Help with choosing a new stereo

[Kevin Pearson]

On the way back from Thoresby my OE BMW stereo has finally died. The cassette stopped some time ago, it has a tape stuck in it that won't eject, the pixels occasionally go walkabout and now the 6 CD unit in the boot has now given up it just says CD error. I need a new system but any Recommendations? it has a Harmon Kardon Speaker system- does that impact on anything?

 

[GazHyde]

I have the HK system in mine and makes no difference to your plans. Just need a head unit and the correct ISO adapter and away you go. Process is pretty painless to switch them over - I wrote an article I can dig out if you need it.

I went with a Sony unit, but the display is a bit bright and disco like. Planning on swapping it for an Alpine mechless unit when I have the chance. Whatever you fit you will find the HK system isn't too bad at all, just hampered by the OEM head unit.

Consign the auto changer to eBay...

 

[Dino D]

I have an Alpine using a ISO connector to the HK upgrade system (well until a few ago when I changed the speakers). I'm now looking to upgrade the Alpine to a newer one to play from my iphone 5 and Android or 6 when I change phones.
This one seems great value at £69
http://www.halfords.com/technology/...-drive-less-head-unit-with-bluetooth-and-ipod

Built in Bluetooth and comes with mic for hands free calls.
What I really like is the Alpine app for iPhone and Android phones - let's you strength music from phone/internet radio stations.
Also has the USB on the front to charge phone and stream music.
It's mech less so no CD or tape, only plays via Usb or Bluetooth.
Has pre outs for sub and sub level controls (on my HK set up my current Alpine let me control the sub volume)
£69
As Gaz says you just need the ISO adapter and plug and play.

 

[GazHyde]

I think that's the actual one I'm looking at getting Dino...

 

[Dino D]

It's a good price for all those features..

This is what I really like about it:APP DIRECT
Here’s a novel feature for all you iAddicts out there. Unlike most other systems Alpine’s APP Direct software keeps your iPhone fully operational when connected meaning you can still use your APPS like internet radio, YouTube and whatever else you happen to be rocking. With that in mind all those lovely App sounds will be played straight through the car’s system. Great for a 140dB game of Angry Birds!

Full review here:
http://www.fastcar.co.uk/2013/04/09/headunit-of-the-month-alpine-ute-72bt/

 

[Dino D]

So I can use google maps and stream internet stations.
I was looking at DAB but that needs antennas etc.
an no need for a sat nav..

My phone is on 3 so internet allowance is fine for streaming radio when I want it and using maps.

I've seen headunit that use the iPhone as the face ie they ave no face at all so only used with iPhone (which is fine I always have my phone in the car) but they were not so cheap and I guess you have to change head unit when you change phone...
.

 

[Dino D]

I think that's the actual one I'm looking at getting Dino...

I'm going to pop in at halfords to check if out one if these days, hopefully they have a demo unit just to test it does pair with the iPhone, will let you know...

 

[Mint]

As Gary & Dino say it's plug and play. I went with a Pioneer one with Bluetooth and USB but in addition you can change the display colour to match the car.

 

[M666BMG]

Hello,

I've got a Sony one with a USB input and Blue tooth .

Also, in the day it lights up blue to match the interior and at night when you put the lights on its orange.

 

[GazHyde]

Also, in the day it lights up blue to match the interior and at night when you put the lights on its orange.

Wish my Sony did that! Mine only has blue as an option, and it has a rather annoying white shaped LED around the volume control that burns with the brightness of the sun at night. One of the reasons I want to change my head unit!

Worth putting the model number you are thinking of getting in to YouTube as you will usually find some decent visual reviews for most units.

 

[Grumps]

Totally with @GazHyde on the Sony units. I have one and it's awful, the lighting makes it look cheap. I leave the face off most of the time and don't bother with it as it's so annoying constantly flashing.

 

[M666BMG]

Wish my Sony did that! Mine only has blue as an option, and it has a rather annoying white shaped LED around the volume control that burns with the brightness of the sun at night. One of the reasons I want to change my head unit!

Worth putting the model number you are thinking of getting in to YouTube as you will usually find some decent visual reviews for most units.

Good idea re- you tube.

 

[M666BMG]

Totally with @GazHyde on the Sony units. I have one and it's awful, the lighting makes it look cheap. I leave the face off most of the time and don't bother with it as it's so annoying constantly flashing.

Mine is great!

 

[Grumps]

Mine is great!

Each to there own mark innit, that's why we all have options. I've got the original unit in the cupboard. I might put that back in to save me having to keep wearing sunglasses!

 

[M666BMG]

Each to there own mark innit, that's why we all have options. I've got the original unit in the cupboard. I might put that back in to save me having to keep wearing sunglasses!

I agree

 

[peterandjenny]

We fitted a becker head unit as it matches the style and illumination

 

[Grumps]

That sits there a treat. Looks almost factory spec. Good choice.

 

[Grumps]

At the moment this is my preferred choice!

 

[t-tony]

This may or may not be a silly question Grumpy but is the Demo function switched off? My Sony doesn't flash or anything and it doesn't distract me at all. With a memory stick in the USB or CD loaded, it displays the artist and track at the start of each track, but it too can be switched if you don't want it.

Tony.

 

[DivideBYZero]

I used the Clarion 502e. It's a "mechless" unit, which means no moving parts (aka CD unit). It fits the retro look of the Z3 dials and I also have the HK Amp and speakers.

My write up is here:

https://zroadster.org/threads/clarion-fz502e-mechless-headunit-installed.4084/