Yes you can.

I did it myself on my 545i, 07/2004 production date. I did NOT need to have my firmware updated, this is incorrect info.

You'll need to tap into the ECU to make the changes, which requires the OBD to USB/serial plus the BMW software to enable two features. I was able to enable the 6-disc change, plus AUX, plus MP3 playability off of CD's using the CD player. I do have the navigation package, however I do not have the 6-disc CD player in my car.

For the AUX, I added the cable purchased from BMW, it has 3-pins that need to be tapped into the harness to your CD player; this requires removal of the dash panel and the CD player. Installation of the AUX cable to your glovebox is a pain in the ass, just FYI. I did not put on the front plate for the AUX, only drilled a hole and screwed on the backside. The AUX port is 3.5mm, I have a cable going from that to an iPod I've relocated near my leg (also where the SprintBooster button is). I've found that I need to crank my iPod to the highest volume for good audio, otherwise it sounds like crap.

Not so much an easy job if this is a first-attempt. I had a fun time just getting the BMW software loaded to work with the USB cable.

-- ck.

 

Awesome, thanks for the information.

[EDIT]
Now, I am stuck trying to find a cheap and cheerful cable to code my 08/2004 E60. The cable commonly recommended says for E60 after 08/2007.

Can anyone recommend a working cable?
Will this cable work ?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290721528228?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619
Cheers.

 

These cables are crazy expensive if you get them from BMW or other websites. I just bought one last week from someone on here that makes them themselves. They are fairly easy to make if you have time to get the cable and do some DIY work. He still has some for sale on ebay item number 321057513714 . They are $35 shipped and work perfectly.

OOPS Sorry I didnt read your post correctly. You are looking for the ODB cable. I thought you were inquiring aboug the actual AUX cable. Maybe someon will find this info useful.

 

I was referring to OBD2 cables, and I think you mistook me for AUX-IN cable.

 

If I am understanding this correctly, it is possible to have the cd changer play MP3s with a coding change?

 

No E60 CD changer is not hardware capable to play MP3 ... you may want to use CD changer from 7-series (maybe) if it's all possible.

 

I'll take a video and show you if you don't believe me. I'll even pull my config pack if you want to read through it.

let me reiterate this, my '04 545i with DVD Navi package, single disk CD player, does play MP3's on a burned CDR and even shows texts of the songs. I have no special hardware, nothing I did out of the ordinary while coding through Edibas/GT1. My car does have AUX enabled, and even shows the 6-disc option, even though I have only a single disk CD player.

 

Jesus, just for that remark, I'm posting a video of this working

 

There is a general consensus that the single disk CD player under the climate contols will play MP3 (with coding). I am sure I read somewhere that the single disk DVD player underneath it (on Sat-Nav equipped models) will also play MP3 tracks on CDs and DVDs. Not only play, these players will display the correct Text information about the music as well.

The 6 disk CD Changer in the glove box is not capable of playing MP3 on E60s.

 

Believe you what ??? Pls carefully read my post above ... I replied to another member post that asked if the CD Changer (yaa know the one in the glove box that has 6 CDs in a cartridge that you seems to don't have ) can play MP3 ... not referring to the in-dash CD player at all ...

My in-dash CD player can play MP3 from the factory w/ no coding too ... but I'm pretty sure in-dash CD Player is not the same as CD Changer.