OEM Aux / USB charging kit I put together for < $100
 

Thanks to haurelio for the inspiration...


My car already has an AUX input adapter, and an Intravee with permanent mounted iPod in the trunk, but my wife expressed interest in using her iPhone 4s or the iPad when on trips. I wanted something more stealth than a USB to cigarette lighter adapter. While they have small USB adapters that will allow you to close the cover over the ashtray when nothing is plugged into them, as soon as you plug in a cable, the cable gets in the way of shifting.

Anyhow, here’s the parts list of this quick DIY:

OEM Aux adapter, circa $35 from dealer:
OEM Aux for e46 CD53 radios (cars without Nav), 2003 and newer: 82110149389
OEM Aux for BM53 radio modules (cars with Nav), 2003 and newer: 82110149391

Make sure to order the right one for your car of course... Notice the different connectors on the corresponding part #s / cables:

http://bigpatsfans.com/zhpusb/auxcompare.jpg


PAC USBCBL, $12 from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o02_s00_i00

Visions USB Hardwire Charger Power Port 2 Amps, $23 from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o03_s00_i00

http://bigpatsfans.com/zhpusb/1.jpg

http://bigpatsfans.com/zhpusb/2.jpg

neXplug iPod charge and audio cable with USB and 3.5mm, $22 (BMW also makes an OEM cable too)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o02_s00_i01

http://bigpatsfans.com/zhpusb/cable.jpg


The PAC USBCBL has a female USB connector… The hardwire kit has a male USB connector… They just plug right into each other. Wrapped the connector with a bit of electrical tape to secure it. Hardwired the other end to the fuse box…

I like to install the AUX port in the coin box. It's out of the way, plus if you mess up, you can buy a new plastic coin box for about $25.... Of course, I just bought a new coin box for the project...

This was my old install of the AUX input adapter... Just the AUX adapter in the coin tray, with the ugly BMW plate over it:

http://bigpatsfans.com/zhpusb/old.jpg


Threaded the AUX input cable into the new coin box and used a bit of glue to help secure the USB port as you tend to put pressure on them when inserting devices:

http://bigpatsfans.com/zhpusb/4.jpg


Finished product... Notice you don't need to use the BMW plate to secure the AUX input adapter:

http://bigpatsfans.com/zhpusb/5.JPG

http://bigpatsfans.com/zhpusb/6.JPG


You can stream Pandora and charge the iPhone at the same time...

http://bigpatsfans.com/zhpusb/finished.JPG

Nice work. Very neat :thumbup:

Sent from my V9 using Bimmer App

thank you for the kind words. You're final product looks excellent. Good Job

Thanks! Just out of curiosity, what did you use for the USB hardwire? The product I bought puts out 2 Amps but will not charge my iPad for some reason--just my iPhone.

I think you need 2.1 amps for iPad.



Sent from my V9 using Bimmer App

I have an enco unit, so i just use one of the usb ports.

I believe so also... I was hoping the 2 Amp product would do both iPhone and iPad. Didn't see any kits that could do 2.1 Amps though.

bummer

What do you mean when you say, "hardwired the other end to the fuse box." Do you have any photos of this? Any additional information on the exact manner of connection to the fuse box would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the photos and thread, btw. Looks great.

Great to see you do this OP.
I did the similar install in my glovebox with the dock cable only coming out of the glovebox(only when needed).
I am going to remove my glovebox soon to put a new USB charger(the old one is being temperamental).
Will post a picture of which fuse location to tap when I remove it.

Will need to buy a new cable now though, thinking of buying iphone 5.

I did the install a few weeks ago. Works great and looks stock. Thanks for the post. I too will have to buy a new cable. Pretty sweet the cable is all you have to swap out.

I would love to do this as well but prior to ordering the various pieces would like to get a quick rundown on how to tap into into the fusebox.
-Mike

It's actually fairly easy. I grounded the negative wire in between two metal ducts. The the positive wire goes behind the right side of the dash and down through the top of the glove box area and I just found a powered empty fuse slot and pushed in the wire there. Then button everything back up and enjoy. Of note, you'll want to take out the head unit and center vents as well as the center console area for easy access. This is a wonderfully clean mod that I use every time I drive. Good luck. Post more questions here if you have them. Do it!

Fuse tap into the radio fuse, $8 for the positive:
http://www.amazon.com/Littelfuse-FHA...auto_ai_ps_t_4

Ground the negative to something metal in the car. Piece of cake...