Today I purchased the AUX adapter and installed it. I wanted to add a few comments to my previous post. 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.
pictures can be seen at:
http://homepage.mac.com/davidpalmer8/pics/PhotoAlbum24.html