Retrofit BMW CD Multichanger

[Pledge]

I have just bought a 2006 E53 X5 that doesn't have a multichanger fitted.

Can anyone tell me if it is a simple case of puchasing a multichanger (ebay? )and connecting it up, or is there anything more complex in fitting one of these?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Sanj]

Welcome to the forum!

You need to make sure the connections are in the loom in the boot first - which they should be, albeit wrapped up well. You're looking for a 3-pin and 6-pin set of connectors. Then the changer on eBay needs to have the female ends ready to accept...

But essentially yes, straight fit (don't forget the mounting brackets too).

[X5Sport]

Do you know whether or not you have the CD changer 'preparation' option fitted on the vehicle? If you do it should be a simple plug and play job I think. You're looking for a three pin and six pin pair of connectors in the left rear boot compartment where the nav computer sits (if you have it). Can't remember what colour the two connectors are, but no doubt someone will be along who does.

If the prep option hasn't been done then it's a more complex job. All of ours have the changer fitted and have Pro Nav installed as well.

[x555]

I'm not 100% but i think they are all pre wired for the changers.But the leads can be well hidden/wrapped up.Look for something like this in the left boot panel or even below.....

[storminmike]

Sorry to resurrect this but you know how it is

Browse search search browse...where did I read that...damn I forgot...even more confused

X5 CD Changers

Now mines a non nav 54 plate so I guess that means this is possible and judging by above the first thing to look for is a three pin and six pin pair of connectors in the left rear boot. A quick but not in depth look I could see a largish BLUE connector sort of lego size...Is that one? PICTURES?


EBAY is full of CD players, most of which they claim fit X5s. Am I right in thinking that this may be true in pin terms but the physical size may differ based on what it came out of?

Why is it that people make a big deal over cartridges....do they get knicked or go missing or what?

Part numbers...there seems to be billions (exagerated a bit) but this feels like a minefield...especially when you're not able to try before buy. Is there a difinative list of what works or which to avoid?

MP3 - Not a biggy but if a seller claims this is there a part number to back it up

Moreover what should one pay for

a non MP3 with brackets?
an mp3 compatable with brackets?

Cheers....dizzy from searching....Mike

[RichardP]

All CD Changers from any E53, E39, E46, E83 or E85 will fit.

CD Changers made from September 2005 on will play MP3s, but these changers do not have the coaxial digital audio connector which is needed for older DSP audio systems.

[storminmike]

[quote=""RichardP""]All CD Changers from any E53, E39, E46, E83 or E85 will fit.

CD Changers made from September 2005 on will play MP3s, but these changers do not have the coaxial digital audio connector which is needed for older DSP audio systems.[/quote]

Cheers for that

WRT they all fit...as I asked before are some different size physically?

[JimmySpeed]

[quote=""storminmike""][quote=""RichardP""]All CD Changers from any E53, E39, E46, E83 or E85 will fit.

CD Changers made from September 2005 on will play MP3s, but these changers do not have the coaxial digital audio connector which is needed for older DSP audio systems.[/quote]

Cheers for that

WRT they all fit...as I asked before are some different size physically?[/quote]

No, all of those changers are the same physical size, its the mounting brackets that vary - the X5 brackets are different to the E46 brackets (ask me how I know ) . The brackets just screw on and off. I have a set of X5 brackets on ebay at the moment as I bought some brackets, fully expecting to get a changer with e46 or e39 brackets on (as they are the most common), and as luck would have it I won an X5 bracketed changer for £19!

As for the magazines - They can get a little dodgy and cause the changer to jam. Funnily enough, I sold a changer from my E46 (advertised as faulty because it didn't work) for £11 on ebay, and the buyer has made a claim as he thinks that its 'incomplete' without the magazine. I explained that they are separate parts (with separate part numbers and sold separately by the dealer) so we'll see what ebay says. Its not as if I said that it comes with a free magazine in the auction! I'm not stupid enough to give away a £20 (on ebay) magazine for free with an £11 purchase

[storminmike]

[quote=""mobilejo""][quote=""storminmike""][quote=""RichardP""]All CD Changers from any E53, E39, E46, E83 or E85 will fit.

CD Changers made from September 2005 on will play MP3s, but these changers do not have the coaxial digital audio connector which is needed for older DSP audio systems.[/quote]

Cheers for that

WRT they all fit...as I asked before are some different size physically?[/quote]

No, all of those changers are the same physical size, its the mounting brackets that vary - the X5 brackets are different to the E46 brackets (ask me how I know ) . The brackets just screw on and off. I have a set of X5 brackets on ebay at the moment as I bought some brackets, fully expecting to get a changer with e46 or e39 brackets on (as they are the most common), and as luck would have it I won an X5 bracketed changer for £19!

As for the magazines - They can get a little dodgy and cause the changer to jam. Funnily enough, I sold a changer from my E46 (advertised as faulty because it didn't work) for £11 on ebay, and the buyer has made a claim as he thinks that its 'incomplete' without the magazine. I explained that they are separate parts (with separate part numbers and sold separately by the dealer) so we'll see what ebay says. Its not as if I said that it comes with a free magazine in the auction! I'm not stupid enough to give away a £20 (on ebay) magazine for free with an £11 purchase[/quote]


Thanks for clearing that up then...

IMO a changer without cartridge is incomplete...well you wouldn't expect to leave a shop having bought a brand new changer only to find the cartridge was extra...mind you if you said it wasn't included then fair enough

This reminds me of a policy Tandys used to have for home hi fi speakers....they were priced individually...but in small writing


will keep looking then....£19 is cheap with a cartridge mind