Aftermarket cd changers vs BMW changer debate... (archive)

Okay, I screwed up in February when I bought my little Z car. I didn't get the $1,300 BMW CD changer when my salesman offered it to me for $750 because I heard I could get one put in aftermarket for half the cost. I even checked before I signed on the dotted line.

Then after I got the car, I found out there has to be an adapter, which isn't available, so I would be stuck buying the BMW changer. Not having $750 to plunk down, I am still without a CD changer...wwaaaaaahhh.. I am kicking myself, if I had got it financed into the cost of the car at the time of the sale, I wouldn't even notice the cost.

Now I have been reading all these posts about splicing and soldering and installing and wiring and all that stuff. Let me get one thing straight. I am a GIRLY-GIRL. I don't know anything about that stuff. So I still don't know what to do.

Now I see a post from TC2 that I can order the actual BMW CD changer from Richmond BMW for $489 and he/she installed it in 15 minutes. Supposedly my car is already wired for it. My significant male person says he can install it if the wiring harness is already there. I have no idea, I tell him, what is a wiring harness? I'll ask the Z-ers on the board.

Can someone just simply tell me, what is the best way to go to be sure I get the right thing, without screwing up the warranty, without messing anything up, and without having to pay a fortune to the dealer?? There seems to be a lot of controversy over this.

Joy
1998 2.8 Atlanta Blue/beige/beige
Texas tag reads "1 FUN Z" and I'm loving every minute of it!

Follow Ups:

Buy the changer CHEAP from QI see top ofboard(eom) Michael W 16:05 10/11/98 (1)
- QI cost $775 or $552.78, Richmond BMW $498 (eom) Joy 16:15 10/11/98 (0)
Aftermarket CD changers now available... ///Mike G 14:18 10/11/98 (4)
- Here is a copy of the post ///Mike G 14:27 10/11/98 (3)
  - I'm leery of test products Joy 16:22 10/11/98 (2)
    - Re: I'm leery of test products Joan 19:34 10/11/98 (0)
    - It now seems they have proven... ///Mike G 19:24 10/11/98 (0)
$1,300!!! TC 14:09 10/11/98 (1)
- Re: $1,300!!! Joy 16:20 10/11/98 (0)
The straight story... DC 13:23 10/11/98 (0)

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