Just Completed Grom/Aux CD43 Installation

[Cruzer]

I just got my Samsung Focus Windows Phone and a Zune Pass which motivated me to finally get a Grom Aux kit for my CD43 head unit. I also tapped the radio 12v wires for a microUSB charging cable. Really loving it so far.

High Resolution Picture

[Febi Guibo]

I would love to see a pic / get more details about your install, thank you!

[Cruzer]

Man, I really suck. I didn't think about installation pics until I was done. Here's my basic setup:

- CD43 headunit from ebay (Rover version) ($250)
- BMW radio harness from ebay ($8.00)
- Grom kit from gromaudio.com comes with cd-changer harness cable ($73)
- Cigarette lighter socket from ebay ($5)
- MicroUSB lighter adapter from ebay ($5)
- Antenna adapter from ebay ($6)
- Amzer vent-mount cell phone holder from ebay ($12)

I got the CD43 install pics online and the grom install pics with the kit. It's not a difficult job. I drilled-out the blank to run the cables through. If I end-up popping it open again I'll take more pics.

Actually, the hardest part was getting the CD43 installed. The faceplate is thicker than the stock head unit. So you have to remove the trim, dremel off the "ears" that attach to the radio, and then epoxy them further back so that the CD43 faceplate is flush with the trim. It's a pretty big project which I did around 4 years ago.

[george graves]

you'll need to upload the pictures. We can't see what' in your email account.

[Cruzer]

Fixed pictures. Let me know if you can't see them. Sorry. :(

[george graves]

yep - looks great.

[bmw325csi]

So the grom cable they sell doesnt nned the cd changer plug in the trunk?

[Cruzer]

So the grom cable they sell doesnt nned the cd changer plug in the trunk?

Correct. Grom offers two versions of the cable. One version works with the plug in the trunk and the other version works with the plug on the back of the head unit. You can choose which plug you need during the ordering process.

[bmw325csi]

awesome, been looking for that info for a year now and you just summed it up for me. Your the man.

[Cruzer]

Cool. FYI, the Aux unit is also iPod compatible and you can order an iPod cable (which gives the CD player full function including audio, display, button controls, and charging).

[Cruzer]

yep - looks great.

Thank you sir!

[///M42 sport]

Actually, the hardest part was getting the CD43 installed. The faceplate is thicker than the stock head unit. So you have to remove the trim, dremel off the "ears" that attach to the radio, and then epoxy them further back so that the CD43 faceplate is flush with the trim. It's a pretty big project which I did around 4 years ago.

you just did this for appearance? The stock radio doesnt sit flush.

[Cruzer]

The stock radio juts out maybe 1/16 inch and has rounded edges? The CD43 has square edges and juts out more than a 1/4 inch. It really doesn't look right (IMNSHO). For sure, if you're fine with how it looks without taking a dremel to your trim you can save yourself a lot of work.

[///M42 sport]

is it just as easy to dremel the corners on the faceplate?

[Cruzer]

No, it wouldn't make sense to dremel the faceplate. I looked at that. The faceplate is a set depth because of the electronics behind it, and the attachment points are actually on the metal radio frame. I've seen someone dremel the entire trim out and attach the radio at the back through some sort of DIN attachment kit. YMMV.