Alpine CHA-S634 in 2005 X5 with navigation and DSP

[x5GuyInLA]

Does anyone know if I need any adapters to install the Alpine CHA-S634 into a '05 X5? I looked on the BMWUSA website and it says "The X5 is prewired to integrate with the unit’s I-Bus electronics." I'mnot sure if the Alpine has I-Bus, nor if the plugs match. I can't find the plugs in my cargo area(I must be blind), so if anyone can help me out with finding that, it would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[UncleTito]

Alpine is using M-Bus. You will need either a Blitzsafe or Soundgate adapter to use the Alpine CD changer. Look in the main page of xoutpost.com, under Stereo section for more info.

[BassX]

You will need the following:

BMW p/n 82-11-0-009-305 This consists of two flanges that you mount to the side of the changer, enabling the changer to slide in and mount easily to the existing bracket in the back of the vehicle. $12.95

Soundgate ABMW35V5 adapter. Yes, it says for non-DSP vehicles, but your vehicle does not require the DSP adapters, as they no longer use the DSP cables on these vehicles. The Soundgate adapter is not perfect, but much more stable and bug free than the Blitzsafe. I got my changer and adapters from logjamelectronics.com. About $99.95

Alpine KCA-130B Ai-Net to M-Bus adapter, to connect the CD changer to the Soundgate adapter. About $15.

Once you have all of those parts, the install can be done in minutes. No wire splicing is required. You will find the connector for the changer and the power connector bundled up with a cable tie toward in the bottom-front portion of the compartment housing the NAV computer. Dig around and you'll find it.

The Soundgate adapter will have an occasional spasm, but typically it works very well and if you do have a problem, turn the head unit off for a couple seconds and back on and it usually resets itself.

Good luck, and enjoy. I added an aftermarket amp and subwoofer to replace the totally inadequate factory sub. I am really enjoying my system.

[UncleTito]

Originally Posted by BassX

...You will find the connector for the changer and the power connector bundled up with a cable tie toward in the bottom-front portion of the compartment housing the NAV computer. Dig around and you'll find it...

The audio and power wires that BassX referred to are the 6-pin and 3-pin wires, respectively. Note that there may be another 3-pin wire in the same wire loom. The one you want has a brown wire coming out of the harness.

[UCrewX5]

Personally, I would skip the CD changer and go right to an iPod with the Dension Ice Link adaptor. Why limit yourself to 6 disks when you can have access to thousands of songs on your iPod (I have over 7000 on mine)?

[vinuneuro]

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

Personally, I would skip the CD changer and go right to an iPod with the Dension Ice Link adaptor. Why limit yourself to 6 disks when you can have access to thousands of songs on your iPod (I have over 7000 on mine)?

[x5GuyInLA]

Thanks guys