cd autochanger

[kena]

i have just taken delivery of used 530d (reg 12/03) and would like a cd autochanger fitted. Dealers are quoting approx £600 to fit one. Can anyone suggest any cheaper alternatives or reasonably priced dealers.

[BeelZibub]

Hi Kena

Looking at the date of registration I'm assuming you've got an e60.
I hope the following will be of some use to you - on the e39 each and every car to leave the bmw factory was installed with the wiring and bracket to install a cd changer in the left pull down section of boot lining. All you have to do is find a changer - ebay or I have seen clones from big name companies for approx. £150 - and slide it onto the bracket then plug in the prefitted harness, hey presto your stereo head unit recognises it and you're away.

As I said this may have changed on the e60 but if not, fitting a unit is childs play, it's just that BMW like to charge through the nose for everything.

If I get a chance I will ask a friend of mine today and post an update.

Good luck

[soundfx]

What I have found out is that BMW changers from factory are extremely overpriced. What I did instead is contacted my local car audio specialist and he recommended I use a Alpine CD changer with a special adapter from a company called Staub. Staub carries various adapter to allow communication between a factory head unit and an aftermarket CD changer. All the factory cables are in place in the back, all you have to do is install the adapter and then the changer. This option will save you lots of money.

I live in Canada and the dealers want over $900 for a factory changer. I did my system for less than $400.

I hope this helps a little.

soundfx