Wanted BMW CD43

[Mus Musculus]

I got my car with a Pioneer radio already installed, then I bought a different Pioneer model with Apple CarPlay, etc.

But, I am now thinking that an original radio with a separate Bluetooth adapter will be more to my liking. If anyone has a CD43 with code for sale at a reasonable price, please DM me.

 

[Zephyr]

are you sure you are not my lost brother? (We seem to walk in parallel paths).
if you cant find one, I can get one and send you (cheap here) but import taxes and postage would be pretty high ihmo.

 

[Mus Musculus]

Well, as long as the radio costs less than £135, I would just need to pay VAT @20% plus postage. How cheap is cheap? The cheapest I've seen around here was £270 (with code). Even the MG/Land Rover ones (no BMW logo, but same unit) are around £200.

 

[AntStark]

Shame.. I just sold one....less than £200 too. I do have an original Tape deck one that works with the CD Interchanger. made by Phillips I think

 

[Mus Musculus]

Thanks @AntStark, but I have gone into overdrive with the keep standard mantra...

According to VIN decoder my car had option S658 Radio BMW Business CD RDS when sold, so I would like to have the same installed. But, if I can't find anything else at reasonable prices I will get back to you.

 

[Daz7401]

I don’t think the tape deck works with the Bluetooth adapter that replaces the CD changer. It’s one of the reasons I changed mine. I read that the CD changers aren’t compatible between the two versions because they use different Canbus protocols. The Canbus is definitely involved somewhere because you need to unplug the CD changer cable at both ends (according to supplied instructions) to get the headunit to recognise the Bluetooth adapter. I tried without disconnecting in the boot and it didn’t recognise the Bluetooth so the instructions are correct.

 

[Zephyr]

Well, as long as the radio costs less than £135, I would just need to pay VAT @20% plus postage. How cheap is cheap? The cheapest I've seen around here was £270 (with code). Even the MG/Land Rover ones (no BMW logo, but same unit) are around £200.

https://www.car.gr/parts/?ca=262&ca=1603&ca=1703&ca=77&makes=Bmw&sp=0

Here. Knock yourself out.

Edit- very few match your case. Just checked. Better find something locally.

 

[Mus Musculus]

https://www.car.gr/parts/?ca=262&ca=1603&ca=1703&ca=77&makes=Bmw&sp=0

Here. Knock yourself out.

Edit- very few match your case. Just checked. Better find something locally.

Yea, I was going to say that, although my knowledge of the Greek language is not great (read: non-existent), I didn't think any radios on that list matched.

But, thanks anyway.

 

[Jam03]

There’s always the person on FB. Not cheap, but seems to do some clever things with the original head units.

 

[Mus Musculus]

Thanks @Jam03, but as someone who works in IT, I will not touch Facebook with a ten foot pole. Do you have any non-FB links for this guy?

 

[Jam03]

Thanks @Jam03, but as someone who works in IT, I will not touch Facebook with a ten foot pole. Do you have any non-FB links for this guy?

Possibly no better: BMW radios on Instagram

 

[Mus Musculus]

Possibly no better: BMW radios on Instagram

 

[Kenhayes247]

If you go down the landrover/MG route check with the seller what the display colour is first. Some of the aforementioned maybe yellow etc.

 

[Ianmc]

I bought a MG radio/CD some years ago, as below for our BMW E36. Placed the BMW roundel over the MG marking (next to the on/ off/volume button). Is this a CD43? Grateful to a steer as to how Bluetooth can be added to this, if at all!

 

[Mus Musculus]

@Ianmc Have a look at this post: Simple Bluetooth and Handsfree Phone Solution

 

[Zephyr]

Bluetooth Music Hands free MP3 adapter Fits BMW E46 Z3 Business radio | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Bluetooth Music Hands free MP3 adapter Fits BMW E46 Z3 Business radio at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Bought this exact plug and play device and am superduper happy ever since. Usb/bt/phone all in one. And yes it is a cd43
@Ianmc

 

[AntStark]

I bought a MG radio/CD some years ago, as below for our BMW E36. Placed the BMW roundel over the MG marking (next to the on/ off/volume button). Is this a CD43? Grateful to a steer as to how Bluetooth can be added to this, if at all!
View attachment 251371

Oh life before touch screens …how many buttons!

 

[Ianmc]

Oh life before touch screens …how many buttons!

I really like the OEM buttons; think i'm stuck in the 1990's with cars, when I bought my first E36 and Z3!

 

[Mus Musculus]

If you go down the landrover/MG route check with the seller what the display colour is first. Some of the aforementioned maybe yellow etc.

Thanks for the heads up. I found fully working, with code, MG CD43 on eBay for a reasonable price. Unfortunately the illumination is yellow, which would certainly trigger my OCD.

 

[Mus Musculus]

So, I've found an MG CD43 on eBay for a price I could stomach (£150). The only other BMW OEM ones I could find were going for £130 to £300 pounds more, and even though I would like to keep all very standard, I think the saving is worth it!

Anyway, the differences between the BMW and MG radios are:

But, I have a cunning plan!

I've found a chap in the US selling "BMW Business CD" transfer decals for £18 shipped, and what I will do is:

1. Remove the MG and Compact Disk logos using either rubbing alcohol, WD40, or acetone free nail polish remover (daughter's got that)
2. Apply the transfer decal to were the MG logo was
3. Profit…?

Joking about number three. I don't care for the different typography, but I wan't the radio to look as close as possible to the OEM one. It's just ridiculous that the BMW badged one goes for such a higher price when the units are basically the same.