MP3 Player (iPod) Options for MY 2k2 3-series?

[planet]

Hey,

Been off the forum for quite a while. Place has really grown up!

Question of the day: I did some forum searches, read a bit... and saw that MY 2k3 and 2k4 3-series have the option of adding an Aux input on their audio head-unit. Nice!

However, I've got a Sept '01 production MY 2002 330i, so I think I don't have the luxury of that option.

So, the question is - what options *do* I have to connect my Apple iPod to my audio system?

[Terry Kennedy]

However, I've got a Sept '01 production MY 2002 330i, so I think I don't have the luxury of that option.

So, the question is - what options *do* I have to connect my Apple iPod to my audio system?Well, to summarize some of the things I've learned here, and to add some info of my own:

Cassette adapter in the in-dash player (if you have NAV, make sure you get one with a skinny audio cable so the screen will close).
FM Modulator - note that since we have diversity antennas, hooking this up may be "interesting".
Blitzsafe or similar adapter - there is one that allows use of both a CD changer and the aux input (be sure to get the model that supports both the changer and aux).
Retrofit 2003 components and install BMW Aux input. As far as I know, no-one has done this yet, and it probably requires harness work between the head unit and the radio module in the trunk. People have swapped the 2003 NAV CD assembly in to replace the earlier tape deck version, but you need more than that for the Aux input.

[RChoudry]

the iTrip fm modulator looks great! search for it here.

[beemer4me]

I am thinking about ordering a 2004 325i when they are available. How do you order the aux option? What kind of plugs does it come with? I would like to plug in a mini disc player.

[rost12]

I am thinking about ordering a 2004 325i when they are available. How do you order the aux option? What kind of plugs does it come with? I would like to plug in a mini disc player.

It's not an option, it's a retro-fit kit that you can order and have it installed. It comes with a regular stereo "socket" that you would find on your basic stereo.

[Chaaaosss]

Well, to summarize some of the things I've learned here, and to add some info of my own:

Blitzsafe or similar adapter - there is one that allows use of both a CD changer and the aux input (be sure to get the model that supports both the changer and aux).


Why is it necessary to get the model that supports both the changer and the AUX? Did you mean for the specific case where one has both a CD changer and an AUX adapter or is there something I don't know about the other adapter?

[Terry Kennedy]

Why is it necessary to get the model that supports both the changer and the AUX? Did you mean for the specific case where one has both a CD changer and an AUX adapter or is there something I don't know about the other adapter?You can use the AUX-only one if you don't need a changer.

[dkny2314]

Definetly get the itrip. It can be found at www.griffintechnology.com Read some of the articles on the links provided. This is one of the best solutions.

Matthew

[Pete Teoh]

But wait there's more... Blitzsafe has announced that they are working with Apple to develop an adapter that will interface with the dock connector on the 3rd Gen iPod and work with steering wheel controls. Unfortunately you'll have to wait till the fall to get it.

[HW]

are there any existing bugs w/ the blitzsafe? wasn't/isn't there some bugs w/ it?

[Terry Kennedy]

are there any existing bugs w/ the blitzsafe? wasn't/isn't there some bugs w/ it?I have one (the one that came with my Phatbox, so it is the same hardware with a different microcontroller ROM). I haven't had any problems with it in several months of operation.

All of the adapters (Blitzsafe and others) convert the BMW I-bus protocol to something else (like Alpine CD changer protocol). If they see something unusual, they can get confused. Normally the manufacturer updates the software once something new is discovered. But if you have a new model year car where BMW made a change, you might need to get an updated unit. BMW isn't consistent in I-bus signaling between their various audio options, either - some non-NAV head units send CD select button presses for the currently playing CD (for example, press "1" while CD 1 is playing) while other non-NAV HU's don't. As far as I've seen, no NAV head unit sends a signal in that case. Given that there are 3 or 4 manufacturers making I-bus-aware parts of the BMW audio system, it is amazing it works as well as it does. Of course, this is also the reason some features never get added, nor bugs fixed - it would take coordinated releases by multiple manufacturers to change things.

With a real BMW changer, the changer harness is attached to the back of the changer where the connectors are unlikely to wiggle free. With a Blitzsafe, depending on how you mount the Blitzsafe, the connectors can loosen up. I'd suggest some nice strong Velcro or cable ties.

There is one thing you should be careful of if you are attaching a Blitzsafe-powered device, which is actually a BMW design oversight. The BMW CD changer has a 3 Amp fuse on the back of the changer. The power cable for the BMW changer is fused at a lot more than 3A (I don't recall the exact fuse size at the moment and my Bentley book is in the garage). Unfortunately, BMW uses a rather thin wire for the changer power cable. The Blitzsafe does not have a fuse, and if you have a short in the cable from the Blitzsafe to whatever changer you have hooked up to it, you can have an unfortunate incident with your wiring harness. Likewise, if you are building a custom gizmo and powering it from the Blitzsafe, don't try to pull more than 3A of power through it. For the Aux input, where the only cables between the Blitzsafe and your device are the audio signal, this won't be a problem. But if you read about harness problems with the Blitzsafe, the above is the reason.