Options for Pairing phone for Music Stream

[FRod1981]

Yeah I did this. But lots of people ask about track info and BT streaming capability.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by jdstrickland

Remove the head unit, behind it there is a wire harness that is wrapped with black gauze tape, unwrap the gauze and you will find a 2-pin connector, this is where the Aux Port is connected. You then use the MODE button on the display screen to toggle to Aux. The Waze lady will give traffic information through the sound system as it comes up. I don't recall what happens to the BT connections, but I can't think of any reason why BT for the phone services would not work while using the Aux Port.

I have the '05 with the MK IV Nav System. I recall that there are two different connectors buried in the harness. That is, there are two sizes of connectors that are available. I bought the wrong one first.

Not all E53 cars are wired like this - some require the Aux. input wiring to be hooked directly into the head unit (on cars with no nav - like mine). And some cars can't even do that - early models have no Aux. option at all and my '05 uses a Becker CD Player/Radio head unit (BMW Professional CD - CD54) that I can't find any Aux. input info. for at all...

[FRod1981]

Originally Posted by wpoll

Not all E53 cars are wired like this - some require the Aux. input wiring to be hooked directly into the head unit (on cars with no nav - like mine). And some cars can't even do that - early models have no Aux. option at all and my '05 uses a Becker CD Player/Radio head unit (BMW Professional CD - CD54) that I can't find any Aux. input info. for at all...

thats interesting I thought it was only behind the head unit and off the main harness like mine was. didn't know they didn't have it at all in some. thats the pits.

[jdstrickland]

It's true that the connector is not in all cars, I think the car has to have the MK4 nav unit. But I'm not sure. It's easy to see if the connector in in the car though, just use an appropriate tool to gently pry the bezel from around the nav screen/display to gain access to the mounting screws for the head unit. Pull the head unit, there is a wiring harness directly behind it with a connector buried in the black gauze tape that wraps the wires. There either is or is not a connector, and it's right in front, not hiding in the back someplace.

[CleanIsFast]

Just as an FYI. We both have found a solution for pairing BT and music streaming. This was done in both an E53 X5 4.8iS and E46 M3.

OEM Aux Kit for Navigation
Firefly Bluetooth
Dual Port Charger

Works exactly the way it should. Connects right away, sound quality is actually very good. Not sure why BMW didn't have the aux kit/cable standard since the connection is on the harness already from factory. Clean install, and clean look in my opinion. Highly recommended.

[tomcat]

I’ve been happy w/ my Mediabridge. Worked with every iPhone I’ve had (current 8+). Can use steering wheel controls and will display track info. Mine must have been later generation bc it had a usb outlet (not tied to the 30 pin). If you could procure one that’d likely be best bet. I’m not sure if it’s even possible for your phone to use 2 Bluetooth connections concurrently (phone and audio). I have nav w/ DSP. As I have fried my BM53 recently I’ll likely be switching to one of those newer head units.

[FRod1981]

Could you explain how you hooked up the MB? Did you have DSP? With Nav?

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by tomcat

I’m not sure if it’s even possible for your phone to use 2 Bluetooth connections concurrently (phone and audio).

I run 2 Bluetooth connections simultaneously in my X5. One for the Bovee and 1 for the factory hands free phone.

[simplx5]

BTW, the best part is the total cost was under $100...for EVERYTHING.

Originally Posted by CleanIsFast

Just as an FYI. We both have found a solution for pairing BT and music streaming. This was done in both an E53 X5 4.8iS and E46 M3.

OEM Aux Kit for Navigation
Firefly Bluetooth
Dual Port Charger

Works exactly the way it should. Connects right away, sound quality is actually very good. Not sure why BMW didn't have the aux kit/cable standard since the connection is on the harness already from factory. Clean install, and clean look in my opinion. Highly recommended.