e34 compatible cd changers?

[cobb535]

I just got a 94 540i with stock cassett radio. I am ok with the sound quality of the stock unitI would like to add a cd changer in the trunk. What years/model BMW changers are plug and play? I assume the factory wiring is already there. Some used units can be had cheaply (craigslist and bone yards)if you look. Are aftermarket units compatable?
Pardon my audiophile ignorance. I am decent with a meter and wrench but don't yet know BMW radio specifics.
Anyone want to sell theirs cheap? I am in the Atlanta area.
Thanks

[[1990]525]

why not a bmw business cd player?

[attack eagle]

because changing single disc cds' on the fly is a real pita... and dangerous in traffic.

I have a single indash AND a 6 disc in my car. One cartridge of electronic/dance/rap and one with classic rock, and the single is for daily swaps.

[cobb535]

What years/model cars did they come in that would plug into my harness? I hunt uses parts etc, on craigslist.

[AngryPopTart]

I'm surprised there was no real answer to this thread. I also would like to know which CD Changers would work in my car. I have the changer from an E46 and was wondering, will that work in my E34?

[gmannino]

Im not 100% sure but I would say any e34 changer would work as well as any changer from a BMW made between 89 and 95. But I think there are two models and perhaps the older model is not compatible.

But then again, since your car is a 94, its possible that your radio can control most BMW changers made after that year.

Try searching bimmerforums.com car audio section and also pull out your factory cd changer and have a look at the cord. You want to verify that the cd changer you are shopping for has the same female end.

If it does have the same female end, it should work, as long as it was made around the same time as your car or newer.

[attack eagle]

Someone on BFC got a "wrong" changer to work by swapping the entire changer cable from the head to the changer.

But anyway, try it and let us know.

[Barney Paull-Edwards]

All Phillips units fit as standard, the cable built into all Euro E34`s has Phillips compatible ends.Not sure if US cars have cable built in.To be honest I have 10 disc changer in boot roof but have not used it since daughter gave me an Ipod that plugs into cassette and gives me 80gb of music.

[Russell]

search the various forums. However, I believe that some years of e34s are very specific regarding changers that will work. I do know the 95 is very specific. Only a specific BMW Alpine or BMW Pioneer will work . Also, I do not believe that any of the 96 and newer changers will work on any e34s. Just be very careful regarding a changer purchase.

However, if you change the radio head all bets are off. :)

[henryw525i]

If your Cars got the stock head unit that came with that era your going to want this CD changer:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/92-93-94-95-96-BMW-3-Series-M3-CD-Player-Changer_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43948QQihZ003QQ itemZ130183433849QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW


No the later model alpines that came in the E46's late E36's wont work with that HU :D

[BMWCCA1]

You can use either the BMW Pioneer or the BMW Alpine (above) changer made for your year car with either brand of radio. You'll need the "M-bus" changer and not the later "I-bus" units. It's important for others to realize yours is a U.S. model and that "changes" everything compared to the European head-units. The later (maybe '94-on) E34s had a program in the head units that prevented using a non-BMW-supplied changer. Earlier head units could use the Pioneer CDXM30 or something like that purchased aftermarket.