CD Changer for e60

[mikeyew]

Hi guys, I'm a newbie to this forum but I've been following some of the discussions posted here for the past few months and I've found that you guys are really passionate about your rides and really know your stuffs. Kudos.I've just brought a brand new e60 523i a couple of months ago from AB. It comes with only a CD changer preperation and I was wondering whether any of you 'experts' could enlighten me as to whether is it possible for me to install any after market changer or is there any particular brand or only BMW proprietary changer will do.I would appreciate your help as to where I can get such installation done outside AB.(I find that their price for the changer is exhorbitant).Much oblidge.

 

[Msport-525i]

yep...and if you were to install the cd changer outside, it will void the warranty.
But there is another way going ard it. You can well discuss with the accessory shop that you know or rather close with to agree should anything happen (well we dont know if its due to the changer) to dismantle it before you drive in to AB for warranty.
Having said that, a changer wont do any harm, but AB will find excuses to say due to the changer, the wiring screweup or whatever.... u know what i mean.

On the other hand, if your car is 2007, the u sould have the AUX input... u dont need a changer, just get an ipod....cheap and good (more songs) hahah that is if you can compromise a MP3 quality...

Hope that helps.

Cheers.

 

[Msport-525i]

for your information

http://search.ebay.com/bmw-cd-changer-E60_W0QQ_trksidZm37QQfromZR40QQssPageNameZRC0021

 

[mikeyew]

Thanks Msport-525i for your quick response.

I'm aware of the warranty thingy with AB. In fact I called them up today to check and according to the service technician, they do not recommend installing after market changer and he did mentioned that the cd preperation can only accept BMW changer. I wonder how true is that?

Have anyone out there tried installing any after market changer to the e60? I do not know how far is true that the BMW changer is actually a Alpine OEM unit. And if that is true, I'm I correct to say that it should be compatible with an after market Alpine unit. Anyone have had any experience on this and your leads to a reputable ICE shop that can do it will be great.

I feel that it's rather strange that a >300K car did not come with a changer. Are we short change here?

 

[Msport-525i]

well, the cd preparation can only accept BMW Changer...he is right ---> thats because the cable connected to it, is specific.. (alpine---> all the while i tot it was blaupunk hahah)
check out the ebay store ... its original too..
If u want to modify or use after market devices, no point talking to AB...just install, anything happen dismantle it and go for your warranty.

Even tint, u need to use their VKool..... and specific workshop...how funny. And bet you, should anything happen to your windscreens or windows, u will have a tough time arguing with them to replace even your car is under warranty. haha

For me i have never tried after market changer, but i ve installed other things into the car as one of my best friend intro it to me. Quite cool. I placed a DVD Changer and two monitors behind the headrests. A little pricey though, all in RM 9k but was worth it to me cos the original screen can display the movie.....

Mike, seriously, if MP3 quality is not an issue, just get an ipod...its better and universal usage....do u have a Aux input in the car. I believe u should have it near your arm rest.

Hope that helps. Cheers.

 

[kwwong99]

Mike,

If you ask me, I would not even consider putting in a CD changer at all. Consider an ipod as what msport-525i suggested. But have a direct ipod interface connection installed rather than using the aux. The sound output using the aux is horrible. Trust me, I have done this myself.

Regards

 

[mikeyew]

Thanks bros for your sound advice.

It make perfect sense to go for the latest tech rather than opting for cds, right? Guess we are so use to the good old cds that we overlooked the obvious choice. haha.
Wong, do you know how much does the ipod plus the interface cable cost? And where can I buy and have them installed at the same time?

Kind regards

 

[mikeyew]

Opps....if forgot. Does that also makes the warrantee void if it's not done by AB???

 

[kwwong99]

Mike,

You still can play CD even after installing an ipod interface. I have mine installed at AB for RM1600 including installation. I have checked thereafter, and apparently Sapura Auto cost is slightly lower. Go and check it out. Apart from installing the ipod interface, they will need to install the ipod software module as well. I am not sure whether any unauthorised BMW workshop has the software as well?? Anyway, I checked with AB and they told me the warranty will void if you install the interface through unauthorised workshop as it involves software installation as well.

If you need more advice, you can call the BMW hotline as well.

Regards

 

[mikeyew]

I understand from Guru that he had his installed outside, somewhere in Kg. Baru.
He bought the ipod interface from US for US$150 and had it installed in a shop in Kg. Baru for RM80 only.
So, since having it installed outside will void the warranty, I'm wondering whether it's worthwhile to risk the potential loss of right to warranty for that RM1K savings.
Forummers, your opinion on this is greatly appreciated.

Regards

 

[kwwong99]

If you ask me, it is not worth the risk and trouble as your UDM is from AB. RM1.6K is only a fraction of the car price.

 

[mikeyew]

Thought of updating you guys. I went ahead to install the ipod interface at SP. It seemed that they updated the software of the i-drive too. The sound quality is good and I can control all functions of ny ipod from the i-drive. It's simply fabulous and it's definately better than a CD changer. Once again, thanks you all for the invaluable advise.

 

[faisal1]

Dear Mike,

How much were u charged for the installation?
Getting my 523 in 2 weeks and thinking of installing the iPOD interface too.

 

[mikeyew]

Hi Faisal1, it's round about RM1,600 including installation and software upgrade.

Congratulations on your new ride. Btw, is it the new facelifted model?

 

[faisal1]

Thanks for the reply Mike. Mine is a pre-facelift model 523.

 

[mikeyew]

No problem bro. Btw, did you get a special price for it? Mine's a pre registered at 323K

 

[faisal1]

5% abt RM17K discount.

 

[mikeyew]

2007 model, good buy lah & good choice too.