CD changer for 330ci

[JetBlack330Ci]

Greetings. I am a new member of this forum.

I have question for you. I am getting a 2002 330Ci with HK audio system with in dash CD player. Can I get a CD changer and connect it to the stereo as well? Also where would you get a CD changer from?

Cheers,
Frank.

[craigw]

I'm going to bump this one.

I just got a 2002 330Ci myself with the NAV system. I'm looking for CD changers other than the $1000 BMW installation. Anyone have any suggestions on a place to get them that is compatible. Seems like from my reading that a lot of the stereo configs changed with the 2002 model. Not to mention that I have the NAV system which might throw things off a bit.

Thanks.

[JetBlack330Ci]

Originally posted by craigw

... Not to mention that I have the NAV system which might throw things off a bit.

Actually it will make it cheaper. One of the things they have to fit the rear panel in the trunk and the frame that holds the CD changer and the NAV system. Since you already have them it will be cheaper and much easier to install, that is of course if you are going to get a compatible changer.

I looked around for a few days, made a lot of calls. In the end I bought the BMW original from a local car audio shop little cheaper ($600) than the dealers charge.

[sq_man]

You can use an Alpine changer, but you need an adapter card to get it to work with the stock head unit controls. (even though it's virtually identical to the BMW changer) Any good car stereo installation place can help you.

[craigw]

Well, I hit my local Best Buy and they told me that you can get an Alpine but would have to pay for an adapter which ran about $130. But they didn't sell Alpine and to try Sound Advice. I went over to Sound Advice and they checked their computers and the Alpines are apparently only compatible with the 330's that don't have a NAV system. So, basically they said that I had to buy the dealer one.

Obviously, I'm not too interested in forking out that much money without investigating. Anyone else have for sure info on 2002 330Ci with NAV?

[sq_man]

ooo. that's tough.

But hey, after $40,000, what's another $1000?

[crayzayjay]

hey there,

im thinking of getting a 330ci or a 330ci sport. since there seem to be a few 330ci owners in here i was just wondering if i could ask a few questions? These are a few things on the 330ci that i just dont know what they mean:
Anthracite headlining?
High gloss shadow line?

basically im torn between the two models. i dont know if paying extra for the sport version is worth it, any advice would be great

cheers,
jay

[sq_man]

Get the sport. I have a 325i sport and have driven a non-sport 325i and there is a big difference in handling. The wheels/tires are better (which makes the biggest difference), the suspension is retuned for "higher performance" (stiffer, higher-frequency car), and I think the seats and steering wheel are different.

Unless you want a 330i for the "luxury", get the sport (i.e. if you like driving)

Personally I don't understand why anyone would buy a BMW without the sport package.

[crayzayjay]

Thanks for the advice

[Alex Adams]

The 325/330Ci has the sport tuning unlike the 325/330i, and is a stiffer car to begin with, due to the 2 door design. The difference in the sport package on the Ci is the wheels and tires and the electric seats. That's why it's so (relatively) cheap.

[crayzayjay]

.. and the aerokit.

i thought the suspension was different on the sport.. it says so on the list of options that come with the car etc...