methodsound

The aux retrofit is just a cable that has audio that goes to the back of the in dash stereo harness. It comes with a female mini jack plug but you could splice in a different connector for your devise if you wish. It does require programming in order to be able to select that input from the menu. If your car had aux programmed it would show up as a source in the menu like this AM / FM / CD / SAT / AUX. The quality of the audio is not as good ( from the iPod ) as it would be when using the Gateway 500 which also has usb and aux. One thing to consider about the AUX retrofit is the price of programming the AUX input. The Gateway 500 does not need programming on your car since you have the CDC ( to get full text on screen you might need the MP3 retrofit but it is not required for basic operation ).

You do not need to remove the CDC in order to add the AUX retrofit or the Gateway 500. It is the BMW retrofit iPod adaptors that require the removal of the CDC.

akns

the hardest part of the aux retrofit is getting access to a GT1 tool. they cost an arm and a leg on ebay.

Bimmerchop69

wow i don't mean to resurrect this but I forgot I posted this and still sit around wondering what to do. So the dension gateway is better, has usb, and doesn't require dealer programming. I think i'll go for the dension. I need to do some more research. Thanks

famed02

I have 2004 545i (USA) with L7, CD Changer in the glove box, Non Navi, Looks like I have the voice command system and phone system (its in my Idrive and on the steering wheel) but it does not work because the previous owner was not subscribed and i have no intention on subscribing. I HAVE THE SAME EXACT CAR, SAME EQUIPMENT. FYI

1. I read I can replace the CD Changer and replace it with the AUX input retrofit 65 12 0 153 502 with no need to upgrade the i drive.Please confirm if correct. I JUST INSTALLED THE AUX INPUT CABLE MYSELF. THE IDRIVE NEEDED TO BE PROGRAMMED AND IT COST ME $150.00 FOR PROGRAMMING, $85 WITH TAX FOR THE AUX CABLE. 2 HOURS TO INSTALL (NEED TO REMOVE GLOVE COMPARTMENT, DASH TRIM AND ACCESS REAR OF STEREO. BY THE WAY, THE PARTS GUY WILL TELL YOU THAT YOU DON'T NEED TO PROGRAM THE IDRIVE FOR THE AUX INPUT CABLE. HE IS FULL OF CRAP.

2. I have a fiber optic cable in the trunk right below the driver side tail light. From what I read this is the same connection as the CD Changer in the glove box. Can I connect my CD Changer to this connection? Do i then have to upgrade the idrive?

3. Bluetooth? I would like to have my cell phone connected to my cars stereo system and if possible display on the idrive. Is there a way I can get this done without having to install the navigation system. WHEN I WENT TO GET THE PROGRAMMING FOR THE AUX INPUT CABLE, THE MASTER TECH WAS NICE ENOUGH TO PROGRAM MY BLUETOOTH AS WELL. I KILLED TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE. THE PROGRAMMING FOR THE BLUE TOOTH IS THE ORIGINALY BMW BLUETOOTH SYSTEM AND I DIDN'T HAVE TO DO ANY RETROFITTING FOR IT.

Basically I'm trying to do these mods as economically as possible.
By the way I'd rather have the AUX input instead of the Ipod only since i have many devices that I can plug to the aux.
Thank you in advance for any answers.

HOPE THIS INFORMATION HELPED. ANY QUESTIONS CALL ME 702.370.7230

Bimmerchop69

I like your questions same ones I had. I see the e60 community still hasn't shined a light on this.

Bimmerchop69

No one has any insight to this thread?????

mbp727

Basically you cannot run both an aux and the CD changer.

Check the build date under your door... if your car was built after 3/04 then you can go to the dealer and have bluetooth activated through programming. Vehicles built prior to February 2004 come with non-bluetooth TCUs which would need to be swapped out (TCUs sell for about $200+ online)

ulvit

Looking into the Bluetooth now,
but i can confirm, that i have got installed a AUX ontop of coding my CD Changer to play mp3's.

Now to get the bluetooth.
I read something, somewhere that the easy way to tell if you have bluetooth but just need it coded is by looking int the trunk on the left side behind the carpet over the wheel arch. one box = no BT, Two boxes = BT

can anyone confirm this..?

healthservices

not necessarily true, it also depends on when your car was made. look at the driver's door jamb for a production date.

ulvit

thanks allen, i have it listed on the engine bay.... Sep 2004.
But i have only one small box in the trunk and no bluetooth simbol...?
i thought all 09/04's had it preinstalled...just not on.

your thoughts?