CD Changer Installation

[black330i]

Hello out there. I have a 2003 330i, and I'm in the market for a cd changer. I found one on ebay, and the seller told me that it would be compatible with my stereo as long at the requisite 3 and 6-pin connectors were pre-wired into my trunk. This morning, I looked inside the cubbyhole in the trunk where the CD changer goes and I didn't see any wires. Should these connectors be visible, or are they underneath the carpeting? If anyone can point me to a website where detailed installation instructions are given, it would be greatly appreciated.

BTW, I just ordered a set of clear turn signals which should be arriving soon. I'll post some pics as soon as I have them in there. Thanks!

Rich

 

[aNoodle]

I think they might have details here...

http://www.bmw325i.net/

 

[bmwrocks]

Be careful about compatibility. What brand of CD changer is it? If it is not a BMW OEM changer, you will have to get an interface adapter to connect it to your stock system.

If it is a BMW OEM changer then you are all set. The 3 and 6 pin connectors are bundled in the trunk somewhere near the amp, likely behind it and inside the fender area. You will have to remove the trunk liner on that side to get to them. They are wrapped in some insulation and also taped. Make sure you use the 3 pin that is bundled with the 6 pin as there is another 3 pin bundled with the phone pre-wiring that is identical to the CD changer one. Connecting that one will damage your changer.

 

[black330i]

Thanks for your suggestions, everyone. aNoodle, I have a question - that link you gave me showed me how to install the mounting bracket and all that stuff. Since my 330i already has a little compartment in the trunk for the changer, I don't have to deal with all that, right? Just plug and play, yes? Thanks.

Rich

 

[bmwrocks]

Thanks for your suggestions, everyone. aNoodle, I have a question - that link you gave me showed me how to install the mounting bracket and all that stuff. Since my 330i already has a little compartment in the trunk for the changer, I don't have to deal with all that, right? Just plug and play, yes? Thanks.

Rich

I can answer that for you. No you wont have to deal with any of that. If it is a BMW changer, you can just mount it in the upper slot, plug it in and go. Your system will automatically recognize that the changer is there after you connect it.

 

[Gibscreen]

Be careful about compatibility. What brand of CD changer is it? If it is not a BMW OEM changer, you will have to get an interface adapter to connect it to your stock system.

If it is a BMW OEM changer then you are all set. The 3 and 6 pin connectors are bundled in the trunk somewhere near the amp, likely behind it and inside the fender area. You will have to remove the trunk liner on that side to get to them. They are wrapped in some insulation and also taped. Make sure you use the 3 pin that is bundled with the 6 pin as there is another 3 pin bundled with the phone pre-wiring that is identical to the CD changer one. Connecting that one will damage your changer.

I got everything hooked up, but the volume is very low, and when I turn it up, the sound warbles, there's a buzzing in the background, and a soft rhythmic beeping. anyone else have any probs with their install? I'm pretty sure the prob is with the Blitzsafe (BMW/ALP DMX V.1D), but of course there's no way to test the actual cd changer.

 

[bmwrocks]

You bought the changer used right? Obviously it is an Alpine judging from the adapter you have. Which one is it exactly?

Explain in detail exactly how you have it connected.

It sounds as if the preamp in the changer may be bad. The preamp can be fried if the changer was not hooked up correctly by the previous owner (or you, God forbid). If one was to connect the wrong 3-pin connector (the phone one) to the changer accidently or unknowingly, it would instantly fry the changer preamp and the symptoms would be as you describe. The phone power connector looks identical to the CD power connector, but pins 1 and 2 are reversed.

I hope that is not what happened.

 

[Gibscreen]

It's the Alpine CHA S634. And I bought it new. Spoke with Logjam Electronics and they think it's more likely the adapter. So I'll probably send that back. If a new adapter doesn't work, I'll exchange the changer.

Thanks