mp3 solution

[NIK23]

I've been thinking of adding some kind of mp3 playback solution for my car, but I haven't been able to find any easy solution.<br><br>A while ago I was looking at the PhatNoise product, but I recall reading something about it not being compatible with Nav systems. Now the PhatNoise is sold by Kenwood and it appears that it only works with Kenwood decks. It's also quite expensive at $900 for a system with a 10GB cartrige.<br><br>I also looked at that cassette mp3 adapter that uses MMC card (someone mentioned it here few days ago). Unfortunately, the storage capabilties are rather limited, and the largest MMC cards are only 128MB. I haven't tried it, but I think the navigating the songs would be difficult (since the adapter doesn't have any kind of a display).<br><br>My latest idea is to somehow use the new Creative Labs Nomad Jukebox 3. If you haven't seen it, it's slightly smaller than a portable CD player and comes with 20GB of storage. It retails for $399, but you can probably get it for less if you look around. This part is good, but the problem is how do I integrate it with my system? The player has line outputs, but from what I understand the HK system does not have any line inputs? Right? Is there any kind of solution for adding line inputs (without actually replacing the tuner/amp)? Some kind of inexpensive harness that adds line inputs?<br>The other option that I'm thinking is to use a cassette adapter that Creative sells for $20. Since I have the new nav system, it should work with my system, I'd just have to figure out how to keep the nav screen closed with the adapter installed. Creative should be also making a car power adapter that plugs into the cigarette lighter, so that would solve the power problem (there is also a remote control coming). However, I'm somewhat worried about the sound quality when using the cassette adapter? Does anybody know how those things work? Is the sound quality comparable to the quality that I would get from the line outputs?<br><br>Sorry about the long post, but do you guys have any comments about my idea? Does anyone have something similar in their car? It looks like for about $400 to $450 (player with adapters) you can have a mp3 solution with 20GB of music. Plus you could always take it out, and use it for other stuff.

[Curious Mike]

This won't really help you at all, but I have the PhatBox. I was fortunate enough to get one of the last BMW units. It's great! Compared to the kenwood offering, getting it from phatnoise was a great deal. I basically paid the same price and got 20 gigs. There is a small effort to get the kenwood keg working with BMW headunits. I also have and apple iPod that I'm pretty sure I can get to work with my PC. It's only got 10 gigs, but it is the size of a deck of cards, and Apple's design can't be beat. I plan to have the iPod working within the next week or two. I'll probably post something on the OT board when that happens.

[sycE46]

One solution would be to get cd changer adpater from Periphial Electronics (BMWPILA). It has an AUX input for things like MP3 players.

I have the adpater hooked up with my old my Pioneer CD changer. I haven't tried the Aux input yet.

[wyu]

Don't acutally have this setup, but have heard good things. You can buy a portable MP3 player, such as a Ipod or Rio and hook it up to one of these. (https://www.myirock.com/players/irock300w.htm) From there, you'd just have to turn to a certain radio station to listen to your mp3s!
:thumbup:

[NIK23]

I looked at the BMWPILA adapter, but I already have a CD changer that I would like to keep. Also, their website states that the adapter doesn't work with navigation systems. It doesn't say why, so I'm not sure if it would affect the AUX input.<br><br>The irock! solution looks interesting, but I'm not sure how well it works. Few years ago in my old car I used to have a CD changer that used an FM adapter (which I'm assuming this is) and it sounded really bad. In fact it was so bad that I returned the changer few days after I got it, and replaced it with a new deck/changer combo.

[gt3]

Not the most elegant, but you will be able to keep your CD changer!

ipod install (http://www.eagleglenonline.com/bmw/images/IpodInstall/IpodInstall.html)

[valerie]

.. well I've been using a 5 gig iPod for a bit with good sucess (honestly i havent had time to fill the thing up, seems to take a ton of music, no idea what you do with 10 or 20 gigs...).

I havent had to do any invasive install, just a good holder where you can access the controls easily and hook onto a car clip (i bought the Sportsuit from Marware.com), and shortened the cord on the cassette adapter so there is only about 2" of cord between the iPod and the cassette slot in the dash. The iPod is installed on the trim close to the steering wheel so that I can control it with my fingertips from the wheel (which is easy with the simple buttons and selection ring). The sound quality can vary depending ont he volume of the recording. Good quality songs sound fine - you just have to be sure the car volume isnt too high compared to the iPod volume as you might hear some hiss then. I think for the $$ its a great solution you can take with you.

Oh, I think most of the Windows software is close to final - you can get betas here:

http://ipodding.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=index&catid=11

[bender]

I've been looking into this aswell...what I going to do is buy the alpine mp3 changer and a blitzsafe adapter that allows use of alpine changer with a M-bus port...the Mp3 alpine changer needs an adapter to go from Ai-net to m-bus, but thats the easiest way to get mp3.

[SilverPuppy]

I had this same problem last year...I ended up getting a Peripherial BMWPILA adapter....It works very well and has much better sound quality than any tape deck converter...

I ended up hooking it to my computer....for a while I had it hooked up to my ipod in the center console and it worked very well!

[haohmaroo]

When are you gonna do the alpine mp3 install? I'm planning on doing that as well...Will the blitzsafe adapter work for sure?

[bender]

i tried the BMWPILA on the kenwood music box, the draw back was theres no display or controls...so i couldnt change the track...GT3 said his phatnoise is voice navigated, but i never sent him a PM to figure out how that works... That was my first dive into mp3...I got a solid idea currently on how it would be the easiest way to get mp3...Im just waiting on an email from Street Effects...I wanna see if they have a blitzsafe oem HU to alpine M-bus changer...I should just go buy one locally(my shop doesn't carry them) but i wanna see what the guys can do for me if any...

[bmwbro]

how about the neo car jukebox? it has a separate display and a remote control. the price seems reasonable for a HD-based car mp3 player too (you can install your own HD into it as well). has anyone here seen or used this before?

it has some decent reviews at cnet: reviews (http://computers.cnet.com/hardware/0-16332-404-6832130.html)

http://www.ssiamerica.com/products/neo35/images/neo35-remote-connected2.jpg
links:
manufacturer's description of neo car jukebox (http://www.ssiamerica.com/products/neo35/index.html)

place to buy (w/prices) (http://www.hotmp3gear.com/NeocarJukebox.htm)

[ArsalanSheikh]

I looked into the Peripheral Electronics BMWPILA configuration through the CD changer wiring. I want to connect my laptop in my E46 325i 2001. But the problem is I hear that the audio system in my car is by Alpine.

Would this BMWPILA work? any suggestions.

Also I have a stock system in my car, and I just bough a JL audio W0 12" 125 Watt sub with a ported box from a friend. How should I connect this in my car ( I will be purchasing a mono amp for it also). I dont want to cut any wires. Is there a way I can take in the audio signal which comes out of the Stock Stereo Unit and send that signal into the subs amp.

[bender]

Originally posted by ArsalanSheikh
I looked into the Peripheral Electronics BMWPILA configuration through the CD changer wiring. I want to connect my laptop in my E46 325i 2001. But the problem is I hear that the audio system in my car is by Alpine.

Would this BMWPILA work? any suggestions.

Also I have a stock system in my car, and I just bough a JL audio W0 12" 125 Watt sub with a ported box from a friend. How should I connect this in my car ( I will be purchasing a mono amp for it also). I dont want to cut any wires. Is there a way I can take in the audio signal which comes out of the Stock Stereo Unit and send that signal into the subs amp.

If your laptop has rcs outputs or if you buy that convertor jack that gives your laptop rca outputs. I wouldn't recommend a ported box, maybe if it is a custom box. You can use T-taps and tap into the speaker wire coming off the stock amp to get a rca signal into your after market amp.

[ArsalanSheikh]

Yup! Thats what I am gonna do for my laptop. But wouldnt tapping out analog audio signals from my back speakers and sending it into an amp cause signal loss and increase in noise. The box that I have is custom.
Thanks man

[bender]

Originally posted by ArsalanSheikh
Yup! Thats what I am gonna do for my laptop. But wouldnt tapping out analog audio signals from my back speakers and sending it into an amp cause signal loss and increase in noise. The box that I have is custom.
Thanks man

sure will. it wont be as powerfull or clean as a direct rca jack off the radio, but what else can you do....

[ArsalanSheikh]

cant I use some sort of a convertor which would convert the signals coming out of the stock radio into RCA

[bender]

sni 15. grabs the signal from speaker wires...you can always add a line driver.

[CarterAce1]

SoundGate makes a BMW adapter for the new models now- I saw it here http://store.yahoo.com/logjam/bavmotworbmw.html but I didn't find it on the SoundGate website. This looks like it would work with CHA-S634 w/MP3 abilities. There is a Kenwood and Sony model available as well. Kenwood may be compatible with the Keg? I think I will try this adapter and the Alpine Mp3 Changer. I have a 99 328i with in-dash CD, so I am going to email and check it out. I will post again with my findings if anyone is interested.

[OneScweetAvant!]

I have a 10G iPod that I put in my S4's CupHolder.
Worx pretty well!

[Alch]

I just saw this in the latest Crutchfield catalog:

Sony has a deck with a built-in 10gig harddrive for storing mp3s. It'll even rip your cds into mp3s for later playback. I'm kinda thinking of this now even though I didn't want to buy a sony radio. I hope alpine makes something along these lines.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-zdL32a5dx0P/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?i=158MEX1HD&s=0

[whjeffs]

Originally posted by CarterAce1
SoundGate makes a BMW adapter for the new models now- I saw it here http://store.yahoo.com/logjam/bavmotworbmw.html but I didn't find it on the SoundGate website. This looks like it would work with CHA-S634 w/MP3 abilities. There is a Kenwood and Sony model available as well. Kenwood may be compatible with the Keg? I think I will try this adapter and the Alpine Mp3 Changer. I have a 99 328i with in-dash CD, so I am going to email and check it out. I will post again with my findings if anyone is interested.

The reason for the updated adapter is because BMW removed the ground shield from the changer harness on the '02 3 series. This caused noise & other problems. I had the same thing with my Blitzsafe adapter. The update has nothing to do with new Alpine changers. The "new models" they were talking about were '02 cars, not new cd changer models.
Also, I was told the Alpine CHA-S634 MP3 Cd changer would NOT work with the adapter & factory stereo, only with a compatible aftermarket Alpine head unit. If anyone finds out otherwise, let me know.

Jeff

[bimmerboy]

I just got the rio installed, I love the compatability and the color mathches perfectly with the rest of the amber LED's;)

[Scoot]

Don't get me wrong, I think all these MP3 solutions are cool as hell, but I just can't see spending all that cash when I can burn HUNDREDS of CDs for a few bucks. Is it just me?

[namsont]

Burning 100's of CDs = Time

Some people are willing to pay the extra cash, if it means saving them some time.

And an mp3 player with large storage capacity also has the advantage of flexbility in organization. Not to mention not having to carry around 100s of CD's, fumbling for them in the car, etc...

Peace of mind my friend. :D

[David328Ci]

Has anyone tried the new Eclipise all in one screen. DVD, CD, MP3 and it's a monitor too. I think I'd leaning towards the Eclipse as of right now.

[MacDaddy]

I've also got one of the Phatboxes from Phatnoise. I think having the OEM look for the head unit and being able to access thousands of songs is great.

What I like: The SSA Voice system allows you to get access to extended feature sets for MP3 playback using voice feedback and the original radio buttons. I've got most of my music in MP3 now, so having it available in the car is sweet. The silver/black finish matches my colors:D .

What I don't like: Working with Phatnoise customer service is like one long Twilight Zone episode. The proprietary music manager software is on the quirky side. THEY QUIT SELLING THE BMW VERSION!!! Trying to get them to share information with their customers is like getting Mike Tyson to hug Lennox Lewis.

I think having a MP3 jukebox in your car is the greatest. Phatbox comes so close, but they didn't get it over the goal line.

[Scoot]

Originally posted by namsont
Burning 100's of CDs = Time

Some people are willing to pay the extra cash, if it means saving them some time.

And an mp3 player with large storage capacity also has the advantage of flexbility in organization. Not to mention not having to carry around 100s of CD's, fumbling for them in the car, etc...

Peace of mind my friend. :D

You're still gonna have to upload to your MP3 player = Time

You're not gonna spend that much time in your car that you would have to take more than 20 CDs with you at a time.

Organization - I'll give you that one.

[namsont]

Originally posted by Scoot


You're still gonna have to upload to your MP3 player = Time

You're not gonna spend that much time in your car that you would have to take more than 20 CDs with you at a time.

Organization - I'll give you that one.

Not to get in a long debate about this, but uploading MP3's is trivial in comparison to mastering audio CD's. I can upload dozens of songs unattended as opposed to babysitting the computer and burning multiple audio CD's. Plus burnt CD's tend to skip easily if they are scratched the slightest bit. I tend to not care of them as well as I should. :D

And about having more music in the car than I need...I'd rather jump in my car without worrying what CD's to bring since I have my whole mp3 collection at my fingertips.

Of course to each his own. Do what makes ya happy. :)

[NIK23]

Well, keep in mind that cars with Nav system don't have a CD player unless you install CD changer in the trunk. In that case all the CD's won't do you much good since you have to get out of the car to put new CD in.

[Wolfgang]

Hi all. This is my first post to this forum. I thought I would share my MP3 experience.

The Apline CHA-S634 MP3 option worked fine for me.

I just got my 330i a week ago :D :D and got wanted to play MP3, WITHOUT swapping out the HK head unit or adding anything to my interior. Plus, I wanted the steering wheel controls to work.

I got the Apline CHA-S634 ( ~$300 from Circuit City) a soundgate adapter (~$100 from http://www.logjamelectronics.com/souncdchanin4.html), and a Male Ai-Net to Female M-Bus Adapter (from http://www.crutchfield.com/S-oULEDtAaMeG/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=2&c=2&g=57900&I=500KCA130B&o=m&a=0).

I also got the standard 3 series 6 CD mounting hardware (for fold down seats) and the replacement trunk side panel. The S634 is the exact same size with identical mounting screw insets.

Works great :thumbup: .

Here’s the good news: Sound quality is great. It pretty much does everything the standard OEM CD changer does, but it plays MP3s as well. Best of all, all the steering wheel controls work as well ;) .

Here's the not so great news: Since the head unit was not intended to support MP3s, there is no text, tags, and such. Also, it is a bit cumbersome to get around all those songs. Finally, it can only see 99 files per CD.

But still, at about 1/2 the cost of having BMW install an OEM 6 CD changer, you get to play 6x99=594 MP3s as well. I am more than happy with it considering the alternatives, such as new head unit, mounting controls in my interior, or having remotes floating around.

[psyclops]

Most of the discussion about getting MP3 audio support has revolved around modding existing vehicles with a variety of pre-installed options (in-dash CD, Nav System, 6-disc changer, etc.)

If you had the opportunity to order a new 2002 330i today, and you wanted the best MP3 audio solution, how would you order factory/dealer installed options today?

I'm considering the GPS Nav system. Is there any advantage to buying a 330i with with the BMW/OEM 6-disc CD changer if you were to swap it with the Alpine MP3 unit? What's the disadvantage of if you don't go for the dealer install?

I think a portable MP3 player connected into the stock audio system would be best for me, but not sure if the car will have RCA inputs readily accessible for this?

Opinions? Advice for a new car owner getting ready to order?

[teamdfl]

Hey Wolfgang,
Your Alpine MP3 6 disc changer solution seems to be almost exactly what I'm looking for. I have a 2001 325it with the base cassette deck head unit and I want to add CD and MP3 capability without installling an aftermarket head unit which tends to attract unwanted attention. Retaining stock steering wheel controls is a plus also.

I'm a little fuzzy on the function of the ai-net to m bus adapter and the soundgate adapter. It seems that the soundgate adapter is specific to Alpine changers and a BMW. What is the $10 ai-net to m bus adapter for? I guess the soundgate adapter doesn't directly mate up something.

Since I'm not opposed to an FM modulator solution, I would consider the Sony 10 disc CDX-565MXRF. The slightly reduced sound quality of an FM modulator is lost in the noise from stiff suspension and sticky tires. The wired remote/display is a little clunky and is therefore the big drawback. I really don't feel like running 8 feet of cable under the carpeting of my touring.

So, how annoying is the lack of text and tags when dealing with MP3s? If I need text, should I deal with the wired remote of a changer like the Sony? If I'm going to run a wired remote, should I just get a slightly more expensive HD system like the Neo? The Neo appears to be Mac friendly which is a big plus. It also has RCA outputs if I want to use the appropriate adapter later instead of an FM modulator. Unfortunately, it doesn't have CD capability like the Sony changer.

So how difficult is it to run a wired remote up next to the driver seat? Too many options...

Mazda can put an MP3 head unit in an econobox. BMW puts crappy joysticks in the new 7 series. Where is the justice in that?


Ed

[Wolfgang]

Hi Ed,

BWM uses a proprietary interface to talk to the CD changer called “I-BUS”. Older Alpine models used an interface called “M-BUS”. The Soundgate adapter converts M-BUS to I-BUS. However, the new Alpine CHA-S634 MP3 CD Changer uses the newer Ai-Net interface with different connectors. The $10 cable simply mates the 2 connectors. So, CD Changer with Ai-Net -> M-BUS -> Soundgate Adapter -> BMW I-BUS head unit. I included some pictures.

Now whether to do what I did or go for another option with FM Modulator and separate controls depends on what is most important to you. If what you are after is:

1) Easy installation with pre-wiring
2) Steering wheel & HK controls
3) No additional controls mounted, wired or wireless

Then the CHA-S634 is the way to go. Took about 1 hour to do the whole thing since (my 330i anyway) was all prewired.

However, getting around ~600 songs with an up-down key is only so easy. While the setup works, it is not real fast. Not a problem for me because I put in a bunch of MP3s & hit random. I would rather have the steering wheel controls than have to reach for some other item while driving.

If you want to get to song XYZ and don’t mind the wiring and extra controls, I would go another route.

Here are some picts:

[Wolfgang]

Here is another pict with labels (how do you send 2 picts in one message????)

[ecanas]

If you already have the BMW Changer, the best solution I've found so far is to install an Audio Switch between the changer outputs to the Car Radio.

Currently BMW changers 2 connectors on has 3 wires.. this is for the power and data line. And then there is a separate 6 pin connector. This is where you can tap into the audio.

I can't remember what the correct pin combination was but this is what worked for me. I installed an electronic switch.. that automatically switches/cuts the audio from the changer and uses the one from my MP3 player when in use.

I will open up my car and let you know what the correct color combinations are for the audio. Of course to play the MP3 .. I just set my Car to Changer Mode. And then my MP3 player takes care of doing the switch once it starts playing.

If you need more info, let me know.

[Wolfgang]

Say for changing songs? You think one could use this trick for XM radio?

[The Jake]

Ok. So if you
(a) know what a soldering iron is and how to use it
(b) aren't afraid of Linux, and know something about it
(c) have a huge set of balls

Then this message is for you.

Attached you will find the plans for a CD Emulator. Basically, its a linux application with a small hardware interface that connects to your Bimmer's i-bus.

The end result? An MP3 player that fools the car into thinking that its the CD changer. You can play MP3s and control the player from your head unit and steering wheel.

I discovered this while working on a similar project. I came across a message from the author, who was happy to send me the circuit and Linux programs he used.

I haven't tested this yet. My circuit sits half built on the workbench. I'll have it done in a week or two (still waiting for some parts).

Does it work? I dunno, but I've done a bunch of research on the i-bus and from what I understand the theory is sound. This could be really cool. It could also burn out your i-bus, void your warranty, and generally ****-up your car.

My recommendation is: DONT TRY THIS.

Anyway, enjoy.

Jake

[namsont]

Jake,

Is there a website with more details on this?

[The Jake]

not that I know of. I got the file directly from the author.

[gt3]

Originally posted by ecanas
If you already have the BMW Changer, the best solution I've found so far is to install an Audio Switch between the changer outputs to the Car Radio.

Currently BMW changers 2 connectors on has 3 wires.. this is for the power and data line. And then there is a separate 6 pin connector. This is where you can tap into the audio.

I can't remember what the correct pin combination was but this is what worked for me. I installed an electronic switch.. that automatically switches/cuts the audio from the changer and uses the one from my MP3 player when in use.

I will open up my car and let you know what the correct color combinations are for the audio. Of course to play the MP3 .. I just set my Car to Changer Mode. And then my MP3 player takes care of doing the switch once it starts playing.

If you need more info, let me know.

Ecanas:

Can you provided more specific info on your electronic switch. A possible DYI will be awesome. I've got a phatbox but need another audio input to add a possible XM install. Thanks.

[ecanas]

the info in the board.

[CarterAce1]

If you don't have a CD changer, then I would go with the MP3 CD Changer option. You could either do an Alpine changer with the connectors described above or a Sony changer (UniLink) and a connector for BMW iBus to Sony UniLink. I have to decide. My biggest drawback for doing this is that the headunit will only go to song 99 since that is all that .CDA (the song format on cds for cd players) goes to (and you can get about 180 songs on an MP3 cd), but the bonus of being able to control the whole thing through the headunit and steering wheel appeals to me. I would do this if you don't already have the factory cd changer in the trunk. If you do, you could consider the iPod option, or even replace the changer and sell your OEM one on eBay- they go for a reasonable price. I built an MP3 cdrom player at one point for an older car, and I didn't mind having only the numbers available- i mean its not like BMW supports CD-TEXT anyway so you dont have it on your regular cds. So if you are trying to decide:
-MP3 changer
+ Factory integration
Media inexpensive
Plays regular cds too
Reasonably easy to install
Inexpensive (Easily less than $400)
- Only 99 songs on CD (wasting at least 40% of the cd)
No displayed song information
-iPod
+ Easily connects to computer for song upload/download
Portable (can be used out of car)
Inexpensive
- May have to use tape adapter
Cutting and splicing for additional jack might be required (However if you get the Sony interface [iBus to UniLink] Sony makes a UniLink device that connects to the bus and provides a set of auxiliary inputs [no splicing or cutting required])
Battery operated or needs DC cigarette adapter
May have to use FM-modulating device to connect to car
-PhatBox
+ Good library of song space
Connection to computer for songs
Factory integration (if you can find the BMW edition)
- Expensive
May not be compatible
Neo Car (or other with add-on controller for dash)
+ Can add lots of music to hard drive
Separate of BMW systems
- Not factory integrated (looks "added on")
Run wires through your car
Tapping into Stereo problem (you will need sony interface, tape adapter, fm modulator, etc.)
Empeg / Kenwood / Sony / Aiwa in dash mp3 solution
+ Easy to install
Empeg hard drive has lots of space / CD-r used and is cheap
Inexpensive
- Removal of factory headunit
Loss of vehicle integration through steering wheel etc.

Ideally if you wanted to replace your headunit, I would put in an Alpine IVA-C800 (LCD screen with in-dash cd), CHA-s624 mp3 cd changer, Alpine NVA-N751AS gps system (or the more expensive DVD-based one), TV tuner, and vcr etc.

I think I'm going to go with one of the CD changer solutions. I have in-dash CD player, and Im not trying to drop some serioius coin on this. I need a Shark injector :)

Just my $0.02.

[Zarniwoop]

I have the Alpine MP3 CD changer in my 2002 330i, using the SoundGate adapter (V4).

All of my MP3 CDs have more than 99 tracks, and it works fine, it's just a little funny on the display. It's exactly as described in the Alpine CHA-S634 Owner's Manual:

Displaying track No. (file No.)

When connecting to an Ai-NET head unit produced before December 2001 or Mini-BUS head unit, the track No. (file No.) will be displayed in 2 digits (01-99). Thus, after then 100th track (file), the actual number and number displayed will be different.

Examples:
1st track: [01], 99th: [99], 100th: [01], 198th: [99], 199th: [01], 200th: [02]

The confusion about 99 tracks might be from that, or from another section of the manual:

The maximum number of MP3 files and folders that can be contained in a disc is 255. (Audio data (CD-DA) number is max. 99)

So, in other words, normal audio CDs are limited to 99 tracks with the Alpine MP3 CD changer, but MP3 CDs are limited to 255 files. I have one MP3 CD that has 215 tracks and it works fine.

[Steve Gill]

The phatbox is going to be re-released in limited numbers on the 29th July.

See www.phatnoise.com (http://www.phatnoise.com)

[vids_blk323Ci]

Goddddddddd this is so complicated........ But I think the phatbox is now on sale again for the 3er e46!! From what it says on the website. $859....

Hmmmmmmmm:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[NIK23]

The good thing about the new version of Phatbox is that it finally works on cars with Navigation system.

[valerie]

Originally posted by NIK23
The good thing about the new version of Phatbox is that it finally works on cars with Navigation system.

yeah, its nice, but I cant see spending that much for that kind of thing when I can get a 20/10/5 gig iPod for a fraction of that. and then you can take the thing with you if you want, not just tunes stuck in your car.

[OPTIMO]

I'm starting to like this solution:
http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?stk_code=ssineojukebox20&SVBName=215

Anybody got one of these?

[NIK23]

It looks like the Neo Car Jukebox uses an FM modulator to connect to your head unit. Personally, I'd avoid any solution with a FM modulator as the sound quality is usually pretty bad.

[Kyle325ci]

the Phatnoise product and a CD changer too?

[Scoot]

Originally posted by NIK23
It looks like the Neo Car Jukebox uses an FM modulator to connect to your head unit. Personally, I'd avoid any solution with a FM modulator as the sound quality is usually pretty bad.

It comes with both options: RF modulator and line-level RCA outputs. Also has a wired display which works from an IR remote. Pretty sweet, actually. Now, if I can just come up with $400!

[vids_blk323Ci]

ok guys any new updates on peoples solutions?

Im all over the place with this.

Im considering

Neo car jukebox - great, but not portable
Phatbox - great, not portable and more expensive
iPod - great too, portable but how cheap can I get it

Then theres the
NEXIIe - cool, cheap, and portable. Not huge storage capacity though
NomadIIc- same as above.

Im interested in seeing what everyone has come up with as a solution!

[3Wagon]

I'm going to go Ipod + OEM aux input (for the 03 head units.) Since you've got an 00, you could always just get an 03 headunit and go that route. Someone is BOUND to be upgrading the factory headunit, so you can just get one of those pretty cheap I would think.

[vids_blk323Ci]

3 Wagon, true true.

Question is for how much will an 03 head unit go for, and will its cabling be the same in the back as the 00 and 01 units.

I upgraded my head unit with an 01 unit so I could get the clock function... let me tell ya it was a pain to find someone who was willing to sell!

Anyone have a part number on the CD head unit that has the aux line input?

[ts325]

Here's (http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=66684) a link for a thread on the Neo.

It may not be portable like an iPod, as in battery powered, but battery life on the iPod sucks anyway. I use the USB docking bay, plug it in to speakers at the office or the house, and I have all of my mp3's available. No loose CD's, you can hook it into the OEM changer pre-wiring with an adapter for under $100 or work an install yourself through the amp. Good sound, easy to work with, and you can upgrade the drive size in about 10-20 minutes with a regular EIDE hard drive.

[lixer]

you guyz might want to look @ this solution (http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/HackTheIBus/) . Requires lil bit of work but It be totally worth it cuz you can display mp3 names on the stero LCD:thumbup:

[VtT]

okay guys, I just want to confirm about the pre-wired for CD changer. I have a 2001 325i sedan without navagation sys. and no HK. They should have pre-wired for CD changer too right? B/C I want to go with Alpine with mp3. Thanks

[fasteddie]

On my car, there's a button in the trunk that details, pre-wired for CD changer, etc... check your trunk... :)

[vids_blk323Ci]

This is another sick solution: DVD, MP3, Xbox etc....

http://www.target-earth.net/xbox/

http://slashdot.org/articles/03/05/11/213240.shtml?tid=137

Running on LINUX baby! :)

[ts325]

Just figured out something great with the Neo. I've been using it at work in the USB cradle with the AC adapter and a set of PC speakers, but I bought a universal cigarette lighter DC adapter that fits, and it works with that too. My job involves a lot of rental or company-car time and they normally only have a cassette, so I'd been using a RioVolt MP3 CD player with the cassette adapter, but I can use the Neo now. 14 hours to Louisiana from Florida in June...I'm set...:D

[Dev]

Originally posted by CarterAce1

Only 99 songs on CD (wasting at least 40% of the cd)

I can fit and play all 150+ MP3s on a single CD (so 40% is not wasted at all). As Zarniwoop mentioned, the information you need is in the manual that comes with the CD/MP3 changer on the numbering scheme for OEM head units.

[MasterT]

Hy, 3Wagon: sent u a PM!!!

[vids_blk323Ci]

excellent review on the Neo car juke box with frequency spectrum graphs:
http://www.carsound.com/reviews/hd_units/neocarjuke.html

thx

Im leaning towards the 20GB one for $369

[gianduia]

i ordered the alpine mp3/cd changer. do i need to get the OEM bmw mounting bracke, or do they come with the alpine changer?

[Wolfgang]

As far as I remember, there is some mounting hardware that comes with the cd changer, but it is certainly not the right stuff.

The outer dimensions of the alpine are identical to the OEM cd changer (which is an alpine). So, if you already have an OEM BMW CD chager, it will slide right in.

If not, you need to buy it, plus the trunk carpet piece. It comes as a kit, I believe. You need to get the right one though. Year, coupe/sedan and with/without folding seats matters.

Once I got the right kit + cd player + soundgate adapter, it all came together pretty quick.

Good luck.

[vids_blk323Ci]

Hey, when you use the universal cigarette adapter does it cause a slight buzz in the speakers? Just curious

I hard wired mine using the amp case with the fins, but I think I have a ground loops cause I can hear a buzz as I accelerate and decelerate the car. Right not I have the BMWPILA green ground wire hooked up to the black power lead. I may just run a cable straight to the battery. Thoughts anyone?

Originally posted by ts325
Just figured out something great with the Neo. I've been using it at work in the USB cradle with the AC adapter and a set of PC speakers, but I bought a universal cigarette lighter DC adapter that fits, and it works with that too. My job involves a lot of rental or company-car time and they normally only have a cassette, so I'd been using a RioVolt MP3 CD player with the cassette adapter, but I can use the Neo now. 14 hours to Louisiana from Florida in June...I'm set...:D

[PAGALM3]

If you already have the BMW Changer, the best solution I've found so far is to install an Audio Switch between the changer outputs to the Car Radio.

Currently BMW changers 2 connectors on has 3 wires.. this is for the power and data line. And then there is a separate 6 pin connector. This is where you can tap into the audio.

I can't remember what the correct pin combination was but this is what worked for me. I installed an electronic switch.. that automatically switches/cuts the audio from the changer and uses the one from my MP3 player when in use.

I will open up my car and let you know what the correct color combinations are for the audio. Of course to play the MP3 .. I just set my Car to Changer Mode. And then my MP3 player takes care of doing the switch once it starts playing.

If you need more info, let me know.

I tried sending you a PM but it appears that you've disabled the feature on your account? Anyways, I was wondering if there was any addiitonal info you could give on your MP3 solution? More specifically, what you used as a switch, and which wires did you tap into on the 6 pin connector? Also, did you use a line converter on your MP3 player? Any help would be greatly appreciated! :thumbup: I have a 2002 E46 M3 with Navigation and a 05/02 build date, so I can't use the BMW Auxillary input kit. Also, I didn't want to use any type of FM transmitter, or lose the use of my CD changer by using one of the alternative solutions out there (Blitzsafe, ICE Link, et cetera). Again, any help would be greatly appreciated. If you like, you can email me at tomasjcarrillo at cox dot net (tomasjcarrillo@cox.net).