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Home > Maintenance & Mods (L322) > How To: AUX to arm rest / AUX for Bluetooth Music Streaming

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garyRR

Member Since: 13 Mar 2021
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1465

How To: AUX to arm rest / AUX for Bluetooth Music Streaming

So, I did it. I managed to get a concealed cable installed for Bluetooth Music streaming. If you're like me and find the system in 2010-2012 cars doesn't like Bluetooth Adapters as an input source or you have an older car with AUX input but not USB, I recommend following this, as it's a pretty easy job, looks professional and gives a permanent install with no visible cables.

What you'll need:
- USB Bluetooth receiver with 3.5mm (a pack of 2 on Amazon for £3)
- 1x right angled 3.5mm cable (0.5m is enough)
- T10 and T20 bits and articulated ratchet screwdriver (essential)
- 10mm Step drill and grommets (grommet pack available from Toolstation for £2)
- 12V USB (for 2006-2010 cars). 2010/11 onwards have USB and do not need it

Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: approximtely £10-15 (3.5mm cable £5-10, Bluetooth adapter £3, grommets £2, 12V USB (if needed) £5)

Step 1. Remove the centre console insert (5 min)

This is just 2x T20 screws and it lifts straight out. When re-installing later on, be sure to put it in front first, otherwise it will sit proud. Remove the two plugs.

Click image to enlarge

Step 2. Remove the lower trim in the rear (1 min)

Do this by gently pressing in at the top and bottom of the sides. The trim will slot out after a bit of jiggling. Be gentle, it's thin plastic.

Click image to enlarge

You will now see a nice and clear route for running your cable.

Click image to enlarge

Step 3. Drill the centre console insert (5 min)

2010-2012 cars with USB: Use your step drill to drill a 10mm hole in the bottom corner of the centre console insert (the side with the USB)

2006-2010 cars without USB: use your step drill to drill a 10mm hole in the bottom corner of the centre console insert (the side with the 12V outlet)

Then... Fit the appropriate size grommet (a kit is available from Toolstation for around £2)

My car is a 2011 car with USB so, I installed my hole on the left side:

Click image to enlarge

Step 4. Remove the AV input panel (so you don't damage it) (10-15 min)

I highly recommend you unscrew the AV/AUX inputs panel in case you accidentally damage it. The connector box is nearly £200 for a replacement. Here's the location of the screws from a bit of trim removed on an old car.

This is where you'll need your T10 bits and articulated screwdriver. Be patient. A mirror and a torch may also help finding the screw heads.

Click image to enlarge

Step 5. Drill the AV fascia (10 min)

If you look at the back of the fascia, you'll see there's a sweet spot for drilling, just to the right bottom corner of the right hand 12V outlet.

Use the step drill to drill a 10mm hole and install a grommet.

Now, push the straight head of the 3.5mm cable through and use your hand to push it on top of the cooling ducts that sit below the centre console insert.

Step 6. Re-install the AV / AUX inputs panel (10-15 min)

Step 7. Re-install the centre console insert (3 min)

Push the straight head of the 3.5mm cable through the grommet then plug in the accessories again and re-install the centre console insert.

Step 8. Re-install the rear lower trim (1 min)

Step 9. Plug it all in and enjoy!

For 2006-2010 cars, plug your USB Bluetooth receiver into the 12V USB supply. For 2010-2012 cars, plug it into the USB in the centre console (this is because of the 12V outlet isn't ignition controlled on the later cars). Set the stereo to 'AUX'.

Click image to enlarge

You now have a hidden away MP3 cable that looks like a professional install and, you can close the rear dust cover on the AV inputs and not have to deal with a cable on show (both were driving my OCD Mad). 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

30th Jul 2021 5:53pm

Bingo_123

Member Since: 19 Sep 2014
Location: Essex
Posts: 172

2007 Range Rover Vogue SE TDV8 Stornoway Grey

nice work gary, so basically after this mod, you can pair your phone to the bluetooth usb thingy and play direct. is that correct ? also, is there any noticeable loss of quality etc.

2nd Aug 2021 1:26pm

garyRR

Member Since: 13 Mar 2021
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1465

Yes. You set your phone to connect to the RR Bluetooth for calls only and to your little USB Bluetooth for media only.

Your phone will then play Google Maps, Spotify etc to the stereo and send calls to the built in car bluetooth. The car's stereo pauses music still when you receive a call.

No loss in audio quality and I certainly get the full frequency range. I actually find some earlier car systems with Bluetooth streaming to stream at a low quality so, this gets around that problem (if it existed) anyway. 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

2nd Aug 2021 1:36pm

Tinman

Member Since: 22 Mar 2017
Location: kent
Posts: 1188

2017 Range Rover Autobiography SDV8 Silicon Silver

Very good write-up, I hope it can be saved in the Wiki? but up to Stan

2nd Aug 2021 1:58pm

Fat Lad

Member Since: 13 Aug 2020
Location: Cambridge
Posts: 18

2011 Range Rover Vogue SE TDV8 Baltic Blue

Another for the 'to do' list - excellent guide, thank you! 1996 Disco 1 3.9 V8 on gas (Sadly Sold)
1996 Disco 1 300 TDI S (Thankfully Sold)
2004 Disco 2 TD5 ES (Sadly Sold)
2005 Disco 3 TDV6 HSE (Thankfully Sold)

2011 RR Vogue SE TDV8

5th Aug 2021 8:49pm

drakes

Member Since: 26 Jan 2009
Location: Consett
Posts: 370

2010 Range Rover Vogue TDV8 Stornoway Grey

I've just done this, it makes a neat unobtrusive job.

Thanks GarryRR 2010 3.6TDV8 Stornoway Grey/ Black interior - gone
2005 4.4V8 (M62) Bonatti Grey/ Parchment interior - gone
1998 4.6HSE Blue/ Cream interior (can't remember exact colours) - gone
1977 White - gone (should have kept)

15th Aug 2021 4:44pm

crowebeard

Member Since: 19 Dec 2016
Location: Devon
Posts: 93

2012 Range Rover Westminster 4.4 V8 Orkney Grey

Great install Gary and one I want to repeat on my new RR.

You don't by any chance have a link to the USB bluetooth receiver that you used do you? David

2012 Range Rover Westminster 4.4TDV8
2004 Range Rover Vogue 4.4 V8 (LPG) (Not quite gone)
2021 Mazda CX-5
2003 Porsche Boxster

16th Aug 2021 8:13pm

garyRR

Member Since: 13 Mar 2021
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1465

They were these. That specific item isn't available anymore but, a quick search of "Bluetooth 3.5mm usb" revealed a good selection of many similar:

2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

16th Aug 2021 11:14pm

crowebeard

Member Since: 19 Dec 2016
Location: Devon
Posts: 93

David

2012 Range Rover Westminster 4.4TDV8
2004 Range Rover Vogue 4.4 V8 (LPG) (Not quite gone)
2021 Mazda CX-5
2003 Porsche Boxster

17th Aug 2021 7:51am

ash27

Member Since: 23 Jun 2020
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 46

2007 Range Rover Supercharged 4.2 SC V8 Java Black

Great write up and something I have been meaning to do. Quick question though, does it get rid of the interference/whine you get from the aux when nothing is playing? 07 4.2 Supercharged
Previous:
2011 Volvo v70 D5 | 2009 Honda S2000 | 2010 Mazda MX5 2L | 2006 Vauxhall Astra VXR | 2002 Hyundai Coupe 2L | 2002 Saxo VTR | 1999 Saxo 1.4 | 1999 Saxo 1.1

25th Aug 2021 7:10am

garyRR

Member Since: 13 Mar 2021
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1465

So long as the phone is connected to the Bluetooth, there is no interference noise when nothing is playing. 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

25th Aug 2021 8:03am

Bingo_123

Member Since: 19 Sep 2014
Location: Essex
Posts: 172

hi Gary,
i got struck at the Step 1 only. Took out 2 torx screws but the centre console insert doesnt come out.
it moves a little from the front but seems held down from the back.

Mine is 2007, can it be any different.

Please advise. Thanks

31st May 2023 12:47pm

garyRR

Member Since: 13 Mar 2021
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1465

You pivot the box at the front, as there's two little clips at the back which need to be pulled out of their recess. Once the front is free, you'll need to then remove the back, and then unplug the 12V outlet before removing completely. 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

1st Jun 2023 12:10pm

Bingo_123

Member Since: 19 Sep 2014
Location: Essex
Posts: 172

Thanks Gary, tried 1 more time and with some effort it came out.
Was a bit scared as i have a knack of breaking plastic clips.

1st Jun 2023 4:08pm

grayst01

Member Since: 08 May 2022
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 104

2012 Range Rover Vogue 4.4 V8 Java Black

@GaryRR big thanks for this “How To..’ I’d been using the setup with the adapter etc but always had my AUX lead poking out the rear AV/AUX panel, and this was always open to accommodate. Nice to find a wee hack to re-route the cabling. Well Done! Cheers, Steven.

2012 Vogue 4.4 TDV8.

26th Jul 2023 8:06pm

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