Changing radio

[bombur]

Hi having just bought my z3 one of the first things I want to do is change the radio so that it can be bluetooth to connect to phone. I have seen a few threads about specific cradle/connections for z3 however I think mine is aftermarket one anyway so in theory should just be a swap?
Any help much appreciated as well as thoughts on a good cheap system.

Cheers!

 

[Iamjonw]

Hi Bombur, I recently changed mine over. It had an aftermarket unit that was end of life. Upgraded to a Pioneer DEH-S720DAB. Removed the old unit and cradle (took some effort) but then simply replaced and plugged in the new one. I still have to route the cables for the digital aerial and microphone (for the phone), but the Bluetooth works well and it has an app that you can use too. For me I have a load of music on a USB, which plugs straight in. Also since fitting the DAB aerial, I get pretty decent DAB reception. I haven't changed the speakers, but what is there sounds decent enough, so all in all, I am pretty pleased with the outcome.

 

[MikeK]

Hi having just bought my z3 one of the first things I want to do is change the radio so that it can be bluetooth to connect to phone. I have seen a few threads about specific cradle/connections for z3 however I think mine is aftermarket one anyway so in theory should just be a swap?
Any help much appreciated as well as thoughts on a good cheap system.

Cheers!

The connection is a BMW one. You can get an adapter on amazon to a standard connection that would fit most aftermarket stereos.
Maybe yours already has one. Removing it is easy usually not even screws needed.
My antena cable didnt fit the new stereo so maybe double check for that, but otherwise its a simple procedure.
This is the cable i used

 

[bombur]

Hi Bombur, I recently changed mine over. It had an aftermarket unit that was end of life. Upgraded to a Pioneer DEH-S720DAB. Removed the old unit and cradle (took some effort) but then simply replaced and plugged in the new one. I still have to route the cables for the digital aerial and microphone (for the phone), but the Bluetooth works well and it has an app that you can use too. For me I have a load of music on a USB, which plugs straight in. Also since fitting the DAB aerial, I get pretty decent DAB reception. I haven't changed the speakers, but what is there sounds decent enough, so all in all, I am pretty pleased with the outcome.

Thanks you, will have a look at that one

 

[bombur]

The connection is a BMW one. You can get an adapter on amazon to a standard connection that would fit most aftermarket stereos.
Maybe yours already has one. Removing it is easy usually not even screws needed.
My antena cable didnt fit the new stereo so maybe double check for that, but otherwise its a simple procedure.
This is the cable i used

Thanks will take a look and see

 

[bombur]

I also have to have a new aerial so have tried to get to it by removing the trim....Is there a technique to remove the trim clip without breaking it?- as cant take it off without thinking it will snap?????

 

[MikeK]

I also have to have a new aerial so have tried to get to it by removing the trim....Is there a technique to remove the trim clip without breaking it?- as cant take it off without thinking it will snap?????

It always feels like it will snap even using a special tool. I use a screwdriver and go slow from all sides.

 

[bombur]

It always feels like it will snap even using a special tool. I use a screwdriver and go slow from all sides.

Just ordered some trim tools online, I may be more confident with them lol

 

[137699]

If you have HK audio (amp/sub) in the car, you should strongly consider retrofitting an original BMW unit & adding a Bluetooth module to it. As it will sound SO much better!

 

[MikeK]

If you have HK audio (amp/sub) in the car, you should strongly consider retrofitting an original BMW unit & adding a Bluetooth module to it. As it will sound SO much better!

Now that mine works i am thinking abot adding an amp/sub setup because just the stereo unit is a bit weak.
But then wiring speakers and setting it all up looks like a big job so i may wait until i have enough saved to add new speakers + amp all at once.

 

[bombur]

If you have HK audio (amp/sub) in the car, you should strongly consider retrofitting an original BMW unit & adding a Bluetooth module to it. As it will sound SO much better!

Unfortunately I dont think I have HK audio