Retro Topic: E46 cassette to mp3 CD upgrade (+ Aux in)

[g3org3y]

Bit of advice, have done some searching so go some fair idea as to what I need but just wanted to check.

I've got the early Business cassette player:


I want to upgrade to a headunit that has Aux in + mp3 CD playing capability.

Following this guide I've located a Siemens VDO unit that has both the Aux and mp3 CD playing capability.

1) Regarding the aerial, I'll have this issue:


It appears that I need this (BMW 61126913955):


This OEM BMW adapter is about £30! Any cheaper alternatives?


2) Regarding the actual Aux cable. I note that most on eBay are designed to work in the CD autochanger input (so have an additional resistor). The OEM BMW item is 82110149389. Again silly money,


Can I get any Aux cable from eBay like this one or do I need to buy one without a resistor?

Appreciate any help! TIA

[JakeT]

If you need an adaptor I have one from an early E46, and a late CD player too. PM me if you're interested. I don't want big bucks at all.


The fruity car cables one will work just fine.

[Krikkit]

Forgive my ignorance, but why fit an aux when you can have a bluetooth module replace the CD changer?

[ahas]

Krikkit said:

Forgive my ignorance, but why fit an aux when you can have a bluetooth module replace the CD changer?

That's what I've done. Just disconnected CD changer (I've left it in situ) and plugged in a Bluetooth adapter. As long as you have Bluetooth device much tidier... However if you want Aux in then you'll need additional connectivity.

The above assumes you have a CD changer in the boot. If not then you're probably on the right track with your adapters.

[Krikkit]

ahas said:

Krikkit said:

Forgive my ignorance, but why fit an aux when you can have a bluetooth module replace the CD changer?

That's what I've done. Just disconnected CD changer (I've left it in situ) and plugged in a Bluetooth adapter. As long as you have Bluetooth device much tidier... However if you want Aux in then you'll need additional connectivity.

Yep me too, I've also taken out the CD changer and bracket from inside the boot which leaves a nice little storage nook for a tyre pump and a few other bits.

[g3org3y]

JakeT said:

If you need an adaptor I have one from an early E46, and a late CD player too. PM me if you're interested. I don't want big bucks at all.


The fruity car cables one will work just fine.

Thanks JakeT. Is the adaptor a BMW OEM item?

I've already purchased a headunit from eBay.

Krikkit said:

Forgive my ignorance, but why fit an aux when you can have a bluetooth module replace the CD changer?

I don't have any music on my phone (it's old and crap) so typically use a cheapo mp3 player (hence the aux in).

[JakeT]

Not an OE one, but was in use for a couple of years and never had any issues. The only problem you'll run into is that the radio won't pick up signal unless the ignition is at least in the accessory position. You'll get this issue with the OE one though I would believe. This is because the radio won't enable the signal amplifier unless the ignition is on.

[g3org3y]

PM Sent JakeT

According to this thread, on the early radios there's a separate connection/wire that powers the antenna amplifier (in the c pillar).

Seems to suggest I might need to upgrade to the newer antenna amplifier if I want decent radio reception.

Have ordered the 'fruity cables' aux wire.

[g3org3y]

ahas said:

That's what I've done. Just disconnected CD changer (I've left it in situ) and plugged in a Bluetooth adapter. As long as you have Bluetooth device much tidier... However if you want Aux in then you'll need additional connectivity.

The above assumes you have a CD changer in the boot. If not then you're probably on the right track with your adapters.

I do have a CD changer (with a stuck magazine at present ).

As mentioned, don't store music on my old phone so bluetooth not important to me.

[mekondelta]

I understand you want an MP3 CD player, but have you considered the Android units like

https://avinusa.com/9-touchscreen-multimedia-navig...

that would give you much more? There are plenty about for the E46.

[g3org3y]

mekondelta said:

I understand you want an MP3 CD player, but have you considered the Android units like

https://avinusa.com/9-touchscreen-multimedia-navig...

that would give you much more? There are plenty about for the E46.

Way too fancy for me! Good suggestion though.

[Krikkit]

g3org3y said:

I do have a CD changer (with a stuck magazine at present ).

As mentioned, don't store music on my old phone so bluetooth not important to me.

Do you want a non-broken CD changer? Mine's spare.

[g3org3y]

Krikkit said:

Do you want a non-broken CD changer? Mine's spare.

If I dismantle this one and can't get it sorted, I'll PM you. Cheers.

[g3org3y]

Reasonable straightforward swap. Head unit very easy to get out.




A lot of people run the aux cable down the centre console and exit in the ashtray insert...seemingly my 330 is one of the few out there with the non smoking package so that was a bit annoying.



Instead decided to install it next to the DSC button.


I'm happy with the installation, looks pretty clean.


Aux in works.




Now I can finally enjoy Kylie Pink Floyd properly.

[g3org3y]

JakeT said:

Not an OE one, but was in use for a couple of years and never had any issues. The only problem you'll run into is that the radio won't pick up signal unless the ignition is at least in the accessory position. You'll get this issue with the OE one though I would believe. This is because the radio won't enable the signal amplifier unless the ignition is on.

Thanks to JakeT for the cable. Works great (seemingly no need for an antenna booster).

If I can be bothered, at some point I may attempt to dismantle the autochanger to retrieve my CDs...

[JakeT]