Reading map light

[x5e53]

Coming from cars that have sunglasses holder built into the roof/map reading light, i'm kinda missing it.

My X5 has a panel with 4 vent style cut outs where the sunglasses holder usually is on the roof console/map reading light. I have taken it out, and there is a wire connected to it.

Any ideas what this is?

I thought it was for the microphone, but there is another vent style cut out on the opposite side to the sunroof switch. They both cant be the microphones can they? Or is the smaller one (opposite the sunroof) the microphone and this larger one with vents the alarm?
If the large one is the for alarm, then why do some X5s not have it, as an alarm is a standard thing on these?

Mine looks like this:
http://ebayapi.loc8apartltd.netdna-cdn. ... Mj/$_1.JPG


What I want is one that looks like this so I can put my sunglasses in to it:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-X5-E53-BL ... SwQTVV~CLO

[X5Sport]

It's probably for the Homelink unit that can be installed to control your gates or garage door.

I think only the pre-facelift X5 got the sunglasses holder and it was dropped during production for some strange reason.

[Richard137]

I have the same (and want the sunglasses), and I was told it was for the in built telephone.

[X5-D-Sport]

Ive got this unit in myX5.. - without a sun roof... and it has the mic grille eavh side as standard.