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The changer is mounted in the trunk, doesn't skip at all even if I slap it hard, works beautifully and is 100x better (both in features and in value) than the lousy 6-disc BMW changer that sells for an arm and a leg at the dealer.
OK, so here is what you would need.
(1) your choice of 6-disc Pioneer (CDX-650) or 12-disc (CDX-1250) changer (Go for the 12!!). These changers are available at just about any place, including your local CircuitCity, Bestbuy etc.
(2) an adapter that will allow the changer and your car's audio system to communicate. This adapter is made by a company called Peripherals (www.stinger-aamp.com). The part number is "BMWPILA" and the most convenient way I can think of for getting the adapter would be through Crutchfield.com.
Go to http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/viewcart.asp
then add "541BMWPILA" in the Item# field and update cart. Your are on your way!!
You can also order the changer from this store if you like.
Another option for getting this package is to order it from the store called www.autotoys.com. Before you do so, however, you should definitely make sure that the adapter that they will send you will be "BMWPILA"; if you take another adapter, you'll likely be out of luck!!.
Maybe one of the folks who ordered from Autotoys can confirm what brand their adapter was for the Pioneer changer.
OK, your cost for this package should come to around $300 or thereabouts. The Changer comes with everything you need to do a Shelf-install (under the rear deck/trunk lid).
Now, before you go out and buy this setup, please keep these in mind.
1) A very minor concern was that the *Random* function that works like it should on the single-disk head unit doesn't work on the CD Changer.
2) The changer probably still draws some power from the battery even when the key is out of the ignition. This could be an unwelcome proposition if you drive your car like once in a week!!
3) A very minor issue (minor to me anyways!!) occurs with the 12-disc changer (CDX-1250). When playing the discs 10, 11 and 12, the head-unit displays the CD# as 67 (flashing 6, followed by flashing 7, followed by flashing 6 ....), 7-7, and 8-7 respectively. This is not what the spec sheet mentions (flashing 1 followed by flashing 0 etc) It doesn't bother me in the least, but I wanted to provide the feedback as best as I could to make it useful to you.
And BTW, this is because our dear BMW provided a head unit that is capable of only displaying one digit for the CD#.
4) OK, now get ready for the big one!! (you knew there was one, didn't you!!)
Sometimes when you use any audio source other than the CD changer and try to get back to the CD Changer, the head unit may fail to find it. After messing with a few buttons, I found out that there is a very easy fix for this problem. The fix is that everytime the changer is not getting picked up, you just need to press and hold down either the "Next Track" (fast forward) or the "Previous Track" (Rapid Reverse) keys on the head unit or the Wheel Controls (I use the wheel controls for about 5-8 seconds), after having selected the changer as the audio source. Doing so somehow makes the head unit locate the CD changer, and it resumes exactly where it left off on the changer, the last time the changer was used.
In the net, I would say this. If you want absolute perfection even if it means paying through the nose for a lousy 6-disc, then you should go for the BMW Changer. On the other hand, if you want a very good after-market changer and are willing to digest some minor quirks, this is the configuration to go for on your BMWs.
It is my understanding that this setup works on all 3-series cars WITHOUT Navigation System.
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