My First DIY Project - Adding AUX Input in 2005 X5

[DutchK]

I would like to try this install but had a question. How does one get the wire through the ashtray up to the radio? Is a hole drilled in the bottom of the ashtray or does one route the wire through the hole for the plastic lense for the ashtray light?

thanks much in adavnce and happy father's day to Xoutpost dads

[dkl]

The wire is drop down from the radio. It might be easier for you to find the wire if you remove the climate control panel, but this is unnecessary if you have the patient to fish for the wire. A hole must be drilled in the bottom or side of the ashtray, which is what I preferred anyway since I still wanted light to come into the ashtray.

[DutchK]

dlk thanks so I am having a little trouble removing the Business CD I released the screws but it still is stuck is there another step to removal of it?

thanks

[ba82]

I installed the AUX input today but I dont get the option to switch to AUX input on my non-nav unit, it just goes between FM (or am) and CD. What am I missing?

I read something somewhere about dealer activation? Do I need the Dealer to activate the ability to go to AUX input? Is there a DIY instead of going ot the dealer if so?

[dkl]

No dealer activation needed. What year is your X? Certain model year will require you to swap a couple of pins on the connector and the AUX option may not be available for earlier model years.

[ba82]

Originally Posted by dkl

No dealer activation needed. What year is your X? Certain model year will require you to swap a couple of pins on the connector and the AUX option may not be available for earlier model years.

Hi DKL - Its a 2001.

[dkl]

Originally Posted by ba82

Hi DKL - Its a 2001.

I'm afraid you're out of luck. Only 2003 and later models (produced after 10/2002) have the option to add AUX.

[ba82]

Originally Posted by dkl

I'm afraid you're out of luck. Only 2003 and later models (produced after 10/2002) have the option to add AUX.

Would I be able to use the input for the CD changer instead? Is there the option for a CD changer in the 01? If so, does anyone know which plugs in the back are for the CD changer?

If not....anyone have a radio for sale from a post 10/2002?

Thanks.

[rdham]

Thought I would add to this post. Done a bit differently

[EKS PYB]

Hey JFox, that is exactly how I did mine as well earlier this year. I myself can also be called one of those who needs to see things done first before being able to do it but I've searched and searched for step by step install instructions here but somehow most of the members who did the DIY seem to miss some small steps.

I kid you not, I've had this auxillary cable in my garage for over 1 1/2 years before I finally got the courage to do it. I gave myself 2 hours since I was going blind in doing it but after I figured out how to take off the darn radio head unit, I was done in 20 minutes. That is where I hit a roadblock the few times I tried doing the install...all the DIY doesn't tell you how to take off the radio unit. If you look at all the write ups, they just tell you to pull the volume knob off and that's it. So finally after tinkering with the knob off, I slipped a small screw driver into the small hole and lifted it up and VOILA...I got it out. After that whole ordeal, everything was a piece of cake.

Good job!