Sound Options for 2009 328xi

[sandog]

So my 09 328 has an aux jack inside the center console, but no USB port alongside it.
I guess the USB port was a $400 option. It seems like BMW could have added a USB port for a lot less than $400.
I read where all 2003+ BMW's were XM/Sirius compatible, but you'd need a kit that plugs into the harness in the trunk.
Right now, I listen to music off an Ipod, using the Aux cable. But it doesn't get charged while being used, so every other day I have to take it inside and charge it on my laptop. Plus, no way to control it, i.e, change the song, etc. without opening up the center console and using the Ipod controls.
I went to a stereo shop, the best one here out of four, and a guy did some research, and said the only way he could see to get satellite radio in my car was $500 for some kit, and $300 installation.
Something about my model year having a "fiber optic" stereo.
He said I'd be better off just getting XM streamed to my iphone, and plugging it in with the Aux cable.
So my phone is paired to the car, would I even need the aux cable, or could it just link up with the car via Bluetooth ?
Any other suggestions ?

[sandog]

Well, I did find a USB port in the glove box. I was thinking now I can at least plug the Ipod in there and it will charge, and maybe I could control it from the stereo. But once hooked up, nothing, no sound.
I only seem to have an Aux mode, but no USB mode. So it might charge the Ipod using the glove box USB, but no sound.
Update, I did see an option in the idrive menu to upload music onto the stereo's hard drive, it said to plug into the USB port in the glove box.
So I'll put a thumb drive full of music in there, and have my music library on hand anyway.

[sandog]

I tried a thumb drive ( several) and the car is not recognizing them.
It keeps saying "no USB device detected. Please insert a USB device into the port in the glove box".
Any ideas ? Anyone ?