XM Satellite Radio & BMW Installed Auxillary Input
 

Hi all - new to the forum. I've had my X3 for about 3 weeks now and have had a problem using my MyFi (xm satellite radio) w/ the BMW installed auxiliary input. After about 25-30 minutes of use, the radio will stop recognizing the auxillary input and the regular radio will turn on. When I cycle through the radio modes, the aux input will not come up as an option. If I attach another device, like an MP3 player, or just disconnect the XM, the radio recognizes the input again. If I plug the XM back in, it'll either work for just a few minutes or not at all.

The dealer is saying (and seems to be right) that its a problem w/ the XM rather than the aux input. Has anyone experienced this before? Anyone know a fix?

Thanks much

Matt

Sorry I can't answer your question, but...
:xoutpost:

It does sound like there is a problem with the MyFi. Perhaps the output voltage of the MyFi is not compatible with the auxiliary input on the BMW? You might check with Delphi to see if there are any known issues with the MyFi's output drivers. In the mean time, I guess you are using the FM Modulator? We used that on our previous BMW E39 and had decent results. The X3 has the BMW Sirius tuner installed now so we no longer have the ancilliary equipment hanging on the dash.

You can put a "Built-in" XM receiver in place of the CD Changer that is controlled by the BMW radio. See http://www.europeanautosource.com/in...b220f454b0441f

I enjoy the programming on Sirius so that is an easy choice for me. If you like XM, look into the EAS product.

Are you leaving the "other" devices in long enough to see if it drops those as well? And where is the Aux located? I had mine installed in the ashtray of my X5 and it gave out ALL the time. I had to get them to fix it twice, but it was merely because the connection was lose on the back side of the connector. Also, see how hot the connection is the next time it does it.

Oh yeah, :welcome:

I had my mp3 player hooked up for a couple of hours last night to see if it would cut out, but it didn't. The dealer also said that when they were looking at it they had a few different devices hooked up but my issue could not be duplicated, so it definitely seems to be a problem w/ the XM.

I haven't had much luck w/ the modulator, there's too many radio stations in NYC and so there's constant interference.

I'll take a look at the CD changer route and contact Delphi as well. Thanks for your responses.

Just looked at the Xm Built-in receiver and it says that its not compatible w/ Navigation equiped vehicles ...

So, through trial & error I've discovered that the MyFi works if it is not connected to the power adapter and doesn't work if it is connected to the power adapter. Is it possible that the outlet is putting out too much voltage?

Damn...Forgot to ask that as well! :damn: Even now, when my iPod is connected to the charger at the same time as the aux input, it cuts out. As soon as I disconnect it from the charger, its fine. And it is extremely hot to the touch while charging.

I have been using my Myfi with my aux input for months now. No issues whatsoever (and I have nav and dsp). I personally installed my aux input in the glovebox. I use a converter to plug the power into the flashlight port in the glovebox. I also run a ground loop isolator between the myfi and the aux input to get rid of whine. But I have no problems.

Where did you get the converter & the isolator?

Thanks

The power converter was from the dealer. It is like $10. They also sell them on ebay...

The Ground Loop Isolator I got from Radio Shack. Please let me know if you need part numbers.

Matt's correct.

Both XM and Sirius are compatible with the X3, the XM Direct kit is compatible with non-Navigation models only. Regardless, we can get satellite radio integrated like if it was offered from factory.

I have the same problem. My Sirus and Ipod both cause the AUX input to "disappear" after a few minutes. My Ipod without the power connected works fine. My dealer says that BMW is aware of the problem and "they are working on it". Not too optomistic as my X3 is a 2004. If they haven't found a solution by know, looks like they aren't looking too hard.

A Ground-Loop Isolator may be required when the auxiliary device is charged/power from the vehicle's 12V battery source. This part can be found at Radio Shack (Cat.No. 270-054) and will eliminate unwanted noise caused by ground loops.

I installed the ground loop isolator and the problem went away. Most particularly you will notice the fidelity improvement and no more hum. The "Aux" is now working properly even with a powered device such as XM Mifi, iPod, xM2Go, etc. plugged into 12v source.