with the armrest UP for a day or two to remind me to take the phone out 
iPhone cradle scratching?
2008 ///M5 Alpine White/ Sepang perforated (100% of options)
Linear Mode
