Hi, this is probably the wrong place to ask, but looks like I have no other options.
Here we go - I got a BMW E46 330d, 2000, with a command console with a built in cassete player. What I want is to listen to CDs.
Is buying a alpine CHA-S634 CD-changer and connecting it an option?
I mean will it work? or should I look for original BMW Changers? Because swapping to a command console with CD player isnt a option

If you can, go down to your local Halfords equivalent or in car entertainment store and ask their advice

Quote from squidhead :

Hi, this is probably the wrong place to ask, but looks like I have no other options.
Here we go - I got a BMW E46 330d, 2000, with a command console with a built in cassete player. What I want is to listen to CDs.
Is buying a alpine CHA-S634 CD-changer and connecting it an option?
I mean will it work? or should I look for original BMW Changers? Because swapping to a command console with CD player isnt a option

I sell Alpine Audio equipment in work, but its not my area. I'll look up what radio comes standard in that model and see waht cd changers do it for ya.

/ tbh, cd changers suck anyway, having to put cd's in the boot of your car never seemed right to me lol?...what I would do is get one of those casset tape converters(€3) and plug your ipod into it ALOT cheaper and ALOT more convenient

I prefer FM transmitters myself, but I use mine indoors to send audio from my media centre PC to my hi-fi. I don't know how well they perform in cars.

Quote from TiJay :

I prefer FM transmitters myself, but I use mine indoors to send audio from my media centre PC to my hi-fi. I don't know how well they perform in cars.

...thats another option(anything but a CD changer imo, too big and awkward and old fashioned), some ipods have built in fm transmitters don't they?..and youd probably pick up an fm transmitter much cheaper than the price of the CD changer. note: car audio equipment is grossley overpriced, it, as a market is 10 years behind any other market and still asks for top notch prices for outdated technology imo.

ok, I figured it out (by talking about 30 minutes with a BMW official service center electronics "EXPERT")
what we got in a car is called BMW Monitor (that's this particular's command console's name)
It can be connected to the Alpine changer, and luckily it can be connected ONLY to CHA-S634 and CHA-S630 (The one I have picked) via a special connector, which I will have to find myself.
the radio transmitter in Ipod doesnt sound really good, so CD Changer is a nice option since it plays MP3 CD-R disks...

Thank you guys who tried to help - I appreciate it

Quote from CSU1 :

car audio equipment is grossly overpriced, it, as a market is 10 years behind any other market and still asks for top notch prices for outdated technology imo.

ebay... its your best friend when you know what your doing

but if you still need good gear you can import from anywhere in the world if its Really important

on a different note, your car sounds nice squid. Any pics?