I have an '03 S with Cassette head unit and the Nav system. I want to add a changer, and would prefer an aftermarket one that plays MP3, CDR, etc.

Crutchfield says that they are not sure any of their units will work, because I have the Nav system. I have read the threads where people exchanged ideas, but I did not see anyone that had actually done what I am trying to do.

So, has anyone added a non-factory CD changer to and '03 factory head unit in a car with a Nav system.

On a side note, has anyone tried to fit a changer in the glovebox?

 

Well, I added an alpine 6 disc w/mp3 decoding to my 2k2 Cooper S w/nav. No issues so far (using the blitzsafe w/aux) my only comment would be when playing from a mp3 cd the controls are slow to respond (abput 1 1/2 sec to skip a track.... not as fast as with an Aftermarket HU)

For pics go to

http://www.semi.nu/jay/mini

Also, You can see info in my Euro TV tuner install

 

thanks Jay - your pictures give me hope that it is possible. Can you give more details, or direct me to a posting you did that explains everything?

Basically, I want to know what hooked to what. I assume the Blitzsafe hooks to the factory harness, and the Ai-Net to M-Bus adaptor hooks to the blitzsafe, and the adaptor hooks to the changer - is that right? If so, what Blitzsafe do I need.

And, does everything work like a factory changer? That is, does the nav system still interupt the audio, do the steering wheel controls control the changer, does the HU display display info on the CD changer?

As I said, Crutchfield did not think this was possible with a car with Nav.

 

I don't understand what the problem is with the NAV. All it does is provide an audio input to the head unit (doesn't it?). I can understand why there might be a problem finding a changer that "fits" the MINI; but I don't see why it would depend on having/not a NAV unit.

Clarification?

 

DavidG - I agree that it seems like it should be simple, but Crutchfield tells me that their information shows that BMWs with Nav or DSP (a BMW thing) do not work with a changer if you want to use the HU controls and the steering wheel controls. Seems like you should be able to just hook up the changer to the wire that already runs to the hatch, using some type of an adaptor, such as the Blitzsafe. walkerjay's pictures suggest this is the case, but I want details of how he did it, and confirmation that the Nav voice still comes through the speakers and the steering wheel controls work with the changer.

I just spoke with Crutchfield again and their info says a Blitzsafe DMX-V1 will work with the HK system without Nav (which of course is not available yet, so someone is confused). This Blitzsafe is designed for 96 and up BMW 3 and 5 series.

Jay, can you clarify?

 

I just spoke with Blitzsafe and they said it is no problem - just use a Blitzsafe DMX-B1D and you can hook a cd changer and another device both to the head unit and everything will work. A DMX-B1 has just the CD changer input. Maybe I will try it

 

Jay,

I would still be interested in your thoughts - and the part numbers you used. Also, any problems with skipping - the suspension is pretty stiff, and the changer is right over the rear wheels.

And - I could swear that the guy at Blitzsafe said the part number was VMX-B1D (I said "B as in Boy, right, and he said yes), but the website and Crutchfield said VMX-V1D. Not sure which is correct.

 

My question on this topic is whether anyone has been able to change the HU and RETAIN the NAV voice commands? This may sound relatively easy, but I haven't seen anyone post to say that they have done it.

On MINI2 I found a post that THEORIZES it should be possible. That's the closest I've found.

If I were more familiar with this territory I might be game to 'guinea pig' but ICE is one of my (many) foibles.

....still waiting for a brave soul to suceed and post about it!

 

Mini2go - I would suggest posting a new thread titled "has anyone successfully changed the HU on a car with NAV. Then you might get more attention.

Since I started this thread, I will finish it out by saying that I got it all to work! Here are the details.

I have an '03 MCS with the cassette HU and NAV and the steering wheel controls. I bought the following:

Alpine CHA-S634 CD changer (plays CDs, CDRs, CDRWs, and MP3s) $300
Blitzsafe BMW/ALP DMXV.1 (converts BMW harness in hatch to Alpine M-bus standard)
$60
Alpine KCA-130B cable - converts from Ai-Net (which this CD changer is) to M-bus (another Alpine standard which the Blitzsafe is designed for) $10

The Steps:

1) Plug the 2 connectors on the harness in the hatch (taped back to the harness behind the door on the left side) to the Blitzsafe.

2) Plug one end of the KCA-130B into the Blitzsafe and connect the other end to the Alpine extension cable included with the changer (the cable is very long, but you can just stow the excess in the hole behind the door.

3) plug the other end of the cable into the short cable extending out of the changer

4) switch the selector switch on the changer to "2" (the manual explains - this is so it will work with the M-bus standard)

5) use the L-shaped brackets to mount the changer to the plastic just below the little door - the changer will be just off ofthe floor so that you can still work the carpet out from under it to get it up to get to the battery.

6) put the door back on, but leave the bottom rear tab out from where it normally is, and route the cable out of the lower rear corner of the door - this avoids cutting the door.

7) Enjoy the jams - I have not played MP3s yet. Walkerjay said that the track switching with MP3s is a little slow.

I bought everything from Crutchfield. Their info did not show that this setup would work, but Blitzsafe assured me it would, and it does. If you have never ordered from Crutchfield, send me an email, and I can give you a referral code that will get you $20 off your first order. And they give me a $20 credit towards future purchases! I am not associated with them in any way, but if we can get $20 bucks, we might as well! You can probably find cheaper prices by surfing the web, but Crutchfield has great customer service, fair shipping prices, and cool catalogs. I can be emailed at dougwathen@aol.com

Hope this helps someone!

 

>>Mini2go - I would suggest posting a new thread titled "has anyone successfully changed the HU on a car with NAV. Then you might get more attention.

Yep, you're probably right. I guess I will.

Glad to hear you had success with your setup! Who knows, if I get a good response, maybe I'll hit you up for that referral code!