Music, how can I listen to Spotify or Pandora?
 

Or am I SOL? My '05 has bluetooth, but only for the phone, I believe. I don't see an AUX IN jack (either 1/8" or USB) anywhere on or near the radio. I do have the "Business CD" whatever that is... Is there a jack elsewhere? Center console? Glovebox? That I haven't seen. I do not have the manual to the radio, I know that would probably help. In my former Benz I had a jack in the glovebox into which I plugged a Bovee "Tune2Air" bluetooth receiver. Worked well and let me use the steering wheel controls and make and take phone calls. I've looked around, is Grom my only option? Any input is appreciated.

Tell us what you want exactly. I provided this aux input link and video a few weeks ago for you and this is the easiest way to play your pandora and spotify from your phone but you will not have steering wheel controls as this is not linked to the IBus. It is a physical 3.5mm jack to plug your phone into and use the aux mode on your Business CD.

https://xoutpost.com/1148329-post8.html

If you want true streaming, Grom is probably your only option short of replacing the head unit with an aftermarket system.

Thanks for reposting that, I forgot I had asked... My CRS is acting up (Can't Remember Stuff). Yes, I think that would work fine. I wouldn't mind controlling it from my phone. I'm sure the phone would mute when I get a call. Where is the Aux In? on the back of the CD? Or does it plug in elsewhere? I don't see one on the front anywhere. I like the price on this better than the Grom also.

On a different topic... I have gotten the toughbook up and running. Apparently the previous owner used it for the same thing. It appears to have an active ALLDATA subscription on it now. I have loaded and installed some of the software. I'll send you a PM, no need to go into it here.

+1 what Overboost said.

OEM Retrofit Aux Kit

If you want cordless/bluetooth add,
FireFly Bluetooth

best mod I've done to the X5. It's a clean install, and functionality is great. And you can unplug it at anytime and hide it away.

I share your CRS sentiment. In my case, I call it a "senior moment". You have been doing a lot to your X5 in a very short time so there has been a lot to follow and understand.

I'm not sure if any of the E53 X5 models came with an aux in port from the factory. I think it was an option. It will plug into the wiring connector on the back of your Business CD. If you click on the installation video from the other post (I added it below) it will show you step by step how to install the aux in adapter. You can put the jack anywhere you want but most guys, like the installer on the video, placed it in the ashtray compartment.

Installation Video

This what i use for now.

Nulaxy Wireless in-Car Bluetooth FM Transmitter Radio Adapter Car Kit W 1.44 Inch Display Supports Tf/SD Card and USB Car Charger for All Smartphones Audio Players https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018E0I01I..._rGPjCbRANQNPE

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920AZ using Tapatalk

You can also look for a DICE/Audiovox Mediabridge.

It has Bluetooth audio and also supports Ipods and/or USB Drives. I have one and it's not without it's shortcomings but it gets the job done.

Unfortunately they are out of production so you'll have to be patient and search for a used one. In the meantime the AUX cable is a good way to go on the cheap and will give you better audio quality.

Thanks all. I think initially I'm just going to try the AUX cable, if manipulating the phone becomes too cumbersome I'll move on to something better. All of these sound like good ideas.

What I ended up getting was a Bluetooth / AM-FM Radio transmitter.

Connect the phone via bluetooth to the device and then tune the radio into the appropriate station.