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      02-17-2015, 08:33 PM   #1
DeutschRennfahrer
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AUX cable not recognized by Radio

I really want to add an AUX audio input to my radio, but I've tried two different cables now and none of them will let me switch the radio into AUX mode. I repeatedly press Mode, but it just switches me between the Radio and CD player.

I know I am plugging the cable in correctly, and the radio should automatically recognize that an AUX input has been connected. What was supposed to be an easy job has turned into a major hassle.

Any advice?
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      02-18-2015, 09:07 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DeutschRennfahrer View Post
I really want to add an AUX audio input to my radio, but I've tried two different cables now and none of them will let me switch the radio into AUX mode. I repeatedly press Mode, but it just switches me between the Radio and CD player.

I know I am plugging the cable in correctly, and the radio should automatically recognize that an AUX input has been connected. What was supposed to be an easy job has turned into a major hassle.

Any advice?
Taking you at your word that the AUX input is correctly installed, and assuming that the cables you are using to connect the player to the AUX input are good cables, then I can offer only the following from my experience with the AUX input on my E46.
But first, is your player also hooked up to vehicle power, i.e. plugged into cig lighter power, while trying to switch modes to AUX? if so, disconnect any power to the player/iPhone/MP3 player and try again.
If it works WITHOUT power to the player, report back. (Hint: You'll need an inline noise isolator to play and power at the same time)
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      02-18-2015, 09:11 AM   #3
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I haven't plugged any mp3 player or other device into the cable input. I read that it isn't necessary for Aux mode to come on.
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      02-18-2015, 09:13 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DeutschRennfahrer View Post
I haven't plugged any mp3 player or other device into the cable input. I read that it isn't necessary for Aux mode to come on.
Where is the female input for your AUX? Is it factory installed, or did you install it?
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      02-18-2015, 09:15 AM   #5
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I installed it.
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      02-18-2015, 09:23 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DeutschRennfahrer View Post
I installed it.
Then I'd pull the headunit and double check all of your connections to ensure proper installation (sorry, it happens).
If that checks out, you may have gotten a bad kit.
Either way, a pain in the ass.

PS - you are correct that once properly installed, the MODE button should scroll through all available inputs, including AUX.
I may have misunderstood your original post, but it is NOT correct to assume that the headunit will automatically switch to AUX when a source is plugged in - you need to do it manually with the MODE button.
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      02-18-2015, 09:27 AM   #7
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Right, I plugged in the cable and then cycled through using the Mode button, but still only got Radio and CD.

Here is the cable I bought:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/331363757201...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I've read that you need to use a 300k resistor. This cable doesn't have one, so I may need to add it.
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      02-18-2015, 09:36 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DeutschRennfahrer View Post
Right, I plugged in the cable and then cycled through using the Mode button, but still only got Radio and CD.

Here is the cable I bought:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/331363757201...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I've read that you need to use a 300k resistor. This cable doesn't have one, so I may need to add it.
Aftermarket?
Maybe return it and spring for the genuine BMW/Mini part - probably not much more expensive and hassle-free.

But it sounds like you've researched this and are on top of things.
Good luck - you'll eventually get it.
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      02-18-2015, 10:01 AM   #9
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Z4 with Navi AUX Installation

Hi
I have same Issue, pins are installed in connectors 3,4,10 - no AUX on mode selection
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      02-18-2015, 12:21 PM   #10
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Get BMW part 82110149390 from your dealer - less than $30 at mine and is completely plug and play - no pin swapping at all and includes the plastic "cage" if you don't have nav.
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      02-18-2015, 12:25 PM   #11
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yea I think that will be the best bet. Someone else here gave me the wrong part number ( 389, one for an e46) that didn't work.
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      02-18-2015, 02:31 PM   #12
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Ferrarif1: I went to the dealer and got that part. it works! Thank you!
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      02-19-2015, 04:26 PM   #13
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Yep. The OEM part has a nodule in the cable with mystery parts that the head unit want's to see.
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      02-21-2015, 09:46 AM   #14
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The auxiliary input only recognizes cables with high resistance. Somewhere on here is a diy I did showing how to solder a resistor in your input cable which will raise the resistance of the cable and trigger the radio to recognize your mp3/cell phone. Perhaps search will bring you to it.
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      02-23-2015, 08:46 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sipman View Post
The auxiliary input only recognizes cables with high resistance. Somewhere on here is a diy I did showing how to solder a resistor in your input cable which will raise the resistance of the cable and trigger the radio to recognize your mp3/cell phone. Perhaps search will bring you to it.
I believe that inserting one of the below (or similar) "ín line" will accomplish the same thing, if you are not inclined to solder.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

In some cases, the head unit will recognize the mp3/cell phone device just fine until the device is simultaneously powered/charging with 12v - at which time the AUX option stops showing as available on the head unit and these cables will solve the issue. This is the case in my E46. I think it's the same issue?
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      03-08-2015, 12:25 AM   #16
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Just so happens I bought the same cable, and it doesn't work. The eBay seller was terrible with shipping, so now it's finally here, and wahlah, nothing. No aux option when cycling through modes, and it is plugged in correctly. Disappointing. I've searched but had trouble finding the thread on soldering a resistor. link please? What about buying the suggested Amazon product? How does that work?
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      03-08-2015, 09:17 AM   #17
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It's been a long time since I've done this so memory is a bit hazy, but a couple of points:

1) The cable needs to appear 'loaded' for the head to notice the cable - this is done by putting a 300k? ohm resistor between the two legs. This makes the aux option show up in the head unit.
2) If you turn on the car w/ just the resistors, the aux will show up if you have nothing plugged into the aux cable (no ipod/phone,etc) - the second you do, more than likely the aux option will disappear. The reason for this is a bit electronics heavy - fix is to put a capacitor or two in the circuit path to 'uncouple' the head and the ipod.
3) The caps mentioned in 2 work, but a bad side effect of this is to create a filter that blocks high frequencies - the sound seems 'muffled' - I fixed this by replacing the capacitor with a ground loop isolator.

Point 3 has the added benefit of also removing the alternator noise you would get with some of those cheaper cables...

You can google and find the very simple schematic for the cable and make one yourself for about ~10 bucks. Otherwise, I recommend buying the OEM cable for $$$ - it will work, but point 3 would still apply I think...

Note: Here's the official schematic - look at page 14 circuit B1. You can see the 2 capacitors and 1 300k resistor. Total parts cost = I would bet less than $2 for BMW lol.

-gc
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      03-08-2015, 01:28 PM   #18
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Alright man, thank you. Looks like I'll try to get my money back for the bad cable, and just fork over a bit more for the oem. I'm electronically challenged when it comes to wiring and the sort. Oh well. Thank you!
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