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Cd Changer Adapability

12K views 5 replies 4 participants last post by  da_bull 
#1 ·
Hello all,
I"m new to this forum and, actually, I'm new to the world of BMWs. I just recently bought my first over the weekend. 1993 325i. I think this site will be very helpful. My first post is about buying a new CD changer. I've heard that it's bitch to find one that'll work with electronics already present. I'm wondering if anyone knows of any good sites that will help me get started. I'm not even sure what I'll need to have it installed. All I know is that I have the stock am/fm cassette player. Thanks for your help.
Ramy
 
#2 ·
If it were me I'd get a new AM/FM/CD player and forget about the CD changer. Most new CD players are equipped w/ MP3 decoders and are cheaper than if you bought a new (used) cd player that will work with your factory cassette.

Read a little on this thread:
http://www.bmw-forums.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=31282
 
#3 ·
da bull offers up none in the above response. A new deck will improve the sound of everything, give you Mp3 and satelite radio options, and cost less than an oem changer.

A few recomendations:
modest budget----> Kenwood KDCMPV5025
no budget----------> Nakamichi CD400

Both are great head units, and both match the oem amber illumination to give it an oem look.

If you are dead set on getting the oem changer the following is everything you wish to know......

Radio Model year/application changer adapter
- ------------ ---------------- --------------- ----------
CM5908 (Alpine) 89-93 E30 6 disk
infrared slot) 89-91 other 88 88 1 600 220
88 881 600 175 82 11 1 467 002
Alpine#TR1600
12 disk
88 88 1 600 178
Alpine#TR1008

KE83zbm (Pioneer) 89-93 E30 CDX-M30 ("M" series) None needed
(+) (-) (Mode) at lower right corner

CM5901(Alpine, 91-94 All CDX-M30 AAMP BMWPIO
Alpine2, Alpine3)

KE91zbm (Pioneer 91-94 All CDX-M30 AAMP BMWPIO
PIO, PIO2,*not PIONEER4*)

KE???? PIONEER4 91-94 All Factory BMW only n/a

CM5903L (Alpine5?) 95+ All Factory BMW only n/a

KE93zbm (Pioneer) 95+ All Factory BMW only n/a

Any Pioneer "M" series changer will work, the CDX-M30 is just the most
current.

>From: metz@goahead.com (John Metzger)
>Phil Marx wrote...
>

>>Radio Model year/application changer adapter

>>- ------------ ---------------- --------------- ----------
>>CM5908 (Alpine) 89-93 E30 factory BMW only n/a
>> infrared slot) 89-91 other

>
>
>Are you sure about this? The guys at Mesa thought that the CDX changer was
>supposed to work with this head. If it doesn't I'm screwed because there is
>no way I'm paying the stealer for the factory changer. Maybe I'll just go
>with an in-dash aftermarket unit and save the factory head for when I sell
>the car (if ever)...
>John '91 325iC

John, I'll repeat parts of a private posting which I sent to another subscriber, since there seems to be a lot of interest in this subject, and I'm learning more each day.

When the a early CD ready radios came out in the E30s you could only use the Alpine with the Alpine changer and Pioneer with Pioneer. BMW's bulletin said:
"These components are only compatible with each other, the use of other components is not possible and may cause damage to either unit." The original CD for the Alpine was the drop down door 12 disc unit, later the shoe-box sliding door 6 disc unit, from Alpine. My info from AAMP says "aftermarket Alpine CD changers do not use the same command protocol as BMW's Alpine built changer. Consequently they will not work on any BMW system."

I tried the CDX-M30 on one of the two "slot" units I have in stock. The plug-in jack at the back of the units is identical. As soon as the system is connected it blows the little fuse hidden under the cover next to the speaker jacks in the back of the Alpine "slot" factory head unit.

The next question asked was: "Do I have to replace the head unit to put a CD in a car with the Alpine Infrared Slot-type unit?

Not exactly. There is a BMW unit which will work with that car. You will need a BMW Alpine CD changer and a data cable. You can probably use either the 88 88 1 600 178 (12 disc unit) or the newer 88 88 1 600 220 (6 disc unit) which superceded to the 82 11 1 467 002. Or basically any *Alpine* BMW unit with a 13 pin plug arranged in 3 rows of 4 + 1 row of 1. If the factory changer says CDX-M61 and has the same plug, it's a Pioneer and won't work. Of course you can always go the FM inductive pick-up route for a couple of hundred bucks which will require you to tune in a certain FM frequency and access discs from a separate key pad. Or simply swap your infrared slot with similar year car without the slot, but with 6 station memory buttons, preferably one with the model #KE83zbm, which is a Pioneer, and then the aftermarket CDX-M30 changer will go right in and comes with it's own cables. Any of this help?

Phil Marx BMWCCA #6021 BMWMOA #2024 (804) 293-8269 fax (804) 293-0817
Bavarian Motor Warehouse, Inc. Check out our Web page: See our 1600
416 W. Main St. Cabriolet and other lovely BMWs.
Charlottesville, VA. 22903 http://www.comet.chv.va.us/bav/

From digest.v4.n853 Wed Jul 17 15:59:21 1996
From: "wayland chan" <wayland_chan@fptor.footprint.com>
Date: Wed, 17 Jul 96 18:31:49
Subject: Aftermarket CD Changers

*LONG, if you already have a CD changer you'll probably want to skip*

I drive a 1996 318is with the standard stereo (not the HK upgrade). I've been trying to figure out whether or not I can install an aftermarket CD chgr as opposed to the overpriced dealer option. I've seen many posts on the digest where people have used the Pioneer CDXM30 changer by simply buying an adapter to reconfigure the pinouts. Well, I've been told that a similar type of adapter exists so that I may use Alpine changers as well. Anyways, I've looked far and wide for a solution because I'd prefer the Alpine when 'lo and behold I came across the following notice dated November 1995:
OEM Interface by PIE
>From the desk of Ron McElroy

Subject: BMW CD changer converter program.

The BMW CD changer program can be divided into three segments.

The first segment covers the cars from 1989 through 1991. These vehicles which have a CD changer controller radio can be fitted with an aftermarket CD changer, the CDXM30 by Pioneer. You must use the aftermarket CD data cable in this installation, do not use the OEM CD data cable.

The second segment cover the BMW model years from 1991 through 1994 which have CD changer controller radios and are fitted with a 14-pin data cable which is terminated in the vehicle's trunk. The pioneer CDXM30 changer can be installed in these vehicles in conjunction with the OEM Interface CD Converter, part# BMW-PIO/M. One end of the BMW-PIO/M plugs into the 14-pin OEM CD data cable and the other end plugs directly into the Pioneer changer's 6X7-pin chassis plug, thus eliminating 20 feet (the aftermarket CD data cable) of extra CD data cable.

The third segment of the BMW CD changer program involves vehicles which started shipping in late 1994 and covers the 1995 model vehicles to present. These vehicles have a different CD data chip in their radio which does not allow the OEM radio to respond to the aftermarket Pioneer CDXM30 changer. Please note, the aftermarket changer(Pioneer CDXM30) with the OEM Interface converter will function in these vehicles. The three new radios with the different data chip can be identified by bring up their series number on the radios display screen by pressing and holding down the negative(-) tuner button and the program button. These three radios are the Alpine series V(five), the PIO BMW Four series, and the PIO P102 series radio.

Regards,

Ron McElroy
Director Product Development and Dealer Technical Support OEM Interface by PIE (Precision Interface Electronics) Dealer Technical Support Hot Line: (619) 632-5181 fax (619) 632-9139

NOTICE!
<basically stuff mentioned above cut>
An OEM interface by PIE device which will allow an aftermarket CD changer to be installed in these latter vehicles is currently in R&D and will be available very soon.

I hope this helps anyone out there that is looking to add a CD chgr. But my problem is that I drive one of the later year models which has no such adapter.

Has anyone out there heard of any other companies offering a similar product to the one above. Also, it'd be great if someone from this list from the 619 area code would email so I could ask a favor from them (I wanna save long distance charges =).

Wayland Chan
1996 318is - CD less =(
From digest.v5.n251 Wed Sep 18 17:53:08 1996
From: BMW@comet.net (Phil Marx)
Date: Wed, 18 Sep 1996 18:51:08 -0400
Subject: <All> CD changers Pioneer M-series

There has been some discussion on the list about the compatiblity of the Pioneer M-series after-market CD changers to the Factory CD-Ready radios. I've been playing with these for about a week now trying to fit one to a '93 740i for a customer and have come up with the following compatibility findings through frustration and trial and error. Talking with both technical staff at Crutchfield and AAMP of America, who make the interconnect adapters for such applications, I find even these supposed experts have misinformation. The adapter listed is about $20 from Crutchfield and connects the factory CD data cable to the Pioneer after-market data cable. Removing the threaded connector on the factory cable and taping the two together will give a better connection. There exists some confusion as to the naming of the factory radio types, either by label or by read-out from pushing (-) and (Program) buttons simultaneously. I will list them both ways. I am no expert, and would appreciate any input or corrections which would help to clarify this confusing compatibility issue. This obviously only applies to CD-Ready factory radios, those with (6) station preset buttons.

Radio Model year/application changer adapter
- ------------ ---------------- --------------- ----------
CM5908 (Alpine) 89-93 E30 factory BMW only n/a
infrared slot) 89-91 other

KE83zbm (Pioneer) 89-93 E30 CDX-M30 ("M" series) None needed
(+) (-) (Mode) at lower right corner

CM5901(Alpine, 91-94 All CDX-M30 AAMP BMWPIO
Alpine2, Alpine3)

KE91zbm (Pioneer 91-94 All CDX-M30 AAMP BMWPIO
PIO, PIO2,*not PIONEER4*)

CM5903L (Alpine5?) 95+ All Factory BMW only n/a

KE93zbm (Pioneer) 95+ All Factory BMW only n/a


If your Pioneer label says "KE91zbm version 4" or reads "PIONEER4" when pushing (-) and (Program), the CDX-M30 will not be recognized by the head unit. The disc magazine will load and index, and eject when asked, but it cannot be accessed by the head unit, even though the factory changer will work with either version, the aftermarket M-series changer will not. The Pioneer4 is showing up on '93 740i models and as a warranty replacement for the earlier Pioneer.

If you have the later head unit that will (-) (program) its name, but it's an early production E36 4dr w/o factory CD wiring, the only way to make the M-series changers work is to get the factory wiring and the adapter and connect to the Pioneer changer data cable. There is no cheap way that I know.

95+ information is from AAMP and I have not tried anything yet. I believe the 318ti uses a different head unit, like the P102 of the E36 318i w/o weather band, and might work, again, I haven't tried it out.

As previously mentioned on the digest, the CDX-M30 is available quite cheaply at times. Crutchfield shows a list price of $558 but they have returned units in their outlet priced at $399, dropped to $349 then listed on sale at $339 and some have bought them for even $100 less. They will not mail-order the returns and I don't know what they sell new ones for. Any Pioneer "M" series changer will work, the CDX-M30 is just the most current.

I hope this helps somebody, 'cause there was no help for me when I needed it.

Phil Marx BMWCCA #6021 BMWMOA #2024 (804) 293-8269 fax (804) 293-0817
Bavarian Motor Warehouse, Inc. Check out our Web page: See our 1600
416 W. Main St. Cabriolet and other lovely BMWs.
Charlottesville, VA. 22903 http://www.comet.chv.va.us/bav/

From digest.v5.n276 Tue Sep 24 08:30:53 1996
From: Emedia01@aol.com
Date: Tue, 24 Sep 1996 09:27:22 -0400
Subject: AAMP BMWP10 source

>Regarding:
>From: Tim Tsai <ttsai@netdoor.com>
>Date: Sun, 22 Sep 1996 06:14:58 -0500 (CDT)
>Subject: Source for CD changer cable (AAMP BMWPIO)

> Anybody know where I can order the CD Changer adapter cable (AAMPBMWPIO)?
>snip<

The manufacturer is;
Stinger Electronics / AAMP
13160 56th Ct. suite 508
Clearwater, Florida 34620
813-572-9255
813-579-9326 FAX

Regards,
Ken
e.media

85 528e
78 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce
From digest.v5.n347 Mon Oct 7 18:52:35 1996
From: Don Eilenberger <deilenberger@monmouth.com>
Date: Mon, 7 Oct 1996 20:59:57 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: THANKS MUCH! CD player installed!

Thanks to ALL of those who helped me track down how to install the CD changer in my new(to me) E34.

The job turned out being very simple, once the correct part was tracked down.

Long story short:

My '92 has a Pioneer stereo (press PROG/- buttons - sez: Pioneer BMW). My changer was one made for use with an FM modulator (which is how is lived on BOHICA for 4 years). It is a Pioneer CDX35FM (the FM indicates the modulator model).

These went together and work fine using the Periperhal cable as per a message from Gordie (their tech person, who replied very quickly to my request):

>Don,
>Thank you for the inquiry.
>You have a unique situation but i think i have the answer. The CDXFM35 is
>virtually the same as the CDX-M30. The only difference in the CDXFM35 is a
>compression circuit that limits the dynamics of the audio. The BMWPIO
>adapter will work and provide you with direct access to the changer. Here is
>the catch. If i am not mistaken the FM modulator has the cable soldered to
>to its circuit board. If the cable does unplug from the FM modulator then
>use it with the BMWPIO.
>
>If the cable is soldered you need the cable from a CDX-M30 or equivelent for
>the install. The cable that is in the back of your BMW is a 14 pin DIN. The
>BMWPIO plugs into that DIN and converts it to a 13 pin DIN. The Pioneer
>cable will now fit this 13 pin DIN connector.
>
>You will still need the 2 pin power connector for either install. Try a
>local stereo shop for both the 2 pin connector or the cable if you need it.
>
>Hope this helped.
>
>********************************************
>Visit the Stinger / Peripheral website
>http://www.stinger-aamp.com
>Gordie Kay
>Technical Department
>e-mail: stinger1@mindspring.com
>********************************************

Turns out the cable (I found it at a local car-audio shop, same one I bought the CDX 4 years ago) - plugged directly into the CDX35FM and directly into the BMW data cable. Hooked up power - and it came right on, works fine. Mounted it where BMW does in the trunk and dressed the wiring.. looks factory, works factory (all functions handled by the radio).

The notes that came with the cable mention:

Years '89-91 - you need the mfg's cable.

Years '92-94 - you need just the adaptor cable from Perpherial

Adaptor: Peripheral Electronics, Inc, BMWPIO Adaptor for '92-'94.

call Peripheral at 813-572-9255, or find at local shop.

Years '94-on, BMW screwed with the radio so aftermarket changers don't work, Perpherial is working on it, but warned it won't be REAL SOON NOW..

Best, and special thanks to:
Gordie, Warren Brown, Phil Marx, Jeffrey, David Skirzenski, Dale Beuning, Peter Rhim. (If I missed anyone - sorry.. got lots of info rather quickly!)

As usual - the list answered my questions quickly and accurately! Sure beats a sharp stick in the eye!
Don Eilenberger
Spring Lk Hts, NJ, USA
deilenberger@monmouth.com From digest.v5.n106 Tue Aug 13 15:32:57 1996
From: Armand_Aquino@mc.xerox.com (Aquino,Armand)
Date: Tue, 13 Aug 1996 11:36:06 PDT
Subject: FOR SALE Pioneer CD Changer

Upon further research, I've found out that the Pioneer CDX-M30 will not be able to mate with my BMW/Pioneer head unit. My head unit's model number is KE93ZBM. When I press the PROG and MINUS buttons I get "PIO2" or "P102" depending on the reader. Apparently, BMW changed the data chip in late 1994 builddate cars (mine was about Sept. '94 build) to prevent exactly what I'm trying to do - which is to use the Pioneer CDX-M30.

The cd changer will work pre-late 1994 builddate cars. From my notes, these model numbers would definitely work

KE83ZBM
CM5901
KE91ZBM

or having the codes when you press the PROG and MINUS key:

"Alpine"
"Alpine1"
"Alpine2"
"PIO"
"PIO1"

It would definitely would NOT WORK with "PIO2" or "Alpine5". I cannot say for anything else. Some units may also require swapping pins 12 and 13 on the connector. This can easily be verified by checking continuity from the radio end of the cable to the trunk end of the cable.

The Pioneer CDX-M30 changer is brand new and unused, not mounted, still has its original box, wrappings and all paperwork, and is EXACTLY 2 days old today (Tuesday). I'm selling the cd changer, 2 EXTRA 6 disc holders, and the adapter cable for $360 plus shipping. For comparison, the changer alone is $469 and $440 from two different local stores. The extra disc holders are about $20 each and the adapter is $30.

Please e-mail me privately with your radio model number or radio code when you press the PROG and MINUS keys together. You can also call me at (716) 427-3502 work or (716) 271-2376 home.

Thanks,

Armand Aquino
BMW CCA Board Member
Genesee Valley Chapter
Newsletter Editor

P.S. - On another note, I also inquired about getting a whole new aftermarket head unit and CD changer for about $700 such as Sony or Alpine. I was told by the installer that they would have to charge an extra $100 for my particular BMW since BMW made it more difficult to connect to the amplifier. This also involves a good amount of teardown in the interior-something I'm not willing to do. Also, the top of the line Sony changer only has 92dB Signal to Noise ratio while the Pioneer has 97dB. Newer models tend to be lower spec'ed to keep costs low, I've been told. So my only recourse (only recourse for people with "PIO2" radios) is to get the BMW version of the Pioneer CDX-M30 for about $500. That's a HUGE difference in price for adding a BMW sticker.
From digest.v4.n796 Tue Jul 2 11:28:06 1996
From: Dave Skirzenski <skirz@usair.com>
Date: 2 Jul 1996 14:14:02 EDT
Subject: <E36> CD Player Success (1992 325i)

To: BMW List Server <bmw-digest@lists.balltown.cma.com>

FROM: David Skirzenski PHONE: 744-4872 ID: SKIRZ Subject: <E36> CD Player Success (1992 325i)

Hello,

With the help of some list-mates, I got the following 6-disk player to work perfectly in my 1992 325i.

Head Unit: Pressing PROG and - displays "ALPINE2"

Player: Pioneer CDX-M30 ($299 delivered from S.B.H Enterprises, 800-451-5851). New, full warrenty.

Adaptor: Peripheral Electronics, Inc, BMWPIO Adaptor for '92-'94. ($30 from local shop, or call Peripheral at 813-572-9255)

Install: Car prewired. Power cable behind panel near passenger rear speaker. Data cable in passenger rear tail light cover. Didn't need power wire on Adaptor. Just plug and play. No need to remove or touch head unit.

Comments: All head unit functions work (select disk, skip track, fast forward, scan, random, last position memory when car is turned off, etc). Has never skipped, even over big bumps and aggressive driving. A bit slow between disks though (about 10 seconds to switch and start 1st track).

Good luck. Dave
 
#5 ·
Originally posted by nookatee@Jan 31 2005, 11:01 AM
Thanks for all the info guys. I'm wondering how difficult it would be to install this myself. I have NO experience installing audio devices into cars.
[snapback]283202[/snapback]​
all you need is some common sence so if you ahve that then you can figure out which wires go where, the deck usualy comes with a wiring diagram of which wires are what, and so will your stock deck so look on there and connect them, or if your far too lazy to do that, then go buy an addapter plug and then it takes like 5 min to install
 
#6 ·
If you do the aftermarket radio option, and are going to do it yourself, I would get the harness adapter. It makes the install SO much easier. The harness should even match colors with your aftermarket radio. Its a plug and play deal.
 
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