I want a head unit that looks right.

[soul rebel]

I dunno, mang. I almost think doing a stock deck/AUX input mod with some kind of digital music player just might be the answer. You can feed it into a decent 4 channel amp that has a "summed output" and use that output to drive a sub amp that has a dash mounted level control.

Basic stuff. A single 10" sub, seperates in front, co-ax in the rear.

If you want better sound later, add an electronic crossover (true tri-amped 3 way), lose the rear speakers, make some kind of speaker pods for the front so you can get decent midbass out of a 6.5" driver.

That is likely what I am gonna do for my son's car.

That way, if you get desperate for that last 2% of SQ, you can spend a bazillion dollars on a deck.

Just make sure your portable has a true line level output, not just headphones.

Luke

What portable mp3 players come with a true line level output?

[88bmw325]

yep it will match completely! if i have some time tonight i will put it back in the car and take some pics.. i am currently re wiring the radio from the previous owners mistakes.. if any of you have delt with audio express you know what I am talking about

[JasonC]

^^^^ Does it change to red/orange? Since that picture is showing a green.

[88bmw325]

I have this one its a Clarion DXZ845MC no longer made but you can find them every once and awhile on ebay and CL. I like it casue is has lots of features and not to flashy also matches the stock lighting. Not to expensive.. about 75-150

[E30 Cabrio]

I was going to go the CD 43 route, but for the price, it has a lack of features so I'm going after market.

Best I could find to match is the Clarion DXZ785USB that has a black face and white letters with 728 color adjustable display.

About $200.00

Google it for pics and features.

I haven't done the swap yet, but will do so soon when I have some time and cash.

[Dave McLaren]

wycoco, is your head unit a BP3850? I was googling and found this thread on bimmerforums:

http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/bmw...8799380&page=1

BP3850:


CD43:


Thanks.

[wycoco]

Thanks, Luke.

[StereoInstaller1]

The AUX in I have available is stupid expensive, like $179 or some shit.

www.aampofamerica.com has it. I am a dealer.

I think there is a write-up somewhere on making an AUX in for the CD43.

Maybe BF.c?

Luke

[wycoco]

Thanks! Everything else is stock at the moment. However, I do have a sub and amp sitting in my room, along with MB Quarts w/ Tweeters. I have a 325iS, not sure about the speaker clearance for verts. And the AUX, I believe all bmw business decks did not have an AUX output. So there's gotta be a better way around to getting an iPod hooked up.

EDIT- Right when I posted, I noticed Luke had it in before me. Kinna answered my own question in reply to Aerton. But, question for Luke.

Having said that you'd custom an AUX thru the cassette, can this also be done thru the CD player in the CD43 Business? If so, how much could a shop charge to have this done? Is it difficult to do this?

Hey Wycoco,
Nice setup, can you share what else is in your system? Amps, speakers etc. Mine is a vert and I would like to install mids in the rear side mounts, maybe 6", 8 if they fit?? Did you do an aux input for mp3 player.

[StereoInstaller1]

AJ, the plug for the back of the radio is available from 2 different companies. AAMP and Scosch both make them. You may need an antenna adapter anyway though.

I am gonna do something similar in my Son's car. Stock IR deck (later E30) with a custom aux in (wire past the casette section) feeding into a small 4 channel for mids and highs, with a "summed" output feeding a small sub amp on a single 10". His 4GB Samsung YP T9 will provide music.

You should not run any "modern" BMW deck without an amp. They will do it, just not very loud adn will get very hot.

Luke

[Low Level E30]

Which Business CD model is this, above ^^^^^^^ ? Is that a CD43?

It is NOT plug 'n' play, correct? What is needed to wire this up to an E30 w/ the Premium sound option?

[Aerton]

Hey Wycoco,
Nice setup, can you share what else is in your system? Amps, speakers etc. Mine is a vert and I would like to install mids in the rear side mounts, maybe 6", 8 if they fit?? Did you do an aux input for mp3 player.

[Aerton]

I dunno, mang. I almost think doing a stock deck/AUX input mod with some kind of digital music player just might be the answer. You can feed it into a decent 4 channel amp that has a "summed output" and use that output to drive a sub amp that has a dash mounted level control.

Basic stuff. A single 10" sub, seperates in front, co-ax in the rear.

If you want better sound later, add an electronic crossover (true tri-amped 3 way), lose the rear speakers, make some kind of speaker pods for the front so you can get decent midbass out of a 6.5" driver.

That is likely what I am gonna do for my son's car.

That way, if you get desperate for that last 2% of SQ, you can spend a bazillion dollars on a deck.

Just make sure your portable has a true line level output, not just headphones.

Luke

So Luke,
If I go with one of these business hu, I would rather have cassette, and I add one of the ipod input gizmos, can I amplify without a the crossover for now?! Or just run the radio without amplification until I get the crossover?

[StereoInstaller1]

I dunno, mang. I almost think doing a stock deck/AUX input mod with some kind of digital music player just might be the answer. You can feed it into a decent 4 channel amp that has a "summed output" and use that output to drive a sub amp that has a dash mounted level control.

Basic stuff. A single 10" sub, seperates in front, co-ax in the rear.

If you want better sound later, add an electronic crossover (true tri-amped 3 way), lose the rear speakers, make some kind of speaker pods for the front so you can get decent midbass out of a 6.5" driver.

That is likely what I am gonna do for my son's car.

That way, if you get desperate for that last 2% of SQ, you can spend a bazillion dollars on a deck.

Just make sure your portable has a true line level output, not just headphones.

Luke

[JPL]

I dont see any decks that both do Sirius and Ipod direct hookup. correct me if i'm wrong. they do look good though.