Questions about replacing the stereo in my 04 Maxima

[quickcanary]

I bought an 04 Maxima SE last year and unfortunately it looks like the factory 6 disc changer has decided that it needs my CDs more than I do -- this week it refused to eject the CDs and makes a loud buzzing sound every time the unit is powered on, like it's trying to eject but something is stuck.

I read the sticky but still have a few questions -- hope you guys can help.

First of all, is this a common problem? If so, anything I can try to get the thing working again? I used to be big into aftermarket car audio, but I don't really want to dump a lot of money into this car yet because I'm not sure I'll be keeping it long enough to make it a worthwhile investment. Don't get me wrong -- it's been a great car -- but I'll admit that I bought it more for the fact that I got a good deal, not because it was exactly what I was looking for.

Anyway, assuming I can't get the Bose system to play CDs, what's the deal with replacing the unit with an aftermarket deck? It looks like I'll need a fitment kit and a wiring harness. Is that all I need? The sticky mentioned that replacing the deck and/or speakers in a Bose-equipped car can be a real pain. I remember similar things being said about the Mustangs equipped with the Mach audio systems, with the built-in amps and what not.

So is it fairly straightforward? Can you guys give me any further information on what's involved with swapping the existing stereo out for an aftermarket unit? Any info is appreciated -- thanks!

[krimsonviper]

it looks like the factory 6 disc changer has decided that it needs my CDs more than I do

I've heard that the latest bose systems are a little more user friendly, but honestly i'd bring it to the dealership to get the cd changer fixed, it'd be the cheaper way out. You have to still bypass the bose amp or the deck, q45 might have more input than me. You'd have to buy the fitment kit and wiring harness like you said, but you might have to by pass the amp(a process which i havent dealt with before). Bose is a pain and there really is no getting through it w/o a headache

[quickcanary]

Thanks, Ab. I might just look for a factory 6th gen Bose changer. That would in all likelihood be less expensive than taking it to a dealership to for repair...I should be able to pick one up that works fine from someone who swapped it out for an aftermarket deck.