How to Install the CD Changer

Kin · Dec 8, 2003

I am planning to install the CD changer for my 2003 330iZHP. Does anyone know where will the changer goes in the trunk? Is it on the left side of the trunk or it will be mounted on the top of the trunk next to the amplifier?

Also, where should I get the OEM changer?[???1]

Akakubi · Dec 8, 2003

Kin said:

It's fairly easy to DIY. You'll have some trouble trying to fit the bracket properly as it is a little clumsily designed.

If you opt for the Alpine CD Changer (which you should as it is much better) then it will be in the left corner of your trunk. You will get a whole new left-side liner with the kit.

Buy from Pacific or Circle BMW as they are cheaper a bit.

Let me know if you have more questions. [wave]

Tom · Dec 8, 2003

Yeah its fairly easy to do, took me no longer than 30 minutes.

Here is a how to.
http://www.bmw325i.net/inst_mp3cd.shtml

PuShAkOv · Dec 8, 2003

I installed mine very securily (installed for past 10 months) without drilling any holes or taking the car apart. It is also not visible anywhere in the trunk. Very Happy.

Kin · Dec 8, 2003

On the left side of my tunck, there is a 2 levels small compartment, should the CD Changer fit in there?

PuShAkOv · Dec 8, 2003

I fit the chenger between the mat.. on the spare wheel compartment. I used two straps of valcro to set it in... it is very nicely sandwitched between the two.. never moving and perfect space. It is located in the middle left side of the trunk. You should consider this before making holes. To change a CD cartridge you just lift the mat.. change it and put it down. Couldn't find a better place anywhere.

xmas63 · Dec 9, 2003

Kin said:

Sounds like you have the navigation system, or at least the navigation brackets. In that case, yes, put the changer in there. Otherwise, there are several ways of installing the changer.

Bryan330i · Dec 9, 2003

Hey Kin, yours, like mine, already has almost everything in place. If you open the door on the left side of the trunk there are 2 compartments. I think they are there for storage of small items if you did not get the CD.

I just purchased the CD changer as well and the car is already set up for it, wiring and all ! You just need to remove one of the 2 plastic boxes/compartments behind the door and you only need 1 front bracket to hold it in place from what I am told.

Just beware, I ordered mine from circle and they sent me a whole package of stuff I did not need. I now have a second identical left liner, a number or brackets, and a second identical plastic tray for the side floor area.

Kin · Dec 9, 2003

Thanks Bryan330i

How difficult is it to remove the compartments? Do I need to remove the carpet first? I bet we need to drill holes, right?

Bryan330i · Dec 9, 2003

Kin said:

I am still trying to get more information because the car already has a large part of the required stuff in place. I think I am just going to take out the liner and see what all is back there. If I understand correctly, everything is there except 1 bracket. I hope this is true, if it is there should be no drilling required.

The compartments look to be the same size as the CD and I hope they just slide out of the brackets. I hope 1 compartment can stay in because that would be a good place for extra CD's or another cartridge.

Kin · Dec 9, 2003

Bryan,

Where do you get the changer and the kit?

Bryan330i · Dec 10, 2003

I got mine from circlebmw.com, but I think I would look at "bavauto.com" first. I am finding that my simple question has not been answered by Circle. I have sent 2 email messages and also asked for a return call on the phone and nothing.

Tom · Dec 10, 2003

Pacific BMW also has really good prices. http://www.pacificbmw.com/catalog/access/category.asp?section=23&model=E46&category=5

That's where I purchased my frontend cover from, their prices were lower than Circle BMW by about $40.

PuShAkOv · Dec 10, 2003

I got my Alpine MP3 6 CD changer on eBay for $400. Don't know how I can live without it. If you are getting one.. make sure you buy an MP3 one (they can play notmal CDs too). You just can't beat putting 100+ songs per CD.

bmwrocks · Dec 10, 2003

Can anyone tell me if I need all three of these to install into my E46 330Ci w/nav?

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/alpinechas634.html
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/alpinekca130b.html
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/souncdchanin4.html

I think I also need mounting brackets and hardware as described on http://www.circlebmw.com/parts/access/cd01.htm

E46 4-dr/2-dr lh quarter with factory navigation
Mounting Brackets (qty 2 required) 65 12 8 370 925
Nuts (qty 4 required) 61 13 1 372 033
Bolts (qty 4 required) 07 11 9 902 007

ALSO, will my system automatically recognize the changer is there and display appropriate menu items for control??? Remember I have the nav sys with integrated radio and CD. Thanks in advance!!!!!

PuShAkOv · Dec 10, 2003

Oooo,.. MP3 changer went down in price ($100) during the last year [:D]

.

bmwrocks,

read this: "If you already have the BMW factory navigation system or the BMW factory CD Changer installed then you already have all of the mounting hardware installed in your trunk. If you do not have either of these installed you will need to purchase the BMW factory brackets, trays, clips, bolts, and trunk liner for the BMW stock CD Changer in order to mount it. "

http://www.bmw325i.net/rev_alpine_chas634.shtml

You could always install it my way hassle free? [:D]

bmwrocks · Dec 10, 2003

I saw that Pusher, and I already have the right liner etc., but there is a plastic tray in the second slot above the nav dvd player in the bracket assembly in my trunk.

I am wondering if I need additional mounting hardware for the CD changer vs. the plastic tray?????

Bryan330i · Dec 10, 2003

bmwrocks said:

I am still trying to find out myself. I do not have nav. and I have 2 plastic trays behind the door. I am going to try and get time this weekend and see what it looks like. I am finding it difficult because I guess some cars have nothing there and everything is needed, some like mine have all the basics but no nav. or cd. Your sounds like everything is there with nav in one slot.

We should post pics when one of us figures it out.

Bryan330i · Dec 10, 2003

Tom said:

Thanks for the info on Pacific Tom. Nice to have another option. I am finished with Circle.

bmwrocks · Dec 10, 2003

Bryan330i,

You mention in one of your posts needing only one front bracket to mount your player.

After looking more carefully at steps 23 and 24 at http://www.bmw325i.net/inst_mp3cd.shtml the player mounts with 2 brackets (one on each side) to the bracket in the trunk.

And you can leave your one plastic tray in place below the changer.

For me I will have both slots filled, upper with CD and lower with DVD.

And back to my above post about the hardware I may need, it has now become very clear to me that I need the two brackets that attach to the player, but I can probably reuse the nuts and bolts that are currently holding my plastic tray.

And you did get a bunch of stuff you are not going to need like the liner you already have....etc.

I think your install is VERY simple with the OEM changer, and mine too, as I am getting the Alpine CHA-634 and the adapters as I listed above with the EXACT install as outlined in http://www.bmw325i.net/inst_mp3cd.shtml

How does all this sound?

How to Install the CD Changer

Member

Member

1

2000 Post Club

Member

2000 Post Club

Member

2

Member

2

Member

2

1

2000 Post Club

1000 Post Club

2000 Post Club

1000 Post Club

2

2

1000 Post Club