Hey Folks,

I ordered a 08 550, pretty damn excited about it. I got the following options and packages:

2008 550i
Premium Package
Dynamic Handling Package
Technology Package
Ventilated Seats
Diamond Black
Black Sapphire Exterior, Black Nasca Leather Interior

Getting it at the end of April. Anyhow, does anybody know what the new option for '08 USB Audio Integration is? Must it be used to obtain full functionality and use of the ipod through idrive and steering wheel controls? No one seems to have an answer. Any help would be appreciated.

Hey Folks,

I ordered a 08 550, pretty damn excited about it. I got the following options and packages:

2008 550i
Premium Package
Dynamic Handling Package
Technology Package
Ventilated Seats
Diamond Black
Black Sapphire Exterior, Black Nasca Leather Interior

Getting it at the end of April. Anyhow, does anybody know what the new option for '08 USB Audio Integration is? Must it be used to obtain full functionality and use of the ipod through idrive and steering wheel controls? No one seems to have an answer. Any help would be appreciated.

Yes. In the 08' models the USB adaptor fully integrated the iPod into the iDrive screens and charges the iPod also. Will be very slick--my 535xi should arrive next week--I'll let you know how it works.

Very nice. But I'm a little screwed. My less than competetent salesman didn't tell me about this option, I suppose he didn't know about it as I'm not expected to take delivery until the end of the month. Anyways, I don't have the option, and in light of this new info. I need to get it. Do you know if I can do a good install after delivery?

by the way congrats on the 535. the turbo charged, very nice.

Do you know if I can do a good install after delivery?You can probably have it installed, but you can't do it yourself. Adding things like that usually involve reprogramming the car. Maybe you can sweet talk the sales manager into throwing it in for free. ;)

by the way congrats on the 535. the turbo charged, very nice.
Thanks.
Just found out from my dealer my car has been held up at the NJ port for EPA emissions inspections or something, so now I won't have until next week Anyway, from what I understand this is a factory install option only--I don't think this is an aftermarket item. If true, you may be able to install the existing iPod adapter that some guys use with their '07 E60 models. I would be pissed at the dealer for not telling you about it. When I ordered my car, my salesman didn't know anything about it either until I told him. Come on BMW--why is it that your customers know more about your cars than the dealers do? I don't think they share our passion for the cars--just the money they make off selling them.