E46 CD Changer - Help!
Discussion
Hi all
I'm sure this has been posted before but I cannot find anything using the search function, so here goes.
I have the normal BMW 6 CD changer in the boot, connected to the normal front unit in the dash. The front unit is having problems recognising a magazine in the changer (even though it's in there) and when it does play CDs, it skips and then dies and nothing happens. The changer unit is also having problems ejecting the magazine.
Is there a fix or is it a case of buying another CD multi changer and installing this/binning the old one?
Cheers
I'm sure this has been posted before but I cannot find anything using the search function, so here goes.
I have the normal BMW 6 CD changer in the boot, connected to the normal front unit in the dash. The front unit is having problems recognising a magazine in the changer (even though it's in there) and when it does play CDs, it skips and then dies and nothing happens. The changer unit is also having problems ejecting the magazine.
Is there a fix or is it a case of buying another CD multi changer and installing this/binning the old one?
Cheers
Our E46 came without a changer and I did some research on them. Replacement standard changers are plentiful on eBay but one option to consider is that you can get more modern MP3 changers that are compatible, which is what we went for.
Ok, the front panel doesn't give track information, it just thinks it's an implausibly large CD with 100's of tracks, but it works well enough.
Just something to consider if you are thinking of replacing the changer.
Ok, the front panel doesn't give track information, it just thinks it's an implausibly large CD with 100's of tracks, but it works well enough.
Just something to consider if you are thinking of replacing the changer.
Hi Rich, not the best or most reliable changers around I am afraid. Your best bet is get an Alpine direct replacement changer kit with adapter loom, all for around £250 tops and it even uses the very same mounting holes and is fully functional with thje stock head unit.
Done about 15 of these without any probs.
If you spend anything on that old unit or get another BMW unit you are wasting your cash.
Done about 15 of these without any probs.
If you spend anything on that old unit or get another BMW unit you are wasting your cash.
8Tech said:
Hi Rich, not the best or most reliable changers around I am afraid. Your best bet is get an Alpine direct replacement changer kit with adapter loom, all for around £250 tops and it even uses the very same mounting holes and is fully functional with thje stock head unit.
Done about 15 of these without any probs.
If you spend anything on that old unit or get another BMW unit you are wasting your cash.
Yup, that's what we fitted and what I was referring to in my earlier post. Done about 15 of these without any probs.
If you spend anything on that old unit or get another BMW unit you are wasting your cash.
Edit: And I fitted it myself and it was an absolute doddle.
Edited by JonRB on Sunday 16th March 00:10
mistersi said:
Hi - mp3 changer...do I need to replace the head unit with an mp3/ipod compatable one?
No, as I said in my original post and then expanded on my 8tech, you simply replace your changer with the Alpine one and your head unit just thinks that you have CDs with hundreds of tracks on each of them. You do not get track information because the head unit doesn't support it, but it all works just fine.There is no iPod support though. You blow your MP3s onto discs using your computer and CD writer and then put them in the changer like a normal CD.
Hi,
I'm having the same problems with my cd changer; I stripped the boot and removed the changer; opened it up, and freed the stuck cartridge. When I put it together, it worked fine for a few days, then same problem. I've just bought a new magazine/cartridge, and will see how it goes...I must admit, there's no shortage of these types of posts on the web - generally poor changers, all with the same compromised problem - think I'll switch to a pioneer h/u and changer soon - the bmw stuff really doesn't seem to make good use of the h/k speaker setup.
Will let you know if the new magazine helps.
I'm having the same problems with my cd changer; I stripped the boot and removed the changer; opened it up, and freed the stuck cartridge. When I put it together, it worked fine for a few days, then same problem. I've just bought a new magazine/cartridge, and will see how it goes...I must admit, there's no shortage of these types of posts on the web - generally poor changers, all with the same compromised problem - think I'll switch to a pioneer h/u and changer soon - the bmw stuff really doesn't seem to make good use of the h/k speaker setup.
Will let you know if the new magazine helps.
Generally it is the internal linkage that sticks inside them, I salvaged an old one from the skip at work, I stripped it down and lubricated all the plastic carrier slides with a silicon lube
[squirt it into a cup and paint it on with a small modelling brush so you avoid the laser etc]
It has been inmy E30 for the last five years and only got stuck once, a power reset got it out that time.
If the cd mag does get stuck inside but all the cd's are still in the magazine then it can be removed by sliding a thin feeler gauge in just right of centre of the mag underneath and slide it to the left.
If the cd's are still in the cd with a draw sticking out it usually has to be stripped and manualy move the linkage, but sometimes disconnecting and reconnecting the power can occaisionally shift it.
[squirt it into a cup and paint it on with a small modelling brush so you avoid the laser etc]
It has been inmy E30 for the last five years and only got stuck once, a power reset got it out that time.
If the cd mag does get stuck inside but all the cd's are still in the magazine then it can be removed by sliding a thin feeler gauge in just right of centre of the mag underneath and slide it to the left.
If the cd's are still in the cd with a draw sticking out it usually has to be stripped and manualy move the linkage, but sometimes disconnecting and reconnecting the power can occaisionally shift it.
My CD changer has suffered the same fate on Friday. After checking the prices on ebay for a replacement I think it would just be cheaper to buy a new head unit with mp3 playback capability. Question is will all after market head units allow retention of the steering wheel controls?
Many years ago on another car I fitted crossovers between the HU & speakers to allow use of seperate 5" & tweeter in the front doors. Will an aftermarket head unit still drive both speakers (I have the HK system)?
Would something like this work?
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...CarSelectorGroupId__varientcategoryId_31516_crumb_31265-31371_parentcategoryrn_31516
Many years ago on another car I fitted crossovers between the HU & speakers to allow use of seperate 5" & tweeter in the front doors. Will an aftermarket head unit still drive both speakers (I have the HK system)?
Would something like this work?
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...CarSelectorGroupId__varientcategoryId_31516_crumb_31265-31371_parentcategoryrn_31516
Hi all,
said I'd be back; I did use the new magazine and to be honest, have had no problems whatsoever. I must admit I did spray the inside mech of the changer with some wd40 before i put it all togther; and it has all been working very well...I am changing up to some Pioneer kit, cos I think the sound from the oem equipment it terrible, but from my experience its the magazine hope this helps someone.
said I'd be back; I did use the new magazine and to be honest, have had no problems whatsoever. I must admit I did spray the inside mech of the changer with some wd40 before i put it all togther; and it has all been working very well...I am changing up to some Pioneer kit, cos I think the sound from the oem equipment it terrible, but from my experience its the magazine hope this helps someone.
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