Installation Questions for Aftermarket Multimedia Head Units

[Wrentech]

Hey everyone,

I'm gonna ask Santa for a mm head unit this year. I noticed some of you have them installed in your 3 series / M3's when I went to the Snake Road Meet.

I was wondering if there are any issues installing your head units? Did you have to purchase any additional adapters, electronic or physical fitting brackets? Is it easy enough to install on your own, or should I goto BestBuy or something to get it done?

I noticed that the stock 3 series stereo unit is significantly wider than the generic aftermarket stereos. Like 9-3/4" compared to 7" ... what do you do with the extra space?!?!?

Heh, also, does it kinda suck that the LCD blocks the air vents when it folds out...

Thanks for your input :blaaaa:

[Canuck328i]

...or should I goto BestBuy or something to get it done?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

If you don't want to do it yourself, go to a reputable car audio shop. I've heard Kennedy Hi Fi has been used around here, but don't take it from me on their work (I do my own).

Not that there is anything wrong with Best Buy, but you want to make darn sure the shop has done E46s before. Ask for references, pics, whatever it takes. These cars can be very costly to repair if not done patiently and properly.

As for the faceplates, fanatics has a couple of people who make very nice custom brackets. The best way (edit: the slickest way) to do it is with the full panel flush mounted (see attached). Heater controls are moved to the bottom (the eyeglass pocket). Man that is so sweet.


Mark

[Wrentech]

Thanks Mark,

haha! yeah, i would prefer to do it myself. Especially if there are no expensive special tools needed for installation. I just happen to be a total n00b at stereo installation... i have no idea what those monkeys at BestBuy do to the cars...

right now i'm looking at a motorized LCD unit, like Alpine's IVA-D300 -> something that will just fit snugly in the existing stereo placeholder. that flush-mounted DVD player looks nice, but seems like a daunting task!
http://iweb.alpine-usa.com/img/asb/iva-d300.gif

oh, and i'd love to hook up Alpine's ipod adapter too! anyone have or heard anything about the KCA-420i???

[Phantasie]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

If you don't want to do it yourself, go to a reputable car audio shop. I've heard Kennedy Hi Fi has been used around here, but don't take it from me on their work (I do my own).

Not that there is anything wrong with Best Buy, but you want to make darn sure the shop has done E46s before. Ask for references, pics, whatever it takes. These cars can be very costly to repair if not done patiently and properly.

As for the faceplates, fanatics has a couple of people who make very nice custom brackets. The best way (edit: the slickest way) to do it is with the full panel flush mounted (see attached). Heater controls are moved to the bottom (the eyeglass pocket). Man that is so sweet.


Mark

Now thats nice looking! Anyone on this board done that? Whats the approx cost?

[E46]

Now thats nice looking! Anyone on this board done that? Whats the approx cost?

That dash kit for the screen alone costs $350-$400 USD (Not including the screen). Each dash kit is custom and hand made. Then you have to buy the screen for it, and then the brain, CD/DVD changer, and possibly navi.

After everything, its pretty costly but its a clean setup

[BlueSky]

it's hard to find the brain now...
anyone has idea where to get those???

[jeff1727]

i have the d900 in my car...it's a cool thing to have if you're in your car a lot waiting and stuff, it kinda sucks tho when it blocks the vents...but it does get a lot of looks. oh and i wouldnt get one if my car has no alarm......and you'll need a plastic face thing to cover the empty space to mount it nicely but then the hd will be off to the side...