So I was going to buy one off ebay and I was worried that my 2001 wouldn't accept it, it was a bmw alpine, but are most of them all the same? I thought they were, but there are so many model #s I went on to bmwcdchanger.com which really made me nervious, I thought the big upgrades happened around 2003 on the 3s

I would call the service manager at a bmw dealer for compatibility. Although, one of the vendors in this section might have that information.

So I was going to buy one off ebay and I was worried that my 2001 wouldn't accept it, it was a bmw alpine, but are most of them all the same? I thought they were, but there are so many model #s I went on to bmwcdchanger.com which really made me nervious, I thought the big upgrades happened around 2003 on the 3s

The same changer (albiet different part numbers) was used from 1996-2005 on the 3-series. If you have a specific auction in mind, forward me a link and I'll verify for you.

For the price of a changer, most people are going the iPod/DICE route:

DICE iPod Integration Kit for BMW
http://www.europeanautosource.com/product_info.php?products_id=268

Let me know if you have any questions and we'll do our best to help.

I'm selling one from a 1998 328is. If what Tom says is true, it'll work. Here's the link: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=869614


I do recommend the Dice unit though. Worth every penny (unless you have one of the newest iPods).

It'll work, he'll need 5-series specific mounting brackets is all.

I just put in the Dice kit and removed the 6 disc changer and bracket from my 2001 5 series (540). let me know if you are interested.