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E36 Audio
Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 12:45 pm
by CaesarBob
Since this place is rapidly turning into the E36 Zone and as others have found, e36.coupe is a bit lacking in technical knowledge ....
Does anyone know if this will work or how I can tell whether my headunit is wired for Aux In?
http://www.bluespot.co.uk/car-audio.asp ... 01-adaptor
All i want is to be able to run my ipod through my business tape deck with a stereo jack plug from headphone socket to this. Not looking for a complete interface with charging and all that jazz.
Thoughts?
Re: E36 Audio
Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 12:53 pm
by pac1982
i think that would replace a CD changer the only real way to know if it will fit is to remove the head unit and have a look at what plugs you have on the back.
That lead does look a bit crude though so don’t expect great SQ
Personally I would just get a head unit with built in connectivity, you can get them dirt cheap these days with USB, Aux Jack and ipod link built in.
Please don’t say your one of the boring anal freaks who has to keep things OE, as long as the unit lights up orange its all good
Re: E36 Audio
Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 1:05 pm
by CaesarBob
Sorry, OEM FTW!
I've got a changer currently so the plug is there. The bit that concerned me was something i read saying you can have a working changer, but not have the necessary pin configuration for aux in, so even though it will fit, it don't work.
Not too worried about SQ as i'm still running factory speakers and HU anyway. Just looking for more variety and playing time than 6CDs.
Re: E36 Audio
Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 1:33 pm
by rrs
I think that cable replaces the cd changer plug to the back of the headunit, so you can have cd changer OR the aux in cable not both as the audio processor only has 3 inputs (radio/tape/cd changer)
I modified a BMW business radio for an aux in by hijacking the tape input to the audio processor directly, this left me with radio/tape/cd changer and aux in and quality was ok.
Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 8:05 pm
by Simon
I've got my standard head unit out, and if that pictured item is the actual item you get, then there's nowhere on the back of the unit for it to plug into.
I'm fairly sure that connects2 item number CTABMIPOD007.2 would fit the later business units fitted to the E36.
Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 8:30 pm
by rrs
Simon wrote:I've got my standard head unit out, and if that pictured item is the actual item you get, then there's nowhere on the back of the unit for it to plug into.
I'm fairly sure that connects2 item number CTABMIPOD007.2 would fit the later business units fitted to the E36.
Does it not fit into the harness connector like the cd changer plug?
*edit* Just looked at the manual for the headunit, with handily gives you the pinout on the back

Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 8:39 pm
by Simon
My unit has 10 pins, the one in the link has 12. It may be a case of 'illustration purposes only'!
Re:
Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 10:25 pm
by CaesarBob
Good spot. I never even noticed the 2 extra pins. Hopefully, it's just a case of illustration only!
I've spotted it for £9 elsewhere so think i'll give it a go. If it really doesn't work i'll end up with the Connect2 kit but to be honest that's more than i wanted to spend and is way more complicated than i need!