XSeries-forum

[quote="X5Sport"]
[quote="Barney"]
The options list doesn't show voice command but I've got the button on the steering wheel and it works for the phone????
[/quote]
You need the retrofit kit - which is just a licence key (same system as used for the expensive map updates) - from a Dealer.  They generate it from your VIN and enter it and hey presto, voice activation is enabled.

Richard
[/quote]

What sort of cost to do this, should it have been done prior to being delivered?

Don't know about the cost, and it would only have been enabled if ordered with the car as an option at build time, or if like you an Owner wanted it afterwards.

It was Option code SA620 and in 11/2010 was £320.

Richard

Been a few weeks, driven it lots and love it 
I'm enjoying finding out all the gadgets, reading the manual to suss out what's what but one thing has me stumped at the moment.
In the glove compartment near the USB socket there's a built in holder, is this for an Ipod or a torch ?

Oh, and on the subject of Ipods, do I just connect to the USB to run through the car or do I need a special cable to go into the jack plug ? 

Sorry, just thought of one more.....the heater/vents can be set to come on via a timer, this heats the car up and demists I guess, how does it work and will it kill the battery if used often?

Thanks 

2xUSB slots. The one in the glovebox is purely for importing music to the HDD. The one in the armrest just needs a standard USB to iPod cable - it will play and charge etc. This is the setup I have in my car with an ancient (circa 2005) ipod.

There might have been a torch, but it's a cost option Dealer fit.

Some versions of the system need a special 'Y-cable' for the iPod in the glovebox, but depending upon which month yours was built you may not need that cable and the standard white lead will do.  There are issues with the newer Apple 'Lightning' connector though.  Some functions work, others don't.

Your front USB port also allows you to download the latest firmware updates from BMW, stick em on a 'stick' and update the car entertainment systems.

Speed limit display is hopelessly out of date even if you have the very latest maps - and they're expensive!!

Richard

Cheers all, my Ipod is an old 'un too, will try and see if it works using the USB in the armrest.

What about the firmware updates via USB, is this worth doing ?

What about the heater timer, anyone used this?

I did do the firmware upgrade but, since I installed it on the first day if ownership, I'm not sure if it did anything major.

Re. the heating, never used it but I thought it was just ventilation for us, not heating?

[quote="huck"]
I did do the firmware upgrade but, since I installed it on the first day if ownership, I'm not sure if it did anything major.

Re. the heating, never used it but I thought it was just ventilation for us, not heating?
[/quote]

It is just ventilation although I'm sure it will use what it has as heat

[quote="Barney"]
I'm enjoying finding out all the gadgets, reading the manual to suss out what's what but one thing has me stumped at the moment.
In the glove compartment near the USB socket there's a built in holder, is this for an Ipod or a torch ?

[/quote]

Hi Barney,

I'm wondering if you're referring to the remote control holder for the aux heating? Does it look like this:



Steve

Here's the remote

Yep, that's it. So it's the remote slot for the heating which I don't have 
The timer is just for ventilation then and unless there is residual heat in the engine it won't warm the interior?

Are you sure you don't have it?! Maybe the glove box is the same regardless but it might be worth double checking on here:
http://www.rubmw.ru/vincode/eng/

Listed as follows for me:

S4NCA ZUSATZHEIZUNG/-LUEFTUNG Auxiliary heating/ventilation

Standard glovebox.  I have the holder in mine too but the option was never ordered.  Webasto no longer fitted by default on the E70/71 now.