Cheers,

Many thanks in advance for any DETAILED information from any "experts".

I've recently ordered a 2004 Cooper which will arrive in Feb/March 2004. Among several optional "accessories", I've chosen the Harmon Kardon stereo & Navigation system. I would also like to add the 6-Disc CD changer - where in lays my question;

I've been told for 2003 Coopers the Alpine 6-Disc CD changer is compatible. However the same source was unsure about it's compatibility for 2004 models or those with Navigation. I would REALLY like to save the $754 by not getting the "MINI" brand CD changer if it all possible. Can anyone confirm?

Note: I own a 2000 5-series to which I installed the Alpine 6-Disc changer. I have a suspicion (hope) that due to the "incestuous" relationship between the 2 companies, the stereo systems are fairly (if not exactly) similar???

Cheers for now!

 

Mini uses Alpine, and with an adaptor Alpines 6 disk mp3 capable changer will even work with the Mini wheel controls. Seems a no brainer to me. I just have to finish my performance mods b4 I go get this unit.

 

check ebay...someone is selling the bmw-mini changer for lots less than dealers

 

I've read somewhere in this forum that some of the aftermarket CD changer might not work with HK and Nav system. Is it true? Has anyone with HK and Nav installed an aftermarket changer?

 

>>I've read somewhere in this forum that some of the aftermarket CD changer might not work with HK and Nav system. Is it true? Has anyone with HK and Nav installed an aftermarket changer?

Most of the eBay CD Changers won't work with the Nav. Why? I don't know, but I've talked to several vendors who refused to sell to me when I told them I had the nav. They couldn't guarantee it would work or not. I ended up going with the Alpine and the Blitzsafe on my 03 MC with Nav. Works perfectly. You can often find this changer on eBay for $225 + $75 for the Blitzsafe. Will take you about 15 minutes to install--and 10 of those minutes is just screwing the bracket in place!

ALPINE CD CHANGER CHA-S634: Plays MP3's and CD-R's and can be found on eBay for around $225. Extra CD MAGAZINE: ALPINE KAE-116C: Extra Cartridges can be bought from Crutchfield. Blitzsafe Adaptor ($75-$100)

 

Octaneguy: Thanks for the info!


:smile:

 

When I searched Crutchfield.com for CD changers, 3 options were available for the MINI.

1. USA SPEC SCD-B2D ($350)
2. Alpine CHM-S630 w/ Blitzsafe adaptor ($310)
3. Alpine CHM-S634 w/ Blitzsafe adaptor & Alpine KCA-130B ($390)

I wonder if S630 w/ adaptor will work or does it have to be S634???

 

>>When I searched Crutchfield.com for CD changers, 3 options were available for the MINI.
>>
>>1. USA SPEC SCD-B2D ($350)
>>2. Alpine CHM-S630 w/ Blitzsafe adaptor ($310)
>>3. Alpine CHM-S634 w/ Blitzsafe adaptor & Alpine KCA-130B ($390)
>>
>>I wonder if S630 w/ adaptor will work or does it have to be S634???
>>

My understanding is that the difference is that S634 supports mp3 & CDRW which the S630 does not. I believe you also want the S634 for the M-Bus capability so you can use it with your MFSW if you've got it. And the KCA-130B is then necessary to connect any M-Bus input connector to any Alpine Ai-NET output connector. This adapter is needed when connecting an Alpine CHA-S634 CD changer to any CD changer interface adapter.