AUX Input does not work

[seadzz]

Great site folks, lots of info here.

Had a local dealer install the AUX Input today on my '02 325 Ci. I connected it to my portable MP3 player (iRiver H120) and it did not work. Dealer took the car back into the shop and one hour later brought the car back out. He informed me the AUX Input was not compatible with my car radio which is the stock Business CD player.

Dealer refuned me $180 (the price to purchase and install the female connector in my glove box) and sent me home.

Now I am left with a connector in my golve box and no music playing from my mp3 player. I am bummed out too by the way.

Anyone here with ideas?

Many thanks

sdz

 

[TheBry]

Get an iPod.

 

[seadzz]

The brand of MP3 player has nothing to do with the problem and is not a solution to this problem. The problem is the BMW AUX Input is not compatible (per the dealer) with the radio installed in the car. I do find this difficult to believe.

I do however have the AUX Input kit still installed in the car and also have the cost to do same refunded by the dealer ($180). What I do not have is a way to play my digital audio player through the car system and this is what I am looking to the experts here for help with.

sdz

 

[TheBry]

Actually, the brand of MP3 player DOES apply in this case. If you get an iPod, you can "iPod your BMW" by having the iPod cable installed in your glove box. It's compatible with model year 2002 3-series cars forward. The cable costs the same as the AUX port (maybe a bit less) and allows you to control your iPod (there's the brand again) using the controls on your steering wheel. Even if the AUX port was compatible, you wouldn't be able to do that with your iRiver.

 

[seadzz]

Actually buying a iPod is not a solution since the iPod does not support org vorbis which is a vastly better codec than AAC. I have 3000+ tracks on the iRiver player and am not about to switch over to an iPod.

I will resolve my problem without TheBry's help but would caution '02 and earlier owners that the AUX Input cable while mechanically compatible with your radio is not electrically so.

Does anyone know if the pair of RCA plugs via the trunk option will work in a '02 325 Ci?

sdz

 

[TheBry]

Good luck

 

[seadzz]

As a follow up to my AUX Input firedrill I wound up at Circut City where I purchased the Adaptor which provides RCA Jacks which plug into the CD Changer wiring harness located in the left side of your trunk. Then off to Radio Shack for RCA to 1/8" male patch cord. Need to be at least 15 ft long.

Had CC people run the wire from the trunk, under the carpet and into the glove box. After turing on the car and radio push "Mode" on the radio and you see CD 6-1 in the display. Plug in your iRiver or any other brand MP3 PLAYER and everything works just fine. Volume control on steering wheel works too.

Cost for adaptor $59

Cables $15

Labor to install wiring $50....or you can DIY.


Happy Motoring and to TheBry.....thanks for nothing!

sdz

 

[bmwrocks]

Great job seadzz!!! I am impressed with your persistence.

I have a similar setup, but not quite as elegant as yours, but just a bit more versatile. My Blitzsafe adapter allows me an MP3 6-disc CD changer and allows you to plug any audio source into the system via its AUX input. I do not have the wires running into the glovebox, mine come out behind the leather cover in the rear armrest.

 

[TheBry]

Dude... deep breath. No need for the "thanks for nothing" line. I was just trying to help. Relax... we're all supposed to be friends here. Enjoy your '02 325.