e36power

I would like to add an AUX input without programming as described in the following topic: http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=51895&hl=

I read the forums and there are at least two opinions about disconnecting battery before doing anything on audio:

a) Definitely disconnect
b) Don't disconnect, because than you would need to go to a dealer to reset iDrive errors and definitely AS should be reset

What are pro's and cons of this?

Thank you in advance.

P.S. I have e60 530d built in 2003, without Nav

schulrog

1. there are no iDrive errors from disconnecting the battery
2. AS can be reset by turning on the engine, turning your steering wheel all the way to one side then to the other and centering the steering wheel again. then turn off the car and wait a min and turn it back on and the AS error is gone

e36power

Thanks for a quick answer, but I understood that it doesn't work in all cases and sometimes you need a full reset, which can be done by a dealer.

What could happen, if you work carefully with ignition switched off when disconnecting CD player etc?

bruce_miranda

You also need to be aware that, the DIY AUX will lack any tonal and stereo quality. So its a flat mono input, fine for a Sat Nav or BT voice but will sound absolutely rubbish for music.

e36power

Oh, that's a valuable input. Thank you.

Than I think I should not do this....I wanted to use this to connect an mp3 player.

So there is no other way to connect an mp3 source, without going to a dealer and paying $$$, corect? :-(

bruce_miranda

correct.

Or if you have CDC you can invest in a Dension Gateway 500 and get USB, iPOD and AUX without needing the dealer to program anything. Also the AUX from the Dension is much better than the OEM AUX-IN.

e36power

Thank you for such a quick reaction.

Unfortunately I do not have CDC too :-(

I discussed already a possibility to get mp3 in my car with a number of dealers here and the conclusion for my car (2003 without Nav) is:

- It is not possible to enable mp3 in the CD player
- It is not possible to install iPod interface
- It is possible to install CDC, but mp3 playback will be still not possible
- It is possible to install AUX input, but it would cost >= 500 euro (AUX kit + reprogramming). They also do not recommend to do re-programming, if I don't have any problems with my iDrive etc. According to them it goes wrong now and then with the first e60's,when re-programming...

The last option sounds to be a bit too expensive, taken into account that I would not be able to control my mp3 player/iPod from iDrive...


So, now I see only one possibility - a good aftermarket CDC with mp3 playback with FM modulator (directly connected to antenna input). Do you think it would be an option? I understand that the audio quality would not be as good, as if you use the normal audio input, but would be the audio quality acceptable?

I am happy with my e60, but this NO mp3 thing makes me a bit unhappy...

Dr Dave

the AUX (small jack plug) i had enabled was piggy backed off the back of the CCC and it plays music (my i-pod) superbly im not a hi-fi nut, but its clear and loud, and good enough for me.
cartronics did it in half/hour and i can plug in anything that has a little jack.
its also enabled on the i-drive (CD-FM-AUX) with no errors and no battery disconected.

bruce_miranda

Find another dealer, that is a rip-off.

ezslim

i dont think its possible without reprogramming? or thts all ive read up until now.. i dont wanna pay 3-400 either