Reprogramming needed to install audio cable to AUX?

2008 535XiT, Premium, Logic 7. AUX is an input option on stereo, but I didn't order the cable when new. I want to add cable, only looking for audio, don't need iPhone support.

Dealer wants to charge me for cable and install (I'm OK with that) but says car will need reprogramming and wants to charge for this also?

I want to avoid any reprogramming - and not just because of the $$$.

Any experts out there know the REAL answer?

Thanks!

Are you certain that you don't already have the AUX input? It is standard on the LCI (2008+) E60's. Check the following areas: 1) Glove box, 2) the back of the center console under the rear seat air vents, and 3) inside the center console arm rest - mine is here, towards the front, there is an AUX input as well as a USB port. Either one can be used to play music through the AUX, but the USB port adds control for some devices (you can check on BMWUSA.com for a list of supported devices, my 16GB iPod nano works perfectly).

You must have an early 2008 model if you don't have AUX standard. If you have the aux option in idrive all you need is the cable install.
No other programming is required.

Car was Jan 2008 build. I'll take a REAL close look tonight and let you all know. Thanks for the quick response and info! This forum rocks!

Originally Posted by Phoenix1

Car was Jan 2008 build. I'll take a REAL close look tonight and let you all know. Thanks for the quick response and info! This forum rocks!

My 550 is a 09/07 build, and it has the USB/AUX - you should have it too, I'd bet money on it.

Originally Posted by Phoenix1

2008 535XiT, Premium, Logic 7. AUX is an input option on stereo, but I didn't order the cable when new.

If the option is available for selection in iDrive then there is no need for programming. You just need the cable to connect the MP3 player to the car's sound system.

OK I am totally embarrassed for 1) trusting the dealer and 2) not RTFM. Car has AUX in back by A/C vents. Ordered $60 Griffin Technology BlueTrip Adapter on Amazon to stream Pandora from iPhone. Will let you know later this week how it goes...

Originally Posted by Phoenix1

OK I am totally embarrassed for 1) trusting the dealer and 2) not RTFM. Car has AUX in back by A/C vents. Ordered $60 Griffin Technology BlueTrip Adapter on Amazon to stream Pandora from iPhone. Will let you know later this week how it goes...

I don't think you need this. I plug my phone (I have a HTC Windows phone, which sucks by the way!) directly into the plug in my center console and stream music from Slacker directly through the Aux port. When my phone rings, it automatically switches over to the Bluetooth, answer the call, then switches right back to the phone. I use the combination plug / USB port to control my ITouch through the iDrive controller.

Understand I can plug using cable, but want to use Bluetooth. My wife's new MB 350 4Matic Coupe has Bluetooth streaming and I love it...

I'll be interested to hear how this works.

Griffin BlueTrip AUX works perfectly. Plugged it into AUX port under rear A/C vents with 6" cable, iPhone picked up Bluetooth and streamed Pandora flawlessly. GOODBYE Sirius!!!

Originally Posted by Phoenix1

Griffin BlueTrip AUX works perfectly. Plugged it into AUX port under rear A/C vents with 6" cable, iPhone picked up Bluetooth and streamed Pandora flawlessly. GOODBYE Sirius!!!

What?
Guess ill try that. Sirius has me by the leg. I've been trying to get away, but the places I travel to (parts of TN) can have no service at times and my collection is only good for some parts of the trip. BPM keeps me going strong. Something about having that satellite signal is a good backup for me.

Understood. Here in Jersey, not many dead spots. Don't take a lot of long trips, so most of the time it doesn't matter. Did the Sony DVD player with wireless Internet and now have my Pandora channels all over the house.

Originally Posted by Phoenix1

Griffin BlueTrip AUX works perfectly. Plugged it into AUX port under rear A/C vents with 6" cable, iPhone picked up Bluetooth and streamed Pandora flawlessly. GOODBYE Sirius!!!

Do you get any kind of electrical noise in the car's sound system when using this device?

Funny you should ask...

The device came with a longer cable (18 in?) which I used to test the port with the iPhone and Pandora - and there was a LOT of static. I think mainly due to the physical plugs. However, when I used the shorter cable to the BT device and connected via BlueTooth, there was NO static (yeah!)