Stock Headunit Mod/Audio System Upgrade

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  • FletchyT
    Noobie
    • Jul 2013
    • 15

    #1

    Stock Headunit Mod/Audio System Upgrade

    1991 318i

    So I've been dealing with the dreaded "squeal" for a while where I turn on the radio, and mostly on humid or rainy days, the system will emit a high pitched squeal and screech. It only goes away when you turn off the stereo. From what I've read, this has to do with moisture getting into the amp and causing a short or something. So I know my stock amp is on its way out. Also a rear speaker and the driver's door speaker are shot and the other back one is rattling as well. My headunit is fine I believe, but the battery recently died and I've been trying to enter the code (which I have) ever since. Now there is the possibility that one of the previous owners (3 I think) have replaced the stereo. But I believe the serial # and code I have could be the original (came in stock manual packet).

    So it looks like at this point, my headunit may be the only thing I don't need to replace. So then I have a few questions.

    1. What is the best combination of equipment to get a good balanced sound out of a system for right around $500 (5 channel system). (good highs, lows, crisp, can play everything)

    2. Can I use my stock headunit? Can I wire in such a system and still have everything work properly? I really do like the stock look.

    3. Is it possible to wire in an auxiliary input to the stock headunit? USB? (may be pushing it, but I don't own any tapes and CDs are on their way out.
  • campbellj25
    Advanced Member
    • May 2009
    • 181

    #2


    best sound you will get in an e30 period.

    Comment

    • FletchyT
      Noobie
      • Jul 2013
      • 15

      #3
      Saw this before. Looks manageable and affordable. Anyone be able to answer my last two questions?

      Comment

      • campbellj25
        Advanced Member
        • May 2009
        • 181

        #4
        Cant answer the last 2 but I bought an alpine ute-42bt that looks great in the dash. No CD player just all aux/usb/bluetooth/ipod compatible. Im sure someone will chime in soon about the stock unit.


        Comment

        • FletchyT
          Noobie
          • Jul 2013
          • 15

          #5
          Originally posted by campbellj25
          Cant answer the last 2 but I bought an alpine ute-42bt that looks great in the dash. No CD player just all aux/usb/bluetooth/ipod compatible. Im sure someone will chime in soon about the stock unit.


          Looks pretty slick. What's that thing next to the hazards and above the stereo? Don't remember if I've seen that. Car's pretty new to me.

          Comment

          • campbellj25
            Advanced Member
            • May 2009
            • 181

            #6
            Thats the bluetooth mic that came with the head unit. I had 2 empty spots so I decided to mount it there. Since then I have mounted my bass control knob in the other spot.

            Comment

            • FletchyT
              Noobie
              • Jul 2013
              • 15

              #7
              Bump

              Comment

              • FletchyT
                Noobie
                • Jul 2013
                • 15

                #8
                Wondering how hard it would be to upgrade from to premium sound. I'm pretty sure I have the premium headunit. I have an amp and a pair of premium speakers I recently acquired, and wondering what all to do.

                Comment

                • StereoInstaller1
                  GAS
                  • Jul 2004
                  • 22679

                  #9
                  Most 5 channel amps that have a "4 channel input mode" switch will be able to use the stock deck just fine...but keep in mind the stock deck is a real turd.

                  if you must keep that thing in your dash, get yourself an Audiocontrol LC8i.

                  Otherwise, get a new, aftermarket deck. They are not all gaudy and hideous as they were a few years ago, and $200 will get you a kick ass deck.

                  GL!

                  Luke

                  Closing SOON!
                  "LAST CHANCE FOR G.A.S." DEAL IS ON NOW

                  Luke AT germanaudiospecialties DOT com or text 425-761-6450, or for quickest answers, call me at the shop 360-669-0398

                  Thanks for 10 years of fun!

                  Comment

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