Let me try again in this forum...

[SLICK RICK]

upgrading stereo in E46 328.

I have a bus. tape player and want to upgrade to business cd. Is it possible to upgrade to HK at the same time?

What all is needed?


Any help would be highly appreciated.

[jllphan]

I wish I knew for sure, seems like no one else knows either. The best advice I can give you on this is maybe. I SERIOUSLY doubt that the DIN plug on the bus. tape deck differs from the cd unit, but don't know that for sure. As for upgrading to HK, kinda waist of time IMO. If you were to go to the trouble of replacing all your speakers, you would be better served by buying good aftermarket speakers from Infinity, PolkAudio, MBQuart, etc.

[mlomker]

Originally posted by SLICK RICK@Aug 28 2004, 03:00 PM
upgrading stereo in E46 328.

I have a bus. tape player and want to upgrade to business cd. Is it possible to upgrade to HK at the same time?

What all is needed?


Any help would be highly appreciated.

I'd bet good money that the CD player would be a plug-and-play installation. I've heard that the units have a security code that is required when the units are first powered up, so make sure to get that code if you buy a used unit. There are enough people upgrading their radios so you should be able to find one.

On the other hand, I wouldn't bother unless having the stock look is really important to you. I'd look for a used Nakamichi CD400 and pop that in there instead. There is an remote control add-on that allows you to retain the use of your steering-wheel buttons if that is your concern.

The speakers and amp realistically have to be replaced at the same time. If you've ever installed an aftermarket stereo then you'll find BMW's easy--all of the connections are conveniently located in the trunk.

[SLICK RICK]

Thanks for the replies, guys.


I've done some snooping around myself and it seems that the units are swappable.

I was also looking into being able to use the ipod in my car as well. I've heard conflicting information whether or not it's possible on a pre 2002 vehicle. There are some who seem to think that if you ahve the newer head unit, you can do it.

As for aftermarket, yes I would rather keep the stock unit. I already have and Alpine 9815 that I could use if I wanted to , but I don't like it.


Any recomendations on alarms?


SR

[mlomker]

Soundgate sells an adaptor that'll give you RCA inputs by tapping into the CD port in the trunk. I have one of their adaptors for XM Radio and it works as advertised.

http://www.soundgate.com/products/aux-in/bmw.htm