Aux and CD changer question
 

So I tried using the Aux input that I found inside the ashtray but I get no sound from my iPod. Is there something I have to do to get it to work?

Also, does the OE CD changer play MP3 discs?

TIA!

For the AUX adapter if it is hooked up properly you should be able to hit the "Mode" button and it will show you as being on the AUX setting and you can play your iPod from that.

The CD Changer in my '06 X5 played MP3's. Looks like the part number on mine is "65126983335-01"

Hmm, I have the AUX choice when I hit mode but no sound. Hmm. Might try a different cable. Where/what type of cable did you use?

Time to burn a MP3 CD and try it on my changer :)

Just a standard 3.5mm to 3.5mm. Make sure your iPod volume is up, since the Aux input will be dependent on both volumes.

Hhahaa, yeah, I had to crank up the ipod volume to max for it to get a strong enough signal (clean). Looks like I won't have to be getting a DICE link. I hate the interface with the DICE unit. I'd rather use the iPod controls directly. Way easier to find songs. Burning some MP3 cds now to test the changer :)

Jsears are you sure about that CD changer p/n? I think the last digit should be a "6".

Also there are other units that work, you'll have to do some searching to find them as they are not really listed online. Someone should compile a list of ones that do and don't work, but I guess since everybody's moving to the ipod, there is less and less interest in it.

The aux uses a standard audio cable with 3.5mm male connectors to connect to the aux input and your headphone output on your ipod. HOWEVER, what will happen is that the volume will now be regulated by BOTH the volume knob in the car AND the volume control on the ipod itself. Now if you connect your ipod using the dock connector you will get a true line level signal (much cleaner) and it will no longer require you to make volume adjustments on the ipod itself. All volume control will now be done with just your car's volume knob. (It won't charge the ipod btw, so if you leave it connected and running, like for example when switching from AUX mode back to radio or cd changer, your ipod will still be running (in fact it won't even be on pause unless you put it on pause yourself) and if you then go shopping all day and come back to the car, you now have an ipod with a fully drained battery)) Just an FYI.

You need a cable like this:

eas - 714.369.8524 | iPod 3.5mm to Dock Connector Cable

Thanks XMeister! You rock! Thats more ideal! I would like to get the best signal so this is much better. I already have a DICE kit in my 740 and don't really like the way the playlists are setup (no names) and it doesn't randomize which really sucks ass b/c I listen to the same songs over and over.

I opted to do the Intravee II for my own personal iPod just because it is easy to use and I don't want to worry about having to charge it, my iPhone and whatever else I may have up front. Plus I figured it would be good to leave the AUX input for my friends and their iPods/MP3 players just encase they have something they may want to listen to that I don't have.

I don't see any P/N on the changer that has a last digit of "6". I must be special!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/...ce3376e242.jpg

Glad to help. Most people hate the aux input route simply because it does nothing else other than accept an input. There is no display of any kind on your radio/nav unit, no song identification, no nothing. BMW designed this car wayyyy before ipods and at least had the foresight to include an aux input for any standard source. I'm happy with it. Personally what I do is use the ipod with a similar cable to the one above and let it sit on the insert in the cupholder area. That way I have relative easy access to it and it doesn't fly off somewhere when I hit the brakes. The insert runs around $10 or so.

Having said that, I think the Intravee is probably the best ipod integration you can get for these cars.

Yep, jsears you are special. That's a fake BMW CD changer. Just look at the label. It says "BMW Group." Dead giveaway. And everybody knows BMW's are made in Germany, not Hungary. Come on man.

Here's what I got, that's why I thought it should be a "6" on the end.

I've been duped! For shame! Yep, mine doesn't even say BMW on the front door portion. Plus I guess it pays to read the ENTIRE label!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3308/...65192555f2.jpg

Everybody knows the the CD Change for Alpina X5 came from Hungry! :rofl::rofl:

Good one. Sell it and fast before too many people read this thread and wise up.

Well, looks like my 04 changer doesn't play MP3s. I'm 0 for 2 now! Sheesh. I guess its just gonna be the AUX for now. bummer.

Is your car still under warranty?

Press the Audio button while you're in AUX mode, then look for the "AUX +/-" option to adjust for additional gain. This way, you won't have to max out the ipod volume, which may not necessarily get you the "cleanest" signal.

No, its not, but I'm going to ask the local dealer how much to CPO the car...if that is even possible.

Thanks for the extra info on the AUX gain. I think that will help normalize the transition from radio to aux. Its like the aux is really low compared to the other inputs.

CPO is not possible. Look into Fidelity extended warranties, seem to be very very good.

i was curious on this - I know for most amps, the input should be at the highest voltage, to reduce the gain on amps - this produces cleaner sound.

I think that noise passed between the ipod and the radio is at a constant input voltage (noise from connections, wire, etc...), and leaving the ipod low, while cranking up the radio will amplify any noise.

i recommend turning your ipod close to max (about 90-95%) and adjusting the radio for further volume.

OP - try both ways and see which is better.

:iagree: with your assessment. Personally, I wouldn't run the output above 80%-85%. Above that, you will start to saturate the output (headphone) amp. and/or clip the signal, and distortion starts to kick in. So, you'll be trading noise with distortion. Personally, I'll take noise over distortion.

when ur in aux mode if u puch the preset buttons it will ajust the volume.
p1 being the lowest and p6 being the highest.