How do I get an Aux input in my '01 X5?
 

How can I add an aux input to my 7/01 X5? Would love to have an aux input jack in my glovebox. It's a non-nav, non-dsp, cassette in dash.

Thanks in advance!

In order to get the factory AUX then you'll need a 2003 or newer radio module.

There are some aftermarket AUX kits from companies such as Blitzsafe and Soundgate.

You may also want to check with Tom G. to see how close Dension is to having this capability ready to go. It's there in firmware (it shows up on my nav screen as an additional source), but I'm not sure how to actually connect something up. :dunno:

Since you have the cassette in dash model there is another very simple but valid solution. I have been using this on my X5 for several months now with no problem what so ever and the sound is amazingly good. I just used a cassette adaptor and hid the wire behind the radio unit, down to the central column and up to the central armrest where my mp3 player sits. Tere is no visible wire at all. I have a pretty basic Rio Forge mp3 player and the sounds is already very good, comparable to what I get from the CD changer. I am planning to replace it by a better player soon but still plan to use the same system. I have tried 3 different cassette players before finding one which does not make any noise when the wheels rotate. Here is the thread I wrote on this:
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...assette+player

Alain, what brand tape adapter did you use?

I used Monster iCarPlay. I first tried the Belkin but it was pretty noisy. The Monster does not make any noticeable noise.

Do you have a CD Changer? There is a crude way of installing an AUX port into the CD Changer line on pre 09/02 models (DSP or non-DSP).

I'd like to hear more.

This is what I used to hook up XM to the factory head unit (no DSP) in my wife's X:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Xvg7Gzy...asp?I=581DFBMW

Easy install - hardest part was running the RCA cables to the front under the carpet. You do lose use of your CD changer, but she never really used it anyway.

ive not got a cd changer atall in my car but how do you connect the ipod to this aux interface

You have to have the wiring for the CD changer to connect this unit. Essentially the plug that connects to the CD changer is plugged into this adapter (which connects it to the head unit) and then you run RCA cables to from the adapter to the device. You will then need an earjack to RCA link (y-connector) to link the iPod to the RCA cables.

Man I knew I should have taken pictures when I did this install!!

I'm guessing you can't use this with DSP :( ...the connection we have from the changer to the dsp amp is min-coax. Would it be possible to connect this to the amp using an analog connection?

No, it will not work with DSP systems. And the connection to the radio is specific for the CD changer harness on a non-DSP system, so I would not think you would be able to hook it up any other way.

If I get a chance this weekend, I will take some pics of the install. I need to get the controller mounted anyways.

i kind off get it now , at the mo im trying to find the leads its a bit tight in there ive found one lead but looks nothing like the one that fits the cd changer [ i'll get a photo up off it ]

Thanks, Tom. I do have an oem changer in the trunk, which I would like to keep use of. I'm not willing to sacrifice the changer for an aux input.

How hard would it be to swap my head unit for a 2003 or newer head unit? is it a simple swap if I could somehow reasonably get my hands on one? If so, wouldn't I be able to install the aux input at that point?

Does anyone know what he's talkin about?

I'd like to know too?? Tom can you elaborate pls?

bump

You may want to post this question for him in the Vendor forum, with a reference to his post in this thread ;)

Sorry guys - I have been very busy this holiday season with email - I'm just catching up. This is also one of the reasons I'm posting at 12:30am!

The proper way would be to use an aftermarket AUX adapter with our DSP converter kit - but this replaces the CD Changer. Since BMW is still selling X5s w/ NAV with cassette players behind the screen (where can we even get a cassette nowadays? :dunno: ) not many people would want to go this route.

The DSP converter kit we offer has a Right and Left Audio in for the ice>Link to accept. Essentially, this can be used for an AUX port as long as something is fooling the iBus that a CD Changer is present. This can be a CD Changer or something that emulates that specific unit (think ice>Link Plus). As long as you have your CD Changer present, the radio will allow for CD Changer (or CDC 1-01) to be seen on the NAV display. This is also what is controlled by the 3-pin adapter on the CD Changer wiring harness.

A switching device (similiar to the Source Selector) can be built to switch the audio leads over from the CD Changer to the AUX input. Again, this is a very crude way of doing it since "CDC 1-01" will still be seen on the NAV screen and think it's controlling a CD Changer, but the audio will be whatever is streaming into the DSP converter.

It's not the best way to do things - but you will still get an AUX input into the system. A simplier way would be just to get the ice>Link Plus and wait for the AUX3 to arrive. This will allow for 3 additional AUX devices to be added to your existing ice>Link, the firmware has already been included in v2B2.

Hope this clears things up! :thumbup:

The X5 radio can be swapped in a matter of minutes. It's one of the easiest jobs you can do. Do you have Business CD or Navigation?