Thanks for this video. Other videos fail to mention the blue locking clip. I did this to my car and that was the hardest part of the install. That and my radio harness didn't have much slack in the wires so i had to be real careful not to pull the harness when re-connecting the radio. I put the aux connection in my sun glass holder as opposed to the glove box. Thanks again
As i was watching this video, i realized that it doesn't support anything manufactured before September of 2002. Mine was manufactured in May of 2002. Is there any other product that i can purchase that is compatible with my radio? Thanks
just a little heads up. that wood trim is actually pretty delicate. the ''wood'' look can crack and peel off if your not to careful. mine lost a little piece around the radio assembly and looks stupid now :(
First off, I am about to install an AUX in my E46, so this video was great, many thanks! However, I feel like I'm missing something at the end with what appears to be a Potato that you used for Bluetoothing your phone to your system. I know you said you would do a separate video on that product, but I don't see it anywhere? So many question is, where do you get power from for the Potato in the glove box?
Hi! Ryan (and I) use an adapter that changes the flashlight port to a 12v power port. Just search "BMW flashlight adapter". However, these are no longer made, so finding one at a decent price may prove to be difficult. -- Bobby
This video is helpful, but i wonder if u put the dock in the box, how can u control ur music? do u need to open the box anytime when u want chose like next song? since u cant control it with the radio, can we find a better place to put it?
Hey! Great video! Just curious as to how you connected the actual aux "male to male" cord to the CD player itself. I understand that you need to switch out the black piece for the grey one on the harness, but I don't understand where you would connect the cord. Again, great video and I can't wait to hear your response!
The aux cable you buy from BMW plugs into the radio with a connector with three wires (right channel sound, left channel sound, and ground). Then that cable ends in a female aux cable. Then you need a male to male aux cable to plug into your phone.
Hi Ryan, i have a 2000 E46 316i (Netherlands) with the business CD without the ''mode'' button. Will AUX work? I hope so, i getting tired of Cd's! Great channel, i follow your bloq also! Shayan
Shayan, thanks for the comment. I'm completely unfamiliar with any radio with no mode button... Does it only play CDs then? It has to do FM/AM, it's a BMW! That sounds like it may not support an aux input though. Maybe you can update to a radio that would? I would do some research on the 2000 E46 that the Netherlands got.
***** It can play CDs and FM/AM but the layout is different. This is the one that i have: caraudio-service.ru/published/publicdata/GBCARSQL/attachments/SC/products_pictures/BMW_Business-CD_BP0273_6512-6909882_7640273342_40_44_FD440_enl.jpg This is my first car (don't have much money haha), and everything is so expensive here for BMW. So a new radio would be 200-400 euro's (500 dollars) Hope we can find out! Thanks
Hi! I'm thinking of doing the same set up as you for the aux cable. Do you mind me asking for a link or lead to the bluetooth transmitter you have in the glove attached to the aux? Thanks a ton.
How do you get the plug at 1:50 off? I can get it popped up, but after that, how do we get it off just pull as hard as you can? Dont want to break it either...also is it recommended to disconnect battery? Do you have to drill? Cab you route through AC duct?
Slide the slider all of the way out, and then pull the connector straight up and off the radio. Disconnecting the battery isn't a bad idea. There is no reason to drill. I just put the aux cable in the glovebox.
Not sure if you'll see this but, I have an 2003 e46 with 16:9 nav and I've got the AUX option without having an AUX in the back of my radio.. I've tried installing an AUX cable in the back but I can't get it to work, once plugged in it doesn't do anything. Can you maybe tell me the reason of that? Thanks
The radio cycles 'AUX' even with no cable plugged in? Sounds like it might need a reboot/reset and/or a software update. If installed correctly, like demonstrated in this video, the proper part should certainly work!
@@E39Source Thank you for your quick response. But yes that's the problem, can I reset it myself or is there something special needed to do that? And an software update? I'm not sure what kind I'm currently running so not sure if it needs one.
@@sro9330 I would try to disconnect the vehicle's battery overnight. That can reset modules and might help you out. A software update would have to be done by a BMW dealership.
Hey my e46 already had the Aux mode & was working perfectly for years. Recently the battery went flat & aux mode disappeared. Would you say it needs programming or do you think it's a loose wire from the head unit? Thanks if you can help !
If you didnt move the head unit around, I'd say to disconnect the battery again and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then reconnect. If that doesnt work then check for loose wires.
hey whats the bluetooth thing called? that glows? im about to buy a 2002 bmw 325ci and im not as auto savy as you guys are so ill probably take it to a mechanic shop for the installation
+Deon James It's the Tunelink Auto (www.amazon.com/Technologies-TuneLink-Bluetooth-Wireless-Adapter/dp/B004GJURHM). This job really is easy, it's just plugging a few wires in and drilling three small holes! Very easy to DIY! :)
Your radio may not support the aux input. Check the part number and build date by removing the radio to see if it's a 9/02 production or later to support the aux mode.
Mine is 320d e46 September 2001.,and radio have two 10-pin connectors and one 17-pin connector....I'm wondering if it will work,because it has that second 10-pin connector....
Bought a 8$ Male aux cord adapter off of amazon and it would not register as Aux on my business cd stereo. Checked the manufacturing date and it was made in march of 03'. I own a E46, 325i. Any suggestions? (first time bmw owner)
Hi E39 Source. I have an Oct 03 Build E46 330ci (EURO)with the cassette player up front and CD changer in the trunk. I appreciate its hard for you to know based on this info but do you know if my car will support this feature? Thank you.
+Jeroen Taelman It's the flashlight power adapter, so yes. You'll need the power adapter to convert the flashlight port into a car power port though, which are hard to find now.
+Jeroen Taelman I was lucky enough to buy one from BMW back when they still made them for $11. I don't know if there is a way to create your own or not. (I'm sure there is, but you'd need to 3D print or otherwise source some parts). I'll be making a video on bluetooth aux when I get my M5 back in a few weeks, you can see the part I'm referring to in that video.
I've been eyeing a third party auxiliary/bluetooth product, namely Grom Audio, which seems to hook up to the radio in much the same way as the OEM Aux that you've demonstrated here. My radio build date is prior to 9/2002. Is there any reason to believe this product would work where the aux port would not for this build date?
Appreciate your take and excellent videos. To follow up, turns out the Grom kit works just fine with pre-9/2002 builds as it uses the left port on the back of the radio replacing the accessory cable (I believe wired to the trunk).
When I ordered the part number you gave, it had a 12 pin connector and my 2004 E46 325i wagon has 10 pins. I see yours has a 10 pin connector;is there any way to rig it to work? If not, is there any further differentiation in part that I should've been aware of
That's very strange. But, only 3 pins are used for aux. Red, blue, and ground. Where red and blue are left/right channel audio (or vice versa) and the brown is ground. Take those pins out by sliding off part of the black/gray connector and then depressing the metal pins with a tiny screwdriver on the side of the harness while gently pulling the wire out from the black/gray housing. Then move them over to car's existing radio wiring harness (12 pin I guess), while being sure to put them in the exact same location per the tiny labels on the connectors (pin 4 in 4, 10 in 10, etc). Hope this makes sense.
Thanks for the fast and helpful response! What I decided to do was to take the plug from the cd changer (which I don't have) and use it for the aux jack. One tiny thing; I can't seem to find anywhere what wires go where. Could you let me know what wire goes in which slot? Again, thank you so much!
Hi, I'm from Switzerland and I love to watch your videos. I just recently bought a 2002 BMW 320i E46, and I'm planing to join you guys. Would that cause any problems since it's an E46?
***** Okay cool, I'll try to introduce my E46. Anyways, do you know where I can get that AUX Input Kit down here in europe? I've been trying to look up the part-no but apparently we don't have that piece over here, and all the other adapters are really expensive.. so I'd appreciate any help from you guys.
tax54321 Can't wait to see it! About the aux cable- I would do this. Go to realoem.com. Fill in all of your vehicle's specific information, being careful to select EUROPE as the country, instead of US. Then do a search for "aux" or "auxiliary". I did this search for a 2005 E46 320i sedan in European spec. I found this part number: 65902156732. From this pictograph: realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=ET16&mospid=47637&btnr=65_2006&hg=65&fg=95&hl=23. I can't guarantee that this is what you need. Definitely trickier for you though. But the forums and Google are probably going to be your best friend in finding that part. Good luck!
I have a 2001 CI e46 convertible with Business CD and Harmon Kardon sound systems without navigation. I bought the Aux cord, but my car was purchased in Oct 2001 so manufacture date had to be sometime earlier - say Aug 2001. The package says for Sept 2002 and beyond. I have not taken out the Head Unit yet. Will it work? Some people are saying that disconnecting the CD opens up the option of putting in the AUX for my iPhone 6+.
Those parts are listed here: www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=EW53-USA---E46-BMW-330xi&diagId=51_3233#51168205378 Find the right part number for your car, and then use an online parts vendor such as Turner Motorsports, ECS Tuning, or FCP Euro (Lifetime warranty) to purchase.
Hi i haw radio made in 2005 but when i plug AUX cable nothing happens the aux not showing but i got the cable for 3 dollars is it possible that i need some special aux cable?? in ebay there is many types off cables
It will work with any E46...Mine doesn't support it but still got it working. All you gotta do is replace it with the CD player input and it should work then when the car is on CD mode.
+Eduard Van Der Westhuizen Hey is this true? Can you post a video or something so I can verify cause I have a 2001 and the fact that mine isn't supported is disappointing.
i have a BMW 325Ci 2005, E46. i wanna know if i get a USB and aux Switch Adapter would it work? i mean it have the same connector as how you guys showed in the back of the Radio.
+Chung Thach It may work. Hard to say.... try it and see what happens. I dont think its officially supported by the CD player though. Make sure the build date on the CD Player is 09/2002 or later.
I did this on my 04 M3, when my phone is directly plugged into my aux input the radio detects is and I can switch to AUX mode, but when I used a bluetooth adapter it can't detect the AUX input, I tried several models/brands of bluetooth adapter from fry's and amazon and none worked, I tried them on my PC speaker and all of them worked properly. was wondering if just specific bluetooth adapters works with the radio on e46.
+erickrayos They all should work, assuming the jack is output (to speakers/aux) from the Bluetooth device itself, and that it has power.... I use the TuneLink auto and it works fine.
+E39Source none of the bluetooth adapters that I have tried worked, the aux works fine when my phone is directly plugged into it, and the bluetooth adapters works when I tested it with my PC speaker but for some reason it won't work with the radio. the radio just can't detect it when these adapters are powered up but when its powered down I am able to switch to AUX mode
man I had no idea that a aux adapter would be bluetooth. that's great no wires on your phone. Thanks going to see what all they have aux with Bluetooth !!
Oh my gosh, this is the best, understandable video I've seen yet. Well every one else is asking questions, so I decided to ask one. Hope to hear from ya. I have a 2006 324ci bmw conv. 3 series. I want the xm sat. radio in my car, but I don't know what's the cheapest way out. Replace the factory radio with a radio with xm sat, or the way you explained in the video with the AUX cable. On the back of my radio it states 06 May. I know it would work, but wouldn't I still have to purchase one of those lil sat. radios?
You either have to add a Sirius XM module (OEM From BMW), or an aftermarket solution. Or you could just add an Aux Input and use the Sirius app on your phone.
Thank you so much for the quick response. I don't know what to do. The radio has the Aux mode, but I don't have a IPhone, I have the Samsung note 4. Do you think I could just replace the radio itself?
Any phone with 3.5mm out (headphone jack) will work with aux. The Sirius XM radio ID will be printed on the back of the radio near what looks like a bar code.
Thanks again. I did remove the radio and took pic of every label that was on it, and also, I see a bar code at the bottom of the label but there is no ID #. Above the bar code has something like this (Model # CD53 E46 P/NO 65.12-6 961 214 S/NO AL 4620 6 05 19691. Then something like this (N18 [e42] under the e42 is #020201 SW/NO 47, HW/NO 43, KW: 18/06, AI: 02. But nothing with ID. I don't understand all those Numbers. Hope you can help me. I don't know how to tag a pic for you.
I drive a 2005 325xi e46. I pressed the mode button but the auxillary option doesnt even show up on the dash! Mines is an 05 so it should obviously support aux but i only see fm and cd. Help needed!!
Hi there. Cool video but I got an issue. BMW 2005 Msport 318ci 2.0 litre. Business Cd Dated Jan 05 has a factory fitted bluetooth module which i managed to link to my phone the other day, back of the HU has a spare port located on the outer edge out of the 2 ports for which i plugged in a Aux cable with no resistors or capacitors fitted. The aux came up for about 1 second after wiggling the cable..then disappeared, then came up again for a blink of an eye then hasn't returned since. The pin configuration on the plug end is pins 8 and 9 and 4 which is the earth for aux input. I re soldered a new aux socket and shrink wrapped and each wire has good continuity, however still no aux showing? I have read that the auxiliary plug need resisters fitted, or am I looking at a battery disconnect? Can you help please?
We don't have the same modules and setup here in the United States, so I really have no idea what your car needs. I'm sorry that I can't be of further assistance!
Hmm well there ain't much difference tbh, maybe spec wise etc etc but the headunits are identical as are the control modules, anyway I fitted a resistor and 2 capacitors and the Auxiliary worked. so to anyone that is having troubles with Auxiliary do the fix I mention.
Hi, I have a problem. Maybe you or someone on the feed came help me. I'm wanting to hook up my xm radio to my bmw e46 3 series 325ci. I purchased a Aux cable hook it up and I had no sound, so I checked the aux wire in the back of the radio which was loose. I got sound, but it's not loud like a normal radio sound would be. So I'm wondering do I have the wrong plug, because I can pull the plug out the back of the radio without having to unplug the wiring harness. Also, every video says to plug the Aux cable in the left side of the radio facing you, I tried that, then the Aux would not show on my radio, so I had to plug it in the right side of the back of the radio. I hope this made sense. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
O.k. well pressing the "6" button didn't work. But, when I search my car good, I found the 3.5 jack that was put in there by the previous owner. An my boyfriend told me how too hook it up and waalaa, it is working perfect. So I really didn't need the Aux plug that I purchased. Didn't have to hook anything to the back of my radio, thanking God.
+Lucas Strong It will work with any E46...Mine doesn't support it but still got it working. All you gotta do is replace it with the CD player input and it should work then when the car is on CD mode.
my E46 is 2003 .. radio was made in 2003 also .. i tried to connect the AUX but it won't work .. i read on the internet that the version of the software has to be 43 or above .. mine is 51.. but it is not working .. I'm in Poland btw . hope u could help .. thx a lot .
+Nas Almoalm Hmm. That should definitely work. Check all the connections, upload and then plug it back in. Unplug the battery maybe for a few hours. Then plug that back in and see if the radio has discovered the aux yet. Good luck!
Can you use the steering wheel controls to skip songs? I did the install but can't skip songs on my NAV UNIT or on the steering wheel controls. App for music is Spotify.
+TheGroundRoof Region shouldn't matter... but if you run into issues, then select USA. Any radio made before a certain date won't support AUX, regardless of what buttons it has. I think that certain date is 9/2002, at least in the E39s anyways.
You just need a radio that was made after Sept 2002. If the radio in your car is a 1999 or 2000 (what came in your car) you can just buy a newer one (2002-2006) on eBay and install that before the aux kit.
you can buy this www.ebay.com/itm/Plug-Play-7-D5150-Dash-Car-DVD-GPS-NAV-SAT-E-Radio-Stereo-for-BMW-3-Series-E46-/201105980375?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3ABMW&hash=item2ed2d9bbd7&vxp=mtr
Thanks for posting! I installed this to work with my old phone but now "That product" at the end is what I need. Can't find that video supposedly posted. Now that I've upgraded my iPhone I no longer have the 3.5 headphone jack. HELP!
I have an old 318i from 1999 with only CD button for CD changer (HU 26/98) and cassete instead of CDs, no MODE button and made it work. I bought AUX adapter and had to rearrange the pins on 10-pin connector to make it work. From top-to-bottom, left-to-right they go like [][W][][][] [R][B][][][] W - white wire, "left channel" R - red wire, "right channel" B - black wire, ground Hope it helps! Like comment so others see solution!
Hi, im just wondering why you chose a different spot from the directions included in this kit. I naively followed them to the tee, and found that the location they had me drill in, would make the aux wire hit the flashlight charger in the glovebox. Were the directions written by an imbecile of some sort? Thanks.
I don't think I even looked at the directions for this one, I just did with my 330xi what I did with my M5. The glovebox wall is where they recommend putting it on the E39.
Any clue what the off-white/yellowish plastic part is in this photo? It's inside the dash directly to the right of the radio bay and to the left of the glovebox. The photo was taken from the passenger footwell looking up and left with the glovebox and glovebox panel removed. i66.tinypic.com/2iw9av5.jpg
Sounds right. On close inspection, it does look like a control arm and servo, but difficult to tell peering through the radio bay. I ask bc it looks like this is the gap where the aux cable feeds through, at least on my e46 M3. If this part moves, I just want to make sure the cable isn't obstructing it.
Tom Doherty It's called the TuneLink Auto; it plugs into the flashlight port in the glovebox using an adapter. This adapter is no longer made; but you can find it on eBay... though they are pretty expensive.... Part Number: 82110004073
I figured it out. It's the blue bracket that holds the wire harness to the back of the head unit. It just slides out. I just finished this job a few days ago. Thanks for uploading this DIY.
Thanks for this video. Other videos fail to mention the blue locking clip. I did this to my car and that was the hardest part of the install. That and my radio harness didn't have much slack in the wires so i had to be real careful not to pull the harness when re-connecting the radio. I put the aux connection in my sun glass holder as opposed to the glove box. Thanks again
I'm glad you found this helpful, thanks for the kind feedback!
2020/6 and still creating happy E46 owners.... thank you very much for the assistance....
Hi man, did u install the aux? I need to know if the radio will need a keycode to start up after being disconnected.. thanks in advance
As i was watching this video, i realized that it doesn't support anything manufactured before September of 2002. Mine was manufactured in May of 2002. Is there any other product that i can purchase that is compatible with my radio? Thanks
did u every find anything dude im on the same boat
@@connorlovesrock hey have you found anything yet? Mines from July 2002
@@luclaan8165 I use a wireless FM bluetooth transmitter that plugs into the cig lighter
@@connorlovesrock that is the only option for a production date earlier than September 2002
Well done, as you always do guys!
Looking forward for a review of that bluetooth device!
Hi i have a e46 from 1998 but my radio had aux input at the back. Can I use this or is it not possible?
just a little heads up. that wood trim is actually pretty delicate. the ''wood'' look can crack and peel off if your not to careful. mine lost a little piece around the radio assembly and looks stupid now :(
and it seems difficult to order another one since the new one may or may not match as much
First off, I am about to install an AUX in my E46, so this video was great, many thanks! However, I feel like I'm missing something at the end with what appears to be a Potato that you used for Bluetoothing your phone to your system. I know you said you would do a separate video on that product, but I don't see it anywhere? So many question is, where do you get power from for the Potato in the glove box?
Hi! Ryan (and I) use an adapter that changes the flashlight port to a 12v power port. Just search "BMW flashlight adapter". However, these are no longer made, so finding one at a decent price may prove to be difficult.
--
Bobby
Thanks for your reply. I didn't even know that was an option. Looks like they can be found, but I may have to pony up for one.
This video is helpful, but i wonder if u put the dock in the box, how can u control ur music? do u need to open the box anytime when u want chose like next song? since u cant control it with the radio, can we find a better place to put it?
You can get a longer auxiliary cable; some people have also installed it above the cigarette lighter.
Hey! Great video! Just curious as to how you connected the actual aux "male to male" cord to the CD player itself. I understand that you need to switch out the black piece for the grey one on the harness, but I don't understand where you would connect the cord. Again, great video and I can't wait to hear your response!
The aux cable you buy from BMW plugs into the radio with a connector with three wires (right channel sound, left channel sound, and ground). Then that cable ends in a female aux cable. Then you need a male to male aux cable to plug into your phone.
E39Source ahh! Thank you!
Awesome video. My heifer just got this car. Since im out of projects with my benz, I have some new projects with the beamer. Thank you sir
Hi Ryan, i have a 2000 E46 316i (Netherlands) with the business CD without the ''mode'' button. Will AUX work?
I hope so, i getting tired of Cd's!
Great channel, i follow your bloq also!
Shayan
Shayan, thanks for the comment. I'm completely unfamiliar with any radio with no mode button... Does it only play CDs then? It has to do FM/AM, it's a BMW! That sounds like it may not support an aux input though. Maybe you can update to a radio that would? I would do some research on the 2000 E46 that the Netherlands got.
***** It can play CDs and FM/AM but the layout is different.
This is the one that i have: caraudio-service.ru/published/publicdata/GBCARSQL/attachments/SC/products_pictures/BMW_Business-CD_BP0273_6512-6909882_7640273342_40_44_FD440_enl.jpg
This is my first car (don't have much money haha), and everything is so expensive here for BMW. So a new radio would be 200-400 euro's (500 dollars)
Hope we can find out! Thanks
PersianBoyShayan Hmm I don't know. Finding research specific to your country's car will be your key. We don't have those here. Good luck!
i have a bmw 330 ci e46 december 2002....what do you think it well workwith mine ?? thank you
+ER Haj I would expect that it would.
Hi! I'm thinking of doing the same set up as you for the aux cable. Do you mind me asking for a link or lead to the bluetooth transmitter you have in the glove attached to the aux? Thanks a ton.
Awesome video.It gave me the confidence to try it and mine is now done. Thanks!
I got a bmw 318 e46 2002 model. The radio has the mode button. But I have not pulled the radio out yet. Just wan't to know if it support AUX?
I would expect that it would.
+E39Source i will take up with this challange, but i have a question. Would i be able to connect the cd player without owning a cd changer?
+Frank Richard the CD player in the dash and the 6 disc cd changer in the trunk are two totally separate units.
Is there anyway to tell what year the HU was manufactured with out removing anything? Thanks in advance.
Andrew Salazar No. It's very easy to pull it out though and check the sticker.
How do you get the plug at 1:50 off? I can get it popped up, but after that, how do we get it off just pull as hard as you can? Dont want to break it either...also is it recommended to disconnect battery? Do you have to drill? Cab you route through AC duct?
Slide the slider all of the way out, and then pull the connector straight up and off the radio. Disconnecting the battery isn't a bad idea. There is no reason to drill. I just put the aux cable in the glovebox.
330d September 2002 Worked for me .Thank you
Not sure if you'll see this but, I have an 2003 e46 with 16:9 nav and I've got the AUX option without having an AUX in the back of my radio.. I've tried installing an AUX cable in the back but I can't get it to work, once plugged in it doesn't do anything. Can you maybe tell me the reason of that? Thanks
The radio cycles 'AUX' even with no cable plugged in? Sounds like it might need a reboot/reset and/or a software update. If installed correctly, like demonstrated in this video, the proper part should certainly work!
@@E39Source Thank you for your quick response. But yes that's the problem, can I reset it myself or is there something special needed to do that? And an software update? I'm not sure what kind I'm currently running so not sure if it needs one.
@@sro9330 I would try to disconnect the vehicle's battery overnight. That can reset modules and might help you out. A software update would have to be done by a BMW dealership.
Hey my e46 already had the Aux mode & was working perfectly for years. Recently the battery went flat & aux mode disappeared. Would you say it needs programming or do you think it's a loose wire from the head unit? Thanks if you can help !
If you didnt move the head unit around, I'd say to disconnect the battery again and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then reconnect. If that doesnt work then check for loose wires.
hey whats the bluetooth thing called? that glows? im about to buy a 2002 bmw 325ci and im not as auto savy as you guys are so ill probably take it to a mechanic shop for the installation
+Deon James It's the Tunelink Auto (www.amazon.com/Technologies-TuneLink-Bluetooth-Wireless-Adapter/dp/B004GJURHM). This job really is easy, it's just plugging a few wires in and drilling three small holes! Very easy to DIY! :)
I have a 2002 Bmw 330ci, I purchased the oem aux input, connected it, but the option does not show up when I press mode. Any help?
Your radio may not support the aux input. Check the part number and build date by removing the radio to see if it's a 9/02 production or later to support the aux mode.
Mine is 320d e46 September 2001.,and radio have two 10-pin connectors and one 17-pin connector....I'm wondering if it will work,because it has that second 10-pin connector....
Bought a 8$ Male aux cord adapter off of amazon and it would not register as Aux on my business cd stereo. Checked the manufacturing date and it was made in march of 03'. I own a E46, 325i. Any suggestions? (first time bmw owner)
Try an OEM cable. Also, something needs to be plugged into it (phone, iPod, etc.) or it won't show up. Keep that in Mind.
Thanks!
Do you recommend disconnecting the car's battery before performing this procedure?
You can if you want to, but it's really not necessary l.
Thanks!
Hi E39 Source. I have an Oct 03 Build E46 330ci (EURO)with the cassette player up front and CD changer in the trunk. I appreciate its hard for you to know based on this info but do you know if my car will support this feature? Thank you.
Yes, that radio should be new enough for aux to easily be installed!
E39Source Thanks for the reply mate! - Harry.
Hi i just bought a bmw e46 from 2004 and i was wondering if there is always a power output in the glove box to give your bluetooth device power?
+Jeroen Taelman It's the flashlight power adapter, so yes. You'll need the power adapter to convert the flashlight port into a car power port though, which are hard to find now.
+E39Source AH OK thanks for the quick response would there be a way to diy something like that. with soldering or something?
+Jeroen Taelman I was lucky enough to buy one from BMW back when they still made them for $11. I don't know if there is a way to create your own or not. (I'm sure there is, but you'd need to 3D print or otherwise source some parts). I'll be making a video on bluetooth aux when I get my M5 back in a few weeks, you can see the part I'm referring to in that video.
Awesome thanks
@@E39Source did you make that video?
I've been eyeing a third party auxiliary/bluetooth product, namely Grom Audio, which seems to hook up to the radio in much the same way as the OEM Aux that you've demonstrated here. My radio build date is prior to 9/2002. Is there any reason to believe this product would work where the aux port would not for this build date?
I dont see any reason why it wouldn't.
Appreciate your take and excellent videos. To follow up, turns out the Grom kit works just fine with pre-9/2002 builds as it uses the left port on the back of the radio replacing the accessory cable (I believe wired to the trunk).
When I ordered the part number you gave, it had a 12 pin connector and my 2004 E46 325i wagon has 10 pins. I see yours has a 10 pin connector;is there any way to rig it to work? If not, is there any further differentiation in part that I should've been aware of
That's very strange. But, only 3 pins are used for aux. Red, blue, and ground. Where red and blue are left/right channel audio (or vice versa) and the brown is ground. Take those pins out by sliding off part of the black/gray connector and then depressing the metal pins with a tiny screwdriver on the side of the harness while gently pulling the wire out from the black/gray housing. Then move them over to car's existing radio wiring harness (12 pin I guess), while being sure to put them in the exact same location per the tiny labels on the connectors (pin 4 in 4, 10 in 10, etc). Hope this makes sense.
Thanks for the fast and helpful response! What I decided to do was to take the plug from the cd changer (which I don't have) and use it for the aux jack. One tiny thing; I can't seem to find anywhere what wires go where. Could you let me know what wire goes in which slot? Again, thank you so much!
Never mind, thank you so much! I figured it out haha
Hi, I'm from Switzerland and I love to watch your videos. I just recently bought a 2002 BMW 320i E46, and I'm planing to join you guys. Would that cause any problems since it's an E46?
Not at all! We have several e46's on the channel.
-Bobby
***** Okay cool, I'll try to introduce my E46. Anyways, do you know where I can get that AUX Input Kit down here in europe? I've been trying to look up the part-no but apparently we don't have that piece over here, and all the other adapters are really expensive.. so I'd appreciate any help from you guys.
tax54321 Can't wait to see it! About the aux cable- I would do this. Go to realoem.com. Fill in all of your vehicle's specific information, being careful to select EUROPE as the country, instead of US. Then do a search for "aux" or "auxiliary". I did this search for a 2005 E46 320i sedan in European spec. I found this part number: 65902156732. From this pictograph: realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=ET16&mospid=47637&btnr=65_2006&hg=65&fg=95&hl=23. I can't guarantee that this is what you need. Definitely trickier for you though. But the forums and Google are probably going to be your best friend in finding that part. Good luck!
***** Yeah well thanks, I'll let you know in the video-intro very soon.
Hey man! Awesome video. I have a BMW 2003 330i, can I do this to my vehicle?
+Nic Shannon Yes, follow instructions in the video! Just verify that the part number for your radio/CD player will support AUX.
awesome. thanks!
+E39Source quck question, where did you get the aux parts at to purchase?
+Nic Shannon I purchased all of these parts form ECS Tuning.
I have a 2001 CI e46 convertible with Business CD and Harmon Kardon sound systems without navigation. I bought the Aux cord, but my car was purchased in Oct 2001 so manufacture date had to be sometime earlier - say Aug 2001. The package says for Sept 2002 and beyond. I have not taken out the Head Unit yet. Will it work?
Some people are saying that disconnecting the CD opens up the option of putting in the AUX for my iPhone 6+.
+Richard Baker You just need a CD player made after September, 2002. Which you can source from Ebay and then install without issues.
+E39Source - thanks
Great video! Who makes that cigarette lighter receiver/where can I get one? Can't find it anywhere! Thanks!
Aw boo, found it but they don't make it anymore :/
Those parts are listed here: www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=EW53-USA---E46-BMW-330xi&diagId=51_3233#51168205378
Find the right part number for your car, and then use an online parts vendor such as Turner Motorsports, ECS Tuning, or FCP Euro (Lifetime warranty) to purchase.
Hi i haw radio made in 2005 but when i plug AUX cable nothing happens the aux not showing but i got the cable for 3 dollars is it possible that i need some special aux cable?? in ebay there is many types off cables
Your radio should support it, but you need to wire in the BMW aux adapter kit. Or, if you already have it, ensure that it’s pinned in correctly.
It will work with any E46...Mine doesn't support it but still got it working. All you gotta do is replace it with the CD player input and it should work then when the car is on CD mode.
+Eduard Van Der Westhuizen Hey is this true? Can you post a video or something so I can verify cause I have a 2001 and the fact that mine isn't supported is disappointing.
+Omar Ashraf also I don't want to spend 30 dollars on ECS tuning just to have it not work.
+Omar Ashraf Hmm okay, will do it sometime this week :)
i have a BMW 325Ci 2005, E46. i wanna know if i get a USB and aux Switch Adapter would it work? i mean it have the same connector as how you guys showed in the back of the Radio.
+Chung Thach It may work. Hard to say.... try it and see what happens. I dont think its officially supported by the CD player though. Make sure the build date on the CD Player is 09/2002 or later.
oh ok thank you. i will check it out, and than work with what i got. thanks for the video.
I did this on my 04 M3, when my phone is directly plugged into my aux input the radio detects is and I can switch to AUX mode, but when I used a bluetooth adapter it can't detect the AUX input, I tried several models/brands of bluetooth adapter from fry's and amazon and none worked, I tried them on my PC speaker and all of them worked properly. was wondering if just specific bluetooth adapters works with the radio on e46.
+erickrayos They all should work, assuming the jack is output (to speakers/aux) from the Bluetooth device itself, and that it has power.... I use the TuneLink auto and it works fine.
+E39Source none of the bluetooth adapters that I have tried worked, the aux works fine when my phone is directly plugged into it, and the bluetooth adapters works when I tested it with my PC speaker but for some reason it won't work with the radio. the radio just can't detect it when these adapters are powered up but when its powered down I am able to switch to AUX mode
man I had no idea that a aux adapter would be bluetooth. that's great no wires on your phone. Thanks going to see what all they have aux with Bluetooth !!
Oh my gosh, this is the best, understandable video I've seen yet. Well every one else is asking questions, so I decided to ask one. Hope to hear from ya. I have a 2006 324ci bmw conv. 3 series. I want the xm sat. radio in my car, but I don't know what's the cheapest way out. Replace the factory radio with a radio with xm sat, or the way you explained in the video with the AUX cable. On the back of my radio it states 06 May. I know it would work, but wouldn't I still have to purchase one of those lil sat. radios?
You either have to add a Sirius XM module (OEM From BMW), or an aftermarket solution. Or you could just add an Aux Input and use the Sirius app on your phone.
Thank you so much for the quick response. I don't know what to do. The radio has the Aux mode, but I don't have a IPhone, I have the Samsung note 4. Do you think I could just replace the radio itself?
I have one question, how do I go about getting my radio ID for my car?
Any phone with 3.5mm out (headphone jack) will work with aux. The Sirius XM radio ID will be printed on the back of the radio near what looks like a bar code.
Thanks again. I did remove the radio and took pic of every label that was on it, and also, I see a bar code at the bottom of the label but there is no ID #. Above the bar code has something like this (Model # CD53 E46
P/NO 65.12-6 961 214
S/NO AL 4620 6 05 19691. Then something like this (N18 [e42] under the e42 is #020201
SW/NO 47, HW/NO 43, KW: 18/06, AI: 02. But nothing with ID. I don't understand all those Numbers. Hope you can help me. I don't know how to tag a pic for you.
Instead of thru the glove compartment can you just put the aux thing inside the little drawer thing beneath the radio?
Dev L Sure, you can route the aux cable anywhere you like.
I drive a 2005 325xi e46. I pressed the mode button but the auxillary option doesnt even show up on the dash! Mines is an 05 so it should obviously support aux but i only see fm and cd. Help needed!!
Luis Dehaza You need to add the adapter cable. It'll be easy to add though since the wires are up there already for it!
Hi there.
Cool video but I got an issue.
BMW 2005 Msport 318ci 2.0 litre. Business Cd Dated Jan 05 has a factory fitted bluetooth module which i managed to link to my phone the other day, back of the HU has a spare port located on the outer edge out of the 2 ports for which i plugged in a Aux cable with no resistors or capacitors fitted. The aux came up for about 1 second after wiggling the cable..then disappeared, then came up again for a blink of an eye then hasn't returned since. The pin configuration on the plug end is pins 8 and 9 and 4 which is the earth for aux input. I re soldered a new aux socket and shrink wrapped and each wire has good continuity, however still no aux showing? I have read that the auxiliary plug need resisters fitted, or am I looking at a battery disconnect?
Can you help please?
We don't have the same modules and setup here in the United States, so I really have no idea what your car needs. I'm sorry that I can't be of further assistance!
Hmm well there ain't much difference tbh, maybe spec wise etc etc but the headunits are identical as are the control modules, anyway I fitted a resistor and 2 capacitors and the Auxiliary worked. so to anyone that is having troubles with Auxiliary do the fix I mention.
Hi, I have a problem. Maybe you or someone on the feed came help me. I'm wanting to hook up my xm radio to my bmw e46 3 series 325ci. I purchased a Aux cable hook it up and I had no sound, so I checked the aux wire in the back of the radio which was loose. I got sound, but it's not loud like a normal radio sound would be. So I'm wondering do I have the wrong plug, because I can pull the plug out the back of the radio without having to unplug the wiring harness. Also, every video says to plug the Aux cable in the left side of the radio facing you, I tried that, then the Aux would not show on my radio, so I had to plug it in the right side of the back of the radio. I hope this made sense. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
With the radio in AUX mode, and something playing, hit the "6" preset button on the radio face. This should adjust the volume up higher.
o.k. I'm gonna try that. Thanks.
O.k. well pressing the "6" button didn't work. But, when I search my car good, I found the 3.5 jack that was put in there by the previous owner. An my boyfriend told me how too hook it up and waalaa, it is working perfect. So I really didn't need the Aux plug that I purchased. Didn't have to hook anything to the back of my radio, thanking God.
Hi! so I have an April 2002 unit and it had the mode button with the 10 pin port available but it won't connect???
Has to be September of 2002 or later.
+Lucas Strong It will work with any E46...Mine doesn't support it but still got it working. All you gotta do is replace it with the CD player input and it should work then when the car is on CD mode.
do i need a special aux cord or will any one do? i have a 04 bmw 330ci e46
Any one will work.
my E46 is 2003 .. radio was made in 2003 also .. i tried to connect the AUX but it won't work .. i read on the internet that the version of the software has to be 43 or above .. mine is 51.. but it is not working .. I'm in Poland btw . hope u could help .. thx a lot .
+Nas Almoalm Hmm. That should definitely work. Check all the connections, upload and then plug it back in. Unplug the battery maybe for a few hours. Then plug that back in and see if the radio has discovered the aux yet. Good luck!
+E39Source will do so .. thx a lot ..
Can you use the steering wheel controls to skip songs? I did the install but can't skip songs on my NAV UNIT or on the steering wheel controls. App for music is Spotify.
Not with a simple aux input, no. That would be super nice to have, but you'd need aftermarket components to make that work.
I know this sounds ignorant..if you have a (lets say) 2000-2002 BMW e46... how is it that the OEM head unit was made in 2003+ What am i missing here ?
It would have had to be replaced at some point. If a dealership or previous owner had to replace it, it would have likely been with a newer model.
can't find the one you are using. could you let us know the web Linc to find to buy. thanks again. the bluetooth aux your using ?
The part number is in the video description. Copy and paste that to any BMW parts vendor.
Is it true that some radios with mode button doesnt support aux? And does it matter what region the radio is set on? Thx
+TheGroundRoof Region shouldn't matter... but if you run into issues, then select USA.
Any radio made before a certain date won't support AUX, regardless of what buttons it has. I think that certain date is 9/2002, at least in the E39s anyways.
Would this be working a BMW 318i E46 facelift from 2001? It's the standard BMW business radio
+thed4nq You should be able to replace the CD player with one that is new enough to support aux, and then add the cable.
hello, will this work on the 2000 e46 323ci it looks exactly the same just want to make sure before doing this mod
You just need a radio that was made after Sept 2002. If the radio in your car is a 1999 or 2000 (what came in your car) you can just buy a newer one (2002-2006) on eBay and install that before the aux kit.
oh ok thanks very helpful
you can buy this www.ebay.com/itm/Plug-Play-7-D5150-Dash-Car-DVD-GPS-NAV-SAT-E-Radio-Stereo-for-BMW-3-Series-E46-/201105980375?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3ABMW&hash=item2ed2d9bbd7&vxp=mtr
hey man,
i have a BMW 3 SERIES 1.8 316ti SE Compact 3dr 2004. will this work with my car? thanks!!
+Alex Kerry If you have the business class radio, yes.
How much place will places like best buy install this ?
hello, please con you put the link for the aux piece of plastic that you use for connect the auxiliary cable. thank. regards from Peru
What piece of plastic? The Bluetooth adapter?
Not! The Black plastic that has the name Aux is a small piece.
+Marco Enciso minute 07: 50
+Marco Enciso That piece is included with the kit, and you cannot get it separately.
Will this work for my late 2001 330ci? I haven't check the date for the actual headunit yet.
Patrick Tran You need to check the date on the radio. If the stock radio is still in there, I think you'll need to update it.
Yea I checked it today its a late 2001 model
Thanks for posting! I installed this to work with my old phone but now "That product" at the end is what I need. Can't find that video supposedly posted. Now that I've upgraded my iPhone I no longer have the 3.5 headphone jack. HELP!
I think you're referencing the TuneLink auto, which allows you to play to the aux via bluetooth.
I have BMW e46 2003/05 318 facelift. But my radio is mini-navi. Will it work?
Mini-navi?
Thanks for the vid...just got done with mine....this was helpful!
What's the probability that it will work on my 2001(made in July 2000) 330ci?
+Alec Olslund Very low, you need a 9/02 + radio I believe. So unless your previous owner replaced it....
+E39Source Got it, thanks. Would it be possible to just find a radio from a 2002 year or up and replace the existing radio
+Alec Olslund Yes, it should plug right in. Find one for your car with a newer build date on Ebay.
could you tell me the name of the device which reads from bluetooth and sends to aux?
Med Potter Tunelink Auto
also do you know an easy way to provide power to tunelink auto?
I have an old 318i from 1999 with only CD button for CD changer (HU 26/98) and cassete instead of CDs, no MODE button and made it work. I bought AUX adapter and had to rearrange the pins on 10-pin connector to make it work. From top-to-bottom, left-to-right they go like
[][W][][][]
[R][B][][][]
W - white wire, "left channel"
R - red wire, "right channel"
B - black wire, ground
Hope it helps! Like comment so others see solution!
i have a 2002 325ci manufactured 06 02. but the radio is the same and has the port shown for the aux and my radio says "mode"
+Marc Juarez it has to be 09/2002 or later I believe
Dear friend, how do I know if my business radio is aux compatible?
I believe the production date must be on or after 9/2002. It says on the sticker on the unit.
Installation was a breeze! Done in under 30 mins, mounted mine above the ashtray.
I mounted mine in the back of the top compartment under the HVAC controls
mine e46 radio its 02/2005 but doesn´t work! only cd player and radio! it´s normal?
When you're trying it, are you plugging something into the auxiliary port? It won't show up if nothing is plugged in.
Hi, im just wondering why you chose a different spot from the directions included in this kit. I naively followed them to the tee, and found that the location they had me drill in, would make the aux wire hit the flashlight charger in the glovebox. Were the directions written by an imbecile of some sort? Thanks.
I don't think I even looked at the directions for this one, I just did with my 330xi what I did with my M5. The glovebox wall is where they recommend putting it on the E39.
cheers guys gonna give it ago . great video
Do I need to disconnect my battery for this?
It wouldn't hurt but is not completely required.
Is there a link to where I can purchase that Bluetooth connector you had connected with the wire you installed?
www.amazon.com/Technologies-TuneLink-Bluetooth-Wireless-Adapter/dp/B004GJURHM
Big help, thanks very much.
Any clue what the off-white/yellowish plastic part is in this photo? It's inside the dash directly to the right of the radio bay and to the left of the glovebox. The photo was taken from the passenger footwell looking up and left with the glovebox and glovebox panel removed.
i66.tinypic.com/2iw9av5.jpg
That looks like a vent actuator or something of those sorts.
Sounds right. On close inspection, it does look like a control arm and servo, but difficult to tell peering through the radio bay. I ask bc it looks like this is the gap where the aux cable feeds through, at least on my e46 M3. If this part moves, I just want to make sure the cable isn't obstructing it.
Hey where can i find the bluetooth wireless aux adapter??
I use a product called the TuneLink Auto, available on Amazon.
@@E39Source are there any other wireless bluetooth aux that you would recommend? I cant find the one you guys have
@@vtecboi18 Stay tuned to E39Source. There is a great BMW product called BlueBus that is about to hit the market. www.bluebus.dev
The Glove box can come out in one piece .. You just have to remove 6 or so screws ...
yeah, its alot easier this way. Allows for neater cable routing as well
Hey i have a 325 xi 2004 can i do this with my car?
+Mikail Gordon Yes, follow the instructions in the video! Just verify that the part number for your radio/CD player will support AUX.
Thanks
hello i have a m sport e46 ... and want the usb type and suggestions ..thanks
+mick001983 What USB are you referring to?
+mick001983 What USB are you referring to?
aux to usb ...
+mick001983 Aux to USB is not possible unless you use some type of product such as the Tunelink Auto.
thanks! great video!
Bruh I can’t find where to put the blue thingy back in !!
neal swamy ...Blue thingy?
Thank You!!!
what about a 323i 2000?
+wiredmusic915 it all depends what radio the car has. You need to pull it out and check..
What about e39 530 with bm24 radio module?
I don't have experience with the BM24 module. See if anyone on the forums has done aux with that.
What is the bluetooth aux called?
Stay tuned for a future video featuring it!
*****
any chance you could let us know how this bluetooth aux was fitted as I presume it needs a power input of some kind?
Tom Doherty It's called the TuneLink Auto; it plugs into the flashlight port in the glovebox using an adapter. This adapter is no longer made; but you can find it on eBay... though they are pretty expensive.... Part Number: 82110004073
Can i get this at the dealer
You may be able to, it will probably have to be special ordered and be marked up price wise.
Show how to remove the blue thingy!
Blue thing?
I figured it out. It's the blue bracket that holds the wire harness to the back of the head unit. It just slides out.
I just finished this job a few days ago. Thanks for uploading this DIY.
My radio is 08/2002. One month off. Wow
вывод линейного входа в бардачок - колхоз... куда интереснее выглядит между пепельницей и климой
@E39source I have a 2002 325i can I put one on as well? I heard I could not.
+Diaspora man it depends what year/software version the radio itself is.
Details on how to get that information are in the video.
Could I possibly do this on a 2001 , E46?
I as well have an 01 e46 and I cant find an answer anywhere. Best option is most likely to just replace the radio entirely.
Will February 2005 330 ci work?
yes it should.
Does this work on a 525i touring 2003 ?
+Azeon91 Don't see why not
2005 325xi? Does this work on that
Yes
can you do this on a 2001 225i?
i have a 2002 bmw 325ci would it work?
As long as your radio was manufactured after the specified date.
@@E39Source what if the radio is before that date, is there any other way for me to get Aux?
@@connorlovesrock Then you just need to find a newer radio and pop that in!