This article show a guide on how to retrofit BMW AUX-IN connection with USB connection.Hope it helps!And for more BMW retrofit,you can check here:BMW Retrofit Projects
The audio socket(AUX-IN connection)is used to connect an external audio source(e．g．MP3 or CD player)via a 3.5 mm jack plug．The unit is operated on the operating elements of the extemal audio source．
The AUX-IN connection is available with a USB connection as optional equipment(SA 6FL “USB audio interface”.External audio sources with a USB connection are integrated into the entertainment system of the vehicle via this USB audio interface．
To link the MP3 player in the mobile phone,an audio connection tor Smartphones is available(optional equipment(SA)6NF.Extended connectivity of the music player in the mobile phone”)．
The unit is operated via the controller and the display of the Centrel Information Display．The sound is output on the vehicle speakers．
Only audio files can be played back．Access to other files is not possible(e.g videos)
Due to the technical differences between MP3 players and USB sticks on the market．it cannot be guaranteed that all devices will function properly with the USB interface.To ensure proper functioning,use devices tested for compatibility by the BMW Group．
The “Incompatible device” display in the vehicle indicates that a device of an unsuitable device class is being used．
If an MP3 player or USB stick does not function properly together with the USB interface,this could also be due to fault or specially coded audio files．
Functional description
lf an external audio source is connected to the AUX-lN connection via the jack plug,the audio data are transferred to the headunit via an audio line.The audio source is selected via iDrive．The tracks are selected on the external audio source.
The AUX-IN connection with a USB connection can be used to connect suitable MP3 players(e g Apple iPod) and USB sticks to the vehicle via a USB interface and to play back the audio files stored there.The data are transferred from the USB interface to the interface box.The interface box transfers the data to the headunit via the MOST bus．
The tracks can either be selected on the external audio source or via iDrive.To be able to make the selection via iDrive．a playback list is displayed in the Central Information Display．
Apple iPod devices are connected to the vehicle using the adapter for Apple iPod (Y-adapter 30-pin connector on USB and AUX-IN) available as a parts accessory from the BMW Group.It enables rapid access to the audio files on the iPod and also recharges the iPod.
Other MP3 players Or USB sticks are connected to the vehicle via a bidirectional data line.This line is also used to charge the external device(with max.500 mA).To avoid malfunctions,do not connect to the 12 V socket of the vehicle at the same time.
The playing back of music files saved on mobile phones with a USB interface is not recommended with the USB interface．Because some mobile phone models cannot be used with Bluetooth at the same time,it cannot be ensured that calls can be placed or received．
To link the MP3 player in the mobile phone,an audio connection for Smartphones is available(optional equipment (SA) 6NF “Extended connectivity of the music player in the mobile phone”).
The connection of an MP3 player in the mobile phone is integrated in the vehicle system in such a way that audio playback is still possible via an external audio source (e.g. MP3 player, iPod, USB stick, etc.) but now can also be obtained via the Smartphone contained in the snap-in adapter. This connection of the MP3 player in the mobile phone is necessarily established when using the optional equipment (SA 6FL MUSB audio interface).
In combination with both options (SA 6FL and SA 6NF), the vehicle is now equipped with a new AUX-IN connection that has an internal switching function. It switches the audio signal to the interface box; this audio signal either comes from the eject box or, in the second switch position, from an external audio system via the jack plug or Y-cable. The second switch position is triggered when a jack plug is plugged in. Operation and navigation in the menu of the respective Smartphone is performed via the iDrive menu. Unlike optional equipment SA 6FL “USB audio interface”，an additional adapter is not needed. The required connection to the USB hub and AUX-IN connection is already integrated in the wiring harness. The control electronics are contained in the eject box.
No import via the USB interface
An import via the USB interface on the AUX-IN connection with a USB connection is not possible. This USB interface is only intended for playback of external audio sources. To import/export data (data copy or data backup), a USB interface is available in the vehicle glove box.
Structure and inner circuit
The AUX-IN connection is connected with the headunit via a 4-pin plug connection
For the AUX-IN connection with a USB connection, the USB connection is connected to the USB hub via a bidirectional data line or directly to the interface box.
- Optional equipment (SA) 6FL “USB audio interface”
For the AUX-IN connection with a USB connection, the AUX-IN connection is connected to the interface box via a 4-pin plug connection.
- Optional equipment (SA) 6NF “Extended connectivity of the music player in the mobile phone”
For the AUX-IN connection with a USB connection, the AUX-IN connection is connected to the eject box and interface box via a 6-pin plug connection.
Nominal Values
Please observe the following nominal values for the AUX-IN connection with a USB connection:
Functional check of the component
The AUX-IN connection or the AUX-IN connection with a USB connection is not capable of self-diagnosis. A functional check of the AUX-IN connection or the AUX-IN connection with a USB connection can be performed using the BMW diagnosis system.
No liability can be accepted for printing or other errors. Subject to changes of a technical nature