CD Changer > 325Ci or 330Ci

[Philip]

Just bought the above car and will take delivery in late 1/01. I did not get the CD changer since it cost around $1K and there is a single player in the dash.

If I want to add a CD changer to the coupe:

1. Which is a good one to purchase for at least 6 disks?

2. Is it easy to install in the trunk?

3. Will the disk select buttons on the steering wheel work properly?

4. Will I be able to scroll through the full range of disks in the player + the additional single disk in the dash?

5. Will I void the BMW warranty for any and all possible eletrical system problems if it was not installed by a dealer?

Thanks...Phil

[328isRob]

I bought a Pioneer from Crutchfield and a adapter to make it work with my factory head unit. The whole setup only cost $350 and it holds 12 discs instead of 6. The install was rediculously easy. 10 minutes to drill the holes and install the brackets. 60 seconds to plug in the wires. It shouldn't void any warranty, its a CD changer not a supercharger.

[chak22]

1. Which is a good one to purchase for at least 6 disks?
Pioneer or Sony is resonably priced and high quality

2. Is it easy to install in the trunk?
Installation should be pretty easy and if you find a local shop that works with expensive cars, they will know how to treat yours and not scratch that new pretty paint job. You can also talk to them and they may give you a great deal on installation instead of charging you the standard arm and a leg.

3. Will the disk select buttons on the steering wheel work properly?
Ask your dealer, but I dont think so, your proffesional installer may be a ble to make this work.

4. Will I be able to scroll through the full range of disks in the player + the additional single disk in the dash?
Ask at least 2 different deallers

5. Will I void the BMW warranty for any and all possible eletrical system problems if it was not installed by a dealer?
Again ask at least two diffeerent deallers becasue they may tell you false information to get you to go to them for the installation and or new equipment.

Personally I have the indash CD player and that is fine for me, I dont like to mess around with changing those stupid cartradiges. Not to mention, how often do you drive for longer than the length of 1 CD?

[328isRob]

They don't have a adapter to adapt the sony to the BMW factory system, only pioneer. Yes it will work with your factory controls, including the steering wheel. The wiring is all ready there, so if your comfortable drilling 4 holes in the trunk and plugging one plug (pre-wired) into the CD changer you could do it yourself. A stereo shop will probably only charge you $50 so it becomes a matter of if it is worth your time.

[Philip]

Thanks...which Pioneer model do you recommend and what type of adaptor should I use...I assume you also purchased the adaptor from Crutchfield?

Phil

[328isRob]

Just call crutchfield and they can tell you exactally what you need. They change changers every year or so so it will be a new model for you now.

[bmwnewbie]

I have a 2002 BMW 330Ci. Just finished installing the CD changer from Alpine myself. I got the CD changer from www.pacificbmw.com. There is a DIY instructions for installing the CD changer, but i've found the instructions that came with the CD changer is better. Just follow that and you'l be find. The total cost is around $500 including: changer, bracket and new panel.

Good Luck