Factory stereo

Handyman58

Dedicated Member
American Zeds
Joined
Mar 20, 2024
Points
29
Location
Silvis, Illinois
Model of Z
2.8
Hi all! My factory stereo unit has been replaced with a regular am/fm cd unit. My car has the amp and subwoofer setup from original. I don’t think the sub is working, although there is sound coming out of the speaker. Would a stock stereo unit solve this? I’ve heard that aftermarket stereos don’t work well with the factory amp. Just trying to get better sound. Thanks!
 

137699

Zorg Guru (I)
Joined
Jan 30, 2020
Points
89
Location
Hampshire
Model of Z
M Coupe 3.2 S50
It's what I discovered - mine had an aftermarket Sony unit fitted - which should have sounded great but actually sounded pretty rubbish,
I swapped it out for an original factory Blaupunkt CD43 unit and the difference in sound quality was night & day.
 

jonnyz

Dedicated Member
Joined
Mar 29, 2024
Points
28
Thanks! I think that I’m going to try to find a factory unit. CD43 is the original model?
I have original in mine was thinking of fitting a Sony flip front that I've had in my garage for ages, but not sure about amp being compatible.
The one in my Volvo is a far better sound , the Z3 one is ok if you play cd's but only just.
 

Psifire

Newbie
Joined
Aug 1, 2025
Points
3
Hi all! My factory stereo unit has been replaced with a regular am/fm cd unit. My car has the amp and subwoofer setup from original. I don’t think the sub is working, although there is sound coming out of the speaker. Would a stock stereo unit solve this? I’ve heard that aftermarket stereos don’t work well with the factory amp. Just trying to get better sound. Thanks!
Hi,

Did you get this resolved?

It sounds like you had an issue with a blown speaker. Kinda works at low level, but sounds like hot garbage when the volume is turned up, even a little?

When I replaced my subwoofer, I discovered the speaker was blown by the sizable tear in the cone. This was solved by subwoofer that had a shallow mount; Kicker makes one. I had to take an angle grinder to it to make it fit, but it's solid now. This also lead to replacing the other 6 speakers with component speakers, and finding 2 additional speakers were blown.

Psifire
 

Handyman58

Dedicated Member
American Zeds
Joined
Mar 20, 2024
Points
29
Location
Silvis, Illinois
Model of Z
2.8
Thanks for asking. I purchased a refurbished original stereo unit for my z. CD 43 blaupunct. As I started to do the swap, I discovered that a previous owner had cut off the factory stereo plug. Very discouraging! I bought the correct plug, but am hesitant to start the project because of all the wires and electrical tape left by the previous owner. One of these days, I’ll get up the courage to dig in…..hopefully with a knowledgeable helper. I want to do it right, so I’ll probably inspect all speakers as well. I appreciate you asking about this project. Thanks.
 
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