Audio Systems: BMW (Alpine) 6 Disc CD Changer, bmw alpine, optical pickup

Question
Hi,

My BMW changer is showing 'CD Error' on the radio display, as if there's a CD incorrectly inserted, etc.  However, I take all the CDs out, and replace them back in again, and the 'CD Checking' note displays as the platters are each successfully moved in and out of the player. Once the last platter has completed, the 'CD Checking' note goes away, and the 'CD Error' returns. Then I remove all CDs entirely, and replace the empty magazine, and the error still occurs in the same way.  If I remove the magazine, it changes to 'No Magazine', but then reverts to 'CD Error' when I replace the magazine.  Can you help me?

Thanks!  

Answer
Congratulations.  You have just won the prize for having a cd player with a short life laser diode.  This little rascal sits inside the optical pickup that reads the discs and when it goes bad it cannot read when a cd is in the magazine - or not.

Before you rush out and have it replaced, there are a couple of other possibilities, although I am 90% certain this is the case.

Sometimes a microscopic clump of gunk will accumulate on the surface of the lense of the optical pickup. If you know how to reach in and clean it, I would give that a try.  Use a cotton q-tip and just flick the surface of the lense a few times and see what happens.  Be careful not to scratch the lense or that will ruin its ability to read all together.

And, sometimes it is the digital decoder that is at fault; but rarely.

The cost of replacing the optical pickup will run around $200 for your model - my best guess.  And I would take it to an install/repair shop that has experience with Alpine stuff.  Do NOT take it to the car dealer; they know nothing about these things (unless it is still under warranty).

Hope that helps.  Let me know if you will need more assistance.

Cleggsan