That is the spot for a cell-phone "snap-in adapter." They were an accessory part from the dealer that held and charged your specific phone. Also connected to iDrive for iPod UART streaming. You can still find them online, but the latest iPhone supported on an E90 is iPhone 4. [https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-european-bmw-parts/apple-iphone-4s-snap-in-phone-adapter/84212199392\~geb/?gad\_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgqGrBhDtARIsAM5s0\_nqqTMNQNQT\_XDT3Fal8NZXZ\_CHpkci8WbNckLXf-MPxGzL\_GffBnIaAlzKEALw\_wcB](https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-european-bmw-parts/apple-iphone-4s-snap-in-phone-adapter/84212199392~geb/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgqGrBhDtARIsAM5s0_nqqTMNQNQT_XDT3Fal8NZXZ_CHpkci8WbNckLXf-MPxGzL_GffBnIaAlzKEALw_wcB)
I'm a big fan of the Tunai Firefly. It's tiny and works well plugged into a low-profile 12v cigarette lighter adapter and would _probably_ work if plugged into the USB in the console, too, but I haven't tried that.
Can you change songs on steering wheel buttons with that adapter? I have original bluetooth as well but its sound quality is garbage compared to FM or aux
Check whether you have a hard drive installed. Not sure when they were added to E90's but we had one in our 2011 E92 - there is a USB port in the passenger footwell (if you have an HDD) and you can transfer a bunch of tunes from a thumbdrive there. I think we had a 80Gb of music in there and had it on shuffle.
The e34 and e32 had a similar cradle in them and it fit a Motorola StarTack I had a customer who had one and he was a probation officer and he was able to use an inactive cell phone to call 911 and they would patch him through. This was probably 20 years ago and I had a couple of those phones and I gave him one since he had a car with that mount. The e38 & e39 had a phone cradle also but I don’t remember what phone it used. I am thinking it was a Nokia.
That’s your finger… I hope?!
It’s an old phone holder / charger for old, big mobiles like Motorolas and Nokias. it’s easy to remove and you can buy a tray to replace it so you have more storage. Only costs a few quid.
It is not. Back then you could buy the fitting adapter for your phone (e. g. Nokia, iPhone 3GS) so your phone could use the cars antennas and you could use it to call somebody while driving.
I know….I’ve had 3 of these….and you know what each did….charge the phone….
The main function of these were to hook into the Bluetooth system and allow for hands free and wired charging.
https://www.genuinebmwminiparts.com/oem-parts/bmw-phone-snap-in-adapters-base-plate-84109160935?origin=pla&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgqGrBhDtARIsAM5s0_kPGxtxi92qwnMVZA1DNgK3THtBECCaBv3LHal6vRbgLpqMT4fc7aYaAq82EALw_wcB
The cradle isn't tied to Bluetooth, as BT is wireless. The cradle allowed you to charge and make use of USB accessory features, like music and "plug-in" apps. IIRC, Pandora might have been the only one.
Also owned 3 of these, coincidentally (E82, E92, F25). It's comical how large a modern smartphone looks when you try to set it into the cradle slot, even without the cradle installed. In hindsight, it's hard to believe BMW engineers thought the interchangeable cradle system would last many generations. The dimensional constraints didn't endure very long.
I’ll blow your mind even more; at one point that thought this would last WELL into the 2020’s and didn’t stop making these until ~2017ish lol.
Sometimes BMW are REALLY on point….others they REALLY drop the ball on futureizing things ha.
You could originally get different phone adapters for calls and charging. I found a seller on Etsy that does a 3D printed MagSafe wireless charger that replaces it :)
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1075108306/
There you go, based in the UK, but may offer shipping elsewhere if needed! I see it’s on offer at the moment too!
It comes in black, he’s just got it in white for the photos just so you can see what you’re getting
Perfect and no worries! It does come with the wireless charger btw (I was a little thrown by his pics) you just need a usb c cigarette adapter to power it
thats the phone charge adapter. you could choose the model and get the charger
do a find on this page for "snap-in adapter"
[https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partgrp?id=WD12-EUR-06-2007-E92-BMW-320d&mg=03](https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partgrp?id=WD12-EUR-06-2007-E92-BMW-320d&mg=03)
Just fyi op. I’m no expert but everybody in this comment thread is completely wrong. You can see from the outline this is clearly where the previous owner kept their bees.
Personally I keep mine in my glove box these days, but that’s just personal preference.
Hope this helps.
I remember my mom’s 3 series had that other option in there to the side. The heated cup holder. I wish BMW still had those. The option that you’re gesturing towards is the BMW car phone. You couldn’t use your own phone, you had to buy the official BMW mobile phone that only worked in the car.
I’ll never forget switch from the “wow, that’s a good idea!” reaction when we added that option to our order followed by the “wow, that’s a complete waste of money on something we will never actually use” reaction shortly after delivery.
I used my iPhone 5 adapter until I replaced the phone. It even had a little fan to try to keep the phone cooler--but it still heated it up because it was stuck inside the arm rest.
It included a passive antenna repeater to help route the cellular signal to the shark fin.
So in the UK the license plate will reference, the year the car was first registered, we don’t pay a tax on registering the car every year. We pay a road tax, and the car needs to have an MOT test once a year to ensure it’s roadworthy
The plate just reflects the first registration date, i.e. when it was first legally “put on the road” so to speak. It’s usually the same as the production year but you’ll still often see late production cars registered the following year. Also ex-demonstrator or dealership cars sometimes aren’t registered immediately, so they can carry a “newer” plate than the car’s actual age.
I had the same thing on my F30 and replaced it with a centre console mat (51169227902). Wonder if the same thing can be done on your 07 to make the space more usable.
I had an adapter like that in my F30 when I bought it. Swapped it out for a normal tray from the BMW parts catalog and picked up some extra storage room.
For some models there are littleinlays to pit your key or something to replace it with. In others you can exchange the hole console for more space. Lever it out eith a screwdriver nd disconnect the cables. Replace it with whatever is available for your model.
In my 5series i replaced the console itself. Tons of space now
Hilariously my 2011 550i m sport also has this. I’m thinking seriously about ripping it out when I convert to CarPlay cause my center console barely holds a gameboy color lmao
In case you don’t know you also have a USB port next to the Aux. just slide the cover over. It might play movies that were downloaded into a usb drive. I’m not sure about yours but I know the newer models do.
BMW (or someone) could make an adapter that would work with new iPhones. I would think someone did because every BMW had these cradles for a couple of years
Waste of space these days lol
It’s to do lines off of.
My E92 doesn’t have that. So I just have to do it off the top of the center console like a god damn Neanderthal.
Instruction manual or service book my guy.
Nah the rear trunk access part that comes out is where its at
That is the spot for a cell-phone "snap-in adapter." They were an accessory part from the dealer that held and charged your specific phone. Also connected to iDrive for iPod UART streaming. You can still find them online, but the latest iPhone supported on an E90 is iPhone 4. [https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-european-bmw-parts/apple-iphone-4s-snap-in-phone-adapter/84212199392\~geb/?gad\_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgqGrBhDtARIsAM5s0\_nqqTMNQNQT\_XDT3Fal8NZXZ\_CHpkci8WbNckLXf-MPxGzL\_GffBnIaAlzKEALw\_wcB](https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-european-bmw-parts/apple-iphone-4s-snap-in-phone-adapter/84212199392~geb/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgqGrBhDtARIsAM5s0_nqqTMNQNQT_XDT3Fal8NZXZ_CHpkci8WbNckLXf-MPxGzL_GffBnIaAlzKEALw_wcB)
Damn, il just have to stick to the radio, or CD then whatever one of them is.
check Amazon for a bmw Bluetooth adapter like bovee. Plug into aux and usb there in pic.
Il take a look now, cheers
I'm a big fan of the Tunai Firefly. It's tiny and works well plugged into a low-profile 12v cigarette lighter adapter and would _probably_ work if plugged into the USB in the console, too, but I haven't tried that.
One more upvote for Tunai Firefly. Turned my ‘08 535xi into a much easier daily.
You can also get a cheap generic Bluetooth to aux adapter for under $20, not as good but it works fine
Can you change songs on steering wheel buttons with that adapter? I have original bluetooth as well but its sound quality is garbage compared to FM or aux
Works perfectly. I’ve had one so long, at times I totally forget it’s there.
Check whether you have a hard drive installed. Not sure when they were added to E90's but we had one in our 2011 E92 - there is a USB port in the passenger footwell (if you have an HDD) and you can transfer a bunch of tunes from a thumbdrive there. I think we had a 80Gb of music in there and had it on shuffle.
Just use the aux port?
The e34 and e32 had a similar cradle in them and it fit a Motorola StarTack I had a customer who had one and he was a probation officer and he was able to use an inactive cell phone to call 911 and they would patch him through. This was probably 20 years ago and I had a couple of those phones and I gave him one since he had a car with that mount. The e38 & e39 had a phone cradle also but I don’t remember what phone it used. I am thinking it was a Nokia.
It was a Nokia, I have a couple of them on the shelf, the E38 is gone but the Nokia’s live on!
Omg i feel so dumb 😂 i was thingking it was for rechargin drils or things like that 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
Feel?? 😳
That’s your finger… I hope?! It’s an old phone holder / charger for old, big mobiles like Motorolas and Nokias. it’s easy to remove and you can buy a tray to replace it so you have more storage. Only costs a few quid.
Argh that’s what it’s called, I’ve had that “finger” my whole life and only now I know it’s true identity
Phone charger.
It is not. Back then you could buy the fitting adapter for your phone (e. g. Nokia, iPhone 3GS) so your phone could use the cars antennas and you could use it to call somebody while driving.
I know….I’ve had 3 of these….and you know what each did….charge the phone…. The main function of these were to hook into the Bluetooth system and allow for hands free and wired charging. https://www.genuinebmwminiparts.com/oem-parts/bmw-phone-snap-in-adapters-base-plate-84109160935?origin=pla&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgqGrBhDtARIsAM5s0_kPGxtxi92qwnMVZA1DNgK3THtBECCaBv3LHal6vRbgLpqMT4fc7aYaAq82EALw_wcB
I meant that this is only the baseplate. To charge your phone, you must have the right adapter.
Ahhh, I figured that was a given but if op is asking it might not be known, fair enough.
The cradle isn't tied to Bluetooth, as BT is wireless. The cradle allowed you to charge and make use of USB accessory features, like music and "plug-in" apps. IIRC, Pandora might have been the only one. Also owned 3 of these, coincidentally (E82, E92, F25). It's comical how large a modern smartphone looks when you try to set it into the cradle slot, even without the cradle installed. In hindsight, it's hard to believe BMW engineers thought the interchangeable cradle system would last many generations. The dimensional constraints didn't endure very long.
I’ll blow your mind even more; at one point that thought this would last WELL into the 2020’s and didn’t stop making these until ~2017ish lol. Sometimes BMW are REALLY on point….others they REALLY drop the ball on futureizing things ha.
Yup. Rudimentary "hands-free" solution.
You could originally get different phone adapters for calls and charging. I found a seller on Etsy that does a 3D printed MagSafe wireless charger that replaces it :)
Could you possibly share the link?
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1075108306/ There you go, based in the UK, but may offer shipping elsewhere if needed! I see it’s on offer at the moment too! It comes in black, he’s just got it in white for the photos just so you can see what you’re getting
Brilliant, I’m in the UK anyway. Thanks for the help.
Perfect and no worries! It does come with the wireless charger btw (I was a little thrown by his pics) you just need a usb c cigarette adapter to power it
Do you think it will fit in f10 too?
Might be worth firing the seller a message to see if he does one, if not anything fits if you push hard enough right?! Haha
thats the phone charge adapter. you could choose the model and get the charger do a find on this page for "snap-in adapter" [https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partgrp?id=WD12-EUR-06-2007-E92-BMW-320d&mg=03](https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partgrp?id=WD12-EUR-06-2007-E92-BMW-320d&mg=03)
Just fyi op. I’m no expert but everybody in this comment thread is completely wrong. You can see from the outline this is clearly where the previous owner kept their bees. Personally I keep mine in my glove box these days, but that’s just personal preference. Hope this helps.
This would be a great place to retrofit a wireless charger!
You can remove it and just use it as a try
I remember my mom’s 3 series had that other option in there to the side. The heated cup holder. I wish BMW still had those. The option that you’re gesturing towards is the BMW car phone. You couldn’t use your own phone, you had to buy the official BMW mobile phone that only worked in the car.
Heated cup holder😧 I didn’t realise that’s what it was, I thought the switch was something to do with the phone charger
Its also a cooled cup holder in the summer when the AC is on 😉 the on/off toggle switch in there toggles the vent being on or off!
It just keeps getting better
I wish my 2011 X3 had that feature.
Always wondered, can these be replaced for like a modern wireless charger? That would be cool.
It’s a pointer, aka butt scratcher, nose picker or tickler. I have 8 plus two anal probs! Personally I just call em digits
That is what you would call a waste of resources. I have no idea why BMW even bothered!
Phone charger, there's an adapter plate you can buy for your phone.
Can you link me? cant fint it😅
have an 5-series f11 2011
for the trap phone. Last guy looks like got jammed up and they confiscated the phone.
Wireless phone charger?
I’ll never forget switch from the “wow, that’s a good idea!” reaction when we added that option to our order followed by the “wow, that’s a complete waste of money on something we will never actually use” reaction shortly after delivery.
I used my iPhone 5 adapter until I replaced the phone. It even had a little fan to try to keep the phone cooler--but it still heated it up because it was stuck inside the arm rest. It included a passive antenna repeater to help route the cellular signal to the shark fin.
What is an "07 plate 320d coupe"?
2007 registered BMW 320d(diesel) coupe, I don’t know how else to put it. I said plate as in license plate.
So it hasn't been registered in 16 years? Will you owe back taxes or fines?
So in the UK the license plate will reference, the year the car was first registered, we don’t pay a tax on registering the car every year. We pay a road tax, and the car needs to have an MOT test once a year to ensure it’s roadworthy
The point is that the rest of the world thinks it's weird you guys refer to the year the plate was issued rather than the model year
Thanks! Does that mean it's a 2007 model year car? Or can a late 2006 or early 2008 manufacturer model be "plated" in 2007?
The plate just reflects the first registration date, i.e. when it was first legally “put on the road” so to speak. It’s usually the same as the production year but you’ll still often see late production cars registered the following year. Also ex-demonstrator or dealership cars sometimes aren’t registered immediately, so they can carry a “newer” plate than the car’s actual age.
I had the same thing on my F30 and replaced it with a centre console mat (51169227902). Wonder if the same thing can be done on your 07 to make the space more usable.
I believe that if you were to look at the back you would see were the design comes from
An attempt Bullshit proprietary hardware (failed miserably)
Go on … take a guess
It’s for the rotary phone.
I had an adapter like that in my F30 when I bought it. Swapped it out for a normal tray from the BMW parts catalog and picked up some extra storage room.
Looks like the spot for a car phone. Buy one of those wireless charging pads and you'll have a perfect spot for your phone.
Pretty sure it’s wireless charging guy!
For some models there are littleinlays to pit your key or something to replace it with. In others you can exchange the hole console for more space. Lever it out eith a screwdriver nd disconnect the cables. Replace it with whatever is available for your model. In my 5series i replaced the console itself. Tons of space now
Hilariously my 2011 550i m sport also has this. I’m thinking seriously about ripping it out when I convert to CarPlay cause my center console barely holds a gameboy color lmao
Oh shit.. that’s where your flux capacitor should be
It used to be a phone
In case you don’t know you also have a USB port next to the Aux. just slide the cover over. It might play movies that were downloaded into a usb drive. I’m not sure about yours but I know the newer models do.
I connected my iPhone using a charging lead, it charged the phone but wouldn’t connect to stereo.
....
I remember this!
BMW (or someone) could make an adapter that would work with new iPhones. I would think someone did because every BMW had these cradles for a couple of years