MP3 CD changer

[nujon]

Can the OEM CD changer be readily swapped for an MP3-capable CD changer (e.g. Alpine CHA S634) - with track data displayed on the dash screen?

[petert]

I believe so as later E53s had changers that are MP3 capable (with track display if I understand correctly)
Peter T

[Sanj]

True - later models were OEM MP3 compatible. Bit dear on eBay tho....

[nujon]

Thanks - my OEM changer can play mp3 - but the H/U cannot / does not apparently, show the track data (track name etc.) - all I get is Track No. (ie. as per .cda files)

[petert]

might sound a bit obvious but the track data is on the disc isn't it? IIRC this is an option and not all software will put the track data on as well as the music file itself. No expert though.

Peter T

[nujon]

[quote=""petert""]might sound a bit obvious but the track data is on the disc isn't it? IIRC this is an option and not all software will put the track data on as well as the music file itself. No expert though.

Peter T[/quote]

Thanks - agree track data would be on the disc if recorded with the music file - I have confirmed track data present on 'test disc' via my PC but on the X5, just says Track 1, 2 etc.

I may have misunderstood but had come to think that an Alpine CD changer + (maybe) some Alpine interface may enable CD track data display - anyone know please?

[X5Sport]

The MP3 compatible CD changer system that BMW used from MY2006 onwards on the E53 and various other models only supports and decodes track data recorded in the 'ID3 Tag' format. Not all burning software can write or support the ID3 Tag format though. Itunes does and Windows Media Player does, but the version of Musicmatch around at that time (and some still use) can't for example. Check that whatever you are using has the ID3 Tag support and is writing it onto the disc.

I don't know which model year you have, but if it was built after June/July 2005 (should have been on the E53 from Oct 04, but wasn't) it should be OK. If earlier then it is just possible you have a changer that is .mp3 capable (as you seem to) but the H/U hasn't got the decoder for the ID3 in it. There are a few of these about, especially where the changer was added later or replaced, according to reports on-line.

[nujon]

[quote=""X5Sport""]The MP3 compatible CD changer system that BMW used from MY2006 onwards on the E53 and various other models only supports and decodes track data recorded in the 'ID3 Tag' format. Not all burning software can write or support the ID3 Tag format though. Itunes does and Windows Media Player does, but the version of Musicmatch around at that time (and some still use) can't for example. Check that whatever you are using has the ID3 Tag support and is writing it onto the disc.

I don't know which model year you have, but if it was built after June/July 2005 (should have been on the E53 from Oct 04, but wasn't) it should be OK. If earlier then it is just possible you have a changer that is .mp3 capable (as you seem to) but the H/U hasn't got the decoder for the ID3 in it. There are a few of these about, especially where the changer was added later or replaced, according to reports on-line.[/quote]

Thanks X5Sport - the sticker on the car says it was built in Jan 2006 - that said and contrary to the manual , the OBD INFO menu does not show an "Audiotext" checkbox !