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E46 Aux Install Pre 09/2002
Friday 4th October 2013
I have two e46 from 2002. One has a 6 cd changer in the boot, and on this one I have spliced on an aux cable so the AUX works when the 6 cd input is selected on the head unit. The 6cd deck takes the power for the input, but the signal L and R comes from the aux device.
On the other car also 52 plate, I have the business cd head unit with mode button, but no 6 cd changer in the boot. What are my options for AUX install on this car, I don't want to have to buy a 6 cd deck just to be used as dummy. This HU has the mode button, not the CD button like the other car.
i've read varying things on forums and they're all a bit contradictory. Is it possible on the second car? As a diy?
Cheers
On the other car also 52 plate, I have the business cd head unit with mode button, but no 6 cd changer in the boot. What are my options for AUX install on this car, I don't want to have to buy a 6 cd deck just to be used as dummy. This HU has the mode button, not the CD button like the other car.
i've read varying things on forums and they're all a bit contradictory. Is it possible on the second car? As a diy?
Cheers
Saturday 5th October 2013
you can certainly wire in a proper aux cable in 03 and later head units. Best bet is to buy an aux cable (~£15 on ebay, a little more from dealer) and fit it into the back of your 52 plate. Hit the mode button and it will cycle the radio wavelengths, cd and hopefully, aux. If aux doesn't appear, buy an 03 head unit on ebay (~£90) and sell yours on ebay (~£70.
Hope that helps. If you Google the subject there is more clarification but the above is my story on an 02 plate.
Hope that helps. If you Google the subject there is more clarification but the above is my story on an 02 plate.
Saturday 5th October 2013
Check the 'KW' (production week) of the radio, if it's lower than 30:02 (week 30, 2002) then it's unlikely to support the OEM Aux.
You can always install a CD Changer emulator Aux input, for example http://audiovisualworld.co.uk/connects2-ctvbmx002-...
You can always install a CD Changer emulator Aux input, for example http://audiovisualworld.co.uk/connects2-ctvbmx002-...
Monday 7th October 2013
Check the 'KW' (production week) of the radio, if it's lower than 30:02 (week 30, 2002) then it's unlikely to support the OEM Aux.
You can always install a CD Changer emulator Aux input, for example http://audiovisualworld.co.uk/connects2-ctvbmx002-...
Thats what i was looking for, cheers. Pulled the unit out the other day and it says 10/02. I think from 09/02 they went to the later type head unit. Will check these numbers though, cheers. You can always install a CD Changer emulator Aux input, for example http://audiovisualworld.co.uk/connects2-ctvbmx002-...
Monday 7th October 2013
Slight hijack,
When I got my E39 540i (2003/'52') I noticed an iPod connector in the glovebox which was installed by BMW in January for the previous owner. I have the built Sat Nav/Analogue TV/Cassette head unit with a 6 CD changer and Nav box in the boot (unsure on system).
How would I switch this to the iPod function to make it work?
When I got my E39 540i (2003/'52') I noticed an iPod connector in the glovebox which was installed by BMW in January for the previous owner. I have the built Sat Nav/Analogue TV/Cassette head unit with a 6 CD changer and Nav box in the boot (unsure on system).
How would I switch this to the iPod function to make it work?
Monday 7th October 2013
Slight hijack,
When I got my E39 540i (2003/'52') I noticed an iPod connector in the glovebox which was installed by BMW in January for the previous owner. I have the built Sat Nav/Analogue TV/Cassette head unit with a 6 CD changer and Nav box in the boot (unsure on system).
How would I switch this to the iPod function to make it work?
This was done on my 330d before I got it. It had a Denon ice link or some rather for an ipod. I traced it back to the boot, and it was using the cables that should've gone to the 6 cd stack. the cd changer was just disconnected. Check in the back, and see if theres a loose connecter from the ipod interface. Unplug the cables from the cd stack and connect the ipod set of cabled directly to these. When I got my E39 540i (2003/'52') I noticed an iPod connector in the glovebox which was installed by BMW in January for the previous owner. I have the built Sat Nav/Analogue TV/Cassette head unit with a 6 CD changer and Nav box in the boot (unsure on system).
How would I switch this to the iPod function to make it work?
Monday 7th October 2013
Slight hijack,
When I got my E39 540i (2003/'52') I noticed an iPod connector in the glovebox which was installed by BMW in January for the previous owner. I have the built Sat Nav/Analogue TV/Cassette head unit with a 6 CD changer and Nav box in the boot (unsure on system).
How would I switch this to the iPod function to make it work?
This was done on my 330d before I got it. It had a Denon ice link or some rather for an ipod. I traced it back to the boot, and it was using the cables that should've gone to the 6 cd stack. the cd changer was just disconnected. Check in the back, and see if theres a loose connecter from the ipod interface. Unplug the cables from the cd stack and connect the ipod set of cabled directly to these. Much appreciated When I got my E39 540i (2003/'52') I noticed an iPod connector in the glovebox which was installed by BMW in January for the previous owner. I have the built Sat Nav/Analogue TV/Cassette head unit with a 6 CD changer and Nav box in the boot (unsure on system).
How would I switch this to the iPod function to make it work?
Monday 7th October 2013
Hopefully a bit clearer this time round - there are two connectors to the cd stack (one for power, flatter one, and one for the data). Unplug these from the cd stack. If you have the loose cables from the Ipod link, plug these into the cables you removed from the cd stack. I think the Ipod ones will be the female.
Sunday 3rd November 2013
Hopefully a bit clearer this time round - there are two connectors to the cd stack (one for power, flatter one, and one for the data). Unplug these from the cd stack. If you have the loose cables from the Ipod link, plug these into the cables you removed from the cd stack. I think the Ipod ones will be the female.
Thanks for this, when looking at it today the wire from the aux seems to go to the headunit directly and not via the CD changer. There were a few un-used wires that i don't know what they clip to ad the CD changer ires were un-compatable with:Thursday 12th February 2015
Hi all,
Sorry to bump an old post but i have a similar problem.
I have a 2003 e46 with the 16:9 nav unit. When you scroll through the modes there is no AUX function.
I purchased a cable which plugs into the wiring loom at the back of the headunit and re-wired in the boot so that when a blank cd is in the play you select CD-1 on the headunit and it will play the audio through the AUX input. The problem is the sound quality is terrible so im returning the cable to the seller.
Please can anyone advise what i can do to listen to music from my iphone? Its killing me!
Sorry to bump an old post but i have a similar problem.
I have a 2003 e46 with the 16:9 nav unit. When you scroll through the modes there is no AUX function.
I purchased a cable which plugs into the wiring loom at the back of the headunit and re-wired in the boot so that when a blank cd is in the play you select CD-1 on the headunit and it will play the audio through the AUX input. The problem is the sound quality is terrible so im returning the cable to the seller.
Please can anyone advise what i can do to listen to music from my iphone? Its killing me!
Thursday 12th February 2015
A 2003 car will have Aux capability, but until you install the Aux wiring the source is not available.
The wiring has a resistor between L and R channels that is detected by the radio, plus a pair of small decoupling capacitors, here's the schematic
With Nav in a 2003 car you have SA 602/609, so the bottom option. The pin numbers are those of the extension cable that's behind the monitor.
The wiring has a resistor between L and R channels that is detected by the radio, plus a pair of small decoupling capacitors, here's the schematic
With Nav in a 2003 car you have SA 602/609, so the bottom option. The pin numbers are those of the extension cable that's behind the monitor.
Thursday 12th February 2015
E46 Aux Adapter
Wow thanks for the fast response.
Below is the cable which was provided for me:
Below is the re-wiring i did in the boot to enable use through the CD multi changer.
Please teach me how to suck eggs and explain what your picture was above?
Below is the cable which was provided for me:
Below is the re-wiring i did in the boot to enable use through the CD multi changer.
Please teach me how to suck eggs and explain what your picture was above?
Thursday 12th February 2015
Provider told me to SWAP AUX-LR (ground) back to its original position and try that.
I haven't done this yet.
I haven't done this yet.
Thursday 12th February 2015
Bmw E46 Aux Cable Install
Ive changed everything back and also damaged one of the pins in the boot so no longer have the option for this Aux bypass method and also im not sure if i re-wired the l/r earth for the cd multichanger so by the sounds of it the only option for me is a new headunit.
Thursday 12th February 2015
That looks like rather a bodge!
Which pin(s) have you damaged? You can get spare pins with a bit or wire from BMW for about $1.50 a go, so it's possible to repair it.
A 2003 car (September 2002 build or later) with Nav will have a cable running up from the radio to behind the Nav monitor. The connector has 3 pins, ground, L and R. You can buy a BMW Aux kit that pugs in for about £45 or you can make one up yourself for about £2 in parts from Maplin.
There are other options that properly replace the CD Changer and allow you to connect and control an iPod.
A new head unit is not as simple as it sounds if you have Nav.
Which pin(s) have you damaged? You can get spare pins with a bit or wire from BMW for about $1.50 a go, so it's possible to repair it.
A 2003 car (September 2002 build or later) with Nav will have a cable running up from the radio to behind the Nav monitor. The connector has 3 pins, ground, L and R. You can buy a BMW Aux kit that pugs in for about £45 or you can make one up yourself for about £2 in parts from Maplin.
There are other options that properly replace the CD Changer and allow you to connect and control an iPod.
A new head unit is not as simple as it sounds if you have Nav.
Thursday 12th February 2015
So im sending this cable back to the seller.
Note im in the UK so i dont know if that matters but my unit is an early 2003 which does not have the aux function when you scroll through the modes or hold the mode button. The cable did connect to the right socket as you mention behind the nav unit but the seller said if it doesnt work you have to rewire the aux into the CD changer ports on the amp (which are the instructions above).
1. could it be that this cable wasnt made correctly or is there just no option for me to use aux?
2. If i install a double din unit is it straight plug and play?
Thanks!
Note im in the UK so i dont know if that matters but my unit is an early 2003 which does not have the aux function when you scroll through the modes or hold the mode button. The cable did connect to the right socket as you mention behind the nav unit but the seller said if it doesnt work you have to rewire the aux into the CD changer ports on the amp (which are the instructions above).
1. could it be that this cable wasnt made correctly or is there just no option for me to use aux?
2. If i install a double din unit is it straight plug and play?
Thanks!
Thursday 12th February 2015
You did not read what I said above.
The Aux option does not appear until a 300 k Ohm resistor is placed across the L and R Aux input. Unless your radio has been replaced with an older version, or the Nav is a retrofit, your radio WILL have Aux capability. When the resistor is in place the Aux option will appear when pressing the MODE key.
Installing a double DIN HU in an E46 with Nav is a very big job.
To give you an idea.
- To get a Double DIN unit to fit you have to cut into the air vets and re-seal them. You also need to modify some of the control levers to go round the double DIN unit.
- With Nav everything is in the wrong place, all the speaker wires and antenna go to the boot as that where the radio module is.
- The Nav monitor opening is non standard, you need a mounting bezel and mounting cage, a good quality one will cost you over £100 alone.
- The stock speakers are matched to the stock amp (in the radio), they will need replacing, depending on the audio system you have, you may need to replace all the wiring too, you may be able to reuse some.
- If you have HK or HI-Fi then there is even more to remove.
Budget about £1500 for an entry level double DIN, you'll get some back from selling the OEM components.
The Aux option does not appear until a 300 k Ohm resistor is placed across the L and R Aux input. Unless your radio has been replaced with an older version, or the Nav is a retrofit, your radio WILL have Aux capability. When the resistor is in place the Aux option will appear when pressing the MODE key.
Installing a double DIN HU in an E46 with Nav is a very big job.
To give you an idea.
- To get a Double DIN unit to fit you have to cut into the air vets and re-seal them. You also need to modify some of the control levers to go round the double DIN unit.
- With Nav everything is in the wrong place, all the speaker wires and antenna go to the boot as that where the radio module is.
- The Nav monitor opening is non standard, you need a mounting bezel and mounting cage, a good quality one will cost you over £100 alone.
- The stock speakers are matched to the stock amp (in the radio), they will need replacing, depending on the audio system you have, you may need to replace all the wiring too, you may be able to reuse some.
- If you have HK or HI-Fi then there is even more to remove.
Budget about £1500 for an entry level double DIN, you'll get some back from selling the OEM components.
Thursday 12th February 2015
Ouch! Thanks Richard.
Im speaking with a supplier on ebay that has asked me to find my model make date behind the passenger drivers light. lets hope the cable i was provided was made wrongly!
Im speaking with a supplier on ebay that has asked me to find my model make date behind the passenger drivers light. lets hope the cable i was provided was made wrongly!
Thursday 12th February 2015
To be clear, the cable you have tried just replaces the CD Changer audio. You need to have at least one CD in the changer so it's playing, then the audio comes form the new Aux. Is that correct? If so I see no reason to be moving pins about, that's just not required.
If the cable is a proper Aux cable, with the required resistor, then there is also no need to move the pins about, unless you connect to the 6 pin CD Changer audio connector, which is rather pointless, you could just inert pins into the radio connector to start with.
If the cable is a proper Aux cable, with the required resistor, then there is also no need to move the pins about, unless you connect to the 6 pin CD Changer audio connector, which is rather pointless, you could just inert pins into the radio connector to start with.
Thursday 12th February 2015
1. i installed the cable provided into the plug with is wrapped up behind the nav unit.
- no sound, no aux option when scrolling through the modes.
2. Supplier told me to rewire the aux-l, aux-r, auxlr into the existing sockets for the cd changer in the boot.
3. Change mode on nav to cd changer with a blank cd and the sound quality was terrible
4. remove the auxlr wire in the boot and the disturbance stopped but was so quiet
- no sound, no aux option when scrolling through the modes.
2. Supplier told me to rewire the aux-l, aux-r, auxlr into the existing sockets for the cd changer in the boot.
3. Change mode on nav to cd changer with a blank cd and the sound quality was terrible
4. remove the auxlr wire in the boot and the disturbance stopped but was so quiet
Bmw E46 Aux Cable Navigation
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