Sourcing a cd changer for my 635

[CliffyyE24]

I got the original radio to work and fixed the antenna. My next little project is putting a cd changer in it. It has the wire in the trunk to plug a cd changer in to, but its that weird 13? pin plug. I have read that a cdx-m30 changer will fit. Is there anywhere I can still find one, or is there a way to put in a more modern changer that will work with the original radio? Thanks.

[Bimmernovice]

Your not referring to the big a$$ changer that came with the 6er as in my 1989?

[CliffyyE24]

Yea. The one that came with it. Unless there is another option.

[Bimmernovice]

Yea. The one that came with it. Unless there is another option.

I have it sitting in my trunk. If you were local I'd take ten bucks for it.

[CliffyyE24]

I would pay for a changer and the shipping if i could get one.

[Taylor Marshall]

I could be wrong here but I do not believe any E24 ever came from the factory with a CD player let alone a changer. The 1989 ETM only shows a radio/cassette player and no changer. I believe the first changer (a 6 CD model) was introduced in the 1994 E38 and the first CD player (in a BMW ....MB brought them in in 1985) sometime in the early 90's.

[E24Mark]

I don't have evidence that it came from the factory like this, but my US spec M6, build date 7/87, has the "BMW ANTI-THEFT CD-READY RADIO", with the optional, trunk mounted CD changer. Printed on the back of the manual is:
88 88 1 600 183 (Radio)
88 88 1 600 186 (CD Changer)
88 88 1 600 185 (Manual)

Can't find these part numbers at Real OEM. There's no reference to an audio option on my build sheet. So, not saying my audi setup is OEM. Head unit possible and the CD changer may have been a dealer option. Or the whole setup could be a retrofit from a later year model. Just don't know.

[CliffyyE24]

Right. My car has the original radio, its also wired for the trunk mounted cd changer. Im looking to find a changer that is compatible with the setup in the car. Preferably one that came out of a 6er wired the same way. Im trying to keep the original setup in the car if possible.

[Taylor Marshall]

Cool ! I stand corrected then as I suppose it must have been an option.
Good to see we weren't trumped for too long by MB.
How did it work ? Was there a transport that shifted the selected at the head unit disc into play ? Did it cope well with being jarred by road imperfections ? That was a big flaw with early automotive CD players and the DAC's weren't too hot either.

[Gunz635]

Taylor, if you have problems with install. I have friend who does this for a living. I would not cost you anything. :)

[m735is]

A cdx-m61 or RTC 7669 changer from Range Rovers will work also. I bought a new one on ebay a couple of years ago for my e32 which has the Pioneer head unit KE-83. I think I paid like $30 shipped for it.

[CliffyyE24]

A cdx-m61 or RTC 7669 changer from Range Rovers will work also. I bought a new one on ebay a couple of years ago for my e32 which has the Pioneer head unit KE-83. I think I paid like $30 shipped for it.

Thats good to know. My car has a KE83 as well. Both of the changers you say will plug right into the harness in the trunk and work?

[m735is]

The numbers I posted are the same changer. I just took them off the box it came in. It plugged right in to the e32 CD cable. I can't remember about the power plug, but I think it plugged right in there too with no mods.
But if Bimmernovice has one that's an original, I'd just get that one.

[Layne]

I probably have the changer you're looking for. There are 3 different (non-interchangable) types and I have 2 of them. Post a picture of your radio or the connector on your cable.

[CliffyyE24]

I probably have the changer you're looking for. There are 3 different (non-interchangable) types and I have 2 of them. Post a picture of your radio or the connector on your cable.

Ill try to get some pics when i can. I have a ke83zbm radio and it has a plug with a seperate wire as well, id that helps.

[Taylor Marshall]

Taylor, if you have problems with install. I have friend who does this for a living. I would not cost you anything. :)


Might take you up on that offer, Gunter, when I get around to upgrading my stock speakers and installing an amp to better drive my Nak CD400.

I don't like CD changers for either the car or my home system and much prefer single player simplicity.
This is my idea of a rear mounted CD changer that I fabbed up almost from scratch and installed last week. The transport is a sophisticated carbon based unit (aka my hand) and it holds about 56 of my home burned from my analog to digital recording project slim jewel case CD's or 25 of the fat store bought type. No one ever sits back there any way and I can remove it quite easily if I have to by just lifting the seat and pulling it out by the L-brackets that hook under the seat.

[Gunz635]

No problem Taylor let me know when you need it so that I can call the guy.
Might take you up on that offer, Gunter, when I get around to upgrading my stock speakers and installing an amp to better drive my Nak CD400.

I don't like CD changers for either the car or my home system and much prefer single player simplicity.
This is my idea of a rear mounted CD changer that I fabbed up almost from scratch and installed last week. The transport is a sophisticated carbon based unit (aka my hand) and it holds about 56 of my home burned from my analog to digital recording project slim jewel case CD's or 25 of the fat store bought type. No one ever sits back there any way and I can remove it quite easily if I have to by just lifting the seat and pulling it out by the L-brackets that hook under the seat.