Possible to hard wire USB drive without USB/Ipod option?

[deamon32]

I am trying to finalize all of the options on my 135 before I order it within a month or so... The Ipod/USB connector option was always a must have in my mind, but then I really though about it.

There is no way Im going to keep my Ipod in my car all the time, so I would rather get a laptop hard drive, hard wire some power to it, and then get a SATA to USB adaptor. So my question, is it still possible to hard wire a USB drive like I mentioned without the USB/Ipod option? Would I loose out on being able to select my MP3's through the headunit if I dont get the option or whats the deal?

If I can not hardwire a hard drive into the system without the USB/Ipod option, then I will probably just take the $400 +$875 for the USB and premium sound system and I will build a new stero from the ground up. For that amount of money, I should be able to get a nice stero and I can hard wire my hard drive any way I want.

[clived]

Without the USB option, there would be no USB socket for you to plug into, and no coding on the iDrive to select the (no-existant) input! How will you control the hard-drive or convert data to sound? If you've got an answer to that, you could just use the aux audio in.

[deamon32]

Originally Posted by clived

and no coding on the iDrive to select the (no-existant) input!

I didnt really think about that part.

About hooking up the USB. It would not hook up to the "USB" plug, since I dont have that. But when BMW installs that USB plug, it has to wire into something, probably the head unit. This might be possible to do yourself, but thats pretty much my question.

I doubt I will get a solid answer since the car is so new, but Im hoping someone has already torn out their sound system for a nice new one and might have some answers for us :biggrin:

[ScottyGams]

u could always burn a MP3 DVD if you are willing to lose navigation function... that is a whole lotta songs

[deamon32]

I dont plan on getting navigation.
The more I think about it, it might be easier if I just dont get the USB/Ipod option, and upgrade the stero with that saved money.

I wish I already had a 135, that way I could just start playing around with it to see what I can and cant do with the stock audio system.

[john970]

There is a USB hub in the trunk with all of the other electronics - you might be able to get a hard drive hooked up somehow and have the computer recognize it. I wouldn't be surprised if that option was simply the installation of a usb extension cable to the back.

[ichiban]

Keep us posted on whatever you do, but this is what i found on e90post. I'm still saving up to do this.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107958

[clived]

Originally Posted by john970

There is a USB hub in the trunk with all of the other electronics - you might be able to get a hard drive hooked up somehow and have the computer recognize it. I wouldn't be surprised if that option was simply the installation of a usb extension cable to the back.

I think that's a very optimistic view Why would they install the USB hub if you don't spec the USB option? I'm guessing though this is easy to check by comparing a car with and a car without...

[john970]

Originally Posted by clived

I think that's a very optimistic view Why would they install the USB hub if you don't spec the USB option? I'm guessing though this is easy to check by comparing a car with and a car without...

Because it might cost more to have two different units to keep track of and install than the $10 in extra components you get with the ipod option. The economics change when the software has to be developed anyway and you are ordering tens of thousands of usb parts and associated circuitry.

No idea if it's $10 or not, and it would be different for hifi versus not hifi, but it is a definite possibility (I'd say at least 25% chance).

[clived]

I guess we'll see. Anyone wit the USB option able to identify and photograph their USB module. And provide the pinouts. And the sotware update to enable it ;-)

[Numb3rs]

I've read this thread three times! Can someone explain to me the question? Are you trying to hook up USB on your own, without optioning for the BMW USB option?

Basically, trying to save $365 bucks..?

[deamon32]

Originally Posted by clived

I guess we'll see. Anyone wit the USB option able to identify and photograph their USB module. And provide the pinouts. And the sotware update to enable it ;-)

That would be fantastic, so who is going to rip their new 1 apart? :biggrin:

[clived]

I went to my dealer yesterday and asked about post-factory install of the USB option. The kit includes the USB module apparently, so unless someone finds differently.... game over.