Help! CD Changer installation in 2002 530i

ChinuSFO said:

I have a 2002 530i. I do not have a CD changer in the car. I have a "Business CD" player. It plays 1 CD at a time. How do I go about installing a CD changer by myself. What model and make of changer should it be. Where do I install it in the car and is it already factory prewired to the Harmon Kardon system? How long will it take you think? Thanks for the help

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It should take about 20 minutes. It's SUPER easy. BTW, you don't have HK sound, that's for 3 series. Check http://www.bmwcdchanger.com/ for info as well as http://www.realoem.com for installation kit part numbers. Get the install kit from a BMW dealer for under $20, I got a CD changer used from a roadfly.org member for $209 delivered. If you buy used, confirm it's the new part number, 82 11 0 028 760

If you have DSP I believe you also need another (optic?) cable. The car is prewired, you can plug it in in like a minute, the bracket kit is just to hold it down. Your dash CD will still work fine too.

ChinuSFO said:

I have a 2002 530i. I do not have a CD changer in the car. I have a "Business CD" player. It plays 1 CD at a time. How do I go about installing a CD changer by myself. What model and make of changer should it be. Where do I install it in the car and is it already factory prewired to the Harmon Kardon system? How long will it take you think? Thanks for the help

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ChinuSFO,

If you want to use a changer other than an OEM unit, you'll need an interface (check soundgate.com). I have an Alpine 6 disc changer and a Soundgate interface, and they work well together. Some folks contend that in order for the newly installed changer to function properly, you must have the dealer "initialize" the changer (I didn't take this step, mine was plug n play). Your car should be prewired for a changer. Should take a only few minutes to install.

-Mark

More infor here too:
http://www.bmwtips.com/

Click on "tips and tricks", then scroll down on the right of the page. You will find links to installing a cd changer. Good luck.

Thanks for the tips folks. Would anyone know how to find out if my Bimmer has DSp or not. Is there some label in the car which tells me that.

Thanks for the help.

might be a long shot but... ill trade you a stock tape player that goes in that slot for your buisness cd player.... plus a lil cash?

ChinuSFO said:

Thanks for the tips folks. Would anyone know how to find out if my Bimmer has DSp or not. Is there some label in the car which tells me that.

Thanks for the help.

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Look in the trunk for BMW "subwoofer" (in quotes because you'll laugh when you see BMW's definition of a subwoofer).

It will be covered in a formed/molded piece covered in grey cloth/fabric and mounted just under the rear package tray under the rear window of the car. It kind of sticks out and quite often gets in the way when you try to cram too much luggage in the trunk! You can't miss it and I can't find a convenient pic to show you.