Another Aux thread... with many questions!

[stehanson]

Hi All,

Firstly Apologies for another Aux thread, but after reading through about 20 using the search function for the last hour or so I have been left with more questions than I have gained answers, hence the post!

I own a pre-facelift model on a 2005,05 plate, it's a 3.0SE, I have the factory fitted business head unit with a six CD changer, I also have factory fitted bluetooth.

I want to install some sort of Aux cable that will enable me to connect my ipod using the headphone output or the ipod connection on my old but trusty Ipod Nano.
My questions are:
1) Can the aux be fitted to my car given it has both the cd changer and the bluetooth without losing one of them?
2) Is it possible to change tracks on the ipod using the steering controls or those on the head unit? (I assume this would only be possible if connected via the ipod connector rather than the earphone output!
3) Does the lead connect to the head unit? or the cd changer?- just thinking the length of lead comes into play depending on which one
4)I have read about leads with and without resistors and capacitors not working on some cars but working on others and the need on some models to have resistors / capacitors etc -how can you tell which lead is required?
5) I have seen some threads using a lead from http://www.incartunes.co.uk/pc7-bmw-01-aux-in-adaptor-580-p.asp and working fine, however this post intimates it does not work?????
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=15292&start=15 So why is it working for some but not others?
6) Im useless at soldering and dont have the time with work (own business) so diy job is out of the question, instead of going for the z4 oem one i'm lead to believe a mini one will work? am I better just buying the cheaper mini oem one to save hassle or.....

Here's a couple off ebay for your comments:
This one has a pcb with resistors on
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E85-Z4-02-06-AUX-Mode-Cable-3-5mm-Jack-MP3-mobile-phone-etc-/300926702676?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item4610a11454
Whereas this one has none?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-AUX-IN-IPOD-MP3-MINI-1-3-5-SERIES-Z4-BUSINESS-PROFESSIONAL-2M-CABLE-/141010783257?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item20d4e5cc19

Any info greatly appreciated- Thanks in advance Ste

 

[Adamski]

Try a PM to "Gannet" - he's an ex zed owner, but still visits occasionally.

Gannet had the same 6 CD changer and Bluetooth setup as you have. He merged the aux cable with the Bluetooth cable. You can't change the tracks via the multi function controls on the steering wheel, but at least you'll be up and running.

Dension, Intravee and Dice all do media/audio devices for the zed which can control iPod etc - but I'm not sure which of them work without the Sat Nav head unit.

Hope this helps


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Stuart Truman]

I want to install some sort of Aux cable that will enable me to connect my ipod using the headphone output or the ipod connection on my old but trusty Ipod Nano.
My questions are:
1) Can the aux be fitted to my car given it has both the cd changer and the bluetooth without losing one of them?

Yes, I fitted one to #69 which had a similar setup. (Nav, changer and Bluetooth.)

2) Is it possible to change tracks on the ipod using the steering controls or those on the head unit? (I assume this would only be possible if connected via the ipod connector rather than the earphone output!

Not with the aux cable, but if you fit a Dice, Dension or Intravee/Alpine you'll be able to.

3) Does the lead connect to the head unit? or the cd changer?- just thinking the length of lead comes into play depending on which one

Yes, the head unit. You need to remove the wires from the block it comes with and fit them to the existing block. There's a thread on here somewhere with a diagram that I used.

4)I have read about leads with and without resistors and capacitors not working on some cars but working on others and the need on some models to have resistors / capacitors etc -how can you tell which lead is required?

The OEM lead has resisters and capacitors. IIRC the head unit detects these and enables the option.

6) Im useless at soldering and dont have the time with work (own business) so diy job is out of the question, instead of going for the z4 oem one i'm lead to believe a mini one will work? am I better just buying the cheaper mini oem one to save hassle or.....

IIRC it's the same thing. Possibly a different length.

 

[stehanson]

Try a PM to "Gannet" - he's an ex zed owner, but still visits occasionally.

Gannet had the same 6 CD changer and Bluetooth setup as you have. He merged the aux cable with the Bluetooth cable. You can't change the tracks via the multi function controls on the steering wheel, but at least you'll be up and running.

Dension, Intravee and Dice all do media/audio devices for the zed which can control iPod etc - but I'm not sure which of them work without the Sat Nav head unit.

Hope this helps


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks and will do, but bet he doesn't visit for ages now lol!
tbh it doesn't bother me about changing tracks via HU, just an advantage if aux cable would allow it

 

[stehanson]

I want to install some sort of Aux cable that will enable me to connect my ipod using the headphone output or the ipod connection on my old but trusty Ipod Nano.
My questions are:
1) Can the aux be fitted to my car given it has both the cd changer and the bluetooth without losing one of them?

Yes, I fitted one to #69 which had a similar setup. (Nav, changer and Bluetooth.)

2) Is it possible to change tracks on the ipod using the steering controls or those on the head unit? (I assume this would only be possible if connected via the ipod connector rather than the earphone output!

Not with the aux cable, but if you fit a Dice, Dension or Intravee/Alpine you'll be able to.

3) Does the lead connect to the head unit? or the cd changer?- just thinking the length of lead comes into play depending on which one

Yes, the head unit. You need to remove the wires from the block it comes with and fit them to the existing block. There's a thread on here somewhere with a diagram that I used.

4)I have read about leads with and without resistors and capacitors not working on some cars but working on others and the need on some models to have resistors / capacitors etc -how can you tell which lead is required?

The OEM lead has resisters and capacitors. IIRC the head unit detects these and enables the option.

6) Im useless at soldering and dont have the time with work (own business) so diy job is out of the question, instead of going for the z4 oem one i'm lead to believe a mini one will work? am I better just buying the cheaper mini oem one to save hassle or.....

IIRC it's the same thing. Possibly a different length.

Thanks for the info, only thing that concerns me now is wiring it to loop into existing wires so as not to lose BT, or CD Changer - so need to investigate it further

Out of interest has anyone got info e.g. part no for the mini cable that fits the Z4, only one I have seen in past has a different connector

 

[srhutch]

I will see if i cn find the pin outs for you. When i find thngs like this i try and store them for just such a time.

 

[Stuart Truman]

Try this thread

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=596363#p596363

 

[Beetlegav]

I've merged the pins to my cd changer and I have Bluetooth. Everything still works. Really easy job to do

 

[RichD]

Any chance of organising a group buy from jamie @ Soper ? I'm after one too, ideally would like:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BT52&mospid=47797&btnr=65_1441&hg=65&fg=95&hl=1

Part no: 65.12.0.153.502

I've been quoted £50 excl vat from sytner Leicester.

 

[bcworkz]

Try this thread

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=596363#p596363

The spaghetticoder site where the image in that post came from is down. This post's image still works, and has all pin outs and other info.
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=42371&p=599717#p599717

A copy of the WDS is available at bmw-planet.com.

Adding an Aux cable to a head unit with bluetooth and/or nav involves extracting the pin sockets out of the Aux cable connector and inserting them into the existing connector block at the correct locations.

 

[wayne2]

Hi
Just finished installing my Aux cable supplied by fruity-car-cables off eBay. Good quality cable with PCB mounted resistor. I have nav and Bluetooth so plugged the wire into the existing connector.

Took about an hour start to finish. Cable was long enough to reach the little tray in the arm rest, almost made for an iPod


Sound quality good too.

14.99 delivered in two days , top job

 

[stehanson]

Hi
Just finished installing my Aux cable supplied by fruity-car-cables off eBay. Good quality cable with PCB mounted resistor. I have nav and Bluetooth so plugged the wire into the existing connector.

Took about an hour start to finish. Cable was long enough to reach the little tray in the arm rest, almost made for an iPod


Sound quality good too.

14.99 delivered in two days , top job

Any link wayne?
Cheers Ste

 

[wayne2]

Link to eBay site


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E85-Z4-02-06-AUX-Mode-Cable-3-5mm-Jack-MP3-mobile-phone-etc-/300926702676?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item4610a11454

They also do one with the iPod connector, although it doesn't charge so I save a bit and went for the 3.5 mm jack.

Wayne

 

[stehanson]

Link to eBay site


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E85-Z4-02-06-AUX-Mode-Cable-3-5mm-Jack-MP3-mobile-phone-etc-/300926702676?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item4610a11454

They also do one with the iPod connector, although it doesn't charge so I save a bit and went for the 3.5 mm jack.

Wayne

Thanks for the link - just ordered one!!

 

[LukeMace]

I think this may be the fault with my BT sound!

 

[stehanson]

Link to eBay site


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E85-Z4-02-06-AUX-Mode-Cable-3-5mm-Jack-MP3-mobile-phone-etc-/300926702676?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item4610a11454

They also do one with the iPod connector, although it doesn't charge so I save a bit and went for the 3.5 mm jack.

Wayne

Did you find it fitted and worked straight away? - had probs with it and given up for now!!

 

[stehanson]

Well after battling for several hours ,I have given up on the AUX cable, what a nightmare, after several attempts connecting it up and even splitting the plastic interlocking connectors down to make sure all were in correctly lt it is still not working arghhhh
The crimped connectors when seated in the plug are a little loose so not sure when its all put back together if the pins on the stereo are perhaps pushing the connector up so its not touching?
Im certain the wires are in correctly and the ipod is / was connected and playing but no aux was available on the stereo.... any ideas? (im assuming the wire is fine)

Cheers Ste

 

[bcworkz]

arghhh is right! The connectors are normally a bit loose in the block, but not so much there would be any doubt of them engaging the pins. Verify there is continuity between the jack body and the wire going to the #10 pin. If you have a multimeter, measure the resistance between the wires going to the #3 and #4 pins, there should be a lot of resistance, like 300k ohms, but not infinite.

 

[RoryW]

I thought I best login and throw some input in.

I have replied to you on ebay ste, connection wise above all looks fine. As I said in my ebay message to avoid any delay or mucking about ill happily send another out to rule out the possibility of a faulty item, or though I test all before dispatch who knows??

Just let me know what you'd like to do, the contacts may sit in block ever so slightly loose but will make contact with the pins themselves. It's always worth checking all is well before reinstalling the stereo as per instructions.

Kind regards
Rory



Also, I appreciate all the kind comments we've received on here and other boards!

 

[stehanson]

I thought I best login and throw some input in.

I have replied to you on ebay ste, connection wise above all looks fine. As I said in my ebay message to avoid any delay or mucking about ill happily send another out to rule out the possibility of a faulty item, or though I test all before dispatch who knows??

Just let me know what you'd like to do, the contacts may sit in block ever so slightly loose but will make contact with the pins themselves. It's always worth checking all is well before reinstalling the stereo as per instructions.

Kind regards
Rory



Also, I appreciate all the kind comments we've received on here and other boards!

Hi Rory,
Thanks for the reply, not sure why it's not working as you have said the connectors are in the correct pins, but nothing and I tried it many times, taking them back out and re-inserting all to no avail- hence asking the other forum members - I will reply back to the message on ebay.
Thanks Ste