Auxiliary Input

[unluky]

I have been searching and I see some people say things like "these are not great" and "the common issues with the Aux Input" but I can't seem to find what these issues are. Perhaps I am a poor searcher.

My Z4 has not bluetooth or cd changer, so this would be a nice clean upgrade for me. But if it sucks, then why bother.

I am refeering to the one that fits in your ashtry - I think the getbmwparts part number is 82110142174.

Anyone tell me what sucks about it or if they have it and like it? I will be using it with a phone, not an Ipod if that matters.

Thanks,

Matt

[jeebus87]

I have it and use it every day with my ipod. No issues for me.

[Hawkeye]

I also have it and use it every day. The only "issue" I have is it is the 3.5mm jack is not a completely flawless fit so it can cut out if you pull on the cord on accident. Just have to re-seat it to get the static gone though.

Personally I would do the upgrade.

[beta]

I got the mini one and installed it under the panel, it's cleaner IMO. Check my mod thread under my sig for pictures and part numbers. No problems and the connection is solid.

[unluky]

OK - great thanks for the input!

I am getting ready to do the parott bluetooth install when I get back from vacation, so I might order this and do it at the same time while I have the radio out and the back exposed.

Thanks!


Matt

[Beedub]

Originally Posted by beta

I got the mini one and installed it under the panel, it's cleaner IMO. Check my mod thread under my sig for pictures and part numbers. No problems and the connection is solid.

same here.... infact mines as clear as a CD using my iphone to payback music.... magna-carter sounds great in the z4!!! in terms of enjoyment of the car on long journeys its made a nice step forward.... i stream my fave radio stations via an app through my iphone and play via the aux port.

[speddmn]

Installed the e36 cable on mine and it works like a charm, I guess I haven't seen these 'problem' threads. FWIW if you have a business (or like) deck, you dont even have to pull the deck out, just pop the panel right above the ashtray and reach your hand back to the back-drivers side corner and pop that plug... easier than you think! Took me about 10 minutes.

Eventually I did pull my console and route the cable through the ashtray for aesthetics but that's totally optional

[psygnosis]

I mounted it under the A/C panel too, same place it comes stock on 2007/08 Z4s.

The only issue I've had with it is sometimes causing a ground loop when I try to charge my phone and listen at the same time. It can briefly make the AUX disappear from the radio.

[Endless619]

Originally Posted by jeebus87

I have it and use it every day with my ipod. No issues for me.

Me too in my E92 M3.. No issues.

[gas-can]

It looks like I'm in the rare group that had an issue- I found the original cable to be severely lacking in bass and punch.

I fixed this by cutting the cable open, pulling the original coupling caps, attaching a ground loop isolator (to block the dc from the playback device from going to the input circuit in the head and causing the aux option from dropping out (bias shift?), and to remove any noise in the circuit). I also then added the two resistors used by the head to detect aux in to the head side of the GLI. This resulted in extremely good audio output for me, plus I also get no charging noises/electrical alternator noises when I'm plugged in and charging at the same time.

I then realized that I hated the bloody wires dangling around so I wired in a simple $20 bluetooth module into the system that's triggered by the ignition key. When I turn the key on, the car broadcasts the phone bluetooth- this is recognized by my phone and causes it to automatically join the music bluetooth module and start Pandora.

Now I've realized that I want to be able control the music from the steering controls, so I'm building another simple $20 circuit to do that...

It never ends

[Beedub]

Originally Posted by gas-can

It looks like I'm in the rare group that had an issue- I found the original cable to be severely lacking in bass and punch.

I fixed this by cutting the cable open, pulling the original coupling caps, attaching a ground loop isolator (to block the dc from the playback device from going to the input circuit in the head and causing the aux option from dropping out (bias shift?), and to remove any noise in the circuit). I also then added the two resistors used by the head to detect aux in to the head side of the GLI. This resulted in extremely good audio output for me, plus I also get no charging noises/electrical alternator noises when I'm plugged in and charging at the same time.

I then realized that I hated the bloody wires dangling around so I wired in a simple $20 bluetooth module into the system that's triggered by the ignition key. When I turn the key on, the car broadcasts the phone bluetooth- this is recognized by my phone and causes it to automatically join the music bluetooth module and start Pandora.

Now I've realized that I want to be able control the music from the steering controls, so I'm building another simple $20 circuit to do that...

It never ends

i wish i had your skills!!!

[ssummers]

Originally Posted by unluky

OK - great thanks for the input!

I am getting ready to do the parott bluetooth install when I get back from vacation, so I might order this and do it at the same time while I have the radio out and the back exposed.

Thanks!


Matt

I didn't do this install, but installed a complete new sound system.

Look at what you are spending on the aux, and the Parrot. For a little over $200 you can get a new head unit that has blue tooth streaming(no cords), and hands free. A much better option IMO...

[bignosejim]

Originally Posted by gas-can

It looks like I'm in the rare group that had an issue- I found the original cable to be severely lacking in bass and punch.

I fixed this by cutting the cable open, pulling the original coupling caps, attaching a ground loop isolator (to block the dc from the playback device from going to the input circuit in the head and causing the aux option from dropping out (bias shift?), and to remove any noise in the circuit). I also then added the two resistors used by the head to detect aux in to the head side of the GLI. This resulted in extremely good audio output for me, plus I also get no charging noises/electrical alternator noises when I'm plugged in and charging at the same time.

I then realized that I hated the bloody wires dangling around so I wired in a simple $20 bluetooth module into the system that's triggered by the ignition key. When I turn the key on, the car broadcasts the phone bluetooth- this is recognized by my phone and causes it to automatically join the music bluetooth module and start Pandora.

Now I've realized that I want to be able control the music from the steering controls, so I'm building another simple $20 circuit to do that...

It never ends

Sounds like DIY thread time!!!

[papitosabe]

Originally Posted by gas-can

It looks like I'm in the rare group that had an issue- I found the original cable to be severely lacking in bass and punch.

I fixed this by cutting the cable open, pulling the original coupling caps, attaching a ground loop isolator (to block the dc from the playback device from going to the input circuit in the head and causing the aux option from dropping out (bias shift?), and to remove any noise in the circuit). I also then added the two resistors used by the head to detect aux in to the head side of the GLI. This resulted in extremely good audio output for me, plus I also get no charging noises/electrical alternator noises when I'm plugged in and charging at the same time.

I then realized that I hated the bloody wires dangling around so I wired in a simple $20 bluetooth module into the system that's triggered by the ignition key. When I turn the key on, the car broadcasts the phone bluetooth- this is recognized by my phone and causes it to automatically join the music bluetooth module and start Pandora.

Now I've realized that I want to be able control the music from the steering controls, so I'm building another simple $20 circuit to do that...

It never ends

[gas-can]

haha it's not as complex or skillful as it sounds.

If anyone wants, I'll be glad to add some more details on those projects. They aren't as complex as they may seem. I think the steering controls may be the most useful (if I ever get to finish it) as then you don't have to look away from the road and can just use muscle memory to change songs, playlists, etc.

-gc

[papitosabe]

Originally Posted by gas-can

haha it's not as complex or skillful as it sounds.

If anyone wants, I'll be glad to add some more details on those projects. They aren't as complex as they may seem. I think the steering controls may be the most useful (if I ever get to finish it) as then you don't have to look away from the road and can just use muscle memory to change songs, playlists, etc.

-gc

I'm kind of a muppet, so you would have to ELI5.

edit..ELI5 - explain like I'm 5

[psygnosis]

Originally Posted by gas-can

I think the steering controls may be the most useful (if I ever get to finish it) as then you don't have to look away from the road and can just use muscle memory to change songs, playlists, etc.

-gc

How would you do that without going though the CD changer connection?