[eliotm]

After some research, I learned that the head unit for my entertainment system (hidden cd player behind a rotating nav screen) does not support MP3 formatted CDs. I am not looking to replace the whole head unit. Any way of replacing the CD player behind the screen with a player that supports MP3? I installed a Media Bridge to support Blue tooth to my phone and I guess I could always plug an old style audio MP3 cd player into the Bridge, but prefer a cleaner alternative. The only reason I am looking for this capability is to listen to audio books on MP3 CDs.

 

[bandwagon]

The easy solution may be the aux input - pretty simple plug and play since the car is pre-wired - should have come with this from the factory

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/auxiliary-input-retrofit-kit/82110149391/

If you absolutely need to be able to play discs, then you might try to swap the whole headunit with a newer version (MY2005+) or add a compatible CD changer - I don't think you'll find just the drive by itself

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=722025_nr_

 

[bandwagon]

Is yours 2003 or earlier? You might try to find a headunit from 2004+ since a search shows that those should be mp3 compatible. I domt think you'll find just the drive, so you can replace the whole headunit and sell your old one on ebay.

I was going to mention the aux input (only $30) but sounds like you have bluetooth connectivity to play from your device.

Other option if you must have discs would be a CD changer - I beleive most are pre-wired, so would just be a matter of finding a MP3 compatible unit and running the connection.

 

[eliotm]

Thanks! I think I will just plug a portable cd player into the DICE Media Bridge. A 3 piece solution instead of one is not ideal, but adding MP3 formatted CD capability is not worth the added cost and effort. Putting in the Media Bridge required stealing the CD changer connection, so that is not an option.

 

[MFNATIK]

I have a 2005 nav headunit for sale if you want to swap the screens out. My screen is scratched and has dead pixels but CD drive works. $100 plus shipping.

Sent from my SM-G950U using E46Fanatics mobile app