XSeries-forum

Afternoon all,

I've been reading a few articles on the Aux input retrofit for external audio devices and this has me confused.

I just tried to connect my ipod to the E53 via the 'Already Existing' Aux input on the back of the centre console, now I'm sure I used to also do this with my old V8 X5 too but then maybe I was getting confused with my E60?!?  However, I can't find the option in the OBC for Aux input.  Am I being mad and the aux input at the back of the console is not for audio to the stereo?  it has an input and output 3.5mm socket.

Yours Confused,
Jon

Hi I think Raj  or Sanj or jaynana may have come across this before, unfortunately beyond my limited knowledge

Aux input should be in the glove box if oem fitted or in the passenger footwell.

If you don't have this you can buy the cable. The X5 is setup for aux but don't always have the connector.

The two connectors in console in the back are tv input and headphones. You can connect a DVD player here but only with mono sound. 

I believe it's possible to make your own aux module. But it's a few basic components not just a wire and a socket.

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?mod ... g=65&fg=95

That is one of the parts. The nav systems has a slightly different part to the other radios.

If you turn on the tv and select aux you'll get mono from your iPod. If your lucky.
With the audio aux input cable added its just another press on the mode button.

Ie. tape -> cd -> radio -> aux.

Thanks for that, now I know about those inputs in the centre console. I'll have a look for the glove box or footwell aux input and if not there just opt for the bale, or I might go with one of the CD changer replacement IPOD thingys which gives me control from the steering wheel.

Thanks again
JV

It's a little while since I had an E53 but I recall having this issue as well.  I believe that the input in the centre console can accept an incoming signal but when I tried it the iPod seemed not to give quite enough signal to overcome the threshold level for the aux input to switch on (a bit like a 'squelch' level in amateur radio terms).
You may find that a portable music player with a higher output will work via the aux input in the console.
Good luck!
Peter T

the input in console is bridged mono and video and will come out of speakers when you go to av on tv. I use it to have sky go on screen whilst driving. just have sky news on so dont really watch it. for quick and cheap ipod connection just tap into audio wires at cd changer and sound will come out when you select cd as long as you havent got cds in!

assume u have a nav head unit, if so

the cable X5LeMans has mentioned is the correct one for fixing an oem aux input (not sure what is compatible if its non nav)

there's a connector about 6 inches down from the nav on the wiring loom; which is where u connect taht cable.

the other end is a standard 3.5mm audio female port. u can connect any audio device into that.

once you connect this cable, the 'Mode' selector on the nav will start showing 'Aux' when you cycle through the modes. until u fix the cable it won't show it. (the cable has a high resistance resistor between the wires. that's how the head unit figures that aux has been enabled)

tbh + from experience i would't bother trying to fix an aux input, i'd just fix an intravee and hook up an ipod.

hope that helps..

There's a guy on m3cutters forum and bmw5 who repairs and upgrades the bm54 radios. Bigger amps etc. he can apparently add Bluetooth streaming audio into it. Do away with wires altogether and apparently tighten up the sound quality. But it is only for cars with Nav / Bordmonitor.