I traded in my 2004 Cobra for it (the Cobra had tons of power, but lacked creature comforts). I'm in love with it, but now I want to make things better :)

First up, an audio upgrade. I'd like to look at HD, as well as the ability to play MP3s. First blush, it doesn't look like much is available for the 645, am I mistaken?

Second, is there any way to upgrade the nav system with traffic?

Down the road I might look at performance, but quite honestly, there's nothing lacking in that department :)

Finally, any gotchas you can tell a noob about?

TIA!

Welcome to the 6 Series family and I hope you enjoy your '05 645Ci. Would love to see some pics if you haven't posted them already.:)

More information to come on your questions.

Thx for the reply - I'll work on the pics!

First up, an audio upgrade. I'd like to look at HD, as well as the ability to play MP3s. First blush, it doesn't look like much is available for the 645, am I mistaken?

I am not sure of any third party HD integrated recievers that will work with your iDrive system. You might want to reconsider unless you really do not care to have your InfoCenter integrated thus getting the old system pulled out and in with a new one.

Your current system supports MP3 playability in the DVD drive and the CD drive (Console-Dash)

Second, is there any way to upgrade the nav system with traffic?

No upgrade unless like obove you go full custom. Again, I do not recommend this be done with the average Joe who claims they've upgraded BMW of late successfully. Definately do your homework on this one.

Down the road I might look at performance, but quite honestly, there's nothing lacking in that department :)

Good observation but when your're ready there are options for you to consider.

Finally, any gotchas you can tell a noob about?TIA!

No, not really...

I'd be happy to go with the BMW upgraded stereo if it were available. Any chance the sound system in the new 650 is backward compatible?

I too just purchased a 2005 645ic. I want the ability to hook up my ipod and access via the idrive system. Is there anyone out there that has done this? I spoke with the dealer (Fletcher BMW near Asheville, NC) and their parts and service manager are uncertain what part I need and whether it replaces the CD changer in the glove box, if it is "plug and play" and if I can install it myself. Bavarian Autosport sells an ipod adaptor for the 645i that supposedly works with the idrive system, but the dealer says that part number is discontinued. At any rate, I don't want to do anything that won't fully integrate with idrive. Any advice or direction would be greatly appreciated. BTW, I LOVE this car! IMHO it is the most beautiful car on the road and drives like a dream. Thanks in advance for your help!

I am in the process as a one month owner of an 05 645. There is an IPOD adaptor which replaces the CD changer. There is more than one adaptor and which adaptor depends on if you have the 6 CD changer or not. Also the dealer needs to "enable" the MP3 capabilities which is free if you request it. There may also be a minimum proman software version necessary but I am not sure what it is. When I purchased my 645 I asked the dealer to upgrade it to 27.xx but I still needed the MP3 function to be seperately enabled.

Welcome to the 6 Series!! You will have lots of fun with your new baby...

Now before I answer your questions, please do me a favor... Let us all see how beautiful 6er looks and tell us the specs.

Thanks:D

I'd be happy to go with the BMW upgraded stereo if it were available. Any chance the sound system in the new 650 is backward compatible?

Sorry I missed this one...

Yes, but there is no dealer who would change it for ya. Oh, and it will cost you over $2000.00 to have it installed.

There are two core units that require replacement.

I am in the process as a one month owner of an 05 645. There is an IPOD adaptor which replaces the CD changer. There is more than one adaptor and which adaptor depends on if you have the 6 CD changer or not. Also the dealer needs to "enable" the MP3 capabilities which is free if you request it. There may also be a minimum proman software version necessary but I am not sure what it is. When I purchased my 645 I asked the dealer to upgrade it to 27.xx but I still needed the MP3 function to be seperately enabled.

Actually, the enablement you refer to is merely a sub-system application install/update. Just getting the latest CIP doesn't mean you get MP3 capability. There are 17 computers in your car and multiple sub-systems all being controlled mainly by the iDrive. Many features you cannot see unless you know the unlock sequence.

So I'm a little confused - I've tried playing MP3s with no luck. I do have the 6 CD Changer, so do I need to get some sort of software upgrade?

Also, though the $2k price tag is a little daunting - why wouldn't a dealer be willing to let me spend it? :)

I'm currently travelling, but I'll work on the pics when I get back!

The dealer would not upgrade the unit because it voids the warranty. Sounds strange but if the service manager approved it, BMWAG would not pay the service for any work on your entertainment system and guess who will pay..?:D

Oh, tell the service department your cd player does not play MP3 and they will update your CCC unit. By the way, what is your build date?

I couldn't tell you my build date - I'm a total noob. What, pray tell, is the CCC unit?

I couldn't tell you my build date - I'm a total noob. What, pray tell, is the CCC unit?

CCC = Car Communications Computer (consist of five components).

Okay - looks like build date is 09/2004. Which probably explains why I can't pair my BlackBerry with the car either. Will the upgrade to the CCC also let me do that? Is there any way to tell what the current version of the software in the car is?

Okay - looks like build date is 09/2004. Which probably explains why I can't pair my BlackBerry with the car either. Will the upgrade to the CCC also let me do that? Is there any way to tell what the current version of the software in the car is?

Yes, you are correct. The CCC unit if you can have it upgraded to the current unit and a BT retrofit will help ease your woes. One thing to remember for your next purchase, come to the forums before you give up the doe or sign your name on the contract...:)

Anyway, the only way to know exactly what version of software you are running on your 6er is to ask the SA for it.

I don't think I need a retrofit - the car has BT, just won't pair with my phone. The docs say it should as long as the build date is after 9/2005. With any luck the upgrade will take care of that. Even if it doesn't, I'm still in love :)