factory radio is dead...what works with the changer?

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12-26-2004, 06:04 PM
RIPN RAY

factory radio is dead...what works with the changer?

well my factory radio is dead, in my 93 525i. now i'm looking into my options and have a few questions.

can i get a new head unit that works with my bmw changer?

what bmw head units will work with my car and changer?

if i do go with a bmw unit can i get the code from the dealer?

thanks!
12-26-2004, 06:13 PM
DanDombrowski

I have a factory radio out of my 93 525i. Still works, replaced with in dash CD player. Whereabouts are you located?
12-26-2004, 06:15 PM
RIPN RAY

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanDombrowski

I have a factory radio out of my 93 525i. Still works, replaced with in dash CD player. Whereabouts are you located?

maine
12-26-2004, 08:26 PM
bimmergalnj

I need a radio as well for my 94 525i. Are you located anywhere near NJ?
12-26-2004, 10:48 PM
bahnstormer

hey i'm in nj and my radio was a bit crappy when i got my car
there's a place in florida, and for i think it was 70 bucks
repaired the radio, and fixed a whole bunch of caps - got it
back, about 10x louder, and everything worked awesome.
12-26-2004, 11:00 PM
shogun

radioman -BMW radio repairs

radioman-check this one out.

seems to be specialized
12-29-2004, 10:59 AM
RIPN RAY

any idea on what brand my radio is, word out on ebay is that it's alpine? It looks like this:

http://i18.ebayimg.com/03/i/03/17/fc/8c_1_b.JPG

wondering if this one will fit from a 95 M3 (e36)

http://i11.ebayimg.com/01/i/02/90/81/bf_1_b.JPG

they both have the same connection, but will it work with my changer?
12-29-2004, 04:15 PM
Qsilver7

Instructions to see which brand your radio is....

Quote:

Originally Posted by RIPN RAY

any idea on what brand my radio is, word out on ebay is that it's alpine? It looks like this:

http://i18.ebayimg.com/03/i/03/17/fc/8c_1_b.JPG

Turn the radio on...then (simultaneously) push the radio's "-" (MODE) button and PROG button. Either PIONEER 1, PIONEER 2, PIONEER 3....etc will appear in the radio's LCD display...or ALPINE 1, ALPINE 2...etc.
12-29-2004, 10:55 PM
RIPN RAY

hey thanks,

turns out that it's an Alpine3.

does this mean the changer is alpine as well? i still haven't heard a definite yes or no on wether i can get an aftermarket head unit to work with the changer.
12-29-2004, 11:53 PM
bimmergalnj

Quote:

Originally Posted by bahnstormer

hey i'm in nj and my radio was a bit crappy when i got my car
there's a place in florida, and for i think it was 70 bucks
repaired the radio, and fixed a whole bunch of caps - got it
back, about 10x louder, and everything worked awesome.

Heck I am heading to FLA tomorrow perhaps I should make good use of that hex tool and bring along as carry on baggage. Who/where is the place
12-30-2004, 12:17 AM
Qsilver7

If your changer is the original one...

Quote:

Originally Posted by RIPN RAY

hey thanks,

turns out that it's an Alpine3.

does this mean the changer is alpine as well? i still haven't heard a definite yes or no on wether i can get an aftermarket head unit to work with the changer.

during this time...I believe the Alpine changer has a door that slides open (vertically) to insert the CD magazine...and the Pioneer changer has a door that flips down to insert the magazine.

I guess anything can be done with the correct knowlege and skill...but for the most part...the BMW changers & radios are pretty much dedicated to each other. The aftermarket Pioneer CDX M30 unit and a few BMW/Alpine and BMW/Pioneer changers will work with most of the BMW head units (Alpine & Pioneer) except for the higher numbered units like the Alpine 4 & 5 and perhaps the Pioneer 4. You'll have to do some searching thru the archives of several of the online message boards to get more info....I've pretty much exhausted my knowledge on the subject. :D