Installing a later production E46 business radio is a cheap and easy upgrade. You can now buy the very late model business radios for around $40 on eBay.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...ature=emb_logo
One note. I had the used a razor knife to shave the plastic off of the end of the AUX cable plug that plugs into the radio. the angle of the accessories plug necessitate this. There simply wasn't enough room for the AUX plug.
First go by serial # NOT production date. Serial #'s here:
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...-MP3-Data-CDs!
You can also add the following:
(Alpine, Model CD53, Part Number 65. 12-6 961 214 (OCT 2005) iPod Data, Aux, Sirius and MP3 Capable)
Tools:
- Trim removal tool
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver
Parts:
- Upgraded business radio
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...radio&_sacat=0
- Fakra Female to ISO Female Antenna Adapter Cable
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- 3.5mm AUX Female Input Audio Adapter Cable for BMW E46 Business CD Radio (This is not the one I bought, mone is now unavailable)
https://www.amazon.com/Sygile-1998-2...4802535&sr=8-2
OPTIONAL:
- Panel Flush Mount Extension Cable,Car 3.5 mm USB 3.0 AUX Jack
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- Hard Wired USB Charger
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...ature=emb_logo
One note. I had the used a razor knife to shave the plastic off of the end of the AUX cable plug that plugs into the radio. the angle of the accessories plug necessitate this. There simply wasn't enough room for the AUX plug.
First go by serial # NOT production date. Serial #'s here:
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...-MP3-Data-CDs!
You can also add the following:
(Alpine, Model CD53, Part Number 65. 12-6 961 214 (OCT 2005) iPod Data, Aux, Sirius and MP3 Capable)
Tools:
- Trim removal tool
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver
Parts:
- Upgraded business radio
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...radio&_sacat=0
- Fakra Female to ISO Female Antenna Adapter Cable
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- 3.5mm AUX Female Input Audio Adapter Cable for BMW E46 Business CD Radio (This is not the one I bought, mone is now unavailable)
https://www.amazon.com/Sygile-1998-2...4802535&sr=8-2
OPTIONAL:
- Panel Flush Mount Extension Cable,Car 3.5 mm USB 3.0 AUX Jack
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- Hard Wired USB Charger
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1