Opinions Needed on 01 330ci

I don't have a CD changer that I know of. It's just a single CD player.

Correct, but all e46's came pre-wired for options like bluetooth, nav, changer, etc. Mine didn't have it either, but there was a harness inside the trunk wall that I had to plug into. Yours sounds like the other, more complex set up that BMW offered. Mine was literally just an AUX port. Does it have a "mode" button on yours? See if that scrolls to a changer or AUX option.

I'm guessing that this is your set up: http://www.bavauto.com/Assets/inst_pages/ins329.pdf

If it is, it's okay. It was good for the time. There are far better options you can buy now that are pretty cheap (sub $200) that will offer more controls, more fluid functionality, etc. I think there was one called DICE silverline or something that everyone had. Maybe try Googling that. Any competent stereo shop could install it if you weren't comfortable doing it.

But is there a button on your head unit for CD changer? If so that's what you press. You don't need the CD changer itself.

bravenrace wrote: I don't have a CD changer that I know of. It's just a single CD player.

You need to read my posts better...I'll try to be more clear this time.

ALL BMWs 1996-up have an expandable factory radio that is pre-wired for a CD changer, iPod interface, Bluetooth, navigation, etc.

Regardless of what is ACTUALLY installed, the radio itself will see the installed component as a CD changer, because of the way it is programmed.

Even if you have an iPod interface installed, it is still controlled through your stereo's CD changer controls.

I am at work right now so I can't go out to my car and make you a video, but you should be able to use your radio's "MODE" button to change to what the stereo thinks is a CD changer; you may also just be able to go to CD mode and hit one of the preset/disc select buttons (can't remember). From here the different "discs" are playlists on your iPod.

If you still can't understand I will make a video and post it to YouTube after work.

BTW the DICE Silverline integration totally sucks, it's a glitchy pile, everyone on E46Fanatics hates it. The Parrot kit is the one you want if you are gonna get a new one.

Oh, and here is a video that should clear everything up...full demonstration of the USA Spec interface that my car has.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d36YSPtElrU

dculberson wrote: But is there a button on your head unit for CD changer? If so that's what you press. You don't need the CD changer itself.

No, there isn't. Just CD/AM/FM.

What about a MODE botton?

In reply to redhookfern:

No mode button.

Then hit "CD" and try buttons 1-6 with the iPod plugged in and playing a song.

You could also just follow the iPod plug back to the control module, find out what brand it is and look at the owner's manual online.

One thing I definitely know is that it can't be just a charger. There would be no point to radio integration behind the dash if it was.

In reply to SlickDizzy:

Okay, I'll do that tonight when I get home and report back. Thanks for the help!

Getting back to the creaking, is there anything I can do to tops of the windows (wax, rain-x, etc...) that might help? The window channels in the roof are kind of a felt like surface. Anyone know what silicon will do to them? Any other ideas?

Depends. Does it still creak when the windows are partially cracked? If it's still creaking when open, it's probably within the top's mechanical pieces or it could be where the top's rubber seal meets the body. If that's the case, some folks had luck smearing a very small amount of vaseline or similar on that rubber. I've also heard of the some of the top's mechanical connecting points being the culprit. Do not lube any felt. Just clean it. The only things that should be lubed is actual rubber, or the mechanical parts. BMW used to sell something. It had a funny name. Gummy something or other. No idea if they sell it or if you could find something similar.

In reply to redhookfern:

It creaks when the windows are closed and not when they are open, so I suspect it's the connection of the window-top interface that is the problem.

In reply to bravenrace:

I spent a fair amount of time this past weekend cleaning and conditioning every surface of the top that comes in contact with any part of the car or other part of the top. I'm happy to say that the creaks are virtually gone.

bravenrace wrote: In reply to SlickDizzy: Okay, I'll do that tonight when I get home and report back. Thanks for the help!

Oh, and my iPad DOES work in my car. I'm loving this car more and more every day.

Nice, good to hear! I miss my '01 Ci all the time, swear I'll get another some day. Glad you worked out all the things that were bothering you.