e39 MP3 Disc Changer?

[cadmus]

Is it possible to replace my existing e39 Disc Changer to a MP3 Disc Changer with minimum modifications to the onboard audio system? Thanks in advance.

 

[525i]

Yes you can. You will need the Alpine CHA-S643 which sits directly into the space of the old E39 changer. Wiring is also the same. So it’s essentially plug and play. It is a 6 disc changer and you can put in more than 1000 songs in total.

But this player on it's own will not show the mp3 tag. It will still play the mp3 songs but will be listed as Track 1,2 etc.. until Track 99 upon which it will revert back to Track 1, 2 etc... again. But you can still retain the controls using the steering wheel.

Alternatively you can go for the Ipod route using either a Dice or a Intravee 2 unit. Of course you have to have an Ipod as well. More complicated as compared to installing the Alpine changer but can store even more songs and supports the mp3 tags. Each has it’s merits. It depends on what you want and what you have now.

These would be the 2 easier options if you want to maintain the look of the E39 and not mess with the internals. I have the changer and the Intravee 2 to show the mp3 tags and a whole lot of other functions. Looks stock and sounds great too.

 

[cadmus]

Thanks for the info. I'm interested in the Alpine CHA-S643 + Intravee II. Where did you install yours?

Yes you can. You will need the Alpine CHA-S643 which sits directly into the space of the old E39 changer. Wiring is also the same. So it’s essentially plug and play. It is a 6 disc changer and you can put in more than 1000 songs in total.

But this player on it's own will not show the mp3 tag. It will still play the mp3 songs but will be listed as Track 1,2 etc.. until Track 99 upon which it will revert back to Track 1, 2 etc... again. But you can still retain the controls using the steering wheel.

Alternatively you can go for the Ipod route using either a Dice or a Intravee 2 unit. Of course you have to have an Ipod as well. More complicated as compared to installing the Alpine changer but can store even more songs and supports the mp3 tags. Each has it’s merits. It depends on what you want and what you have now.

These would be the 2 easier options if you want to maintain the look of the E39 and not mess with the internals. I have the changer and the Intravee 2 to show the mp3 tags and a whole lot of other functions. Looks stock and sounds great too.

 

[525i]

Did it myself. It's very simple as everything is already there in your E39. No need for wiring or taking out anything. I bought the Intravee 2 from a vendor in UK after reading extensively on it. http://www.intravention.co.uk is a good source. As for the Alpine changer, I bought it from a forumer, bmwfans. Dunno where he got it. But you can easily find this on Ebay.

I suggest you go for the mp3 changer first. The Intravee work best if you have the 16:9 screen. If you have the regular MID then it won't show it's full capability as the MID display is too small to show much. Might as well stick with track 1,2,3 etc... and save some money. Besides, the sound is the same. Just no mp3 tags. I was using the changer alone for quite sometime before upgrading the MID into the 16:9 screen. Then only I got the Intravee.

I also tried the Dice and Ipod route but did not like it. Too complicated and buggy. Most of the time it just freezes. Very frustrating. (Oh, the Intravee can also be used with an Ipod but you will need another thing to plug it and it's miles better than the Dice- from what i read anyway)

Good luck with your project. Let me know if you need anymore info. I have pretty much explored most of the options to improve the E39 and E34 sound system and still look stock which I think is important.

 

[cadmus]

I'll be doing the installation this coming Saturday.

Got a quote from a shop appointed by the distributor for Alpine products.

Alpine Adapter for IPod KCA-420i: RM490 + Installation

I think I might need the KCA-130B Ai-NET/M-BUS adapter too. Would probably endup paying more than RM490.

Oh yeah ... I'm going with the ipod setup.

Did it myself. It's very simple as everything is already there in your E39. No need for wiring or taking out anything. I bought the Intravee 2 from a vendor in UK after reading extensively on it. http://www.intravention.co.uk is a good source. As for the Alpine changer, I bought it from a forumer, bmwfans. Dunno where he got it. But you can easily find this on Ebay.

I suggest you go for the mp3 changer first. The Intravee work best if you have the 16:9 screen. If you have the regular MID then it won't show it's full capability as the MID display is too small to show much. Might as well stick with track 1,2,3 etc... and save some money. Besides, the sound is the same. Just no mp3 tags. I was using the changer alone for quite sometime before upgrading the MID into the 16:9 screen. Then only I got the Intravee.

I also tried the Dice and Ipod route but did not like it. Too complicated and buggy. Most of the time it just freezes. Very frustrating. (Oh, the Intravee can also be used with an Ipod but you will need another thing to plug it and it's miles better than the Dice- from what i read anyway)

Good luck with your project. Let me know if you need anymore info. I have pretty much explored most of the options to improve the E39 and E34 sound system and still look stock which I think is important.

 

[525i]

The KCA-420i will only connect the Ipod to it. U need the KCA-130B Ai-NET/M-BUS adapter so it can "talk" to the BMW Ibus. I am not sure that this setup will allow you to see the mp3 tags though. Ask your installer. With an Intravee (replacing the KCA-130B) you definately can.

Another thing, Make sure the KCA 420 can charge your Ipod as it only supports charging for the older Ipods. The Ipod nano gen 4 and the Itouch cannot be charged but will still play.

 

[cadmus]

I doubt I can see the MP3 Tags. Kind of worried about the Ipod charging and compatibility issues. If it doesn't work on my ipod nano, guess i've to go hunt for the older gen ipods!

Thanks again for the help.

 

[525i]

Yes, apparently Apple changed how they charged their Ipods starting with the Ipod touch and then the Ipod Nano Gen 4. I was also caught as I bought the Gen 4 Nano before buying the Dice. Bummer

If it's any consolation the Gen 3 Nano is still available. That one will be fully supported. And it’s much cheaper now too but only up to 4GB.

 

[davidtch]

Yes, apparently Apple changed how they charged their Ipods starting with the Ipod touch and then the Ipod Nano Gen 4. I was also caught as I bought the Gen 4 Nano before buying the Dice. Bummer

If it's any consolation the Gen 3 Nano is still available. That one will be fully supported. And it’s much cheaper now too but only up to 4GB.

No worries. Juz get Scosche Passport.

Well, i take d easy way: Belkin Autokit (tis is a ciggy plug charger + 3.5mm output jack) & Cassette Adaptor.

 

[zib]

Hi all,
I am also planning to get this ipod interface into my early 2002 local spec E39.
Am wondering does the KCA unit will also connect,charge and play from Iphone 4S?

And where did you install yours cadmus?