Auxillary Audio Input

[aNoodle]

Now they think of it!! I've been cursing for years that I can't hook my iPod into my radio directly. When they say available Model Year 2003, do you think that means it can't be retrofited to a '99 E46?

FROM BMWUSA.COM:
Now you can connect virtually any audio device- MP3 Player, portable CD or cassette player, and more - to your in-dash cd radio. The audio connection is mounted securely in the glovebox of your vehicle and has a 3.5mm stereo connector. Audio from the auxiliary input is selected using the "mode" button on your radio. (Available on Model Year 2003 and later)

MSRP: $ 39.95 †

† To order Original BMW Accessories, contact your local BMW center. All prices are suggested retail prices and are subject to change. Actual prices may vary and depend upon BMW center. Price excludes taxes. Check with your authorized BMW center for complete information, availability and installation costs.

 

[wood_e]

get a new deck with aux. in

 

[Millreef]

Your other option is to buy an "iTrip" for your iPod. It's basically a radio transmitter (FM) which you can then tune into with your car stereo, home stereo, whatever....allows you to take all your music with you wherever you go. Depending on where you are, you may have to choose a different frequency (ie. one that's not being crowded by an existing radio station). I've got one...generally works quite well. If you're interested, you can check it out at:
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/itrip/

Have to admit wiring would probably produce better sound....but if you don't have that option....

 

[wood_e]

I have an iPod and have had those fm transmitters... they sound pretty horrible. I was able to live with it for a while, but when it starts cutting out and crap then I just bought a new deck with aux in... couldn't be hapier with that decision!

 

[flashinthepan]

Phat box - then you get to use the full steering wheel controls etc...

 

[yickster]

Hey aNoodle, how much was the installation fee for ya? Thanks

 

[Silva]

Was waiting for my car at the dealership and overheard the install fee for the Aux Port: 2.5 hours labor, or about $200!!! The port itself is $40...

 

[aNoodle]

Yeah...I haven't gotten it.

I was asking if anybody knew if it can be retrofitted to years prior to 2003 (which is the date they quote as beginning year).

2 HOURS!?! LOL. They should have a simple 'audio in' right there on the face.

But this is a good alternative. I'll ask the dealer....it may be exclusive to 2003+. Who knows.

As for the transmitter deal...yeah...I've heard those. They work good at times...crappy at others and you loose quality. My tape input deal looses a lot of quality. Would be nice to have a simple audio in.

 

[William330]

Phat box - then you get to use the full steering wheel controls etc...

Do you have one? How do you like it? Is it hard to navigate
through tracks if you have a few thousand songs?

The main problem is, they cost $800 for the 40 gig model, right?

 

[RuflessPhilly]

I have the aux input installed and I am using an iPOD and it sounds amazing. I am using ACC files imported @ 192 bitrate. This bitrate takes up a little more space but the sound quality is amazing..Did I mention it's amazing

 

[TheBry]

Hey guys... new here and seriously contemplating a 330Cic with NAV. I drove one Friday (20 Feb) and fell in love. What a great car. I brought home a really well-done 40-page 2004 325Cic / 330Cic product catalog from the dealer and have been drooling over it all weekend -- it's the one that was shot in Hawaii. I currently have a VW Passat GLS V6 with Tiptronic. Fun car, but it's time to lose a couple of doors and let the top down!

Now to the point -- I use my 20Gig iPod exclusively in the car... I've got a trunk mounted CD changer that is collecting dust because I can carry over 3000 songs (and yes I do have that many) with me up front. I'm using a a simple cassette adapter -- it's rather ugly, given there's a wire hanging out of the deck, but its a small price to pay for the awesome selection of tunes I have at my fingertips.

Your posts have spurred a few questions in my mind:

1.] With the AUX-IN (glovebox) are you able to control the iPod (like switch tracks, etc.) without using the iPod's controls -- eg: using the steering wheel controls or controls in the NAV? It doesn't seem like you'd be able to unless Apple cooperated with BMW in some way that they'd create a special cable that gave the car access to the software. "flashinthepan"'s post implies this, but I'd like confirmation if anyone has tried it.

2.] I read someplace that someone has purchased a modified charger for the iPod that takes advantage of the rechargeable flashlight port in the glove box -- instead of charging the flashlight, it charges (and keeps charged) the iPod. Is this true? Is the product commercially available, or was this a hack?

Sorry for the lenghty post, but my tunes are extremely important to me. I want to have all of this sorted out before I plunk down over $50K on my car.

Thanks guys.

P.S. This is my first post! Go easy ;-)

=====
UPDATE
=====

I got the car, and have had the AUX port installed and love it. Thanks to everyone for your input (support).

 

[suntigen]

1.) With the AUX-IN (glovebox) are you able to control the iPod (like switch tracks, etc.) without using the iPod's controls -- eg: using the steering wheel controls or controls in the NAV? It doesn't seem like you'd be able to unless Apple cooperated with BMW in some way that they'd create a special cable that gave the car access to the software. "flashinthepan"'s post implies this, but I'd like confirmation if anyone has tried it.

You cannot control the iPod wit the steering wheel, but you can get an RF remote which will punch remote signals through the glovebox (and doors if you need it to).

http://www.engineeredaudio.com/products/remote.html costs about $40 and works great. I got a black "fob" so that it looks nicer with my keys on my keychain.

2.) I read someplace that someone has purchased a modified charger for the iPod that takes advantage of the rechargeable flashlight port in the glove box -- instead of charging the flashlight, it charges (and keeps charged) the iPod. Is this true? Is the product commercially available, or was this a hack?

You need to get a "Genuine BMW Auxiliary Power Adaptor" which plugs in where a flashlight will plug in in your glovebox. This will give you a standard cigarett-lighter-type adapter inside your glove box.

Of course, at that point, you need to find a DC power adapter for your iPod... lots of folks make those.

the BMW part number for the "Genuine BMW Auxiliary Power Adaptor" is 82 11 0 004 073. I bought mine for $8.95 from http://www.bavauto.com.

Hope that jelps you out!

 

[mrblonde]

This post was really helpful. I'm glad I did a search before posting a new thread. The only problem is that I was unable to find the "Genuine BMW Aux Power Adapter" from bavauto. Can anyone make a suggestion???

Thanks!!