[juuni]

I have NAV so a CD drive and a DVD drive. I know one can stick in a DVD full of MP3s in the NAV DVD drive, but yeah that obviously means losing NAV.

I don't know what kind of OS the onboard computer is using and which interface is being used on the CD drive, but I'm guessing the interface must be pretty standard IDE as it would sound stupid to develop a proprietary interface but he, who knows...

So, I'm guessing that with just a little bit of luck, replacing the top CD drive with a DVD drive might 'just work'? The question would be to know if there's something pretty standard that could be used to replace it, or maybe if an OEM DVD drive could just be replacing the CD drive to get this working?

I didn't find any post digging into this possibility, if I missed it, I'd appreciate a link...

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by juuni

Can the top CD drive be replaced with a DVD drive?...

No.

If you want more music, get the iPod interface.

[juuni]

Originally Posted by JSpira

No.

no... because... ?

just trying to understand what the problem is if that's been tried out w/o success...

[juuni]

nevermind, i think i found my answer here: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=182581

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by juuni

nevermind, i think i found my answer here: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=182581

That thread is applicable to someone who does not have a CCC, which you I believe do have.

Re the answer, every device on the MOST bus is coded for a function. You would have to be able to code the CD player to be a DVD player and that doesn't exist so you couldn't code it even if you could find a DVD player that fit.

[bmviz]

Originally Posted by juuni

I have NAV so a CD drive and a DVD drive. I know one can stick in a DVD full of MP3s in the NAV DVD drive, but yeah that obviously means losing NAV.

I don't know what kind of OS the onboard computer is using and which interface is being used on the CD drive, but I'm guessing the interface must be pretty standard IDE as it would sound stupid to develop a proprietary interface but he, who knows...

So, I'm guessing that with just a little bit of luck, replacing the top CD drive with a DVD drive might 'just work'? The question would be to know if there's something pretty standard that could be used to replace it, or maybe if an OEM DVD drive could just be replacing the CD drive to get this working?

I didn't find any post digging into this possibility, if I missed it, I'd appreciate a link...

To clarify this subject, CD drive is part of the radio head unit that connected to the MOST bus and identified as such. It is not connected directly to a computer with open standard as IDE.

The main question is what you trying to accomplish? If you trying to add mass storage device you have two options:
1. Invest in currently available BMW Ipod interface plus cost of Ipod.
2. Wait a little ( 3-9 m) for a aftermarket USB adaptor that will allow you to connect any portable USB drive.

I will wait for option #2 :rocks:

[JSpira]

To clarify some misclarifications

Originally Posted by bmviz

To clarify this subject, CD drive is part of the radio head unit that connected to the MOST bus and identified as such.

There is no head unit in NA 3ers. You either have a MID or the Onbord Monitor. The CD driver is built into the CCC (Car Communication Computer).

Originally Posted by bmviz

It is not connected directly to a computer with open standard as IDE.

Sure it is, MOST.

Originally Posted by bmviz

2. Wait a little ( 3-9 m) for a aftermarket USB adaptor that will allow you to connect any portable USB drive.

I don´t see this happening (it hasn´t happened in the 4 years that MOST has been around in vehicles). Primary reason: a BMW dealer would have to code the device and I don´t foresee a BMW dealer coding a non BMW device (esp. since there prob. isn´t even a code to code it for). The only ,,out`` is if a device that emulates a CD changer is developed but if you don´t have a CD changer already, your car will require coding and you are back to square one.

[bmviz]

thanks for your correction Jspira, I'm maybe confused but I hope you can help us with your knowledge

In reference to non Idrive systems, the CD drive build in the "Radio" (I'm not sure what exactly it called in BMW world) and not connected directly to the MOST bus via fiber.

Additionally, the problem is not the "MOST" as much as the way that BMW implemented it in close system type. That mean that the "master" computer that controls the MOST bus have to be programed to all of the active devices on the bus to let them communicate on the MOST bus. That is the main issue that if you adding a new device (like alarm or Ipod interface for example) you have to go to the dealer to "reprogram" the car.
Most of other cars manufactures using "open" protocol that have the capability to discover new devices (kind of plug-and-play) connected to MOST bus. Examples are VW, Audi, Saab, Citroen, Reno, etc...
I know that USB interface is available for some of those car already and I think that you are correct in the assumption that they are probably emulating CD changers and probably connected directly to the head unit and not to the Most bus (because of the issues that you mention earlier).

Sorry for long post, but I know that you have very technical posts and it looks that you have experience and access to BMW technical documentation.

Please advice if I got this wrong again

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by bmviz

thanks for your correction Jspira, I'm maybe confused but I hope you can help us with your knowledge

In reference to non Idrive systems, the CD drive build in the "Radio" (I'm not sure what exactly it called in BMW world) and not connected directly to the MOST bus via fiber.

Additionally, the problem is not the "MOST" as much as the way that BMW implemented it in close system type. That mean that the "master" computer that controls the MOST bus have to be programed to all of the active devices on the bus to let them communicate on the MOST bus. That is the main issue that if you adding a new device (like alarm or Ipod interface for example) you have to go to the dealer to "reprogram" the car.
Most of other cars manufactures using "open" protocol that have the capability to discover new devices (kind of plug-and-play) connected to MOST bus. Examples are VW, Audi, Saab, Citroen, Reno, etc...
I know that USB interface is available for some of those car already and I think that you are correct in the assumption that they are probably emulating CD changers and probably connected directly to the head unit and not to the Most bus (because of the issues that you mention earlier).

Sorry for long post, but I know that you have very technical posts and it looks that you have experience and access to BMW technical documentation.

Please advice if I got this wrong again

This is a tough question so let´s try to go thru this.

First, you are right to note that BMW has adopted MOST in a relatively closed fashion although it is still an open standard. I have not been able to get a direct answer as to why they did this but the indirect answer was to ensure the integrity of what is connected. It is a valid point to some extent.

The CD drive is attached to the MID (multi information display) in non iDrive cars. The MID sits on the bus. I don´t recall where the radio (i.e. receiver) is but sometimes (based on past BMWs) it´s been in a module in the trunk or it´s been built into the CD drive (E39 5er with MID without DSP). It might be in the MID module but what everyone thinks is a ,,head unit`` is the MID.

Regarding CD changer emulation. In most cars (sorry for the pun), the cd changer is attached directly to the MOST fiber optic bus. I have not seen the drawings for the USB in the new BMW so I don´t know how this connects but it is definitely NOT using the CD changer connection and therefore doesn´t have to emulate the changer.

In fact, BMW is going this route so they don´t have the limitations of changer emulation. My guess is that the USB module does connect directly to the bus or to a module that interprets the information.

I´ll find out more and post.

Hope this helps.

[bmviz]

Thanks Jonathan - it good info, keep it comming. Can you point us to any technical documentation?

in regards to "MID" - I'm old school: antenna cable in + speakers out +display in front = radio :-)