This page details the installation of an iPod adaptor, alternative CD multi changer supporting MP3 CDs and the Intravee protocol adaptor into a BMW M3 Convertible (E46).
The following components are installed :
The host vehicle is fitted with Sat Nav Professional and Harmon Kardon Audio, hence all the required components reside in the boot. The left hand side of the boot trim must be removed in order to gain access to the existing CD changer and the required wiring.
The trim may be removed by the removal of two retaining plastic clips, the interior light and the black plastic storage tray (also held by two plastic clips). Only a simple trim removal tool is required to safely remove these items. Further details on trim removal may be found on the links below.
Upon removal of the left hand trim panel the CD changer, radio unit and Sat Nav unit are exposed. Unfortunately in order to remove the CD changer, the radio unit and Sat Nav Unit must also be removed in order to gain access to all the mounting screws for the CD Changer as can be seen in the pictures below.
Once the Sat Nav and radio modules have been removed the CD changer mounting bracket may be unscrewed completely and removed. There are two cables, an audio and an iBus cable connected to the existing CD changer unit. Disconnect these however the Sat Nav module and the radio may be left connected.
Once the CD changer has been removed, unscrew it from its cage and replace it with the new Alpine version. The fixing screws and locations remain the same.
At this point all the wiring for the new units may be connected. This is largely self explanatory. The connections from the existing BMW CD changer (iBus and audio) are connected to the Intravee Protocol Adaptor. The protocol adaptor is then connected by an Alpine AiNet cable to the connector marked Head Unit on the source selector module (KCA-410c). The New CD change and the iPod adaptor are then connected to the source selector also using AiNet cables into the CD changer 1 and CD changer 2 sockets. It is advisable to make all these connections without refitting any of the components to ensure the system is working as intended.
At this point the Intravee may also be connected to a laptop in order to update it to the latest version of firmware and also correctly set the UI mode using the download tool. (See the Intravee website for detailed instructions on how to do this).
If everything is working as required the components may be refitted. Start by installing the CD changer back into its original location, followed by the radio unit and the lastly the Sat Nav module.
The additional components must now be installed. However space is quite limited and the location of the Intravee unit is constrained by the length of the BMW wiring loom. Fortunately it is possible to locate the Intravee unit underneath the Sat Nav module. It fits rather neatly into the hangers on the Sat Nav mounting and may be secured with a cable tie or other means to ensure it does not move. As it may be necessary to update firmware on the Intravee unit subsequently it is highly recommended to leave the serial cable connected to the unit and route it to an accessible location. This will ensure that future updates can be applied without having to remove the boot trim.
The large length of additional wiring for the CD changer may be tucked in to the left hand side of the changer. There doesn't appear to be any space to locate the source selector and iPod adaptor modules behind the trim so I decided to mount them at the rear of the boot, on the trim panel. The cables are run alongside existing wiring looms and under the lower trim panel at the back of the boot. The Alpine units themselves are mounted using the "hook" part of self adhesive Velcro.
The iPod cable and Intravee serial cable were both routed to the plastic tray alongside the CD changer. Once these has been done the remainder of the boot trim can be reinstalled.
Useful Links
Intravention Website