BMW iPhone station for the 1 series

[cricri]

hey check this picture out:

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicle...es.html#media0

Look at picture #3. Is it my eyes playing tricks on me or did they cut the dash and put an ugly plastic tray where the nav screen is supposed to be? Ugh...

[avonord]

I've been looking at that. It specifically says that it is only for 1er without nav. So assume the "station" sits where the nav is. I believe the 1 series has a storage compartment there as an option, no?

[cricri]

Nope there was no storage tray option when I ordered mine. This is looking less and less promising.

[ND40oz]

You can purchase the storage tray, it comes with a template for cutting the dash. It's the same one the E83 X3 has IIRC.

Here's the one that comes with the BMW Portable Nav System, the iPhone one is probably just like it.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...01&hg=65&fg=95

[cricri]

Yup thanks for the link, that's what it looks like.

[ZIPNBYE]

It's the storage cubby that is in the dash post 2009 production. If you were to have your dash replaced due to the passenger-side air-bag indentations, it'll be the dash you'd receive.

[Kevin_russian]

Is it just for 135's? I got a 2010 128 no storage compartment

[cricri]

Don't be so sad that storage bin is not awesome

[avonord]

The storage bin is actually mentioned in the manual. It's for the 128 and 135 without nav

[i128]

nasty... but convenient...

[cricri]

I decided not to punch a hole through my dash and instead installed a ProClip mount. I wired it through the steering column opening all the way to the back of the console. The only portion of cable that's visible is from the mount to the steering column's foam insert (see pic).

I had to unscrew some trim to pass the wires but it can be done without popping the push rivet that sits near the hvac so in the end it's very easily done and the result is clean imo.

Also I had to use a usb extension to make it to the console. I found there's more than enough space under the console's trim around the shifter booth to tuck in the excess cabling. Tip: Start passing the cable from the console's usb port and going forward toward the hvacs.

[avonord]

Nice, cricri. I may just do that. Can you write up a more detailed DIY? Which panels do you take off to pass the cable through?

[pinmagic]

Nice, but blocks the AC vents. My priority on a hot day is AC!

[cricri]

Thanks for the comments

It does block part of the AC vent so not quite perfect I suppose. I redirected the second vent toward the driver's side and the left side vent is kept half open. I don't think it'll be a problem we'll see.

I use the iPhone only for nav and speedo (mph) purposes so it was either this or the suction cup which never worked for me. I wanted the iPhone as close to eye level as possible. I also permanently leave an iPod in the car's armrest, it contains the same playlists as the phone so I don't need to connect the phone just to listen to music. The phone is connected to a Griffin PowerJolt Dual Micro and the iPod is connected to the funky BMW iPod cable.

In terms of installation I only had to unscrew the pedal trim as shown in this thread's first picture:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213833

I taped my dock cable to a metal hanger and pushed it behind the push rivet's trim without actually removing it. Then passing the cable behind the console trim is very easy it's not very tight except maybe near the hand brake where a bit more force is required to pry it open enough for the cable to slide in.

[avonord]

O. I will be using the iPhone for music. So that won't work for me then..

[cricri]

The mount is just a regular dock so you can use it with the BMW cable. In this case you'll need to either buy a dock extension cable or connect the original cable to your mount and pass two cables (usb+audio).

I just happened to have an old iPod collecting dust so I put it to good use

[taibanl]

surprised no one has installed this yet!, all you guys fool around with that horrible looking pro-clip business.