Is it possible to switch from Nav w/cassette over to Nav w/CD player ?

FAST 5 · 5th April 2004, 18:10

Hi Guys,
I just noticed that the 2004 model 330Xi, which has the built in Navigation unit with its display, has the "single" CD player located behind the NAV screen. I have a 2003 M5 with the friggen cassette, located behind the NAV screen.
Is it possible to do a switch/transplant, so the person has the NAV screen with the CD player, having removed the NAV unit with cassette???
Thank you.
Robert

Lscman · 5th April 2004, 18:27

In a related inquiry....anyone know if the dash CD player will play CDRW disks?

I notice a lot of E39 owners without NAV are switching to in-dash Business CD player....especially those converting to phatbox in trunk. Hopefully the NAV Cassette unit can be upgraded too.

I hear the dash CD player will not play mp3's...what's up with that? The factory in-dash stereo in a 3 year old Ford Focus econobox plays a CD encoded with 180+ mp3 songs just great (lol).

MEnthusiast · 5th April 2004, 18:57

I think you cant put the E46 nav in an E39 because of the way the HVAC vents are situated- the E46 system is too deep.

As to CD-RW. I dont know. I do know that CD-Rs play fine. But they must be CD-Redbook complaint- translation: regular CDs with regular CD tracks (WAV or AIFF files). CD-Yellbook- translation: CD-ROMs which can contain MP3 files- cannot be read by the CD readers BMW is using. Then there is the issue of decoding the files to PCM. In short, if you want MP3 playback with the stock head unit, you cant use the OEM hardware. I think youre not out of luck though because I think blitzsafe and someone else make an interface that allow you to swap the standard CD changer with another Alpine one thats the same size and then you can play CD-Rs (recorded as data cds) that have MP3 files on them.....

Lscman · 6th April 2004, 02:35

Yea, I hear certain aftermarket Alpine 6 disk trunk changers like the 634 allow mp3 capability with an add-on interface...and even allow you to see what track is playing thru the BMW dash display. It won't allow folders and playlists, though, and it's quite slow to load. I guess it's a decent option.

I think a Phatbox hard drive trunk unit makes a lot more sense. Too bad it requires a stand-alone controller head.

gdoan · 6th April 2004, 03:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lscman

I think a Phatbox hard drive trunk unit makes a lot more sense. Too bad it requires a stand-alone controller head.

What requires a stand-alone controller head?

Greg
2003 ///M5 Black/Black
Beastpower Sway Bar Brackets, Bluetooth, & all options except PDC & spoiler delete...

1995 318is Boston Green/Tan (daily driver)

Lscman · 6th April 2004, 04:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdoan

What requires a stand-alone controller head?

Greg
2003 ///M5 Black/Black
Beastpower Sway Bar Brackets, Bluetooth, & all options except PDC & spoiler delete...

1995 318is Boston Green/Tan (daily driver)

It's my understanding that Phatbox songs, titles & playlists are not selected or viewed thru the factory BMW audio controls. I thought a Phatbox stalk needs to be mounted for the driver to control things. Am I incorrect?

gdoan · 6th April 2004, 04:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lscman

It's my understanding that Phatbox songs, titles & playlists are not selected or viewed thru the factory BMW audio controls. I thought a Phatbox stalk needs to be mounted for the driver to control things. Am I incorrect?

Yes, you are incorrect. The Phatbox integrates seamlessly with the BMW audio controls - console and steering wheel. The CD Disc/Radio Preset are used to select grouping or sorting - by title, genre, artist, etc. Then, you cycle through that choice like you normally would cycle through tracks on a CD, with the console or steering wheel controls. Along with the voice prompts, it works pretty well.

I have a Phatbox. It was installed in my '02 E46 until its untimely demise. It worked very well while it was in there. For the M5, an additional component - the DSP adapter - is needed but that is just an additional cable in the trunk. The only reason I don't have it in my M5 right now is that my 330Ci was hit in the left rear quarter - right where the Phatbox was installed. I've been relectant to shell out the $100 for the DSP adapter to possibly find out that it doesn't work. But, another board member might be helping me test it out soon. If I find out that it works fine, it will be going into my Bea5t - as soon as I buy the DSP adapter.

Greg
2003 ///M5 Black/Black
Beastpower Sway Bar Brackets, Bluetooth, & all options except PDC & spoiler delete...

1995 318is Boston Green/Tan (daily driver)