Besides the Clarion unit that can be had for around $130 (from a UK seller), I think the second best option might be a CD43 with a Grom adapter. I used the DICE Bluetooth Mediabridge in my 330i and in my S4 and I wasn't really impressed. Sound quality was never as good as a conventional 3.5mm Aux input and the units always seemed buggy and never worked quite right. Other than using it for phone calls, bluetooth Audi streaming via A2DP significantly reduces sound quality. I'm currently using a tape adapter in my C43 and I feel like I'm in the ghetto. I may have to bite the bullet on the Clarion FZ102E.
Past: 1999 Techno Violet Metallic M3
Present: 2012 BMW 135i DCT Dinan S2, 1985 BMW 325e
noneBest head unit on E36?
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-11...ete-plate.aspx
X-brace, ACS fr strut brace, RSMs/Z3, RTABs, TMS sways, eibach springs, MM underpanel, UUC lt fly, 3.5 Samco elbow & MAF, JConforti chip, AA pipe, Al coolant bits, SS brake & clutch lines, LTW seats & door cards, GT intl CF trim, no center console, UUC EVO3, M5 lit knob
Blaupunky Toronto BPTRN420BT
works great
Last edited by RRSperry; 10-29-2014 at 09:51 PM.
No matter where you go, there you are...
I'm pretty happy with my JVC Arsenal KDAHD75BT.
I did modify it a little, took off the glossy cover over the screen, and masked off some of the glowing lines on the face of the head unit.
Here's what the head unit looks like stock:
And after I did some changes to it:
Sorry for the terrible picture, my phone would just not focus or expose correctly.
That Clarion would almost be perfect, but the knob looks really off to me being in the dead center.
My biggest gripe, besides not having adjustable colors, with most head units is the fact that they use glossy covers on the displays. If you look at OEM head units, most use matte or non reflective finishes everywhere inside of the car. The gloss just looks so out of place in most cars.
Last edited by earthwormjim; 10-31-2014 at 05:58 AM.
I haven't had any real issues yet. the little removable "security bar" akin to a detachable faceplate is a bit finicky, but that's about it so far. It's been pretty solid. I haven't updated to the newest OS version yet, but in general I'm pretty happy with it.
Good to hear that. I have been thinking of getting one of these for my e36.
Just be aware, you either need to be handy with working on the car, or be prepared to pay someone to do it. You'll need to do some cutting, heat gunning of venting behind the radio, and then some fabrication of trim panels if you want it looking really good. It's a lot of work.
Just installed a Kenwood BT558U receiver. Sounds great. Bluetooth audio and hands free calling rocks!
Last edited by VLT; 11-01-2014 at 09:47 PM.
CURRENT: LimeRockParkEdition E92 M3 - BSM/Silverstone E70 X5M - AW/Dove E36 M3
PAST: Techno/Dove E36 M3 - Techno/Dove E36 M3 - LSB/Black E46 M3
^^ Looks nice. Any daytime shots?
Past: 1999 Techno Violet Metallic M3
Present: 2012 BMW 135i DCT Dinan S2, 1985 BMW 325e
Correct, no cutting of the vents needed; without a CD/DVD player in it it's pretty shallow, but you'll need to deform the heating vents with a heat gun to give it just enough space. It's not too bad. You'll need to cut the plastic framework for the OEM radio and heater controls, then shift everything downward. Decide if you want the OBC or sunglass holder, you can't have both. All in all it's just a time sink to make it look good, that's all.
Ah ok, It's not that bad.
Thanks for your input and clearing out some of my questions.
sorry to the op for the thread jack.
Here is the Nakamichi
Last edited by boykinjw; 11-02-2014 at 11:15 AM.
That looks pretty good!
TRM Coilovers 670F/895R | BBS LM | Corsa RSC36
nice…..any more pictures from farther away.?
how are the real world performances of these head units? Blaupunkt, Kenwood, Clarion, Nakamichi? I might also upgrade the amp and speakers. So from what I've read it's best to spend the most on your speakers, then amp, then head unit, correct?
I quoted one of my earlier posts below. I good sounding system will come from the speakers and amp. About a month or so ago I did the system I described below (minus the iPhone/ipod integration bit), and I couldn't be happier. I mounted the LC6i in place of the factory amp, and didn't need to mess around with any of the wiring with the rest of the car. The car looks 100% OEM and sounds worlds better running an Alpine 300 Watt RMS 4 channel amp to MB Quart component speakers (5.25" front and 6x9" rear).
John
'95 Hellrot M3 w/Dove
AA Euro HFM Stage II (w/21# Injectors & Software) W/Gen III Exhaust - URI Crank Pully - FDM w/3 Row M Coupe Rad - 3.23 LSD - Vogtland Club Spec/Koni SA - UUC Red w/Enforcers - TMS Shims/Rear Camber Bars w/QA1 inners/Sways - VMC F/TMS R End Links - X-Brace - Perf Ultimate/SS Brake Lines - GC Tower Mounts/RTAB Shims - ZKW's w/5000K Hid - Fog Delete - Alpine 9847/Pioneer TS-C130R Kevlar Components/Pioneer PRS-X340/Stealth Box's/Wired Zune 120GB - OE LTW CF Sills/Glove Box Plate - Staggered Black M-Spoke II's w/235/40 (front), 255/40 (Rear) Nitto NT05's - Rolled Fenders!
***Got a '95 M3? (actually pretty common on all years! Even happened to Racer Seth Thomas! ) Check Your LSD! http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=390209
any reviews on the sony mex-gs810bh or alpine hd-149bt?
The Alpine is great.
No matter where you go, there you are...
Yeah I expect it to be good, but from comparing specs the sony seems to be as good and much cheaper. But then as I read more, I found out Sony has a history of inflating specs so I guess I'll get another alpine...
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