Aux Input ?'s on 03 330i with MKIV Nav

I want to install an Aux Input on my Bimmer with MKIV Nav. I've heard different things.
Does it attach to the front head unit or to the Brain in the Trunk????

Will I have to Disconnect power to the system to install it????

If so does the system have to be reprogrammed???

Basically Can I DIY it easily????

Thanks

http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=294

I believe it plugs into the back of the head unit. You will need to pull the head unit out, it's a bit tricky, you can get a special tool to help:
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=392

You should confirm with EAS for your car.

Originally Posted by danielkspencer

I want to install an Aux Input on my Bimmer with MKIV Nav. I've heard different things.
Does it attach to the front head unit or to the Brain in the Trunk????

Will I have to Disconnect power to the system to install it????

If so does the system have to be reprogrammed???

Basically Can I DIY it easily????

Thanks

You'll need to be 2003.5 or later build to be compatible for AUX if equipped with NAV. AUX input is located behind the factory NAV screen.

if yours doesn't support it, you can easily upgrade the radio to support AUX, and Sirius:
http://cgi.ebay.com/BMW-BM53-GPS-Nav...3%3A1|294%3A50

BTW, don't pay that much. Go to www.car-part.com and search for a BMW radio from an e46 or X3 from 2005 - present (with Nav of course). You can probably grab one for under $100. Its a 5 minute swap to the new radio. All the radio part #'s are here:

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=665464

Ok, mine says 03/03 on the door sticker. . . Am I out of Luck???????

Originally Posted by danielkspencer

Ok, mine says 03/03 on the door sticker. . . Am I out of Luck???????

Close call, 03/03 is right at 2003.5, probably could be either way.

Originally Posted by danielkspencer

Ok, mine says 03/03 on the door sticker. . . Am I out of Luck???????

Check your radio version:

1. Turn on engine (or key to position II)
2. Push and hold the SELECT button for about 5-10 seconds. The serial number will show,
3. Press the > button on the NAV screen to display the software version of the radio

You will need to be SV80 or higher to be compatible for AUX.

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

Check your radio version:

1. Turn on engine (or key to position II)
2. Push and hold the SELECT button for about 5-10 seconds. The serial number will show,
3. Press the > button on the NAV screen to display the software version of the radio

You will need to be SV80 or higher to be compatible for AUX.

how do you do tell the version number? Mine says:
"Software Version 03-06 48"

Originally Posted by sna77

how do you do tell the version number? Mine says:
"Software Version 03-06 48"

48 is your software version, meaning it is not compatible with AUX.

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

48 is your software version, meaning it is not compatible with AUX.

That's odd... My BM53 radio is part # 65126988275, which is the 2nd newest radio listed on realoem:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...65&fg=05&hl=83

Its stamped with date 24/07, which is the 27th week of 2007 if I'm not mistaken... Also I have Aux (working) in my car now... Could they have changed something with the software version numbers on the newer BM53 radios?




BM53 radio module part #'s:

65128374293
65126902719
65126902718
65126904214
65126919081
65126922513
65106933090
65126927911
65126943450
65126964399
65126972665
65126976962
65126988275
65126988276

Interesting. . . . .
So when I update my software via my new DVD I just got in the mail today from BMW (thanks for the tip SNA77) Will it make mine ok to use Aux???? And I don't get it, shouldn't SNA's radio, being that new, have a way newer Software Version??????

Originally Posted by danielkspencer

Interesting. . . . .
So when I update my software via my new DVD I just got in the mail today from BMW (thanks for the tip SNA77) Will it make mine ok to use Aux???? And I don't get it, shouldn't SNA's radio, being that new, have a way newer Software Version??????

thats just the Nav software... radio software is not upgradable, and is hard coded to bm53 module.

what radio software did you have?

After Nav update you should be at 4/100 (latest Nav software)

I can't get my version to show up. nothing happens when I hold the select button for 5-10 or even 20????

Originally Posted by danielkspencer

I can't get my version to show up. nothing happens when I hold the select button for 5-10 or even 20????

Turn radio off (leave monitor on)

Turn car off

wait 30 secods

Turn car to position 2

hold select

use < and > arrows to scroll to s/w version




I forget if I had the radio off totally or on the FM input. One of them worked...

Ok, mine says 28-02 81

I actually had to have my radio on with a CD playing to get it to work. Go figure.

So, back to one of my inital question. . .

Will I have to unhook my head unit to plug this in the back of it???

If so will I then need to have anything done at the dealer to get it to work again??

I've heard horror stories about having to pay out the ass if you disconnect the battery or the Stereo to have it "reset" or something.

Originally Posted by danielkspencer

Ok, mine says 28-02 81

I actually had to have my radio on with a CD playing to get it to work. Go figure.

So, back to one of my inital question. . .

Will I have to unhook my head unit to plug this in the back of it???

If so will I then need to have anything done at the dealer to get it to work again??

I've heard horror stories about having to pay out the ass if you disconnect the battery or the Stereo to have it "reset" or something.

e46s don't need a code or anything to be unlocked. They just start working when you turn the car on.

Its always best to disconnect the negative terminal of your car before doing any electrical work.

The LCD screen is very easy to remove. Check out "The Ultimate Retrofit Part 1" in my DIY links here: http://www.bigpatsfans.com/bmw.htm . Part 2 has pics of the Aux input install. There will be no pin swapping for you though since the cable you order will be made for Nav already...

Detailed pics with how to remove the LCD screen. should only take 5 minutes or so to do.


Tom: e46s with factory Nav have the Aux input connection in the back of HU, not in the trunk where BM53 radio is, correct? I used a retrofit harness when installing my Nav, and the Aux input connection is definitely behind the radio with the retrofit harness.

Originally Posted by sna77

Tom: e46s with factory Nav have the Aux input connection in the back of HU, not in the trunk where BM53 radio is, correct? I used a retrofit harness when installing my Nav, and the Aux input connection is definitely behind the radio with the retrofit harness.

Yes - a female 3-pin socket is taped onto the NAV monitor (behind the monitor) wiring harness on post 5/03 builds.

Originally Posted by danielkspencer

Ok, mine says 28-02 81

Tom: Am I reading his correctly--he is software version 81? So it should work?

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

Yes - a female 3-pin socket is taped onto the NAV monitor (behind the monitor) wiring harness on post 5/03 builds.

Thanks! Good to know...

Originally Posted by sna77

Tom: Am I reading his correctly--he is software version 81? So it should work?

Thanks! Good to know...

Correct, he's SV81.

Cool. so where is the cheapest place to pick one up??