My First DIY Project - Adding AUX Input in 2005 X5
 

This serves as my first post, and my first project on my 2005 BMW X5. I recently got a music player, and I did not want to deal with the annoyance of using an FM transmitter. I am also disappointed that Aux In is not a STANDARD feature on such a beautiful car, but maybe it is now.

I was rather apprehensive about installing the Aux Input kit myself, but the dealership was going to charge for 1 - 1.5 hours of time, and after doing some research online, I was ready to jump into it.

I ordered my kit online for about $40, Part # 82110149390, AUX Input Installation Kit. I used a post on Bimmerfest to get me going, and reference the correct TIS instructions for the removal of the radio from the center console. However, I did not like the fact that the installation required mounting the AUX input in the glove box. That seemed like a really difficult place to have my music player, plus access while driving would be difficult. So I decided to throw out an audible, and mount the AUX input in the ashtray, where the cigarette holder was. (Not a smoker). This gave me great access to the player, The AUX cable can still be hidden when not in use, and in general seemed like a better place for it.

I removed the ashtray, drilled a hole for one of the screws, and super glued the AUX IN faceplate in place. I did not have to drill one hole for the other screw, since it fell into the open area where the actual cigarette holder was. I fed the AUX cable behind the stereo, and looped it back up into the where the ashtray would sit. After I glued the faceplace, and screwed in the screws, I put the ashtray back in the car, fed the AUX in cable into the faceplate (this was tough, took some effort), and locked it in place.

I have some rather low quality photos attached, but I think you can see the result of my work. I have a realitively good looking AUX in jack, in a realitively good place. And it works great. Just thought I would share with the community. Hope this will give someone else on the fence the encouragement to put this in. And I have to say, it felt great to do this on my own.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1046/...45c39e0911.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3264/...e48e41c518.jpg

This is genius! Exactly what I've been looking for, but scared to do it myself. I imagine it will work on my 2004 4.4 in the same general manner. Can you tell me how difficult it was to remove the radio? Thank you - John

Sweet write up. Looks like this will be my next project.

Dan

thanks
 

Thanks guys - I'm quite happy with the result myself. Removal of the radio and the CD player was pretty easy, actually. The instructions (in the Bimmer link I mentioned) show the removal of the multi-info display and the radio.

It took a little patience after twisting the small screw and pulling at the right angle to remove both, but you will be able to "feel" it out as you go. I'm not a big DIY'er, and my wife was VERY nervous about my project. But, I knew I could always run back to the dealer with my tail between my legs, and ask for help.

One final note I just remembered - this kit was for a NON-NAV, with the Business CD player. They have similar kits if your BMW has NAV, and I would assume the instructions differ slightly as well.

Thanks for the post... I had some time today to drop by here and take a look at some of the DIY links on the main page... and this looked like a good one that I will definitely do. (My wife's 328i comes with the AUX input already in it, so we use the ipod with that setup already.) I also think the location you have installed the jack is better than the glove compartment.

For another way to use your new aux connector, see this:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...onnection.html

If those using an fm connection, please consider the better and safer aux method.

There are many good articles one this forum on how to install an aux. Even if you have to pay someone, do it.

Note that the aux works with bluetooth, so it is all good.

Thanks for the 411

Nice install.

The advantage of the glovebox mount is that you can keep the ipod in the glovebox hidden from view and lock it in there if needed. The disadvantage is tha you'll need a little longer cable to comfortably work it from the driver's seat. Another disadvantage that I discovered the hard way was that if you leave the cable connected to the aux input while in the glovebox, if anything hits the cable as it enters the connector (like the leather folder with all the manuals) over time it will loosen and you'll have an intermittent signal. Annoying as hell. So now I keep the cable disconnected at the aux input when not using an ipod and also cleaned out the glovebox somewhat.

Last point, if you are using an ipod make sure you get a cable with a connector that connects to the bottom port of the ipod rather then the headphone jack. That way you'll get line-out output from it and can control the ipod's sound with just the radio controls and not have to use the radio controls AND the ipod to adjust the sound.

Yes, it is important to use the bottom connector for sound and for recharging. The Tuneflex connects like that, recharges as well and has an adjustable output so you can get the best sound.

The disadvantage is that even if you take your iPod/phone with you, a criminal might see the stalk and assume there is something to steal and break in. If you are worried about that, then the glovebox method is best. Of course, many people don't want any cables, etc. cluttering things up.

Great input. The tuneflex is certainly nice and does have the additional advantage of recharging which will not happen using the aux input method alone unfortunately. I also didn't know about the adjustable output!

i have the dice - but would consider the aux input as a replacement or addition so i can connect my storm as well. What is the part number for this with navigation?

Shoot tom at eas a note and he'll hook you up.

eas - 714.369.8524 | Auxiliary Audio Input - Navigation equipped vehicles

eas - 714.369.8524 | Auxiliary Audio Input - e39/X3/X5 Business CD

How difficult would it be to run the aux input into the center storage compartment (in between the front seats)??

That would = no clutter/out of sight (like glove compartment install), but would keep the input/player within easier reach.

Not that difficult, though it will be a PITA. Biggest problem you'll have is the cable might not be long enough for such an install. Ask Tom about cable length, when I did mine I didn't think to measure it, if you get the length please post it for future readers.

eas - 714.369.8524 | Auxiliary Audio Input - Navigation equipped vehicles

It is pretty easy. That's where I had mine at first and I was able to do it without removing the console just by removing the shifter console trim and the leather boot for the e-brake to allow access to run the wire safely. Then just marked the hole location and pulled the console storage bin out to drill it. Slipped that back in then screwed that puppy in. Overall took me about 10 minutes.

Thanks, guys. Nice to know.

Weasel, I would love to do that as well! How do I remove the shifter console trim and the leather boot from the ebrake? I am also nervous about DIY's :whew:

Just grab the leather of the shifter console with your fingers and pull up, same at the e-brake handle leather. (from the top or bottom)

Will this work on a 2001 4.4 with nav?

Nice write-up!! :thumbup: This is exactly how I installed mine in April. I actualy used a wire hanger to fish out the cable when I installed mine.

Enjoy........

I would like to try this install but had a question. How does one get the wire through the ashtray up to the radio? Is a hole drilled in the bottom of the ashtray or does one route the wire through the hole for the plastic lense for the ashtray light?

thanks much in adavnce and happy father's day to Xoutpost dads:thumbup:

The wire is drop down from the radio. It might be easier for you to find the wire if you remove the climate control panel, but this is unnecessary if you have the patient to fish for the wire. A hole must be drilled in the bottom or side of the ashtray, which is what I preferred anyway since I still wanted light to come into the ashtray.

dlk thanks so I am having a little trouble removing the Business CD I released the screws but it still is stuck is there another step to removal of it?

thanks

I installed the AUX input today but I dont get the option to switch to AUX input on my non-nav unit, it just goes between FM (or am) and CD. What am I missing?

I read something somewhere about dealer activation? Do I need the Dealer to activate the ability to go to AUX input? Is there a DIY instead of going ot the dealer if so?

No dealer activation needed. What year is your X? Certain model year will require you to swap a couple of pins on the connector and the AUX option may not be available for earlier model years.

Hi DKL - Its a 2001.

Hey JFox, that is exactly how I did mine as well earlier this year. I myself can also be called one of those who needs to see things done first before being able to do it but I've searched and searched for step by step install instructions here but somehow most of the members who did the DIY seem to miss some small steps.

I kid you not, I've had this auxillary cable in my garage for over 1 1/2 years before I finally got the courage to do it. I gave myself 2 hours since I was going blind in doing it but after I figured out how to take off the darn radio head unit, I was done in 20 minutes. That is where I hit a roadblock the few times I tried doing the install...all the DIY doesn't tell you how to take off the radio unit. If you look at all the write ups, they just tell you to pull the volume knob off and that's it. So finally after tinkering with the knob off, I slipped a small screw driver into the small hole and lifted it up and VOILA...I got it out. After that whole ordeal, everything was a piece of cake.

Good job!

I'm afraid you're out of luck. Only 2003 and later models (produced after 10/2002) have the option to add AUX.

Just performed this mod. Everything works, but I'm having the following issues:

-Sound is "hollow" and faint, with some static. This can be fixed if I put my finger on either end that's being connected... my iPhone or the Aux jack. WTF. Makes me feel like I'm not getting a great connection... or is there is a "grounding" issue. It's like my finger give it the extra "help" transferring the signal. Not sure. Just ordered a couple new cables to try, including one that hooks onto the bottom of the iPhone (The cable I'm using now is "male-to-male" jacks). Anyone else have this issue?

-Also, sometimes when I turn my car on, my radio takes a minute to light up... Sometimes I hear the radio, but don't see any light. I've removed the radio and tried re-installing it. It seems to happen more when I leave it in Aux mode when I turn everything off... Radio and CD player seem properly re-installed.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Update (if anyone's paying attention... lol)... I'm 99% sure it's a grounding issue. I believe one of the 3 wires is a "ground" wire... I'm going to take out the radio again and check to make sure it's getting a good connection and is in fact in the correct terminal.

As for the other issue, it seems to be fixed after I further tightened the screw that holds in the main radio... Still need to see if it happens again over time.

If none of the above work -- and no one hear has any solutions -- I guess I'll bight the bullet and take it to the Dealership.

Would I be able to use the input for the CD changer instead? Is there the option for a CD changer in the 01? If so, does anyone know which plugs in the back are for the CD changer?

If not....anyone have a radio for sale from a post 10/2002? :dunno:

Thanks.

Thought I would add to this post. Done a bit differently

LOVE THAT!

Maybe someone here can advise. I added Grom Audio BT to my '03 e39, and I removed the Aux cable to do it. Can I replace the changer with BT in my 01 e53, or does that still require the '03 or newer head unit? The e53 has the DSP nav system - don't know how that factors in.

Whoaaa I never seen that before. post some info

Thanks guys...here is more info.

- Referenced all the posts on this site for removing the nav screen, aux cable install, & ashtray replacement

Additional parts:

- Retractable Aux cable - Fonus Black Retractable 3.5mm Input Car Stereo Auxiliary AUX Jack Audio Cable Wire Adapter Connector for Apple - amazon

- aux/iphone charger - XtremeMac IPU-IA3-11 InCharge Auto Aux for iPhone/iPod/iPad - amazon

- The black screws that come with the aux kit were not flush enough with that aux input plate, thus tray would not sit properly on top...so bought a more flatter head screw from the local hardware store.

- rubber cement,white out,file


1-rubber cemented the plate close to the current position in the pic above..wanted to use a temp adhesive

2-brushed a nice coat of white out over the plate

3-immediately place the tray back sitting on top of plate, pressed down and kept it there for a bit.....white out dries fast....this would mark where to drill the hole on the back of the tray

4-drill the hole in the tray. drill hole for the screw. install aux cable to the plate.

5-put the tray in....having only the one screw gave me some play to line it up into the hole in case i f-ed it up...and as you can see in my pic, my plate is not very straight :dunno:

One issue regarding the L-shaped aux plug I used(straight aux plugs were fine):

-if you notice in the pic above, the plastic cover around the aux plug that goes into the aux input is a bit discolored/thinner as compared to the other one. I needed to file that down as it was restricting the plug to go through the hole and properly connect to the aux input.

-I also filed down the hole making it more of an oval shape to match the shape of the plastic around the plug

clean look and cost efficient for my needs