[FadyDizzle]

Hi all,

I'm an October 2010 production 2011 335i owner who has the iDrive system and iPod integration but do not have the smartphone dock. Does anyone know if I can get some of the BMW Apps 6NR functionality via a software update or will there be any way to retrofit this into my vehicle (it's a lease though, hopefully nothing hardware related, I do have the combox already though)? As titled, let the speculation begin...or if you have official information that would be even better.

[Jason]

Check out this thread about 6NR in the X3 forums - http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=471395

Some good info there. From a glance it does not seem to be able to be retrofit.

[ksoze]

Originally Posted by FadyDizzle

Hi all,

I'm an October 2010 production 2011 335i owner who has the iDrive system and iPod integration but do not have the smartphone dock. Does anyone know if I can get some of the BMW Apps 6NR functionality via a software update or will there be any way to retrofit this into my vehicle (it's a lease though, hopefully nothing hardware related, I do have the combox already though)? As titled, let the speculation begin...or if you have official information that would be even better.

Based on speculation here, without 6NF (SP Integration) it may be tough to get 6NR. Many of the features of 6NR require that and it is not a retrofit as far as I know. Having Nav, Combox and 6NR, there seems to be increasing optimism that there can be a software upgrade to Combox, if there is not additional hardware required.

[cgpublic]

It makes sense that you would require 6NF in order to 'upgrade' to 6NR in tandem with a new iPhone adapter.

That said, 6NF has disappeared from bmwusa.com BYO. I don't have a production date as of yet, but should soon receive word re: a Feb or March build.

My assumption is to request the outgoing 6NF from my dealer (Nav, Bluetooth and iPod USB is already configured) in order to give myself the best shot of later upgrading to 6NR, or even better, simply getting 6NR as a replacement.

Thoughts?

[ww007]

Why would it require smartphone integration to work? Seems to be that is just a cradle or something. The center console already has a USB, so why can't that just be used for the 6NR?

[FadyDizzle]

Originally Posted by ww007

Why would it require smartphone integration to work? Seems to be that is just a cradle or something. The center console already has a USB, so why can't that just be used for the 6NR?

Ya that's exactly what I was thinking. Also, this is just like BMW...they said they put the combox in there for easily upgrading vehicles in the future...guess they weren't thinking of this upgrade. Actually will be very upset with the brand if this is the case as this is my first BMW and I was very excited for these features when I was told back when I got the car that it should be an easy upgrade since I got a post Sept-build. Oh well, sucks for me (potentially) I guess.

[ksoze]

Originally Posted by ww007

Why would it require smartphone integration to work? Seems to be that is just a cradle or something. The center console already has a USB, so why can't that just be used for the 6NR?

If you read the announcement it specifically says for two of the capabilities mentioned for 6NR, "requires snap in adapter" as well as saying ordering 6NR will get you 6NF. I believe it has to do with running video from the phone and requires the wiring from the SP cradle, for which a new one for 6NR will be required.

[FadyDizzle]

Originally Posted by ksoze

If you read the announcement it specifically says for two of the capabilities mentioned for 6NR, "requires snap in adapter" as well as saying ordering 6NR will get you 6NF. I believe it has to do with running video from the phone and requires the wiring from the SP cradle, for which a new one for 6NR will be required.

Oh great, ya, the Plugin is what I cared about and I guess I can't get that then since I don't have the snap in adapter. Not to mention, I have an iPod Touch 4g, so I won't benefit either from the ConnectedDrive App...I guess I'm out of luck on these. However, are there potentially other features that could be added to my current iDrive or should I consider it obsolete since at this point they're probably just going to update this new version going forward?

[ww007]

Originally Posted by ksoze

If you read the announcement it specifically says for two of the capabilities mentioned for 6NR, "requires snap in adapter" as well as saying ordering 6NR will get you 6NF. I believe it has to do with running video from the phone and requires the wiring from the SP cradle, for which a new one for 6NR will be required.

Hmm... reading the announcement, it seems like the apps won't require the snap in adapter. Does that mean I won't need SP integration to use them?

And I still don't get why the cradle would be physically required... I mean, USB is USB right? Should be able to handle anything the iPhone can throw out. I don't really care for the video playback anyway. I do want the Genius playlists though. Can't see why that can't be done through USB. Hell if they just wanna make money, I'll pay their stupid fee for the SP integration if that means it'll allow me to get software update to allow those features.

[apw2607]

Originally Posted by ww007

Hmm... reading the announcement, it seems like the apps won't require the snap in adapter. Does that mean I won't need SP integration to use them?

And I still don't get why the cradle would be physically required... I mean, USB is USB right? Should be able to handle anything the iPhone can throw out. I don't really care for the video playback anyway. I do want the Genius playlists though. Can't see why that can't be done through USB. Hell if they just wanna make money, I'll pay their stupid fee for the SP integration if that means it'll allow me to get software update to allow those features.

I have to agree it's all a bit confusing. I've seen a demo of this functionality be it in a mini where the iPhone was connected to the car using a y-cable !! Apps and iPod out were all working and no cradle. I have to believe mini and BMW are sharing common components concerning this feature since they are practically identical at what they offer

In fairness no video out was demo-ed though.

Well all know soon enough once cars start arriving.

[cptn_ahab]

Hi

Can anyone answer a question relating to the 6NR retrofit. As I understand it, this is possible if you have the factory fitted 6FL option - problem is, I didn't have the 6FL option fitted at the factory but it was done post-production by the dealer. From what I can see, it has all the functionality of the factory fit e.g. USB port in armrest; iDrive listings; steering wheel controls etc.

What I need to know is - what is the technical difference between the two that prevents the 6NR fit? All the dealer can tell me if that it is software related but this doesn't do enough to answer my technical curiosity...

[ksoze]

Originally Posted by cptn_ahab

Hi

Can anyone answer a question relating to the 6NR retrofit. As I understand it, this is possible if you have the factory fitted 6FL option - problem is, I didn't have the 6FL option fitted at the factory but it was done post-production by the dealer. From what I can see, it has all the functionality of the factory fit e.g. USB port in armrest; iDrive listings; steering wheel controls etc.

What I need to know is - what is the technical difference between the two that prevents the 6NR fit? All the dealer can tell me if that it is software related but this doesn't do enough to answer my technical curiosity...

According to the latest Dealer bulletin posted here in numerous place, 6NR is not retrofit capable for cars produced before March 2011, irregardless of options in the car.

There is always of course the possibility of a third party retrofit at some point, but until it is out there live in the flesh, it is all speculation. Your dealer has this BMW NA bulletin from two weeks ago and should know this.

[cptn_ahab]

Hi

Yes, seen the numerous posts on this - just curious as to why this is the case.

[ksoze]

Originally Posted by cptn_ahab

Yes, seen the numerous posts on this - just curious as to why this is the case.

Until 6NR ships (first cars produced next week), it is hard to tell what is impeding a simple retrofit. It could be a change to the 6NF cradle base plate with additional wiring to the Nav unit, or possibly hardware changes to the Combox. The retrofit guys here feel it is surmountable and I would be after market solution will be available at some point in the future, but the firm stance by BMW means it must not be a simple software update.

[cptn_ahab]

Aaaahhh, that helps - thanks

Do you know why I'm not able to display cover art and use the standard iPod cable and only the 'Y' cable?

[nelson29]

retrofit group buy now available http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...10#post9325410