hi im pretty new to this forum and just picked up my 2004 545i sport a couple weeks ago i love the car and everything but i was wondering if there is anyway i can play mp3s in my cd or dvd slot. Thank you

 

Welcome to the forum, yes, there is a way to play MP3's in the CD slot (DVD is used for NAV only in pre-CIC cars). It just needs to be enabled through coding, which would also allow you to add anAUX input to connect your iPod or cell phone as well. The AUX input needs an OEM cable ($60) and installation (also $60)

 

Is there any old posts that go over enabling the mp3 function? I have tried doing a search : mp3 mod, mp3 coding and I get 0 results. I asked someone about it once and they said it was like a couple hundred lines of code??? I was sure it was more like making a change to "aktiv" to enable it? Am I missing something?

 

Correct, it is NOT "a couple of hundred lines of code", it is simply an enable thing. When they did mine it took about 3 mins to code. Sorry, I can't help you with what to code since I didn't do the coding.

 

So if I'm understanding this correctly, pre LCI cars can play mp3 via aux. in as long as
-aux cable is installed
-coding to enable the aux cable?

If this is correct, would it be an expensive task to have the local BMW dealership code it for you?

 

Not quite, the coding that is required when you add the AUX input cable ALSO enables MP3 playback. You don't have to have the AUX cable for MP3 playback in the CD player, but the coding enables both.

 

What if you have an iPod cable in lieu of the AUX cable?

 

only way for it to work is if that ipod cable is 30pin to 3.5 jack. which is what i use, but mine also has usb for charging. works better than using headphone jack and charges the phone also. i also have the 30pin to 8pin lightning cable for my iphone 5 and works excellent. have to use the original adapter though from Apple, as from bad experiences, the adapters you find on ebay dont do audio output. but you should only worry about this if your using a iphone 5 or the newest ipad/itouch

 

without an aux input, how else would you play an mps? pre lci cars come with a usb port?
i know my car sure doesn't.. also doesnt have a cd changer.. wth.
So this is assuming you have a usb port to play mp3 if the aux input is not installed? maybe im missing something, "playing mp3 via cd player" has me lost.

- after reading your post again, if a aux input is installed and coding is done correctly, you should have a fully functioning auxilary port..

 

OP wants to be able to play MP3 from his/her CD drive in the dash. Pre LCI cars can be re-programmed (or more correctly their firmware updated) to enable this functionality. If there is a DVD drive for Sat Nav, that can be enabled too for MP3 playback. The CD Changer however does not have MP3 reading capabilities, so it wont be able to read MP3.

Aux and USB ports are a separate and independent feature. In other words, one can have MP3 capable CD+DVD drive and AUX port in one car, if they wished.