E36 Head Unit Reccomendations

[docrobot]

I am replacing the HU in my '92 325i in less than 60 days.

I want it to play CDs and MP3s, and want to output to a 4.1 component system, with high level out, and a variable sub out too. I will add the upgraded speakers and a 10 or 12 inch sub later in the fall. (I'll ask about them later...)

In the end, I want sound quality over all 10 octaves; not overpowered bass that can crack concrete and warp steel at 50 feet. I'll leave that to those of you out there who know who you are...

I don't want to pay for a FLASHY color lcd or oled display, which are only eye candy for the younger crowd, IMHO. I am 44, so I do want a solid Deck with great sound so I can play a range of Classic and Modern Rock, Ambient, Drone, etc.

One of my best driving CDs is the Animatrix Soundtrack, followed by some Crystal Method... They are almost guaranteed to make me exceed the speed!

What Model and/or Brand do you suggest from your experiences?

[007ben]

I like alpine.

[jllphan]

If you are looking for a deck that is very versatile and is compatible with all the latest formats (MP3, CD-R, etc.), buy an Alpine.

If you would be willing to sacrifice some of the compatibilities of the aforementioned, I would recomend Nakamichi. I purchased one of their decks due to the fact that they reproduce unmatched sound quality and visually look VERY oem (I'm not in to pretty blinking purple lights :lol: ).

[007ben]

no purple on my deck.. Alpine is also a bit cheaper than a Nak. And you can also most likely pick one up at your favorite car audio shop. Nak maybe a bit harder to find localy.

[El Presidente]

Alpine and Eclipse will give you what you desire, but will still retain a small aftermarket look. Nak doesn't produce mp3 HUs yet (that i know of anyway) but the OEM look is spot on.

[El Presidente]

http://www.bmw-forums.com/forum/topic10667.html

That thread gives you a pretty good idea of what some can look like. If you go Alpine, many can be set to illuminate amber to match the factory lighting.

[CiscoKid]

i like my touck screen panasnic

[jllphan]

Originally posted by 007ben@Jun 7 2004, 11:47 AM
no purple on my deck..

I didn't mean Alpine. I merely noticed that they guy was older, and most of the aftermarket HU manufacturers cater to the younger crowd with flashy front facia's.

Like I said above Alpine

[docrobot]

More info for you.

I get ~$300 US in gift certificates ($400 Canadian) for the local Future Shop, which is like it's parent company Best Buy. I can easily spend more on it, but didn't see any extra features worth the extra expense.

Nak and Alpine are not carried by Future Shop up here...

I scoped out what they had with the specs I listed at the start of the thread, and the best one so far, is the SONY M8805X.

Since no one reccomended Sony, I am a little concerned with my choice, even though it sells for only $300 US locally in Calgary.

[007ben]

Sonys 12V gear isn't as solid as many other brands out there. I love sony I got lots of sony toys (digital camers, Clie(x2), TV (x2), DVD(x2), PS2, DV, T-Shirt, )... well you get the idea... anyways their car stuff just isn't as solid but if it does what ya need and you like it go for it.

[El Presidente]

Circiut City carries my brands. I hate going to BB because they never have anything.

If I recall, they carry Pioneer. That would be my next choice. Of course, if like SPL, then RF is the brand you want. Kenwood isn't bad either.

[CiscoKid]

i rock panasonic becuase of the touchscreen... plays mp3s and wmas. sirius ready, powered amp, rca outs for all speakers. nice package

[Wurzig-Drei]

If you go Alpine, many can be set to illuminate amber to match the factory lighting.

How would you go about doing that.

[El Presidente]

pres setup or function for about 5 seconds, scroll through the list of shit and when you get to amber press band to change it to on.

[007ben]

My 9811 doens't do it and my gf has a 9813 and it doesnt change either... kinda sucks.