Adding an Alpine MP3-compatible changer to a BMW M3

Does the Mini Cooper use the same head units and connectors as BMW? If so, this looks like a way to get both a much less expensive changer and an MP3 (and CDR/CDRW compatible one) to boot! Er...in the boot.

Next question: Are the Minis prewired for a changer? If so, where can I find the connectors to start my research? I pulled off the right side panel in the back, but didn't find any neatly coiled Ai-net connectors waiting to be used.

I may go ahead and give this a shot if the Mini is prewired. If all else fails, I know the Alpine changer will work with my Alpine HU in my Camry (the Mini is my wife's).

Thanks,

--Mike

 

The MINI is definitely pre-wired for a changer. Open the rear right panel in the trunk and look at the wiring harness in the bottom (easy, because the light is on) - there are two connectors folded back against the harness and wrapped there with tape.

I don't know anything more than that at the moment, though...

 

I think the parts to interface the two will run about $100. The only thing I'm worried about now is the references to this setup not working the SatNav system. I'm guessing that this is because the SatNav system patches in as an aux input to use the stereo for voice directions.

My wife's MCS doesn't have the SatNav system, but we're thinking about getting one when the DVD-bases system comes out.

Thanks,

--Mike

 

I bought an adapter from Blitzsafe that allows me to hook up my MP3 player. It hooks into the changer cables in the back. It works great and I do have a SatNav system
-Bruce


>>I think the parts to interface the two will run about $100. The only thing I'm worried about now is the references to this setup not working the SatNav system. I'm guessing that this is because the SatNav system patches in as an aux input to use the stereo for voice directions.
>>
>>My wife's MCS doesn't have the SatNav system, but we're thinking about getting one when the DVD-bases system comes out.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>--Mike

 

I have not tried this as my car has not arrived yet but this should work. Use the blitzsafe adapter to go from the BMW head unit, whic is the same as the Mini, get the one for the Alpine changers. This converts to the Alpine M Bus units. Then purchase the Alpine KCA-130A cable which will convert the M Bus to the Alpine Ai Net changers. In this series the S634 changer will play mp3 files on cdr's and cdr/w's.

 

Interesting.

Will this allow you to control the changers through the stock head units or does one use a seperate remote of some sort?

Cheers,

Beal

 

This is specifically to allow you to use the stock head-unit.

 

Another company, Soundgate, has an adapter like BlitzSafeand costs slightly less ($130). It will work with both the Alpine and Pioneer changers. Circuit City can hook you up.

 

That's some great info Llamas.

Be sure to let us know how the install goes. Also how well it operates through the head end.

Beal.

 

>>I have not tried this as my car has not arrived yet but this should work. Use the blitzsafe adapter to go from the BMW head unit, whic is the same as the Mini, get the one for the Alpine changers. This converts to the Alpine M Bus units. Then purchase the Alpine KCA-130A cable which will convert the M Bus to the Alpine Ai Net changers. In this series the S634 changer will play mp3 files on cdr's and cdr/w's.

Does anyone know how the MP3 display will read on the head unit with this? Anyone actually performed this Ai-Net to M Bus conversion? Can you tell me if the ID3 tags will show on the head display?