Need Help: CD Changer Or In Dash

[ZeroG]

The in dash CD Player on my 2001 X5 (04/01) NO DSP went out and will no longer load CDs. I'm interested in either replacing the in dash unit, adding a changer, repairing, or any other options I have are.

Are the in dash or changers frequently for-sale?

Is it worth while to upgrade to a newer version if I have to replace it?

Any insight is appreciated.

[dkl]

Here's one example that is currently on ebay => BMW E39 E53 X5 525 535 540 M5 Business CD Player - OEM : eBay Motors (item 110507373051 end time Mar-18-10 08:54:44 PDT)

[ZeroG]

Originally Posted by dkl

Here's one example that is currently on ebay => BMW E39 E53 X5 525 535 540 M5 Business CD Player - OEM : eBay Motors (item 110507373051 end time Mar-18-10 08:54:44 PDT)

Thanks for the recommendation, I'll keep an eye on it.

Anyone have thoughts on changers? Do I need to go with OEM, or are there some Alpine units that are plug and play?

[dkl]

The Alpine units requires an adapter. I'm currently using the Alpine CHAS634 (mp3 capable) with a Soundgate ABMW35 adapter (been using it for almost 6 years now without issues) - I'll post a picture of my setup when I get home tonight if you want to see it. If you can find a used OEM (post 2005 models also have MP3 capability), that would be the least hassle. You might also need to get the CD changer bracket kit somewhere as well.

[ZeroG]

Originally Posted by dkl

The Alpine units requires an adapter. I'm currently using the Alpine CHAS634 (mp3 capable) with a Soundgate ABMW35 adapter (been using it for almost 6 years now without issues) - I'll post a picture of my setup when I get home tonight if you want to see it. If you can find a used OEM (post 2005 models also have MP3 capability), that would be the least hassle. You might also need to get the CD changer bracket kit somewhere as well.

A picture would be great. Any recomendations on where to get the adapter and Alpine changer assuming a OEM one does decently priced?

[dkl]

Here are a couple of pictures of the Alpine Changer installed (the soundgate adapter is stashed behind the changer). The Alpine changer is exactly the same dimensions as the OEM unit, so everything fit perfectly into the OEM bracket. I forgot to mentioned that you'll also need an Ai-Net to MBus converter cable, which connects the changer to the soundgate adapter.

I bought everything from logjamelectronics.com.
Here's the link to the changer and Ai-Net to MBus converter cable => Alpine CHA-S634 6 Disc CD MP3 Changer
Here's the link to the Soundgate adapter => SoundGate ABMW35V5 BMW-to-Alpine CD Changer Interface

You could probably find everything you'll need for a bit cheaper if you shop around, but it still beats the $600+ for the OEM changer.

Alternatively, if you already have an iPod, you may also consider the Dice Silverline kit => BMW X5 iPod Integration Kit for BMW X5 by DICE | BSW

[ZeroG]

Pics look good.

Going the OEM route is there a different between CD changers for cars that have DSP versus cars that don't? I have a line on an 2005 changer out of a car that has DSP, but my '01 does not. Will it still work?

[dkl]

I have no idea as my '04 does not have DSP either. I'm sure someone else that may know this will chime in.

[ZeroG]

TTT

Does anyone know if CD changers are DSP specific, or is a CD changer a CD changer?