I just recently bought a 99 323i and on the radio system there is a button for cd.. but it is a tape player so Im guessing that its there for a cd changer. Now I was wondering does BMW already have the wiring for this set in the car and will any cd changer work or do I have to get a bmw cd changer.... .Thanks
About a cd changer....
- Thread starter petakos
- Start date
Not every CD changer will work. The car should be prewired, but it's for the BMW one. For some reason, all the different audio companies use proprietary language in their units so it's really hard to mix and match head units with changers. BMW uses Alpine I believe so pretty much any Alpine changer will work. There's one that reads MP3s as well and costs about the same or a little less than the BMW one.
Do a search. I know I've posted links on this before.
Do a search. I know I've posted links on this before.
True, but they will only work with an adapter. Other brands should also work, but again, you need an adapter. The most common manufacturers for these adapters are Soundgate, Blitzsafe, and Peripheral Electronics. If you go their web sites, you can see all the different brands of CD changers that they can work with.
That said, I chose to get a used OEM changer. I payed $250 (though I've seen them sold for less), and I don't have to worry about any compatibility issues or another thing that can break.
That said, I chose to get a used OEM changer. I payed $250 (though I've seen them sold for less), and I don't have to worry about any compatibility issues or another thing that can break.
yeah, you just plug it in and it should work.
As long as you can find an adaptor, you can use whatever cd changer. That's generally if you want more options, like one that reads mp3s or is a 10 disc, etc. If you want it to blend in well, just get the OEM BMW one. It fits in that space perfectly and works perfectly with the stock head unit.
As long as you can find an adaptor, you can use whatever cd changer. That's generally if you want more options, like one that reads mp3s or is a 10 disc, etc. If you want it to blend in well, just get the OEM BMW one. It fits in that space perfectly and works perfectly with the stock head unit.
As xmas63, it has to be an Alpine unit to work even though it has the BMW label. I bought the Alpine unit for my 96 328cic from Eurobuyers off of Ebay (new unit) or you can buy a used one as stated. Besides the changer, you will need the mounting bracket that mounts it in your car from BMW and some require a carpet trim kit to finish the look. If looks and mounting don't matter, you can put it in your spare tire compartment. When I bought the 04, I was able to take the unit out of the 328 and put it in the new car.
The wire location varies to the car. On the 325-330 convertibles they are behind the trunk carpet on the LH side panel. On a coupe/sedan, I believe they are behind the carpet on the RH side. You are actually looking for 2 wire plugs that will plug into the Alpine unit. All I know is that they are behind the carpet trim in the trunk, hopefully someone can tell you exactly where. Yes they are hidden but easily found once you know where the changer is mounted in your model.
Hope this works and helps. CD changer location click here.
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