Apple iPod and 2003 330i (auxiliary audio input?)

palmerman

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#1
I have heard that there is an auxiliary input in the back of the '03 BMW stereos - that requires an adapter available from a dealer... so that I can hook up my Apple MP3 player (mini output) directly into my car stereo. I have called 3 dealers and they can't seem to find the part - or confirm a input port in the back. I don't want to tear out the stereo to not find a port. IS THERE A INPUT PORT? WHAT IS THE ADAPTER PART NUMBER? OR How can I best hook up to stereo with a hard wire. I hate the "FM Transmitters". They all stink... lots of annoying static in the background. Please help! I want my iTunes in my car! Thanks.
 

palmerman

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#5
Aux Input Part Number

According to above link... here are the part numbers depending on if you have NAV.


BMW Aux Input Adapter for MY2003 or later cars (note: not yet available in the U.S.)

Part number w/o Nav: 65 12 0 153 501


Part number w/ Nav: 65 12 0 153 503 (note: instructions here are for non-nav cars, but everything is pretty similar. You will have a different and somewhat tricky procedure to pull the radio, and the harnesses won't quite match)
 

dextius

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#6
Hoping for more answers..

First off, I just bought a 325ci convertible, it is simply the best decision I have made in my life (hey, I'm still 24, not too many decisions so far).

Umm, I have a 20 gig Ipod, it's nice, I don't care for the menuing system a whole lot, might grab the 30 gig, as they have a bit more sort functions that I prefer.. (Or I may just load linux on it and be done with apple's silly interface).

I'd love to get this thing loaded into my car, but it's probably a non-starter if I can't get it certified by BMW. Anyone have this set up? How does it look? What is the interface like?

dextius
 

palmerman

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#7
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
 
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LI NY
#8
Thats pretty Sweet! The only thing im not crazy about is the Ipod output comming from the headphone jack. I have the belkin car adapter, So I was thinking of incorperating it somehow. So I would be able to charge the unit as well when in the car. Also I wouldnt have to worry about what the volume was set to th elast time I used it.
Is there an easy way to put a female power adapter in the dash near the Aux cable? This was I could still use my Belkin cable.
 
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LI NY
#11
Both are Fm modulators and the quality is Very poor. the only way to get good sound is a direct output. Ever the cassette adapters are good, but not even close to cd quality.
 


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