So I asked my MA, searched all over NAM, but I still did not find a concrete answer as to what exactly happens when you add Comfort BT and Smartphone prep.

I know that Comfort BT adds MFSW (if you don't have Premium pack) and it adds armrest, but is this all? Do you get aux/USB in the armrest as well? I think it should since it's mentioned in the Instruments section in the build configurator.

That brings us to the $100 Smartphone Prep - the most confusing option of them all. Description in the configuratior does not mention anything new compared to plain Comfort BT.

Anyone with experience?

 

The comfort bluetooth also adds the ability to charge a cell phone in the armrest. I guess it's more comfortable to tuck your phone away? The MFSW is required to use the Bluetooth options, since it has the telephone and arrow buttons.

The Smartphone Prep adds the USB port connection for music to the armrest, once again with the appropriate (and seperately sold) armrest snap-in only.

 

Bluetooth work fine without the MFSW, there are enough buttons on the radio. As far as I can see "comfort" just adds the annoying armrest, so we just got the basic BlueTooth/USB which works with the phones and with the iPod.

The MFSW does get you voice dialing, as it has the voice dial button which isn't on the radio.

 

The proprietary BMW jack (with incorporated antenna connector) or a USB?

USB or USB + Aux? So you end up with 2 USB ports that way - one in the armrest and one in the dash?

 

The configurator is slightly confusing. Here is what you get witht he Comfort Bluetooth.

1. MFSW if you did not get the premium package
2. USB and Aux ports in the cubbie of the Center console (located under teh heater controls)
3. Connection of iPod to USB and Aux ports rather than thru the CD Change connection of the radio
4. Arm rest with the ability to charge a phone if an extra cost adapter is purchased (adapters run form $120 to $170 and are not available for all phones)
5. Antenna connection for cell phone. only if the cell phone is external antenna capable. Some of the adapters will help for the non external antenna cell ohones but not for all.
6. bluetooth connection for you phone. MFSW allows for scrolling of contacts on phone and dialing control of phone. If OEM Nav is added then the voice dialing works with the phone's contact list on most phones. If no OEM NAv then voice dilaing is done by setting up the mini to do the voice dialing, but it does not work with all phones.


Smart phone Prep For Blackberries etc. adds

1. A USB port in the arm rest. again an extra cost adapter is neede and they range in price form about $150 up and are not available for all smart phones.

This way you can play the music that is on the smart phone thru the USB connection and have the Phone connect thru Bluetooth and have it stored in the arm rest.

I actually like the arm rest. it is a great place to hide the phone and charge it so it is not seem by others when you are out of the car and leave the cell in the car. I know many people do not do this but when i go to the gym or pool i do not want to be disturbed by the phone so it stays in the car. It alos allows you to charge the phone with out the need to a charger in the lighter socket. (i hate all the extra wires)

 

So with Smartphone Prep - an extra USB port for $100 is not bad in my book. Theoretically I should be able to put an 8-16GB jump drive in it and not need an iPod in the car at all.

And Comfort adds the proprietary BMW phone connector and voice dialing. Also not too bad. Now it's up to sitting and waiting for the iPhone 3G cradle.

 

Yes but if you are putting the phone in the armrest there will be no room for the USB Stick in there and it will have to be connected to the USB port in the center console.

Please also note that there are amjor limitations to the amount of music that will play easily off of a USB stick. I.E. no more than approximately 3000 tracks if all the mp3 tags are filled out as usual when converted to mp3. There is a thread in this section that explains the limitations better. Read this post https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...63-post67.html

Voice dialing is very dependent on the phone in either the NAv or No Nav Cars. And if you have the No NAV situation it is a lot trickyer to set up and get working properly. If you have a NAV car then many times the voice dialing is done by the phone and works well, if the phone is voice dial capable.

 

Actually, does anyone have Smartphone Prep and a compatible snap-in yet? I wonder if you can have both USB ports connected and play off both at the same time.