BMW MP3 Changer Installation Instructions

BMW is now offering the factory installed option of an Original BMW CD changer that will play MP3s, and WMA files on CD-Rs and CD-RWs, although they are not available for sale from US Dealers yet.  We have imported a handful of these changers for sale in the US, and are offering them for sale at a reasonable price 

These CD Changers are available in different configurations for the following cars. 

BMW 3 series E46, 5 series E39, X5, X3. Z8, Z4 shown below.  BUY the latest BMW OEM CD Changer here

BMW 5 series E60   BUY the latest BMW OEM CD Changer here

BMW 1 series E87, 3 Series E90 BUY the latest BMW OEM CD Changer here

Detailed documentation from BMW on MP3 Audio support

We also have changers for the E65 7 series, (although they do not support MP3 to my knowledge) BUY the latest BMW OEM CD Changer here

BELOW ARE DETAILS ON THE BMW CD CHANGER THAT PLAYS MP3s in the 3 Series E46, 5 Series E39, X5, X3, Z4, Z8, and 7 Series E38 (although not located in factory CD changer location in E38).  Don't waste your time with other CD changers that may or may not work.

As of Feb 2006, is now offering the factory installed option of an Original BMW CD changer that will play MP3s, and WMA files on CD-Rs and CD-RWs.  This CD Changer is designed to work with cars with and without navigation.  The below documentation will feature navigation information, although the basic functionality and installation is the same.  This changer supports the feature of showing ID3 text from the MP3 audio files on your navigation screen or radio display.  If you have a 3 series E46, 5 series E39, X5, X3. Z8, Z4 this CD changer is plug and play.  We are not quite sure what manufacture dates of each BMW supports the display of ID3 audiotext (see below), but know for sure the 2006 model years all do!  In all years listed below your BMW will be able to play MP3s perfectly, and if desired, you can update your radio to support the viewing of MP3 ID3 audiotext.

The CD changer will PLAY MP3s, and WMA files in ALL years of the 3 series E46, 5 series E39, X5, X3. Z8, Z4 AND E38 7 series from 99-01 (Note: E38 7 series does not fit in the proper CD location as the shape is different.  The below pictures are installed in my 2001 7 series E38 with new Gen radio retrofit)  The installation is simple and quick, and the changer is the exact same size and uses the same mounting brackets (excluding the E38 which has a larger changer).  In order to VIEW the MP3 audiotext the radio must be a newer version BMW radio.  I do not know all of the radio part numbers that are supported, but the following part numbers of the radios have been reported to fully support MP3 audiotext (please let us know if your radio supports Audiotext so that we can update this info):

E39, E46, E53 (X5) With Navigation

65 12 6 976 961 - BM53 navigation radio  8/05 - newer

65 12 6 976 962 - BM53 navigation radio   8/05 - newer RMFD

65 12 6 972 665 - BM53 navigation radio  3/05 - 07/05 production

65 12 6 964 398 - BM53 navigation radio 1/05 - 03/05 production RMFD

65 12 6 964 399 - BM53 navigation radio 1/05 - 03/05 production

E46, X5 Without Navigation

65 12 6 961 215 - Business CD 10/05 newer E46

65 12 6 943 430 - Business CD 10/04  - 10/05 E46

part number unknown 08/05 and newer X5 Business CD

The below information details HOW to get your BMW that was made prior to dates above to show MP3 ID3 Audiotext (Band, Song Title, Album) and support for track and directory sorting using this new CD Changer.  In addition to MP3 audiotext, when you upgrade the radio to the new generation radio you also get the added support for BMW Sirius Satellite radio receiver, and Auxiliary input.

BUY the latest 3 series E46, 5 series E39, X5, X3. Z8, Z4 BMW OEM CD Changer here

Installation Example in X5, and E39 M5, and displaying MP3 Audiotext in earlier BMWs

Installation is simple in the X5.  Simply remove the 4 10mm nuts around the CD changer (if present) and the 4 screws on the side of the bracket once removed.  Disconnect the 3 pin and the 6 pin connector and replace on the new changer.

In BMWs built before dates listed above MP3s and WMA are played perfectly by the CD changer but the ID3 audiotext is not displayed on the original factory radio.  If you want to display MP3 Audiotext, you can upgrade the radio as detailed below.

IF your BMW had the radio replaced under warranty since 09/05 and they replaced with the new radio (if they replaced with the part number detailed below), it will display Audiotext .  Below is a copy of the BMW TSB that the indicates an issue with the early new generation navigation radio.

Service Measure B65-209-04

"Subject: E39, E46, E53 with BM53 Radio Navigation system, and DSP or Harman/Kardon Amplifier: Radio is switching from Stereo to Mono"

"Complaint: In FM mode only the radio sound is switching from Stereo to Mono, fading in and out.

"Cause: Software error in the BM53 Radio".

"Measure: On a customer complaint basis only, replace the BM53 radio. Install a BM53 radio with the new software"

IF your radio was not replaced under warranty since 08/05 You can replace the radio yourself.  Below details the radio replacement in the BMW M5.

Replacing the radio provides support for the following audio features:

Support of the new style CD changer with Audiotext

Support of BMW Sirius Satellite radio Receiver

Support of Auxiliary input

Parts Required:

New Radio BMW P/N 65 12 6 976 961 Buy Here

New CD Changer  From Bimmernav.com buy here

IF your BMW is equipped with DSP Audio system AND you have the single wire audio connection from CD Changer to DSP amp

E39 P/N 61.12.0.140.718 (620mm) 6 wire CD Input cable  ($13.12) E39

X5 P/N 61.12.0.140.716 (3000mm) 6 wire CD Input cable  ($13.12) X5

Only IF your car was built BEFORE 09/01 you need the following additional parts

P/N 61.12.6.913.957 Old to New style radio wiring harness  ($33.20) BMW dealer

P/N 61.12.6.913.955 Old to New style radio antenna harness ($12.20) BMW dealer

P/N 61.12.6.924.785 Old to New style audio input adapter  ($15.00) ( more pics 1, 2 ) BMW dealer

First and only step - If Built after 09/01 - ONLY required to display audiotext CD changer will play MP3s without updating Radio

Locate the BMW radio in the trunk area, and locate the radio on the back left side just behind the CD changer in the photo below.  Remove the one 10 mm nut, to remove and replace the radio!  Then remove and replace the CD Changer.  If equipped with DSP audio system, use the 6 wire CD input cable to connect to the trunk radio.  This step is required for MP3 audiotext AND Sirius Satellite radio support as BMW no longer uses the SPDIF audio input cable (single wire to DSP) for DSP in the new generation radios.

If Built Before 09/01 - ONLY required to display audiotext CD changer will play MP3s without updating Radio

In order to change your radio from the Round pin to the new generation Flat pin  (MOST connector) you will need to get the parts listed above for adapting your radio

The installation is very simple and quick.  Using the BMW adapter harness, connect the round pin adapter in the car harness to the Round to square pin adapter

Connect the Antenna adapter from the car harness to the new style radio using the adapter.  Connect the audio input adapter from the car harness to the radio.

IF your BMW was equipped with DSP audio system, you will also need to change the audio input connection from the single wire direct from CD changer to DSP amp to the new audio connector.  This is the same change that is required to support BMW Sirius satellite radio.

Using part number P/N 61.12.0.140.716, connect from the CD changer to the new Radio. - (sorry no image yet)

Search options


Enable/disable Audiotext


MP3 Folder 1 / Track 1 / CD 1


CD Text is not on the Cluster but only on the nav display

Below are pictures of this radio using a new BM54 radio in Europe

Information on displaying BMW formatted ID3 audiotext

MP3 Audiotext

In order to properly display ID3 Audiotext, you will need to make sure your MP3s are formatted with ID3v1 ID3v2.  I have had good luck with Tagscan, set to process ID3v2.  This tool Tags the MP3s with ID3 Audiotext in ID3v1.1 and ID3v2.3.  My images above are all using this format and the ID3 audiotext is shown fine.  With this freeware tool you can manage entire directories and sub directories ID3 tags. For info on Tagscan  visit their website http://www.xdlab.ru/en/index.htm

You can get MP3s from anywhere, but I have found it easiest to just purchase them one by one legally from places like Burnlounge.  This DJ has the best stuff including some hard to find music.

IPOD I Tunes

Although I have not tried it, I understand that you can get Itunes files to show the ID3 if configured correctly. I have yet to try it as I do not have any Itunes files.  Set your import preference to MP3 at 192kbps and your burn settings to "MP3 CD."   In order to see the ID3 audiotext properly you have to make sure that you select "Convert ID3 Tags" under the "Advanced" menu and change to version 1.x. The BMW system only recognizes ID3 version 1 tags. I think the Itunes default is version 2.x

http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/Idocs/Itunes/convertMP3.html