New X5 Owner Questions

[Crispy3M]

Hi folks,

Just found the Xoutpost and think this will be a great place to get and share information about my new purchase.

I just sold my 2005 325i and picked up a beautiful used 2003 X5. The truck was manufactured in 12/02 & No Nav.

I have the same MID problem as everyone else I think and have found a great DIY for the fix. I was an Electronics guy in a former life so I think I'll have a go and see how I make out.

I've spent several hours searching here but have yet to find a definitive answer to a couple of questions I have regarding the radio. I'm hoping someone here has the specific answers.

1. I picked up a Sirius Module for my 325 and installed it. It was fantastic. When I sold the car last week, the gentleman that purchased the car didn't want it so I removed it. Can I instal this same unit in my 03 (12/02) X5?

2. I also completed the DIY Aux Input for my 325. It was simple and worked like a charm. Can the same thing be done for the X5 and if so, does anyone have a link to the schematics?

3. For the 325, the Bluetooth module was fairly inexpensive but from my reading over the past few days, it looks like getting Factory Bluetooth to work in the X5 is super expensive. Any thoughts on this and alternatives would be greatly appreciated.

Once again, this seems like a fantastic forum for X5 owners and I look forward to reading more!

Cheers!

CP
New Brunswick, Canada

[UCrewX5]

See Xoutpost.com - Xoutpost.com x5tips.htm for a lot of DIY info that is categorized by section.

[PersonaNonGrata]

Originally Posted by Crispy3M

2. I also completed the DIY Aux Input for my 325. It was simple and worked like a charm. Can the same thing be done for the X5 and if so, does anyone have a link to the schematics?

The AUX input is very easy assuming you don't have nav. As UCrewX5 pointed out, the Tips page has much of what you need. Get the OEM AUX cable for about $35 from places like site sponsor BMW E53 X5 M54 3.0L > Interior > Stereo > ES#194846 Auxiliary Audio Input - 82110149390.

Removing the Business CD player takes about 5 or 10 minutes, plug in the AUX cable, run it, and you're done. Running the cable takes the most time. I ran mine to be mounted just under the lighter socket because I had my portable XM unit mounted in the ashtray area.

[Crispy3M]

Thanks guys... I'll continue to read.

As for the Aux Input... I should have been more specific. I made the last cable for about $3.00 worth of parts and was hoping for a similar DIY for the X5.

Thanks again!

[UCrewX5]

Originally Posted by Crispy3M

Thanks guys... I'll continue to read.

As for the Aux Input... I should have been more specific. I made the last cable for about $3.00 worth of parts and was hoping for a similar DIY for the X5.

Thanks again!

You can make your own, just like the last one you made. Pretty much the same thing. You can find the pin connections here - http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...formation.html

[Crispy3M]

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

You can make your own, just like the last one you made. Pretty much the same thing. You can find the pin connections here - http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...formation.html

Ahhh... That's the kind of information I was looking for.

If anyone else cares, the Sirius receiver worked exactly the same as in the 325 as well. I had to dig for a while but I finally found the two cables. The only snag was the 6 pin connector was keyed differently but I was able to remove the key and plug in the cable without the keyed shroud. (Just make certain pin1 goes to pin1... Etc)

There was no non-Nav install in the tips section but the Nav- Sirius was close enough. Made routing the antenna under the spoiler a snap.

Cheers!