I'm looking to stick the head unit from an '06 MINI Cooper (a CD53) into my 318is. I'd originally thought it would be a good — although not perfect — fit, and even went so far as to design and build a DICE-like iPod adapter that can emulate a Sirius receiver or CD changer via IBus, and allows the HU to work in a car without IBus. Then I started trying to fit the HU into the HVAC panel this morning and realized that it's a pretty awful fit. The faceplate is about 7mm taller than the opening, although the width is pretty much right on. I'm thinking about trying to hack up the HVAC panel to remove the top row of buttons, but I'm not sure how I'll fill the opening after the fact. Hacking down the faceplate to fit will leave some nasty looking gaps at the top and bottom that would also need to be filled.
I realize now that a CD43 is a better choice. C'est la vie. I've already hacked up this CD53 unit so I can't sell it. Might as well keep pushing on.
I'm wondering if anyone can offer advice on buying or building a replacement panel that is essentially blank above the HVAC controls, either all the way across or at least on the left side of the clock. My fabrication skills are pretty much nil, but I'm thinking I might be able to hack something together out of sheet steel or aluminum, but of course the texture will be completely wrong… Any suggestions?
I realize now that a CD43 is a better choice. C'est la vie. I've already hacked up this CD53 unit so I can't sell it. Might as well keep pushing on.
I'm wondering if anyone can offer advice on buying or building a replacement panel that is essentially blank above the HVAC controls, either all the way across or at least on the left side of the clock. My fabrication skills are pretty much nil, but I'm thinking I might be able to hack something together out of sheet steel or aluminum, but of course the texture will be completely wrong… Any suggestions?