Business CD non-ipod aux input

[mike_dmt]

My 01 X has the business CD stereo in it. I don't favor iPod, iPad, iAnything... lol... Looking to adapt a simple 2.5mm headphone jack into my stereo.

Looked at a bunch of DIY's and X5 tips, but they seemed geared towards an iPhwhatever application.

Looking for an alternative. No CD changer in the rear, no factory amp, etc.. What can you tell me?

The next step is a Dynavin I guess.

[Clockwork]

BMW makes a simple 3.5mm headphone jack connection with the other end of the wire physically connecting to the back of your cd player, where a cd changer wire WOULD go if you had one, but since you don't, then bonus. I bought mine off e-bay for about $45. just do a search for BMW Auxilary Audio Input Cable.

[anthony1k]

Originally Posted by Clockwork

BMW makes a simple 3.5mm headphone jack connection with the other end of the wire physically connecting to the back of your cd player, where a cd changer wire WOULD go if you had one, but since you don't, then bonus. I bought mine off e-bay for about $45. just do a search for BMW Auxilary Audio Input Cable.

I believe this became available in late 2002. For models prior to that it is a bit more involved but definitely doable.

[mike_dmt]

Just ordered the harness and headphone jack adapter from ECS. I'll post some pics when I get it installed.

[jaynana]

at least post 2002, most cars have an optional aux input (3.5mm) option. you can get it from your local dealer by givin gyour chassis number.

i got one installed on mine..

[PersonaNonGrata]

I believe that the BMW 3.5mm auxiliary input cable only works with Business CD players manufactured in late 2002. The same multi-pin plug is there on the older Business CD players but supposedly does not support the auxiliary cable. I bought a newer Business CD to retrofit into my 03/02 manufacture X5 to connect my portable XM radio unit.

[mike_dmt]

Yep, you're right. Thats not going to work on mine. I'll either have to find a 02+ to replace it, or just put in a Dynavin.

[mike_dmt]

It almost seems that you would be able to rewire the harness to fool the stereo into thinking the signal is from the changer. I've got a couple of buddies that have worked at stereo shops, I'll get them to take a look at it.

[PersonaNonGrata]

I bought my replacement from someone here and sold my older CD player on eBay. It's the simplest solution and seems like what you are looking for. I am having some issues with mine now where AUX will spontaneously be lost. I have to pull it apart and make sure the cable is snug. Hopefully that's the only thing going on.

[jaynana]

mike, although you don't have the cd changer, if you have the wiring going to the back of the car for the cd changer, there are so many options. checkout posts here for mp3, ipod connectors. one unit i remember is GROM, there were so many others.

in fact not just a 3.5mm aux you can go for a USB interface as well (so that you can just copy music into a USB stick and stick it in the boot with thousands of songs to select from, literally). if you're not so adventurous you can just fix a 3.5mm aux.

there are positives and negatives (some love it it, others complain of bad sound quality).

in any case its worth a check on those if you have the harness for the CD changer already in (most probably you have it, cos how BMW configures cars is they actually build all those in, and just don't fix the unit if its opted out)

i almost threw out my cd changer and fixed one of those; eventually i thought 'naah, i'll let the cd changer be and just fix an aux cable, as my car supported it)