[JL]

I checked the archives, but couldn't find anything, so maybe someone here can help me out. I'm thinking about getting the OEM CD Changer, but wanted to know how much I should expect to spend on the whole thing (the changer and any other miscellaneous adapters or harnesses that I may need). Are there other CD changers out there that are less expensive, but retain the functionality of the steering wheel control?

I'm a little unsure as to whether I really need a CD changer, but if the price is right, I may just order it from Cutter or Pacific.

Lastly, how much do places normally charge for this sort of installation, or is this more of a DIY?

Thanks for any help you guys can offer!

John

 

[SONET]

Do you have a Navi unit in your car? This makes the installation easier. Either way the installation appears to be almost trivial. I certainly wouldn't pay anyone to do it.

I don't know if you've seen them, but there are two DIY's with pics in the e46fanatics.com FAQ.

Sorry, I don't know the answers to your other questions. Personally if I was to consider something other than the OEM changer, I'd look towards something that played MP3 CDs. In fact, I am in the market for just that. Anyone know of one that's currently available that will interface easily with the same functionality as the OEM unit?

Good luck,
--SONET

 

[os]

I bought an Alpine changer and an interface for total cost of about $350. The interface allows you to connect the Alpine directly to the factory plug and use the factory controls. I installed it under the package shelf over 1 1/2 years ago. No problems. Advantages: Much lower cost, does not intrude into the trunk as much as the factory install, should be less costly to replace/fix if necessary. Disadvantage: Not OEM.

 

[ObD]

Anyone know of one that's currently available that will interface easily with the same functionality as the OEM unit?

I know some on the board have installed a PhatBox.

PhatBox

Do a search on the board for DIY instructions.

 

[SONET]

AFAIK the Phatbox is no longer available. Missed that one.

--SONET

 

[SONET]

I just checked their site... my memory served me well for a change.

Apparently you can get a similar unit from Kenwood according to their site (they make them for Kenwood). I don't know if it interfaces as well though. I am seeing them for $700-750.

http://www.phatnoise.com/products/systemoverview/compatibility.php

--SONET

 

[os]

This is the interface I used: http://www.soundgate.com/bmw-cd.html :thumb:

 

[RaysMD]

It would be really cool if we could use the Alpine CD changer with mp3 playback capabilities with our stock headunit.

In addition we could use an Alpine LCD display (the ones used in the RF changers) to show track names and all the other goodies. That way we'll know which mp3s are on the CD. Make use of CD-Text also.


Rays

 

[Kaz]

It would be really cool if we could use the Alpine CD changer with mp3 playback capabilities with our stock headunit.

In addition we could use an Alpine LCD display (the ones used in the RF changers) to show track names and all the other goodies. That way we'll know which mp3s are on the CD. Make use of CD-Text also.

Rays

The Alpine MP3 changer is AiNet bus. If there is a AiNet->M bus cadapter, that might work with the soundgate, PIE or Peripheral adapter. There is a RF display unit that already works with the MP3 changer.

 

[supra88]

yes there is mp3 option for our vehicles the alpine cd changer and 2 interfaces look

http://www.oemautosound.com/pc-47-16-bmw-mp3-cd-changer6-disc-3-and-5-series-1996-to-2004.aspx

 

[FalconGuy]

I have a $200 new in the box CD changer from eBay, exactly the same as OEM, side by side you cant tell them apart. 3 years later its doing fine.... It weighs the same, all screws identical just doesn't say BMW on it.......

$350-500 for a 6 disc changer is criminal. Why support the stealer? What a bunch of thieves to tell you its on sale for what I see in Roundel....

I can see it going for less than I paid, it was bought for me as a gift, bet you could get one new for 150 if you try. My seller had 200 in stock.

I found mine to be as good if not better than OEM so dont even worry about that.....

 

[RichardP]

Here is a copy of a post I made in another thread, but this is just as relevent to this discussion.

I don't have either ice->Link or DICE, I have one of these :

Mmmmmm, full menu control on the Nav screen.

Mmmmmm, browse iPod by Play list, Artist, Album or Track from the Nav Screen.

Mmmmmm, I can still have my CD Changer installed as well, and display ID3 tag info.

Mmmmmm, no changing font size, you can configure for Large or Small text.

Mmmmmm, simply plug it into the CD Changer connections and you're done, no need for dealer install, it only takes 1 minute.

Mmmmmm, includes capability to control 2 Aux inputs as well

Mmmmmm, DAB (digital radio in Europe) interface too (and probably Satalite Radio in the US, but I don't live there so I can't verify that).

 

[tom @ eas]

I checked the archives, but couldn't find anything, so maybe someone here can help me out. I'm thinking about getting the OEM CD Changer, but wanted to know how much I should expect to spend on the whole thing (the changer and any other miscellaneous adapters or harnesses that I may need). Are there other CD changers out there that are less expensive, but retain the functionality of the steering wheel control?

I'm a little unsure as to whether I really need a CD changer, but if the price is right, I may just order it from Cutter or Pacific.

Lastly, how much do places normally charge for this sort of installation, or is this more of a DIY?

Thanks for any help you guys can offer!

John

Do you have an iPod? If so, you're already halfway to what you need:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146317