Soundlinx (Soundgate) AUX adapter

[No10]

I have a Neo mp3 car jukebox which I'm trying to fit to my X5. I've now tried two units from Soundlinx (soundgate I think in the US). The unit is supposed to use the CD changer wiring (I don't have a changer fitted) to interface the Neo and I select it by select it by CD mode.
The sound quality and level is useless and there is a lot of crackling and whining from engine revs. There's nothing wrong with the Neo as it works perfectly in my Z3, but to a Clarion head unit.
Has anyone had any experience of this adapter (BMW Aux001)? My X5 (2001) just has the standard business radio cassette. My Neo unit is mounted in the boot where the CD changer would go. Any help would be appreciated as I have a large collection of mp3s and I don't like having loads od CDs in the car.

[el_duderino]

I have used the AUX3 switcher often, in many, many different cars, and it works very well. However, the one of these BMW-cable kits that I tried in an X5 did NOT work very well, with the same problems that you describe - crackly "digital"-sounding noise, hiss, engine whine. THis car I was trying it on DID have the changer.

I spoke with Soundgate Technical about it and got the feeling that the caveat "most BMW" in their web-site blurb on that part was specifically aimed at the X5.

The back of the X5 where the changer is is a NOISY place from an EMI perspective. The switcher is picking up noise from both the wiring, IMO, and the air itself.

Where did you physically position the box? If you stuffed it forward of the changer, I know it would pick up noise from the large flat grounding bracket there (it did in my testing - the noise got louder the closer I placed the box to that bracket, but I didn't find a place that sounded good).

So I guess that you might try moving it around, but I didn't get the warm fuzzies from Soundgate on making that part work in that car.

Since you don't need the changer to operate afterwards (the main purpose of that kit), I would recommend trying the Blitzsafe part BMW/AUX DMX V.1. They are going for just under $100 online plus shipping. I can order you one but you probably can get one quicker from logjamelectronics or enfig. I don't KNOW that it would work, but it's listed specifically for that car, so I'd give it a shot.

Hope that helps... sorry I didn't have a magic bullet for ya.

[No10]

Thanks for the reply. I actually mounted the box on the black bracket.....so probably the worst place. Like you I'm not confident that it's going to be up to standard wherever I mount it.
I'll give these other guys a try, thanks again.