I am about to purchase an iPod and have a question. I currently own a 1996 BMW 328i with the factory radio/cassette head unit and the factory CD changer. I had read on several BMW forums that the factory head unit is not very good. It tends to roll off the highs and lows. Most people who posted on the BMW forums commented on how much better the stereo sounded by just replacing the head unit and leaving the factory amp and speakers. Since I am going to purchase an iPod it makes no sense to purchase a new head unit for the car. Is there a way to connect the iPod directly to the amp and bypass the head unit. I do not plan to use the CD changer or radio. I would be able to use the volume and tone contols on the iPod instead of the head unit. What do you think of this idea. Is it possible.
Thanks

well the 2000 330ci has a great head unit...

let me know, I have the exact same problem

how did you hook yours up in your 330? i have a '03 325ci and all i could find was the blitzsafe aux. device. another poster was going to the dealership to see what they had to offer...just wanted to know how you are doing it.

thanks,
amy

this is what I found, has anyone tried it?

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/bli...alpdmxv1d.html

I do not think that would work with the factory amp. It look for controls from the deck to switch inputs.

If you have a 2003 car you should be able to get an OEM aux input. I think you need the headunit with the mode button.

http://www.mattmcnulty.com/325xi/DIY/aux_input.html

It doesn't look too difficult to install.

Just wanted to let everyone know that BMW does sell a retrofit kit that will install an AUX-IN into the factory BMW radios. I just got mine installed in my 2002 M3. Here is the breakdown:

Part # 65 12 0 153 501 ($75 US)

This part number is for the E46 vehicles with the Business In-dash CD radios. There are different part numbers for those with navigation and for 5 series.

This kit adds a AUX-IN that can be installed either in the glove compartment or the sunglass pit (this is where I did mine).

By pressing the Mode button on your radio, it will now give you an AUX option. And cycling through the Bass, Treble functions will also give you an AUX level, in which you can increase the volume from the aux in.

It works flawlessly and sounds great.

I highly recommend it.

Just wanted to let everyone know that BMW does sell a retrofit kit that will install an AUX-IN into the factory BMW radios. I just got mine installed in my 2002 M3. Here is the breakdown:

Part # 65 12 0 153 501 ($75 US)

This part number is for the E46 vehicles with the Business In-dash CD radios. There are different part numbers for those with navigation and for 5 series.

This kit adds a AUX-IN that can be installed either in the glove compartment or the sunglass pit (this is where I did mine).

By pressing the Mode button on your radio, it will now give you an AUX option. And cycling through the Bass, Treble functions will also give you an AUX level, in which you can increase the volume from the aux in.

It works flawlessly and sounds great.

I highly recommend it.

I've installed a 15GB iPod in my 2003 325i. I made it so it just slides into the dash. It sounds great, the only downside is that you have to take it out to change tracks or read what song is playing.

You can see what it looks like at Linky!

I have a 2002 330i and paid 255? dollars to have my pod hardwired. It seems the special connetor (listed in above post?) connects thru the CD changer port. The connector for mine cost 130 dollars and 120 for installation. It works great! Though I have itrip too and that works pretty good for the money. ($35)

This is just the topic i was looking for. I just bought a 2001 X5 3.0. The bad news is that i need to figure out a way to hook up my ipod. I have a 10GB 2nd gen. I also have XM satellite radio installed if that makes a difference. Thanks in advance for any info anyone culd provide.

I have a 2004 325Ci with the Business Radio (Harmon Kardon premium system). I ordered the Sik IMP in order to get the aux in to connect to the line in rather than the headphone jack on top of iPod. Am I correct in saying I still need the BMW Aux -In adapter?
BMW told me that the 2004 comes "aux-in" ready. I need to confirm if I need to order this part from BMWand what part #/price.

I was planning on following this example
and using the
Sik imp
instead of the headphone jack in order to get a cleaner sound (and a charger).

Is this all I need to get my iPod working in my car?? Do I need an additional RCA miniplug from Radio shack?

Most important, where are you guys doing your installs?? BMW dealer seems hesitant especially since there may be some drilling (though very minor). I'm not looking at doing this by myself. If anyone is doing this at a "stereo professional", please let me know especially in the NYC area. All the so-called professionals seem shady to me. Not lookin to butcher my dash.

Thanks.