2003 X5 4.6is Cd Changer Question

[Maruzo]

Hi all, I'm sure this was covered multiple times, but a quick search for mp3 cd changer did not yield the answer i'm looking for.

My question is, can I replace my cd changer with a later model bmw cd changer that plays mp3 music?

And is it a simple plug and play?

If so, does anyone have a model number that fits a 2003 E53 X5?

Much obliged!

Theo

[Crowz]

I cant see why not. It works on e46's and e39's.

Simply swapping the changer out added mp3 support for me on the above models. So again it should work on the X5 too.

[Maruzo]

Thanks for your tip, Crowz. By the way, do you know if an E53 with onboard navi and DSP can be retrofitted with aux line in ? Or better yet, some sort of bluetooth/ usb box to replace the cd changer connection?

I know that the DSP will make a lot of aftermarket units obsolete, but maybe there's an unit out there that'll work?

[Maruzo]

Bump for reply request!

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by Maruzo

Bump for reply request!

BMW offered an earlier ULF Bluetooth module that was an option for the e38/e39/e46/e53 BMWs built before the 2005 model year. Then BMW came out with a Bluetooth TCU starting with the 10/04 build date. If looking to purchase these early BMW ULF/TCU BT units...make sure it says IBUS. If it says MOST...then it is NOT compatible and is for newer generation BMWs.

Also...these BT units (for our generation BMWs) were only for telephony because music streaming BT (A2DP) wasn't developed yet and came to market in late 2010...and is not compatible with the old generation BMWs communication bus.

If looking for a used BMW BT module...do be aware of buying a TCU from the models/model years highlighted in the YELLOW text below:

{Example of a compatible Bluetooth TCU for BMWs with I-bus}