6CD Changer electrics

[Rickypoos]

Have purchased a second hand 6 CD changer for the boot of my Z3 and it's on its way. Unfortunately I discovered today that the main feed cable (the car was pre-wired for the boot changer but it was never fitted) appears to be present in the boot but without its connector so all I have is a bare multi-core cable end. I believe I could buy a replacement cable but its not cheap and, more importantly, would involve me in disturbing the console to get behind the radio unit and pulling the cable through from front to rear with the additional challenges that will entail.
Could an auto electrician somehow attach a new round connector on the end of the existing cable as this would save me all the hassle I will otherwise probably face? Any advice or other useful comment would be much appreciated.

 

[Stevo7682]

Can you post up some pictures

 

[Rickypoos]

Hi Stevo and thanks for your interest. I went into the garage this morning, unpicked my boot and took the attached 5 photos. They hopefully give you - and anyone else who may be able to help - an idea of the situation. The first photo shows the area in general with the various 'loose-end' cables on show. You can see the two black unconnected cables and the coil of two other thin cables also going nowhere. You can also see what I assume to be the male power cable connector for clipping into the female power cable connector on the back of the changer.
One of the black cables has numbers on it and a single core and sheath (co-axial?)cross section. The other black cable shown is the one with the multi-core cross section.
One additional thought I had this morning is that I have the longer swirly radio aerial fitted (as you can see in my headline photo showing the rear of my Z3) which I believe may be non-original on the early cars so I am guessing that the cable with numbers on it (and a reference to aerial) may be the original cable for the aerial and was made redundant when the later aerial type was installed? Does that make sense?
Assuming the other (multi-core cable) is the feed between changer and radio, then that's the one where I think I have the problem with the end connector missing. What can be done there please?????

 

[t-tony]

The last picture would suggest the was originally wired for a cd changer (and maybe even had one fitted) and was “removed“ sometimes in its life. If things are pre wired the plugs are usually present ready for connection. If you can find a car being broken with the cable intact maybe you could buy the connector and a length of cable, then splice it together. Do you have anything Andy? @spurs fan in a coupe

Tony.

 

[Rickypoos]

Thanks Tony for your thoughts. The car has had 7 owners in its 24 years and I agree it is entirely possible that the cable was installed at some point after delivery and then curtailed by a later owner for some reason. However my problem remains and, only in my dreams, am I capable of 'splicing together' a multi-core cable unfortunately!! If however this can be done by someone more competent than me then clearly this could be a solution and would save me the rerouting hassles.

 

[t-tony]

A decent Auto Electrician should be able to do that easily given the required plugs. I meant that the cable had been fitted at the factory and maybe had a disc changer too which may have been removed at some point. I took the one out of my Z3 and sold it, but I left the cables intact.
Have you considered a more modern way of playing music ie. via bluetooth and you mobile phone. Could work out a lot less expensive. Biut if you want is stock then you have to repair or replace the cables. Good luck.

Tony.

 

[Rickypoos]

Thanks again Tony. I like the idea of staying with the original - partly because I am not really into mobile phones, Bluetooth etc!! When I purchased the car a few months ago, the seller gave me a cassette with a jack-plug and cable coming out of it and told me that I could play music using that. Playing music from an external source through a cassette tape sounds rather primitive to me - would you do that? If not a little more info on how I could play music using a mobile phone and a Bluetooth connection would be appreciated. My Z3 has the standard BMW Business RDS radio/cassette player.

 

[t-tony]

My Z3 had the same kit from new, and yes, I did use a cassette adaptor like yours (I still have it somewhere). I replaced the original head unit with a Sony item which had an Aux. in socket. Using that along with one of these,

2in1 Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter Receiver 3.5mm aptX Audio Adapter AUX | eBay

[Authentic Audio Quality] With advanced CSR chip, Bluetooth receiver and transmitter supports aptX to catch audio details in both transmitter and receiver modes, providing near-lossless music. Bluetooth aux adapter turn the non-Bluetooth device into wireless Bluetooth function.

www.ebay.co.uk

which you "pair" with your phone. You can play what ever would be coming from your phones headphone socket through your car stereo speakers. I usually stream Country Music radio stations from the USA through mine as I like Country music (as long as you don't mind the time difference, it work for me).

Tony.

ps. Guessing your Sheffield based?, a run over to my place might help explain it better and show you how it works.

 

[Rickypoos]

Probably would help but I live in Normandy! Thanks again for introducing me to the Sony Bluetooth option. Will consider seriously if I come up against too many problems trying to get the 6CD changer up and running.

 

[Duncodin]

That's really strange. That round multicore cable looks like it's been cut as is somebody took the cd changer and just cut it out.

I haven't used my changer for many years. As well as blue tooth my current head plays MP3 and I've got a cd in there with dozens of my albums on it.

 

[Rickypoos]

I am afraid you are right Ian so thats now my problem - how to get a replacement connector fitted onto that bare end or alternatively how to splice another cable (with a connector fitted) onto this cable.

 

[Duncodin]

I am afraid you are right Ian so thats now my problem - how to get a replacement connector fitted onto that bare end or alternatively how to splice another cable (with a connector fitted) onto this cable.

I wouldn't bother. Get a modern head unit that plays mp3 and BT

 

[Rickypoos]

What would I have to pay for a good one second hand on ebay do you think? I will check myself later of course if I know exactly what to search for.

 

[t-tony]

A few on eBay. Here's one.

Genuine BMW Z3 6 CD Changer With Magazine And Bracket | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Genuine BMW Z3 6 CD Changer With Magazine And Bracket at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

Tony.

 

[Rickypoos]

Hi Tony Have already purchased a used 6CD changer which is en route. Was querying a suitable modern head unit for mp3 and BT as recommended by IanS in case I have probs installing the 6CD changer.

 

[Duncodin]

A few on eBay. Here's one.

Genuine BMW Z3 6 CD Changer With Magazine And Bracket | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Genuine BMW Z3 6 CD Changer With Magazine And Bracket at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

Tony.

Tony. I think he's got a changer. His problem is that some previous owner has chopped his wiring. He's looking for the round multi-core connector.

 

[t-tony]

Hi Tony Have already purchased a used 6CD changer which is en route. Was querying a suitable modern head unit for mp3 and BT as recommended by IanS in case I have probs installing the 6CD changer.

Sorry my mistake. I would ask the question on the open forum ie. Suggestions for replacement head unit with Aux. in port.

Tony.

 

[Rickypoos]

Thanks guys. Still hoping for others to comment on getting a connector or splicing the cable!

 

[t-tony]

If you can find out whether the cabling you need is part of the main loom or is fitted as an addition to it at build maybe then you can find out if it is/was ever available as a spare part. Have you tried contacting BMW directly?

Tony.

 

[Rickypoos]

I use Hubauer in Germany for BMW parts and they have on their website a kit for retro-fitting a 6CD changer in the boot of a pre-facelift Z3. It includes a long connection cable between the radio unit and the changer in the boot which is probably my Plan B if I cant get a connector fitted to my existing cable or splice cables together. Its around €60 but the problem is the hassle for me of getting it connected behind the radio without causing any console damage etc and pulled through the car under carpets etc to the boot.