E39 Factory AUX Input Kit DIY w/NAVIGATION version

[rbelton]

Finally installed my BMW aux kit with the navigation version. Pretty sure the E39/E46/E53 procedure is the same since the kit part number is the same for all models.



Link: https://youtu.be/EI0bPOL9CI8

[amancuso]

Funny, I did the same thing to my e53 yesterday. It was cake. "Hardest" part was drilling the hole for the aux in in the glovebox.

[sealbeach740]

2 things.
1) Nice video. Clear & easy. I might add if you want to make it a bit easier to remove that plastic frame around the 16x9 monitor, you can hit the top, left button that opens the monitor to allow access to the cassette tape. Then, while the face is open, just slide in a cassette (but not all the way in) & that will cause the face to remain open, which gives you really good access to the plastic frame.

2) I've had my 16x9 monitor out of my 2003 540 a couple of times. While it's been out, I've never noticed that black connector for the AUX input cable. Are you sure the e39's have that connector?

[jagerhund]

The aux input started with production date 09/02.

[RuskiE39]

The aux input started with production date 09/02.

Even for nav models?

[jagerhund]

Even for nav models?

Yes, that is correct. I have not seen information demonstrating anyone having the factory AUX input available on a build earlier than 9/2002.
Once you pull out the NAV check carefully on the wiring harness and you will find the AUX cable bundled/wrapped with the NAV wires. If you don't look closely can be easy to miss since plug end is very small. The system will automatically show AUX as source option once line is plugged in.

I simply plugged in a cable, leaving the wiring inside the dash and ran the wire down and out the carpet panel by drivers side of the console. The wire is out of the way. I then plug into my iphone, and mount my iphone in dash vent magnetic clip mount, works awesome, MP3, streaming talk radio, WAZE all at my fingertips.

[computiNATEor]

Does anyone have a part number for the 09/02 Navigation harness with the auxiliary plug? Seems like the best, most factory way to retrofit the aux-in for pre-09/02 cars.

[ColtonBH]

I'd be interested too for my 01 e38

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[computiNATEor]

Looking at nav harnesses on eBay for $445... yikes. Is the auxiliary plug available separately from the main harness?

[amancuso]

Yes, that is correct. I have not seen information demonstrating anyone having the factory AUX input available on a build earlier than 9/2002.
Once you pull out the NAV check carefully on the wiring harness and you will find the AUX cable bundled/wrapped with the NAV wires. If you don't look closely can be easy to miss since plug end is very small. The system will automatically show AUX as source option once line is plugged in.

I simply plugged in a cable, leaving the wiring inside the dash and ran the wire down and out the carpet panel by drivers side of the console. The wire is out of the way. I then plug into my iphone, and mount my iphone in dash vent magnetic clip mount, works awesome, MP3, streaming talk radio, WAZE all at my fingertips.

That's how I installed it in my 528i 10/98 production (with 2004 e53 business CD and adapter harness) Instead of drilling the hose I left the cable coiled in the glovebox and just run the aux cable out the side of it. Works perfectly. Someone had already installed AUX in on my 8/02 M5, so I'm not sure how they did it.

[TecNickal]

On my 04/02 built 2003 (it was marked as pre production on the build info), it was taped to the nav unit harness. Untapped, ran cable and plugged in. Success. Harness was like thirty five bucks new in bag from a bmw dealer in Nashville selling a few online

[computiNATEor]

Huh, lucky. I doubt many other pre-09/02 production cars would.

[jagerhund]

"On my 04/02 built 2003 (it was marked as pre production on the build info), it was taped to the nav unit harness. Untapped, ran cable and plugged in. Success. Harness was like thirty five bucks new in bag from a bmw dealer in Nashville selling a few online"

Interesting, I wonder if people could order it as an option prior to it becoming a standard installation item.

[computiNATEor]

No, his car was likely a development, demonstration, or press mule. Hence pre-production on the order.

[rbelton]

No, his car was likely a development, demonstration, or press mule. Hence pre-production on the order.

that's pretty cool, I haven't heard of "pre-production" models before

[computiNATEor]

that's pretty cool, I haven't heard of "pre-production" models before

Every car from every manufacturer requires development and fine tuning. At some point, there will be a prototype built, even if it's just to test a new PDC system or radio. It's extremely rare that those test cars make it into the mass market.