Head Unit

[Sargey]

I do love my head unit in the car however having read the forums it seems a lot of you have changed theirs, who is currently running what. It will be in my 2000 E46 328 CI

This will give me some ideas what to get, posted here for max response and any handy tips like connectors / leads i need would help. [hmm

Thanks in advance

[Black Sabbath]

[hiya I recently changed to an Alpine 9855R,all the
steering wheel controls still work with the extra lead
required.It is a quality bit of kit,but for independent
advice ask Andy (Icecold) he will put you right as it
obviously depends on budget and sort of overall
package that you want.

[Shuriken]

I have the Apline CDA-9853R, very very good in my opinion. Has opened up an impressive level of bass from my stock rear speakers (E36) with the MX on and EQ set to rock or pop. Very impressive, matches in quite nicely with the multi-colour buttons too.

I have a very primitive audio set up so if you are planning something more adventurous it may not be sufficient, but for me it's perfect.

I have a completely stock audio setup bar the 9853 so you can compare.

Shuriken.

[anton]

i dont know why but i think after market HU look really out of place in the dash.

[peppernick]

Pioneer AVIC X1-R. All in one unit. For the price they've reach, they are undoubtedly the best value for money CD/DVD/Navi unit.

However, the Alpines produce much better sound quality.

[mysticm3]

if you do go for aftermarket HU, don't just buy the 10 quid adaptor from Halfords, ask Andy from ICECOLD to custom make you one, will look even better then OEM :cool:

[Kay323]

if you do go for aftermarket HU, don't just buy the 10 quid adaptor from Halfords, ask Andy from ICECOLD to custom make you one, will look even better then OEM :cool:


teddy
i take it u on about the facia trim for an after market stereo...the one that is more to the left. Does andy do the centre ones? cos i deffo want one! [cool

[GeorgeUK]

Alpine CDA-9847R, standard speakers.

Didn't want to spend to much, but the difference is significant. :)

[Defector]

Got similar Alpine to Shuriken, but a couple of models earlier.

As has been said, don't just get a nasty adaptor from Halfrauds, there are lots of things you can do. The previous owner of mine, went the whole hog and retrofitted an OEM looking flip panel. Hides the nasty looking adaptor panel:

http://www.4potfury.kanukai.com/images/interior2.jpg

Have to say, I’m not really an audio connoisseur but I’ve always had Kenwood or Sony HU and didn't think there was much difference between all the brands. However, my current Alpine HU gives a much better sound. The EQ software is much more advanced than the other brands I’ve used and the speaker delay function to take into account individual speaker to listener distances is incredible.

I bought my dad a low spec pioneer unit (DEH-3730MP) for xmas, and found that to be very impressive as well. Really nice 'warm' sound with nice bass, even through OEM speakers.

You'll need a BMW -> ISO conector and possibly a ISO -> ??? connector (??? = Brand of HU). The later will depend on the brand, some use ISO, others don't. The former can be picked up at Halfrauds or car audio shop, the latter should come with the unit.

[Sargey]

cheers gents, I like the Avic a lot, but ill plump for an Alpine for the moment should go nice with the infinitys, is my cd changer still compatable and my steering wheel functions with the cda-9853R ? looks about right

[Afif]

you definately need an adaptor for the steering wheel controls and im pretty sure if its the oem bmw changer youll need another adaptor for that aswell.