HELP!!!! BMW Alpine CD changer not working with

[igotthepowers]

I replaced the factory piece of crap stereo in my E36 vert (model number CM 5901, mfgr unknown but assembled in USA - WTF???) with an Alpine C43 cassette HU from a 99 E36. Plugged straight into factory wiring harness and the radio, antenna, everything works great but it does not recognize the factory CD changer. The changer still has power (as it ejects the magazine)

The changer worked with the previous HU. Confirmed with the previous owner of the C43 HU that it worked with his CD changer, same model as mine!!!

Otherwise, and assuming I can get this working corretly, this is a great, low cost HU upgrade for E36 owners who want to stay stock for theft deterrent purposes (especially important for vert owners with new tops). The FM section on the C43 sounds soooo much better than the previous unit it is like the difference between FM and CD! FYI, I also have a Alpine 4 ch x 40 RMS and 4 2 way Infinity reference speakers).

BUT I really need to get this CD issue squared away for this to be a good setup!!!! So please HELP!!!!!!!!!! ghead used

Thanks in advance!

[007ben]

the changer maybe too old to talk to that HU.

[igotthepowers]

Originally posted by 007ben@Jun 12 2004, 03:58 PM
the changer maybe too old to talk to that HU.

I thought of that. Anybody know a way to confirm?

[El Presidente]

Are you sure his changer was the same? Compare part numbers. Also check the manufacturer. Does the unit have power? If all of the above check out, check the actual wire connections on both ends, HU and changer.

[igotthepowers]

i am talking about an alpine changer from late 94 and i now have a 98-99 alpine C43 head unit. i think it sounds like, despite the alpine commonality, i think they are not compatible due to pre and post I-Bus issues, if this link can be believed:

http://www.bmw-forums.com/forum/index.php?...pic=14314&st=0&

Update - I did some checking and found out in 1995 the OEM CD changers were changed to "I-Bus" changers. So if your changer is 96 or newer, (meaning it is an "I-Bus" Changer), it should work, 95 or older it won't work

so i might just have to buy geoff's (from this link).

http://www.bmw-forums.com/forum/index.php?...pic=14314&st=0&

hey geoff, i already have the convertible mounting bracket. but do you think there would be compatibility issues in the wiring setups??? sounds like the HU and the changer should be compat but now i am worried about the stuff in between. email me directly at igotthepowers@hotmail.com if you want or reply to your original thread.

[El Presidente]

the wiring would be the same.

[igotthepowers]

GREAT!!! do you know of any way to confirm that this changer (by the part number in geoff's post) would be compat with the C43 HU or are all of the i-bus alpines compat?

[igotthepowers]

Originally posted by El Presidente@Jun 13 2004, 12:46 AM
Are you sure his changer was the same? Compare part numbers. Also check the manufacturer. Does the unit have power? If all of the above check out, check the actual wire connections on both ends, HU and changer.

i think that's it, i think the two alpine changers (my 94 and the one the guy used with the C43 model) are different models. tomorrow i will go look up the part number of mine and post here. unit definitely has power. thanks for your advice!

[igotthepowers]

Originally posted by El Presidente@Jun 13 2004, 12:49 AM
the wiring would be the same.

Prez - just got follow up emails from autotoys.com and Ultimate BMW Parts, both saying that I would need to rewire???? I have followed up with each, will let you know what they say.

[KillFox]

I think ur changer is too old for that HU. When purchasing replacment 6 disc changers, they go 96-2002. So anything b4 96 would be too old to work with a factory HU from 99.

[El Presidente]

it depends. i've forgotten all the model years.

What year is geoffs?
What year is your car?
Whay year is your HU?

[thekid]

you can't use a 1995 or older HU or changer with a 1996 or later Changer or HU.

[frank3]

I can't remember where I saw a site that listed head units and their corresponding model year cars. Anyone know the URL?

[igotthepowers]

Originally posted by El Presidente@Jun 14 2004, 11:05 PM
it depends. i've forgotten all the model years.

What year is geoffs?
What year is your car?
Whay year is your HU?

geoff's - not sure (won't be buying till i learn more about what/if anything i need to do re: wiring from head unit to changer)

my car - 94 325i convertible.

my car's stock system - CM5901 head unit and corresponding alpine-made oem changer (still need part number).

my car's current system - replaced above head unit with Alpine C43 cassette head unit from 99 M3 coupe. pulled out factory amp and speakers. re-wired speaker wire from head unit wiring harness back to location of former OEM amp. in this spot, installed two line level converters. ran RCAs from converteres back to new Alpine 4x45w amp (mounted in trunk). all nokia OEM speakers replaced from factory 10 speaker system with 4 2 way Infinity reference speakers. Infinity basslink powered sub run from the line outs on the alpine.

whats next - (1) sounds like i have consensus to definitely scrap the existing changer (well, sell on ebay). (2) sounds like there are a few confirmations that the cd changer listed below will be compatible with the C43 head unit. (3) SO the remaining question is will this changer be plug and play or do i have to rewire from the head unit back to the changer?

thanks to all! i promise to write this all up in one concise post on E36 sound systems once i get it figured out!!!



From: "ULTIMATE BMWPARTS" <ultimatebmwparts@hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: compatibility question
Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 11:32:34 -0400


Hi,

You need 82 11 0 028 760 but you will need also to re-wire the car for it.

Eric

parts

[El Presidente]

ok.

You cannot use a factory changer. The 94 plug and the 96 plug are different. You will need to buy a new changer cable.