Is there a stereo section on the board?

[edgedude]

I just bought a 98 328i convertible with no radio. Should I replace it with a stock BMW radio so I can use the CD changer in the trunk? How is the stock sound, is there a subwoofer? I have a new Alpine CDE-9872 Digital Radio and CD/Mp3 player, should I install that instead? Is there anyplace o the board that tells me about the stock system and how to wire new stuff in? Thanks.

[95RedBMWe36M50]

Replace the BMW stereo as it was a piece of crap and the stock sound is terrible, bad speakers and all!. The CD changer in the trunck is just a re-branded Alpine CD changer, so I know you can connect it with an Alpine system. I have the CD changer in my car and replaced with an Alpine system. No, there is no subwoofer from the factory, you will have to install a sub yourself. I installed an 8" JBL subwoofer behind the rear seat arm rest as it folds down to expose the trunk. I also changed out all the speakers as they are crap too. Your Alpine should interface with the CD shuttle in the trunk, so I would definately use it.

As far as a section on the boards for the stereo wiring, I'm not sure if there is one. However, I installed my stereo and it wasn't to difficult to figure out the wiring.

Good luck!


I just bought a 98 328i convertible with no radio. Should I replace it with a stock BMW radio so I can use the CD changer in the trunk? How is the stock sound, is there a subwoofer? I have a new Alpine CDE-9872 Digital Radio and CD/Mp3 player, should I install that instead? Is there anyplace o the board that tells me about the stock system and how to wire new stuff in? Thanks.

[strad]

If you have the HK system the sound is pretty good. I've had both the standard 200 watt (in my 94) and the 310 watt HK (in my 97). But no subwoofer -- if you want extra boom you can wire it in.

I just hate the look of aftermarket stereo HUs in a BMW, so I personally would be averse to changing the HU.

[WV Jim]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=127

Ask for Halston. Tell him I said "duh huh." He'll know what you mean.

[ghostryder35]

If you have the HK system the sound is pretty good. I've had both the standard 200 watt (in my 94) and the 310 watt HK (in my 97). But no subwoofer -- if you want extra boom you can wire it in.

I just hate the look of aftermarket stereo HUs in a BMW, so I personally would be averse to changing the HU.

Agreed. I also have the HK system and the sound is great for stock (although I just started to get a slight vibration in the driver side tweeter :(

[Arctikz]

its great till everything blows!!!! The only speaker i have up front is the passenger side tweeter and if i turn the high pass filter off on my HU, the mids flap around so horribly. so i have to turn my 6x9s, kicker panels, and mids off so that only the tweeters play. I do have a kicker cvr 12" subwoofer though so it still sounds pretty good :)