How do I get an Aux input in my '01 X5?

[vinuneuro]

Originally Posted by X5Dawg

This is what I used to hook up XM to the factory head unit (no DSP) in my wife's X:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Xvg7Gzy...asp?I=581DFBMW

Easy install - hardest part was running the RCA cables to the front under the carpet. You do lose use of your CD changer, but she never really used it anyway.

I'm guessing you can't use this with DSP ...the connection we have from the changer to the dsp amp is min-coax. Would it be possible to connect this to the amp using an analog connection?

[X5Dawg]

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

I'm guessing you can't use this with DSP ...the connection we have from the changer to the dsp amp is min-coax. Would it be possible to connect this to the amp using an analog connection?

No, it will not work with DSP systems. And the connection to the radio is specific for the CD changer harness on a non-DSP system, so I would not think you would be able to hook it up any other way.

If I get a chance this weekend, I will take some pics of the install. I need to get the controller mounted anyways.

[whitey]

i kind off get it now , at the mo im trying to find the leads its a bit tight in there ive found one lead but looks nothing like the one that fits the cd changer [ i'll get a photo up off it ]

You have to have the wiring for the CD changer to connect this unit. Essentially the plug that connects to the CD changer is plugged into this adapter (which connects it to the head unit) and then you run RCA cables to from the adapter to the device. You will then need an earjack to RCA link (y-connector) to link the iPod to the RCA cables.

[PeteG]

Originally Posted by Tom G.

Do you have a CD Changer? There is a crude way of installing an AUX port into the CD Changer line on pre 09/02 models (DSP or non-DSP).

Thanks, Tom. I do have an oem changer in the trunk, which I would like to keep use of. I'm not willing to sacrifice the changer for an aux input.

How hard would it be to swap my head unit for a 2003 or newer head unit? is it a simple swap if I could somehow reasonably get my hands on one? If so, wouldn't I be able to install the aux input at that point?

[vinuneuro]

Originally Posted by Tom G.

Do you have a CD Changer? There is a crude way of installing an AUX port into the CD Changer line on pre 09/02 models (DSP or non-DSP).

Does anyone know what he's talkin about?

[X5Ghost]

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

Does anyone know what he's talkin about?

I'd like to know too?? Tom can you elaborate pls?

[vinuneuro]

bump

[UCrewX5]

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

bump

You may want to post this question for him in the Vendor forum, with a reference to his post in this thread

[Tom G.]

Sorry guys - I have been very busy this holiday season with email - I'm just catching up. This is also one of the reasons I'm posting at 12:30am!

The proper way would be to use an aftermarket AUX adapter with our DSP converter kit - but this replaces the CD Changer. Since BMW is still selling X5s w/ NAV with cassette players behind the screen (where can we even get a cassette nowadays? ) not many people would want to go this route.

The DSP converter kit we offer has a Right and Left Audio in for the ice>Link to accept. Essentially, this can be used for an AUX port as long as something is fooling the iBus that a CD Changer is present. This can be a CD Changer or something that emulates that specific unit (think ice>Link Plus). As long as you have your CD Changer present, the radio will allow for CD Changer (or CDC 1-01) to be seen on the NAV display. This is also what is controlled by the 3-pin adapter on the CD Changer wiring harness.

A switching device (similiar to the Source Selector) can be built to switch the audio leads over from the CD Changer to the AUX input. Again, this is a very crude way of doing it since "CDC 1-01" will still be seen on the NAV screen and think it's controlling a CD Changer, but the audio will be whatever is streaming into the DSP converter.

It's not the best way to do things - but you will still get an AUX input into the system. A simplier way would be just to get the ice>Link Plus and wait for the AUX3 to arrive. This will allow for 3 additional AUX devices to be added to your existing ice>Link, the firmware has already been included in v2B2.

Hope this clears things up!

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by PeteG

Thanks, Tom. I do have an oem changer in the trunk, which I would like to keep use of. I'm not willing to sacrifice the changer for an aux input.

How hard would it be to swap my head unit for a 2003 or newer head unit? is it a simple swap if I could somehow reasonably get my hands on one? If so, wouldn't I be able to install the aux input at that point?

The X5 radio can be swapped in a matter of minutes. It's one of the easiest jobs you can do. Do you have Business CD or Navigation?