E46 HK Stereo Upgrade...???

[frankmarco]

Hello I have a 2002 E46 with the Harmon Kardon stereo system.

I am interested in changing out the head unit so that I can upgrade it with a Alpine XM receiver.

Can anyone tell me what will need to be done?
And where I can get the parts to do it.

Will I need some type of level converter?
If so, who makes it?

Where can I get a face plate to match the non-standard mounting area for the new head unit?

Any info would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks
Frank

[jllphan]

To be frank with you Frank, if you want an Alpine XM tuner, you would need an Alpine Head Unit that is XM ready. XM pieces are proprietary in that they need to mate with the same manufacturer.

There are many aftermarket head units that are either XM or Sirius ready, but soon head units will come with a tuner built in. An antenna and activation are all that will be necessary. (Did you notice I started a sentence in which the first six words start with an "a?" used ) I assume you have somehow acquired an alpine XM tuner?

You can find Alpine head units and all of the necessary installation materials at crutchfield.com

[El Presidente]

If you haven't already procurred the XM tuner, something like a roady or a Sirius-ready HU from a new model might be better for you.