Thanks,
I'll check it out.

I'm going to be installing my TP this weekend. When Bavarian Autosport dropped the price to $799, including their plug-n-play harness, well, I couldn't say no any longer. I also acquired the TP Aux Input harness to connect my iPod. After reading everyone else's problems with CD Changers, I figured I'd just forget it all together and Ebay both my OEM head unit and changer.

So, my question is- what's the best way to hook up the reverse signal? Is it easy to run a wire down to the backup switch on the transmission? Or is it easier to tap into the backup light wiring itself somewhere? I've got a '97 2.8 Z3.

Any help would be appreciated!

Q

The more I look into this changer the more of a joke it becomes. I will be selling mine if anyone is interested.
You really don't have to hook up the reverse line.
The instructions that come with the BMW units have you hook it up in the drivers (LHD) side footwell area.

Well, the install of my TP went swimmingly. The installation of this thing in a Z3 is simply brilliant- it's almost as if they designed it for the car. If you have any doubts, note that the "generic car diagram" in the installation manual is a Z3, and the cable on the GPS antenna is precisely the right length to be mounted in the recommended location. There's even a little detent in the dash right there that holds it perfectly.

I had intended to hook up the reverse wire, in the interest of Doing Things Right. However, a lot of smart people recommended not bothering, and when I looked at the prospect of dismantling the driver's footwell to get to it, I opted not to. I loathe dismantling interior trim, and I've ripped apart the footwell area more than enough. I figured I can always hook it up later if I need to.

I bought mine at the new mega-discount price from Bavarian Autosport, which includes their hook-up harness. The harness was perfect, and the installation took less than an hour. I wouldn't have attempted the install myself without it.

Anyhoo, everything people have written about this thing is true. The red display looks pink in sunlight (though still perfectly readable), and you can't read it with polarized sunglasses, but it's no big deal. The design of this unit is terrific. I think no Z3 should be without this thing.

I also installed the AUX Input harness, to which I intend to hardwire an iPod dock (as soon as they start shipping the new Minis).

Thanks for everyone's help! The TP has got to the best bang-for-buck upgrade I've ever done.

Q

Does the harness they supply look like the one in the pic or is it already wired?

Nope, it's all wired up for you. Literally plug'n'play. Couldn't have been easier.

Q

Would you happen to have a pic of it? I'm wondering if they are using the BMW one minus the changer part. See pic.

Did it look like this?

I noticed that Crutchfield offers a harness with purchase of the Traffic Pro as well:

"FREE mounting kit, wiring harness, and antenna adapter — Save $10 to $70!
When you buy an in-dash receiver, we'll send you a FREE mounting kit, wiring harness, and antenna adapter made specifically for your vehicle.* You'll save time and money on the installation, and the new receiver will look great in your dash!..."

I wonder if its the same plug and play type harness that Blondie received?

__________________

This is what came with the three Crutchfield kits I've seen.

It does look like that, though without the changer part, and without the black wrapping. I neglected to take a picture of it, and it's now buried inside my dash for the forseable future. Honestly, though, it looks like something they had made up for them. It has no markings on it of any kind. No part numbers or barcodes or anything. Could have been made in someone's garage. It was well constructed though, and fit perfectly.

EDIT: Upon closer inspection of the photo, I think it may well be the same harness. The reverse wire looked exactly like that, right down to the way it was wound.

Q

No, it was a pocket-book sized H/K branded book. However, the GPS antenna section included a diagram of a car interior showing the recommended location. Uncanny resemblence to a certain bimmer we all know and love.

Q

Probably looks more like this one.

Yes, very similar, although the reverse wire was blue, and terminated in a bare wire. Also, there was no black tape.

Q

Thats no good. This is what they stated:
"Looks like we do have the wire harness and the antenna adaptor*available, so you will not have to cut any of the factory wiring."

__________________

Maybe they are now doing what Bavarian is, harness wise.

Not likely. What they said is a true statement. You do not have to cut any factory wiring. You do, however, have to wire up those two connectors in Ron's photos to each other. That's what Crutchfield always gives you.

Crutchfield has hundreds of products to fit hundreds of vehicles. They couldn't possibly provide nice clean adapter harnesses for them all. That doesn't stop them from leading you to believe otherwise, however.

Q

Say, Ron, I have a question. I read in another TP related thread that you test-fitted the faceplate from a Euro TP, and found that it works.

Do you have any idea how someone would acquire the faceplate part? The euro amber one with matching illumination would be worth a great deal of effort to acquire. I scoured the Becker website, but contact info is hard to come by. I found an email address for their service department, so I sent them a note asking about it.

Q

I have the BMW faceplate in my coupe which comes up with BMW on start up. This plate comes up with something else when installed on the HK one.
Some people have purchased the faceplate from the sales number 516-921-8776.
They paid $300 > $350 for it.
If you get the part number from them you can order it from Burl (parts guy) at 888-423-3537 ext. 1209. I tried ordering one from him without the number and without success.
I'll be calling them next week to see. Also want to see if I can trade in the changer for one that remembers where it is.

BMW amber controller (part that comes off) 1418.564 $371.60 retail
BMW amber fixed front (on button etc.) 1418.556 $71.60 retail

HK removable piece comes up Traffic Pro in both cars.
BMW removable piece comes up BMW in the coupe and BECKER in the ti.
I assume that the one mentioned above will come up BECKER too.

The 7860 changer I have doesn't remember where it is CD wise and comes up at CD1 with start everytime. I'm told that this unit does remember on some cars. They offer a refurbished CDC3 changer that works well in all cars.

Looks like we may have new software available this Spring.

That's great info- thanks, Ron! Are those BMW part numbers? Can I just go to my favorite parts counter and order them?

I'm currently in touch with Continental Imports (US-based Becker repair specialists), and they are looking into ordering me the faceplate from a factory euro Z3 TP as a spare. They expect to be able to bring it in for around $200.

Q

They are Becker numbers. Let me know how you make out with the faceplate and if it comes up BMW on start up.

I initially ordered the Becker 7860 changer from Becker which was supposed to be a deal. Changer with extra magazine was $424.50 delivered.
Since then, I found out that this same changer is available from www.swstereo.com for $340 delivered.
This changer doesn't work in my Z3. I know of two other Z3's and one M3 that it doesn't either. It doesn't remember where it is. So every time you start the car it goes back to CD1 track 1.
With some talk, Becker agreed to replace my 7860 with a refurbished CDC3 changer that does remember where it was. This changer uses the same cable so you don't have to tear your car apart again. Today, I received the changer with magazine. Extra magazine is $61.
No manual, hardware etc. It works. This changer from Becker with cable and magazine is $300.77 plus shipping. Have no idea what else it comes with. This same unit is also available from swstereo for $315 delivered.
So basically, I'm out over $100 to end up with a refurbished changer that works. Their excuse is that the 7860 works in some cars. It doesn't work in any BMW's that I know of.

Changer mounted in my '97 318ti using a modified BMW bracket.

The changer magazine is $61.00 plus shipping from Becker.
It also has Porsche written on it.
Turns out it is a Sony XA-T6. Just ordered a couple from stereoadvantage.com.
1-800-835-7290. $29.90 each plus $8.90 shipping and handling. $7.90 for one.