AUX Audio Input Kit Installtion

[JimL330i+]

I just bought a 82 11 0 149 389 BMW Auxiliary Audio Input Kit which connects to the radio connector and gives you a port to input things like an MP3 player! It comes with very general instructions and step 1 is "Remove the Radio". Okay, how do I do this without breaking anything? Can anyone help? I have a 2003 330i.

[morcheeba]

How much did it cost? (I'm thinking of getting one)

I'm trying to track down the procedure, but the site that usually has it (openbmw.org) says it's temporarily down.... hopefully this isn't due to legal threat. The bentley manual has a good description, too. I haven't done it yet...

[r32066]

to remove the radio (non nav) first remove the decorative trim to the right and left. Do this with a flat head screwdriver and be sure to use a rag as to not scratch anything. Then the two screws holding the radio in will be revealed.

[JimL330i+]

1. Thanks for the tip on removing the simulated leather rubber trim on either side of the radio. Does this just pop off with a little prying?

2. I saw that website mentioned and had the same problem. Does anyone else have step by step instructions with photos?

3. The AUX adapter was about $40. It comes complete with the harness and plug and an ugly face plate. They want you to mount it inside the glove box which is not at all practical! So I am glad I didn't just ahve the dealer install this. I am thinking of putting the AUX port inside the storage compartment beneath the radio and HVAC console.

[morcheeba]

No! Don't remove the simulated rubber/leather trim... remove the aluminum or wood trim above the radio. I found that on the left side of the dashboard (above the lighting controls) this trim was actually made out of one huge hunk of metal... but it's still easy to scratch.

I'm also thinking of mounting the connector in the utility box, or in the elbow-rest-box... not quite sure yet. Thanks for the info.

[r32066]

YES!! Don't remove the black rubber!! By "trim" I meant the decorative pieces (wood or silver) that go across your dash...you have to remove both of them to access the radio screws.

[JimL330i+]

Thanks for setting me straight! I appreciate the help. I'm not in my car right now but I believe the simulated wood is one piece across the center console (starting at the rt. of the instrument cluster to the glove box). It's height is from about the center of the radio to 1-2" above it and this piece spans across the radio as mentioned. (A picture is worth a thousand words!) I will attempt to work on this tomorrow and will let you know how it goes.

Note that the harness will probably not be long enough to put the outlet in the armrest box, but you could easily splice it longer.

[JimL330i+]

Thanks for your help, the installation of the AUX jack is completed and a success! I can now plug my iPod into it and have access to all my music across my car stereo! Isn't technology wonderful? Thanks to BMW for installing a radio with this capability and for offering the AUX jack to its customers.

The installation turned out to be pretty simple. The biggest part is figuring out where you want to install the jack. I installed mine in the little "sunglass" compartment below the HVAC control and above the ash tray compartment. The AUX harness just dropped right behind the controls into that compartment (when removed). I drilled a hole in the very back of the removed compartment on the righthand side. There is more room on the right behind the installed compartment for the body of the jack. With the rubber lining inside that compartment the wall thickness was too great for the threads on the jack. So I had to a larger hole to accomodate the body of the jack as well (the rubber does not drill well and this proved favorable). The nut was then screwed onto the jack threads mounting the jack essentially to the rubber and not the plastic. I was affraid this would be a problem but it turned out to be very secure.

Removing the radio was a snap! The E46 has one piece of simulated wood trim over the radio. With two flathead screw drivers on the left and one on the right side of the radio I simplied pryed up from the bottom edge of the trim (against the simulated leather/foam rubber). The trim is not "clipped" in, it is fastened by plastic posts that fit into rubber holes. The right side of this trim is also fastened with the piece of trim over the glove box, so that edge needs to be popped out enough to remove the piece over the radio. The radio removes with 2 cross-recessed screws -- simple! The connectors come off as per the instructions that come with the AUX jack. No problems with radio codes or anything like that.

Anybody can feel free to email me at beyondc1@comcast.net if you need clarity on anything when you go to do yours! Happy trails!

[Darius]

Jim, I wonder would this work on a year 2000 model that I have? Also you don't have a real wood in 2003? That sucks.

[morcheeba]

Wow, cool Jim! I think I'll pick up this kit when I'm at the dealership next. I'm also working on an ipod install - details here (http://www.maushammer.com/systems/ipod-remote/ipod-remote.html), so hopefully I can get the steering wheel buttons working to control the ipod. Of course, I'll post here when I get it all together. So far, I have a proof-of-concept done - I can sense the buttons and control the Ipod, but I have to join the two things together. And then try to do an auto on/off for the ipod, too. fun fun fun!

[JimL330i+]

Sorry I haven't checked-in in a week, but I've been playing with my iPod in the car!! He he... An AUX adapter is a logical feature for all cars in today's digital world. Spread the word on this BMW and MiniCooper option so they will make it a standard feature in the future. Hopefully the U.S. manufacturers will catch on to this too!

Darius: I couldn't tell you if this would work in any other model but you can remove your radio and see if there is an empty connector port on the back. But somewhere along the line I read that BMW changed the radio connector configuration in the E46. The dealer should be able to tell you when you buy the part.

Morcheeba: Good deal on the steering wheel interface for iPod! Let me know how this goes! This is real electrical work!! Right now I am waiting to see what gadgets www.xtrememac.com/foripod will release. I am hoping for some decent car holders that will adapt well into the 2003 BMW 330i, because I haven't seen anything I like yet.

[jskene]

I installed a Creatvie Nomad Jukebox III in the armrest. It fits quite nicely, once you remove the upper and lower plastic liners. I replaced the original lower liner with some foam and black suede. When the armrest is closed, there is no indication that the player is there. I wired up a charging circuit to the switched-12Volt source in the dash, and run the player through a cassette adapter.

I would like to take a look at the radio (year 2000 328, with GPS) to see if there is an aux input, but can't figure out how to get at it. Does anyone know how to remove the trim?

A photo of the player follows:
http://www.skene.org/bmw/images/Nomad-Jukebox-2.jpg

[jskene]

I have found a good source of info on trim and radio removal at:
http://www.openbmw.org/downloads/

so please ignore my question in the previous posting.

[palmerman]

Jim - Thanks for your post - Today I purchased the AUX adapter and installed it almost per your post. I wanted to add a few comments. First of all, I have been looking for a dealer who know about the adapter for 3 months. Today, the service manager at Santa Monica BMW in CA said he just started getting the part in 3 weeks ago and hadn't heard of it before. I got some additional part numbers to share from an official copy of his BMW Aftersales Parts Bulletin (dated 7/03 Billetin# 65 02 03). First of all... This kit is for the 3 series, 5 series and X5 2003MY. An AUX input is under development for the Z4 (E85) and will be available by 9/03. An AUX input will NOT be available for the 7 series (E65). The part numbers are...

3 Series (E46) without NAV - 82 11 0 149 389
5 Series (E53), X5 (E53) without NAV - 82 11 0 149 390
3, 5, X5 with NAV - 82 11 0 149 391

Price for any of the above $39.95
Dealer is quoting 1.0 to 1.5 hours to install. (I did it in 20 min.)

AUDIO LEVEL
Another interesting thing... "The aux audio input level can be adjusted via additional 'aux level' setting in the tone control menu of the radio"

THE INSTALL
I followed Jim's notes on pulling out the radio, etc... Then I removed the sunglass holder (just pulled straight out when open). Upon examination and with the addition of a mini to mini male cable (radio shack), I was able to feed the new AUX wire down through the dash and into the sunglass area. Then (this is where we differed) I found a hole in the hinge on the door of the sunglass case where I was able to feed the cable through without having to drill the car. I then slid the sunglass holder back into its hole, reattached the stereo, and presto, I was in business with just a small black mini lead in the sunglass case ready to attach to my iPod. I kept about 4 inches of play in the cable so I can comfortably hold my iPod in my hand near the shifter, or stow it completely (while playing) in the sunglass case (yes,even closed.) I hope this helps out some people. The sound is AMAZING. This is the finishing touch to my 330i PP.
:D

[palmerman]

Here is a link to my final AUX install for my iPod. Enjoy
http://homepage.mac.com/davidpalmer8/pics/PhotoAlbum24.html

[fcotanis]

Awasome work!!!
Thank you for the posts!
Great job guys,
Filip

[morcheeba]

Nice work palmerman ... that looks good!

I plan on picking up this kit for my ipod...

BTW, it looks like BMW has changed their car temperature control layout... looks better now; more intuitive.

[jskene]

Does the aux input plug in in series with an existing connector on the back of the radio, or should there be an unused connector there to plug it into. My radio/nav has 2 connectors, both used.

Does the aux input plug in in series with an existing connector on the back of the radio, or should there be an unused connector there to plug it into. My radio/nav has 2 connectors, both used.

I can't speak to the radio with NAV, but on the CD Radio, when you unmount the black main connecter, there was an empty port in the clip which I installed the new connecter (female) to. The kit comes with good directions. If you are MY 2003 you will be fine with the right kit. It was NOT in series to answer your question.

SO - Today was my first day cruising with the iPod directly connected to the stereo (and not through the FM transmitter - which SUCKED) and it ROCKED. The smartest feature besides the AUX input is the INPUT LEVEL ADJUSTMENT (under the bass adjustment button). You can dial it in from 1 to 5 to bump up the power (volume) from the iPod. I set mine to 4.

If anyone wants more pics or help with their iPod install, email me at david@palmer-inc.com
:roll:

[palmerman]

Ahhh... that previous post is from me... NOW A MEMEBER... Yahoo. :lol:

[Dave Milam]

I just installed the aux input kit with the connector in the sunglass compartment and it works perfectly. Thank you for the great instructions and information (especially the aux level adjustment).
This will be perfect for the my next road trip

Dave

[palmerman]

Dave - I am so glad to be able to pass on little tips here and there. I have picked up a few great ones on this fourm. Congrats on the ZHP.... I love mine!
Pod on my brother... palmerman. :)

[mcurran76]

I am a brand new BMW owner (2001 330i), and admittedly a novice regarding all of this stuff. I want to start off by saying this site is incredible, and I can't believe how much information is available.

This is my first post, and it's really just a request for some basic info on my options for upgrading my audio system. I have the stock business radio with a tape deck only, although the car is pre-wired. This thread has made me consider forgoing the 6-disc changer and instead go with an ipod (if possible for my late-model vehicle). Also, I'd like to get better speakers, but Crutchfield claims they do not sell speakers that fit my car. Overall, I'd just like some advice/opinions about which direction I should move in. Any replies to this post, or email sent to mcurran76@yahoo.com would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[shoupresse]

Hi !

great post but what if you have a NAV Pro system, I guess the radio is in the boot next to the cd changer, am I wrong ? Is it the same adaptor ? Does anybody tried it ?

Tx in advance for the answer.

-S

[Santaduck]

Since the ipodyourbmw.com solution is not compatible with 330i with the Nav system, does anyone know if the older glovebox AUX connection from BMW is compatible with Nav?

I couldn't tell from that photo...

[MarvelPhx]

I have heard the plug is there for the NAV system, but I would ask your dealer. I put both part numbers in the DIY.

[DanielN]

is the aux install kit ($50) different from the iPod install kit ($150)? At least the price is diffrenet. If I am not mistaken the BMW iPod install kit allows you to control the selection of songs through the radio controls. The only control in the steering wheel is the volume. The iPod is store out of sight in the glove box and is always charged. I am not sure if you can do this with the aux input kit.

I was wondering if anyone has a setup for sharing the aux input with an IPod and XM direct unit or anyother digital device? Would an A-B switch work?

[shayreddy]

If you have a 2001 BMW with a 2001 Radio there is no place to connect the auxillary input in the back of the stereo . For the price of any of the IPOD kits or aux kits, you can get a new radio! A great way to go is to get a new stereo, Another awesome way is the FM transmitter for your Ipod. - it doesnt work as great as cable or ipod kit, but guess what no wires and its completely mobile and only 40 bucks! You can leave it in your shirt pocket and never forget it in the car as well!! - Anyway something to think about.