Easy way to add AUX IN on BMW Factory Radio

[Jungerishere]

Easy way to add AUX IN on BMW factory cassette radio. Insert the cassette adapter (~$10) and route the audio line inside the radio and out the back. I routed the AUX line behind the climate control and out the bottom of the ash tray. Or you can get a mini-stereo connector from Radio Shack and mount it somewhere. Now you have AUX IN for iPod, GPS, and etc... :stickoutt

http://www.iccrents.com/ICC/Driver/Aux-In/1.jpg

http://www.iccrents.com/ICC/Driver/Aux-In/2.jpg

http://www.iccrents.com/ICC/Driver/Aux-In/3.jpg

[pennpen]

hmmmmm

[PorscheH6]

Too bad audio fed through the cassette sounds like sh!t...

[M Quick]

Nice mod, though i guess many has used that kind of tape, maybe not the way you did it.

The money and time spent on that + the gear around (ipod and that other thing), is probably more than buying a deck that looks almost stock or is close to but with cd/mp3/aux etc abillity..

[camaroguy]

Too bad audio fed through the cassette sounds like sh!t...

True...The cd changer cable mod gives better quality audio for probably about the same amount of work :)

[DUDMD]

Too bad audio fed through the cassette sounds like sh!t...
That's what i noticed, too.
One way to improve it in my brother's mercedes is turn down the volume to about 75% on the ipod/mp3 player, and just turn up the car stereo volume. Sound quality turns out to be much cleaner and OK to listen to. Done it this way in many stereo's and no real complaint with ipod/mp3 volume no more than 3/4 up.

[TexFinn]

Too bad audio fed through the cassette sounds like sh!t...

Maybe, but still much better than using FM modulator. ;)

[357]

Just don't try and eject the tape! :P

It's also not too hard to wire in a switching aux jack directly into the tape pre-amp input, if you're decently handy with a soldering iron.

[Binjammin]

Too bad audio fed through the cassette sounds like sh!t...

That, and...


Just don't try and eject the tape! :P



The tape adapter works pretty poorly, and will require the tape head to be cleaned every now and again for maximum audio quality. Taking apart the tape deck every time the sound goes to crap isn't my idea of fun, but to each his own.

[2002maniac]

The best thing to do is solder the wires directly to the tape input to the amplifier. I did this to my old E30 and it worked like a charm. I've been planning on doing it to my E34 too, but have not had a chance.

You just put in a dummy tape when you want to switch to AUX.

[Kashmirbeige525]

Ive thought of doing this but, im not sure my casette player works and the only casette i have is the one BMW gave you when you bought the car in its original box. I know its worthless but its cool to have.

[kalevera]

CD43 + Grom /done

[Jungerishere]

When the cassette is inserted, cassette door is slightly open. I didn't want this so I closed the cassette door after inserting the cassette tape. By closing the cassette, if I pressed the EJECT, it will not eject since the closed door is in the way. Instead, it will resume play.

Sound is good. I wouldn't say it is bad. I thought about adding an aux-in for CD changer line but didn't want to loose CD changer. Also, I wanted to keep the OEM look and reason why I never upgraded to aftermarket. And I do have premium sound system offered by BMW at the time and it does sound great.

I recently upgraded radio in my E46 M3 with Dynavin and loving it! Fit, finish, and look feels OEM. Wish I could find something like this for E34. I didn't like any of the flip screen 1din stereo to replace OEM head unit. If I can find somethign that looks OEM and not out of place, I will definiately upgrade the radio in my E34.

http://www.dynavin.com/products/product_dnv_e46.php

I added iDrive skin and it looks just like OEM, actually better. :buttrock

http://m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=347524

http://www.iccrents.com/ICC/Driver/Dynavin/2.jpg

Just don't try and eject the tape! :P

[dme88]

Tape adapters sound like crap. I have the same headunit as you, Jungerishere, and I've just cut two traces and soldered in a aux contact. Cheaper and it sounds soo much better.

But what's that button with a speaker on it right above the ASC button?