looking for a new deck suggestion

[jakeb]

I am looking to get a new deck for christmas. I have a kenwood that has served me well but I would like to get something with a few more features.

This is what I require.

ipod integration
xm radio
aux in

looks need to fit an e30. My kenwood that I have had for a while is silver...and does not match very well.

I use CDs here and there but I plan to encode my entire collection and will go on my 120gig ipod that I just bought. So even tho I do prefer a non flip down front I will go for a flip down if it will give me more info for the XM and the ipod.

I am not looking for a deck that costs $300+ either.

I do not need a ton of outputs. Really I am fine with just one set even.

thanks for the suggestions

[cmflossin]

i just picked up a kenwood excelon KDC-X792. i've been very happy with it so far. the only thing about it... it doesn't really fit the e30's looks. its not silver, but its definitely not plain & oem looking...

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-l3xY59X...-KDC-X792.html

[StereoInstaller1]

I am rocking a Pioneer DEHP5000u. Uses USB for iPod, AUX in, 3 sets of preouts, high and low pass filters. Steeringwheel control adapter input too, as if that matters to an E30 owner...

Blue lighting, but looks OK in the dash because it is nice and thin.

Decent controls and features too.

[fleece johnson]

I'm looking at this guy -- http://www.crutchfield.com/p_023BBAN...isbane&tp=5684

[E30 Cabrio]

This is Satellite Radio Ready. Not sure if it's for XM or Sirius or both.

It has USB and AUX inputs over 3' long that you can run to the Glove box or thru the opening below your HVAC controls.

It works great with iPods, Sansa MP3 players and USB sticks and has tons of features and a remote control and is Bluetooth compatible so you can use an add-on to use for your cell phone or add steering wheel controls.

I have an 8gb USB thumb drive on my key ring and just plug into that, although I occasionally use my iPod or Sansa players.

But it meets your requirements and looks good in an E30 dash as it is Black with White lettering that illuminates like the stock HU and sounds good, plus the LED, lettering and backlighting colors are adjustable so you can match the BMW Amber.

I paid $150.00 for mine at Frys.com, but I don't think they have them anymore but you should be able to find one for under $200.00:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_020D785USB/Clarion-DXZ785USB.html?tp=5684

The Blue lighting can be changed to BMW Amber, although the LED isn't that clear in this pic:

[Cessna88]

This is what I have:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500CDA9885/Alpine-CDA-9885.html?tp=5684

It has the XM, aux in, and ipod integration. The ipod integration works well but the XM requires a add on.

I put it in this summer and have been happy with it so far.

[Kristeun]

I'm looking for the same thing. Any more suggestions? (maybe a little more sleek/modern styled) $200 max.

[NOMAD]

I have the clarion usb shown above in my other car. Nice deck, lot sof power and the USB function is the only way to go. The only issue i don't like is that it adds a .5 second stop between each track so my continuous play albums sound cut up. Oh well, no biggie.

[lylefk]

Eclipse cd3200

You can make it amber so it matches, nice deck...I'm putting either this one or it's bigger brother in my car.

[THATDONFC]

I just picked up the alpine cda-9884 (Which can be found here) and I'm gonna install it as soon as I pick up a 4 channel amp and some speakers. You can change the blue color to amber too. That's what made me buy it. It also has 3 2v pre-outs. Plus iPod integration. We'll see how it works...

Quick Question. How is the quality in the premium sound speakers? I just picked up a 325is with premium sound and I'm thinking of swapping the speakers and tweeters into my car.

[Kristeun]

Great deal imo! Just ordered.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10569326

[IppoJ]

I have been obsessing over this same question for too many days now.
I thought I had decided on the Alpine ida-x200 but the red lighting doesn't look good. I really like the Panasonic decks (5000 and 7000) for the same reason that StereoInstaller1 mentioned (they don't stick out 3") but I'm having a hard time getting past the blue lighting.
A Nak CD-400/500/700 would be amazing although for that much I could go with the CD43+dice unit but that is a cumbersome and expensive option.
I think I've finally lit upon the Eclipse CD5100 if I can get it installed fairly flush.