AUX Stopped Working After Head Unit Install

[flip]

Hello all, this is my first post here and I'm a bit new to the X5 world but definitely not new to BMW's...

To try to make an extremely long story short, we purchased an X5 without NAV and the dealership installed an aftermarket NAV system. Prior to the install, the AUX input (1/8th inch headphone jack) worked perfectly fine. Afterwards, it did not and there was no sound out of the aftermarket unit.

After some digging, I found that the aftermarket unit uses the AUX input to output its sound so this is why there is no sound from the unit.

Now, why the AUX doesn't work at all, that is the problem. I disassembled the center console and armrest enough to find that the stock plug was still plugged into the aux port/usb and I see an optical cable plugged into a little box in the arm rest as well.

Any ideas on what else could make the AUX stop working? The manufacturer of the unit has been trying to assist me via email and suggested that the optical plug that goes to the back of the unit from the AUX might have accidentally been unplugged. Does anyone have diagrams of the stereo system, or know what all is required for the stock AUX system to work?

When I plug something into the AUX plug and go to the AUX input on the car's stock system, the volume for that input is all the way down and I don't have the ability to turn it up at all...

Thanks in advance for any help!
-Philip

[blue dragon]

So you expect us to trouble shoot a problem with the sketchy details you provided. I stopped reading at aftermarket.....

[flip]

Originally Posted by blue dragon

So you expect us to trouble shoot a problem with the sketchy details you provided. I stopped reading at aftermarket.....

Wow, thats a pretty horrible welcome... Way to make a good impression for your forum!

I'd be glad to give more details if it would be helpful. I asked a few specific questions that would really help to get me on the right track.

Do you have some personal issue with aftermarket parts? I would have much rather had them put an OEM navigation system in but thats part of the long version of the story.

[blue dragon]

You realize how complex the stock system is right? The stock head unit communicates on the MOST bus via a fiber optical to the amplifier in the trunk. We have no clue what after market system you are using, what the pin outs are, how it integrates with the quadlock connector that has the optical connector as part of it. I can't think of anyone here who has put in an aftermarket system.

If you want answers, you need to ask the proper questions

[flip]

Originally Posted by blue dragon

You realize how complex the stock system is right? The stock head unit communicates on the MOST bus via a fiber optical to the amplifier in the trunk. We have no clue what after market system you are using, what the pin outs are, how it integrates with the quadlock connector that has the optical connector as part of it. I can't think of anyone here who has put in an aftermarket system.

If you want answers, you need to ask the proper questions

I do know it's complex... I can provide any information that would be useful. I'm trying to get a better understanding of how it all plays together.

There haven't been any/many aftermarket systems available until recently. This one looked decent so we figured we'd give it a shot...

Touch Screen BMW X5 E70 Head Unit GPS Navigation System with Ipod USB SD AUX Rearview CANBUS

There is a cable from the aftermarket unit that allows its output to be run inline through the aux input while keeping stock functionality.



I'm not sure this matters however because when I return to the stock interface and set the input to aux, with the aux plug hooked up like stock, I still get no sound.

I am aware of which pins go into the aux unit that are L & R from the aux plug if that matters but at this point I don't expect the aftermarket unit to work if the OEM interface AUX does not work.

Would you happen to know how the AUX input enters the oem unit and makes its way to the speakers? Is the optical cable under the arm rest that is plugged into the black box a part of this? There is one unused optical cable under there that is clipped to something to simply hold it...

[flip]

I guess a more specific question is...

Is there a plug behind the stock unit anywhere where the AUX plugs into the unit? Or is it integrated at that point with a much larger plug?

[blue dragon]

Its part of the larger quadlock connector. Suggest you google it for the pin outs.

[flip]

Gotcha. That helps.

Found this...



I'll test for continuity on those. Do you know if it's a straight shot from the AUX jack plug to the quadlock connector? Not converted to optical or anything in between?

Also, do you know if the aux input is showing up as an option on the display, does that mean that the programming is correct? I am unable to turn the volume on it up at all but it is there as an option...

[blue dragon]

No, its not converted to optical. The optical connectors has a green wire, it goes to the MOST ring (amplifier, TCU etc in the left side of the trunk). I have no clue since your nav is aftermarket, if it was OE, then you'd need coding so the unit knows that you have aux in.

[flip]

Originally Posted by blue dragon

No, its not converted to optical. The optical connectors has a green wire, it goes to the MOST ring (amplifier, TCU etc in the left side of the trunk). I have no clue since your nav is aftermarket, if it was OE, then you'd need coding so the unit knows that you have aux in.

Ok thats quite helpful. This aftermarket unit is kinda weird because you can still get back to the stock interface through the new unit's screen. That is why I was wondering about coding. The OE stuff, as far as I know is still there. I have the ability to code if needed but I'd have to set up the E70 daten files which I haven't done yet...

Originally Posted by TerminatorX5

what about the dealer who installed the unit? i would think that the dealer is on the hook to get the thing working right...
troubleshooting a factory system is a nightmare with all the known components - troubleshooting an aftermarket unit with unknown layout and components and pinouts is beyond nightmare, it is almost impossible to do remotely...

They are definitely on the hook. That is part of the long story that I left out. This experience with the dealership (Nalley Nissan in Stone Mountain GA) has been absolutely horrible. They have told me 3 different times that their installer would contact me and he has not. I REALLY do not even want them to touch the car again which is partly why I'm looking into the issue myself.

And yeah, I know it's difficult but definitely not impossible. If I can better understand how the stock system works, I can get a lot further with troubleshooting the aftermarket system.

Originally Posted by blue dragon

Thats what I was trying to tell him about his initial post....
Thats the wrong pin out diagram also for the E70 quadlock

I suggest you read this thread to see where the aux cables terminate on the quadlock

MP3 AUX Input Retrofit - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

I understand what you were getting at. I would have begun asking more specific questions but I'm sure you understand that sometimes in the beginning stages of understanding something, even knowing the right questions to ask is difficult...

The thread you linked is VERY helpful. Thats exactly the type of info I'm looking for. It's not exactly for an E70 but it is close enough to get me a lot further...

Thanks a ton for that info!



One more specific question...
Is there a stock controller box behind the plastic in the glove box? This is where they installed the CD/DVD drive for the new unit. I was supposed to be given the stock parts back and was only given the screen. If there is a stock controller box behind the plastic in the glovebox, I need to make sure to get that back.