Ipod, Alpine Mp3 Changer, And The Mini Cooper Hu

[cptDean]

(2002 325i) I'm on a waiting list with the dealership to get the iPod integration for my car. I have 40GB iPod waiting to go in the glove compartment when that day comes, and I already know all the ins and outs of how this solution works.

In the meantime, I spotted the Alpine CHA-S634 6-disc MP3/Audio CD changer on Crutchfield's site (complete with adapters to connect to my changer pre-wiring), and that looks like a good idea IF I decide against the iPod solution. Has anyone installed this particular changer, and do you like it?

Finally, we just picked up my wife's 2005 Mini Cooper yesterday, with the premium sound system, and her HU can play MP3 CDs. We took one to the dealership yesterday to test for all the guys there. When-o-when is BMW going to offer head units that will play MP3 CDs, and do you think they'll be backward compatible with our cars?

My ideal solution would be to have a BMW MP3 HU *and* the iPod integration. That way I could keep my five custome playlists on the iPod, but still shove in an MP3 CD I burn for daily commutes or special trips.

What do you guys think?

[thised1]

Originally posted by cptDean@Sep 26 2004, 09:02 AM
In the meantime, I spotted the Alpine CHA-S634 6-disc MP3/Audio CD changer on Crutchfield's site (complete with adapters to connect to my changer pre-wiring), and that looks like a good idea IF I decide against the iPod solution. Has anyone installed this particular changer, and do you like it?

What do you guys think?

[snapback]199270[/snapback]

I installed this exact changer with the adapters (got that entire package from crutchfield). It got on my nerves in 1 week. Switching from one track to the next was taking too long, and it was just too much to get to any specific track (i.e. skip several tracks). There was no way to skip through the tracks other then one at a time!
One big plus for this solution - extremely easy to install yourself.

I ended up getting and installing the bmw ipod kit, and pretty happy with it now.

Any other questions - let me know.

[cptDean]

Originally posted by thised1@Sep 26 2004, 05:53 PM
Switching from one track to the next was taking too long, and it was just too much to get to any specific track (i.e. skip several tracks). There was no way to skip through the tracks other then one at a time!

That's a valid point. I'll keep myself on the waiting list for the iPod interface. And, it sure would be nice if I could upgrade my "Business CD" HU with a new factory model that could play MP3 CDs.

Probably too much to ask...

[007ben]

no factory unit plays mp3s so it would be a bit to ask..

i have that changer with my alpine hu and like it a lot. I don't skip around much but it also gives you folder control and such as well.

[thised1]

Originally posted by 007ben@Sep 28 2004, 11:13 AM
... but it also gives you folder control and such as well.

[snapback]200700[/snapback]

Only with alpine hu - no such functionality when connected to the BMW oem radio with adapters.
Even random play feature does not work the way it is supposed to.
When I called Blitszsafe to ask them if my adapter is buggy or if there is something else they or I can to improve it's functionality, they told me that they do not support their adapter with this changer!!! (the insert included with the adapter said it can be used with this changer). This helped my decision to return this package.