BMW Changer to Alpine Head

[Tiger Ed]

Hi Guys & Gals

I'm new to this forum but need your combined knowledge.

Is it possible to connect a BMW CD Changer model number 65.12.8(361584) to an Alpine Head CDA/9855R?

If so, what will I need to connect them?

Thanks in advance,

Eddy

[Kennyg]

What year and model BMW?

[Reeseman]

Your Year make and model would help out alot. The wiring harness for your car should plug right into your harness that goes to the changer and it should come with a bundle of wires long enough to route through your car. But we still need your make and model to verify your options.

[basicxj]

Originally Posted by Tiger Ed Hi Guys & Gals I'm new to this forum but need your combined knowledge. Is it possible to connect a BMW CD Changer model number 65.12.8(361584) to an Alpine Head CDA/9855R? If so, what will I need to connect them? Thanks in advance, Eddy

While I don't know anything about the BMW side of things, it will depend on the maker of the changer (some are made by companies such as Alpine, Sony, Kenwood etc) and the type of harness it uses to interface with the original BMW radio.

CD changers typically output their signal to the head unit for control at the head unit, and Alpine's changer interface comes via a proprietary connection called Ai-Net.

http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=alpine...t:429,r:7,s:15

http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=ai-net...1t:429,r:2,s:0

If the BMW changer was made by Alpine and uses an Ai-Net interface you're probably good to go...if they use something different but you want to try to frankenstein it into connecting anyway (and you're handy with a soldering iron), map the pins in the BMW changer connection and buy a short Alpine Ai-Net cable (there are generic versions on eBay for iPod interface) and match up those pins on the changer with those having the same function on the Ai-Net end...there is no guarantee it will work, but it's a start. Members with BMW-specific knowledge may be able to tell you what works or what your options are.

[Kennyg]

Originally Posted by basicxj While I don't know anything about the BMW side of things, it will depend on the maker of the changer (some are made by companies such as Alpine, Sony, Kenwood etc) and the type of harness it uses to interface with the original BMW radio. CD changers typically output their signal to the head unit for control at the head unit, and Alpine's changer interface comes via a proprietary connection called Ai-Net. http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=alpine...t:429,r:7,s:15 http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=ai-net...1t:429,r:2,s:0 If the BMW changer was made by Alpine and uses an Ai-Net interface you're probably good to go...if they use something different but you want to try to frankenstein it into connecting anyway (and you're handy with a soldering iron), map the pins in the BMW changer connection and buy a short Alpine Ai-Net cable (there are generic versions on eBay for iPod interface) and match up those pins on the changer with those having the same function on the Ai-Net end...there is no guarantee it will work, but it's a start. Members with BMW-specific knowledge may be able to tell you what works or what your options are.

Depends on the year of the car, if it's an E36, it won't be AiNet compatible.

[basicxj]

Originally Posted by Kennyg Depends on the year of the car, if it's an E36, it won't be AiNet compatible.

I assumed worst case scenario- was hoping one of you wealthy Bimmer enthusiasts might chime in .

[Kennyg]

Originally Posted by basicxj I assumed worst case scenario- was hoping one of you wealthy Bimmer enthusiasts might chime in .

Usually most guys are trying to buy aftermarket changers to interface with their stock stereo, thats simple, lots of adapters for that. Not such the case with trying to interface an OEM changer with an aftermarket stereo. I'm almost positive this is not going to work.