02 I35 CD Changer (Trunk) Replacement?

[MakeItWayne]

I recently bought an 02 I35 with the navigation unit. I noticed the CD changer in the trunk was missing but (foolishly) assumed this would be easy to replace. Well, Infiniti wants to charge ~$1300 for a new OEM changer. I've tried a salvage search service (uneedparts.com) and got a quote for $500. That's still insane for a CD changer, especially when you consider that aftermarket changers can be had for under $200.

1) Is there a way to get the OEM part for a reasonable price?

2) If not, is there an adapter or harness I can hook up to the existing connection in the trunk, that will let me connect another CD Changer? It's a 16 pin connection, and it's already running to the trunk and ready to go.

3) My assumption is that an RF CD changer is not the way to go, based on my experience with my Pathfinder. Is this correct?

4) Anyone want to buy a '98 Pathfinder?

I'd like to get this replaced since otherwise I can't use the navigation and listen to a CD at the same time (which is just stupid). But for $500, I'll have to live with it.

Thanks to anyone who can help.

[MattB]

I could be mistaken, but the changer from the A33 I30 may be the same...can someone confirm or deny? There are a lot more I30s out there with trunk CD changers than I35s since most I35s have the 6-disc in-dash changer.

[ZGadson]

Visit http://www.car-part.com and the website will soon become your best friend. I've looked into switching from non-nav to nav, so I've been looking at everything (including the trunk mounted CD changer). I've seen several on their website for less than $150. I'd say give it a shot. Its worth a try.

Zach

[MakeItWayne]

I just called a yard I reached through http://www.car-part.com. They're willing to sell one for $150, which is actually in my budget. I don't know how I didn't know about this site; seems a lot better than the other salvage websites I was finding through google. Thanks ZGadson - I'll let you know how it works out. MattB - thanks for the heads up. I was wondering if this changer was as unique as people I'd spoken with (Infiniti) made it seem. I thought it odd that the system would not be backwards compatible with the I30 Bose.

- W

[MattB]

I know that the head unit is interchangable between the I30 and I35 (the main difference being that the non-nav I35 head unit doesn't have the input for the trunk changer), so I'd imagine that the trunk changer would be compatible as well, but I'm not 100% sure.