My First DIY Project - Adding AUX Input in 2005 X5

[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

[epdarks]

LOVE THAT!

[absentmathis]

Maybe someone here can advise. I added Grom Audio BT to my '03 e39, and I removed the Aux cable to do it. Can I replace the changer with BT in my 01 e53, or does that still require the '03 or newer head unit? The e53 has the DSP nav system - don't know how that factors in.

[THE VEIN]

Originally Posted by rdham

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

Whoaaa I never seen that before. post some info

[rdham]

Thanks guys...here is more info.

- Referenced all the posts on this site for removing the nav screen, aux cable install, & ashtray replacement

Additional parts:

- Retractable Aux cable - Fonus Black Retractable 3.5mm Input Car Stereo Auxiliary AUX Jack Audio Cable Wire Adapter Connector for Apple - amazon

- aux/iphone charger - XtremeMac IPU-IA3-11 InCharge Auto Aux for iPhone/iPod/iPad - amazon

- The black screws that come with the aux kit were not flush enough with that aux input plate, thus tray would not sit properly on top...so bought a more flatter head screw from the local hardware store.

- rubber cement,white out,file


1-rubber cemented the plate close to the current position in the pic above..wanted to use a temp adhesive

2-brushed a nice coat of white out over the plate

3-immediately place the tray back sitting on top of plate, pressed down and kept it there for a bit.....white out dries fast....this would mark where to drill the hole on the back of the tray

4-drill the hole in the tray. drill hole for the screw. install aux cable to the plate.

5-put the tray in....having only the one screw gave me some play to line it up into the hole in case i f-ed it up...and as you can see in my pic, my plate is not very straight

One issue regarding the L-shaped aux plug I used(straight aux plugs were fine):

-if you notice in the pic above, the plastic cover around the aux plug that goes into the aux input is a bit discolored/thinner as compared to the other one. I needed to file that down as it was restricting the plug to go through the hole and properly connect to the aux input.

-I also filed down the hole making it more of an oval shape to match the shape of the plastic around the plug

clean look and cost efficient for my needs