iPod/Bluetooth Connector

[srbaker]

Heya folks, this is a huge one. I apologize in advance.

The short version is this: I want to be able to listen to podcasts from my iPhone (now a 5s) on the stereo in my 2002 X5. The related problem is that my X5 has DSP, which I can't really operate because the screen is unreadable, and the entire thing confuses me anyhow. So if someone cares to explain that, I'd appreciate it.

I solved this problem in my previous vehicle (2004 RAM 3500) by getting an FM transmitter that plugged directly into the antenna plug on the radio.

I bought a standard FM transmitter first. The sound quality wasn't great, regardless of which station I used. Lots of static. I thought it might be the quality of the transmitter I got, so I bought a Griffin iTrip yesterday. Slight improvement, but not much. I assume it's far away from the antenna, sitting in the console. Although I don't know where the actual stereo is (where is it?)

This evening I pulled the head unit out of the car to have a poke around. I'm about to go on a road trip to New Jersey, from PEI Canada, and I'd like to have my podcast situation sorted. Interestingly, my car has a BMW iPod Interface, P/N: 65110403649; there is a 30-pin iPod cable in the dash. I've attached a picture of that unit, as I found it (with the rubber shield removed to make the label visible). The DSP cable was unplugged from the (left) side of the iPod interface; which means it wouldn't have worked even if I could read my screen.

The cables out of the right of the unit are labeled "RADIO" and "IPOD"; radio being the black one.

There is also a mystery plug, not plugged into anything. I've attached the picture; it has twelve pins, I'm holding it in my left hand.

So, with all of this information, I have a few questions.

1) where does the antenna plug into the stereo, in case I want to try a hard-wired FM modulator?

2) can I replace the iPod interface with a different or more modern unit that has a Lightning cable for my iPhone 5s. (preferred) Or, can I just replace it with a unit that has a standard stereo plug?

2.5) is adding a standard stereo plug particularly hard or expensive?

3) what's the point of the DSP thing? How does my radio manage to make noise if the DSP coax from the back of the car isn't connected to anything in the front of the car?

4) what's the mystery plug?

I'm interested in any and all options, but I'd really prefer not to get a non-BMW stereo. I just don't like having non factory stereos. I'd love to do a NAV retrofit, but I bet that's pricey, and painful.

Thanks in advance for tips. Cheers!

[srbaker]

Turns out that since search is working again, there is lots of info on the AUX install. The rest of the things here still puzzle me. Thanks!

[SMOKEY53]

BMW Audio, BMW iPhone, BMW Speakers, Subwoofers, and more | BSW, BAVSOUND, Bavarian Soundwerks.

Soundplicity Control 3 looks like a good alternative for your situation

[srbaker]

That looks like *exactly* what I'm looking for. Thank you!