[YVR335i]

I ordered my non-iDrive 335i coupe in January and I specified the 6fl option. I told them I wanted to wait for a production date that ensured I would get the option. I even forwarded them the info from e90post (thanks to Jspira, LEDZEP and others) regarding the 6fl vs. the dealer installed option.

I received a call yesterday that my car is on it's way from Halifax to Vancouver, but the dealer did not add the 6fl option to the order sheet, even though I triple-checked with them to ensure it was ordered. Of course, they apologized profusely. They also offered the dealer installed option at no charge, or I could order another car and wait 2-3 months.

I've read the various threads regarding the features of both but I am not sure of the differences with regards to using the iPod. I realize that the dealer installed option makes use of the 6-CD changer, but I didn't plan on adding that feature so I don't really care. Also, I will only be using the iPod, not another USB device.

My question is with regards to the non-iDrive user interface. Can anyone tell me what the user interface differences are? The dealer says they are the same, but from what I've read, I don't think that's true.

Thanks for your help.

[LEDZEP]

Wow, what is up with this recent rash of CA screw ups!? I guess a one eyed man is truly King in the land of the blind!

First, sorry to hear that your dealer screwed up your order. After I finished throwing a fit, I doubt I would be willing to order a new car and wait, so if it were me I guess I would take the dealer installed option at no cost.

Your salesman is not being honest when he says they are the same. He's just giving you the usual "customers are stupid and I can tell them anything" statement.

The differences are the way categories and playlists are presented for the most part. The dealer installed option is glove box mounted, as opposed to center console. Mr. Spira continues to give the unit very high marks.

[YVR335i]

Thanks LEDZEP. I almost always search my iPod via artist and then album. I (almost) always play an entire album and then change to another artist. The 255 folder limit (I think that was it) seemed like a limitation for the way I use my iPod as I have about 400 artists. I was under the impression that the 6fl option could handle more folders. Of course, I could always set up a bunch of playlists, but I've tried that before and it is not how I prefer to use my iPod.

FWIW, my wife is a little pissed about this too and she says I should just cancel the 335i and get a Porsche C4S

[LEDZEP]

I'd like to offer more information about 6FL, but I am still waiting (and waiting, and waiting) for the cable that actually will allow me to use it. Once I'm able to play with the system I will no doubt offer a generous review of it.

Only you can decide your next step based on the value of the option to you. I hate seeing some asswipe CA put you in this position. The reason you ordered your car was so you could have exactly what you wanted - it really defeats the purpose, doesn't it.

[bartman32]

Zep;
with Idrive and the dealer installed option can you see artists, genre etc? I was under the impression you could only play BMW playlist 1-5.
Thanks

[LEDZEP]

I believe that is correct. Check out JSpira's huge thread on the topic. He is the master... I am but the young padawan.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22106

[drkeng]

If you look way back, the bmw 1-5 (6 was random) was the original 1st generation "ipod your bmw" connection. They introduced gen 2 around 2004 or 2005; that's the current dealer install. The current dealer installed option uses the cd changer, too, but is more functionally ipodlike, allowing you to use playlists, albums, artists. See the giant thread started by JSpira. 6FL is gen 3, I guess, and will use other devices besides ipod.

Also, check out this short video from the 2006 NY auto show.
http://www.bmwusa.com/bmwexperience/...ograms/Vodcast

I'm probably gonna go for the dealer glovebox install; once you know what cd1, 2,...are it will be nice to read the songs on the idrive screen, easier than the ipod, especially while driving.