Which radio do I need?

[Todd Black 88]

The Premium Sound system came with the Pyramid Radio (with the infrared finger-slider slot) and this radio has the fader control built in.

The regular sound system came with the CM5905 radio (with the separate bass & treble slider controls in the lower right corner). This radio doesn't have a built-in fader so it uses the fader thumbwheel insert that's already in your dash and works on cars with the premium sound system.

Not always true. My m3 has the pyramid deck and has premium sound, whereas my cab has a different deck and premium sound.

[James Crivellone]

I put the stock deck into my E30 touring, works fine and I don't mind it. I have nothing against nice audio but my god aftermarket decks SUCK. The Kenwood Bluetooth / HD whatever the hell it is in my E28 is an interface nightmare, the Pioneer Bluetooth I had in the E30 Touring was pure crap from a usability standpoint. Hell the only deck I love is my 7998 I have in the Mtech E30. E34 M5t, E30 Touring, stock decks. I do like the C43, especially with Dice, and I can still listen to tapes god damnit!

[FletchyT]

Why, exactly?

In the 2002 community, we're often "struggling" trying to get an original radio wired up properly. I've seen a properly installed period radio draw some wistful looks from folks that dropped huge sums of money on a modern alternative only to realize that it jars the period feeling out of the cabin.

To each his or her own. In my opinion, the E30 is BMW's true ultimate driving machine. I prefer mine to have a time capsule feel that captures the essence of what the car was when it came off the factory floor. There's a reason it didn't come with a cupholder, and I think that's the same reason BMW didn't go out of its way to create an otherworldly sound system. Every sound and vibration of the vehicle helps the driver understand exactly what is going on. Overpowering that changes that driving experience, and that's not what I'm looking for. That doesn't make anything "shitty."

agree

Also I have the premium headunit with the IR slider. Just recently acquired a pair of premium speakers and an amp. Can someone help me start converting to premium?