Originally Posted by rocksta

Here's the link to the AUX Input Resistor Removal instructions.
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e60...tml#post716370

I had my AUX input installed on my 06 530i at the dealership about three weeks ago and I decided NOT to remove the resistor because 1) I wanted to first hear the difference with my own ears and 2) I was concerned about the popping noises that might occur when plugging and removing devices.

I'm no audiophile but I do listen to a lot of music in my car and lackluster sound bothers me greatly. After giving the AUX input a few weeks of use, I regret not removing the resistor.
The sound quality definitely takes a hit. The volume reduction is noticeable but not horrendous. But what I can't ignore is the lack of bass through the AUX input. When I play the same exact mp3 through my iPod and burned onto an mp3 CD, the difference is huge. The mp3 CD just sounds considerably richer with deeper bass that can't be reproduced no matter what you do with the Tone settings in iDrive. Changing the iPod EQ to Bass Booster gives it a distorted crackling bass.

I plan to dust off the soldering iron and remove the resistor on my AUX cable. I'd absolutely recommend to anyone thinking about installing an AUX cable to save yourself the hassle of soldering post-install and to remove the resistor first.

Originally Posted by Scoops

Interesting, so you would say it would be worth the popping noises and what not for somebody to plugs/unplugs his ipod each time he enters/leaves his car? Gonna have mine re-installed soon so I might see if they'll agree to remove the resistor.