dcms
06-10-2009, 03:56 PM
It was high time I got my arse in gear and enabled myself to listen to my ipod in the X. Did a lot of research at www.xoutpost.com at the different options available and decided that for my needs - purely to listen to the ipod, no need for scrolling song names or to pick songs/playlists from the head unit - that the cheapo BMW OEM auxiliary input harness for $40 from the dealer would get the job done.
Considering this was my first ever time delving into car electrics, I was very happy with the way it went. Sure, it took me 1.5 hrs while a more experienced person could get it done in less than 30 mins, but I made sure I took my time and wanted to put the jack somewhere discreet which meant running the wire under the gear selector, handbrake and into the center console.
It was unneerving pulling out the radio, CD player and climate control units but the threads on xoutpost were very informative and I felt comfortable. Some small "WTF do I do here?" moments but all in all very smooth and I didn't damage/break anything which was a huge relief. Sure, I had to drill a couple of holes into the storage bin in the console itself but they were necessary for my stealth install!
Now all I have to show my efforts is a small silver washer, smaller than a dime, inside the center console arm rest on the front side. If you didn't know it was there, you would never know it was there! And now I have hours of ipod goodness pumping through my stereo. Sure beats Murph & Mac in the morning on KNBR (but still listen to Razor & Mr T on the way home) and spent $40 plus 1.5hrs of my own time compared to $180 at the dealership.
Pics to follow . . .
Considering this was my first ever time delving into car electrics, I was very happy with the way it went. Sure, it took me 1.5 hrs while a more experienced person could get it done in less than 30 mins, but I made sure I took my time and wanted to put the jack somewhere discreet which meant running the wire under the gear selector, handbrake and into the center console.
It was unneerving pulling out the radio, CD player and climate control units but the threads on xoutpost were very informative and I felt comfortable. Some small "WTF do I do here?" moments but all in all very smooth and I didn't damage/break anything which was a huge relief. Sure, I had to drill a couple of holes into the storage bin in the console itself but they were necessary for my stealth install!
Now all I have to show my efforts is a small silver washer, smaller than a dime, inside the center console arm rest on the front side. If you didn't know it was there, you would never know it was there! And now I have hours of ipod goodness pumping through my stereo. Sure beats Murph & Mac in the morning on KNBR (but still listen to Razor & Mr T on the way home) and spent $40 plus 1.5hrs of my own time compared to $180 at the dealership.
Pics to follow . . .