i'm almost hesitant to ask this question for 2 reasons:

1) certain DICE/ipod lovers who will insist on me getting this device: http://www.europeanautosource.com/product_info.php?products_id=268&gclid=COaD-_KF6I8CFQp7PAodsHEaEQ
:rock:

2) fear that what i want does not exist :(

i have an 2001 740iL with factory 6 disc cd changer in trunk. i'd like to replace with a another cd changer that has the following:
can play mp3 formatted songs on a cd (as well as all other conventional burned audio disc music formats)
works just like factory unit changer (i.e., integrates full functionality with OEM head unit)
can hold 10 discs (not necessary but would definitely prefer that over current 6 disc holder)anyone have suggestions? or know if current model beemers have this capability & will work in my generation of this car? where to buy??

thanks,
kahlil

You could upgrade to the BMW MP3 capable CD changer - it would require upgrading your radio as well. bimmernav.com has all the parts and info.

thx slamdunk... but when u say upgrading my radio do you mean replacing it? or simply modifying some part of it? i'd like to keep my existing head unit/nav system.

thx slamdunk... but when u say upgrading my radio do you mean replacing it? or simply modifying some part of it? i'd like to keep my existing head unit/nav system.

The radio is in the trunk - you'd need to replace the trunk unit - your head unit and nav unit would remain.

I've seen this question come up before about the CD player. I have a 2000 and I burn CD's and they play. I didn't know I wasn't supposed to be able to?? I have no reason to believe it's not the original CD player. I am the second owner and there were no upgrades to the car at all when I got it. How is that possible??

I've seen this question come up before about the CD player. I have a 2000 and I burn CD's and they play. I didn't know I wasn't supposed to be able to?? I have no reason to believe it's not the original CD player. I am the second owner and there were no upgrades to the car at all when I got it. How is that possible??

Yes but are you playing burned CD's in MP3 format? Most all factory CD players will accept burned audio CD's but not burned CD's in MP3 format.

Not sure to be honest. I"ve burned copies from CD's. I've also burned from Limewire downloads (sshhhhh) and iTunes.

The factory CD player that came in E38's will not play MP3 CD's. It will play CDR's burned in Red Book format (Audio CD)

I'm pretty sure Limewire is MP3's? And what about iTunes?

I have the same problem, i burn and play CD audio but it does not play the MP3 format. Ok ok it does not play discs with 100 plus songs.

It can play burnt CD's, just not data cds with mp3s on them. Like slamdunk said, you can burn cds in audio format from mp3s (iTunes can do this).

Yes but are you playing burned CD's in MP3 format? Most all factory CD players will accept burned audio CD's but not burned CD's in MP3 format.

The factory CD player that came in E38's will not play MP3 CD's. It will play CDR's burned in Red Book format (Audio CD)

It can play burnt CD's, just not data cds with mp3s on them. Like slamdunk said, you can burn cds in audio format from mp3s (iTunes can do this).

..yeah, what they said! :)

so luke, & project do you know of any alternatives to the dice/ipod or what slamdunk has suggested? or at least a 10-disc changer that will work with existing system?

The radio is in the trunk - you'd need to replace the trunk unit - your head unit and nav unit would remain.

forgive my ignorance about this stereo system, but the radio is in the trunk?? where? beside the nav & cd changer?? wonder why the radio is there & not with the head unit/display screen? i need to check this thing out a lil more. lol!

I'm pretty sure Limewire is MP3's? And what about iTunes?

regular cd = 20 or so tracks max of .aiff formatted music. you can burn mp3's onto a regular cd but it converts them to .aiff format.

a true mp3 cd does not convert the tracks to .aiff, they remain mp3. the average mp3 size is 4mb and the average cd size is 700mb. so obviously the mp3 cd can hold a whole lot more songs than a regular cd.

forgive my ignorance about this stereo system, but the radio is in the trunk?? where? beside the nav & cd changer?? wonder why the radio is there & not with the head unit/display screen? i need to check this thing out a lil more. lol!

Yes, it's in the trunk in the cluster of boxes next to the nav unit and cd changer.

Kahlilj
We can replace your factory changer with an Alpine MP3 cd changer and integrate it into your factory system. The changer is only 6 disc but it will play mp3 formatted cd's.

The changer will cost $300 and then $200 for the integration module. Since you're near our shop, we can offer you installation which will run around $100. If you're interested give us a call, our number is (404)963-8857, as this is not available on our website.
If you have any questions feel free to email/pm/phone me.

The tuner is hidden pretty well. Here is the trunk area with the covers removed.

http://www.holisticpage.com/images/tuner1.jpg

Pull out the CD Changer, nav unit, DSP amp, etc, and it looks like this.

http://www.holisticpage.com/images/tuner2.jpg

Remove the rest of the electronics - Still no tuner!

http://www.holisticpage.com/images/tuner3.jpg

Finally, look all the way back inside the quarter panel, behind the insulation, and there it is - finally.

http://www.holisticpage.com/images/tuner4.jpg

The tuner is hidden pretty well. Here is the trunk area with the covers removed.



Pull out the CD Changer, nav unit, DSP amp, etc, and it looks like this.



Remove the rest of the electronics - Still no tuner!



Finally, look all the way back inside the quarter panel, behind the insulation, and there it is - finally.

http://www.holisticpage.com/images/tuner4.jpg


DAYUM! thanks gmcgann! i would have never looked that far/extensively. lol! learn something new every time i get in this forum! :buttrock

Kahlilj
We can replace your factory changer with an Alpine MP3 cd changer and integrate it into your factory system. The changer is only 6 disc but it will play mp3 formatted cd's.

The changer will cost $300 and then $200 for the integration module. Since you're near our shop, we can offer you installation which will run around $100. If you're interested give us a call, our number is (404)963-8857, as this is not available on our website.
If you have any questions feel free to email/pm/phone me.

Paul, GREAT! thanks for the offer. :) .. i really wanna try to do this myself tho, but after seeing the complication of the electronics (head unit separate from the radio itself, etc.), i just might be calling on ya! will definitely keep your info on file! :)

kahlil