So, no e38 owner has upgraded to an aftermarket head unit?? I have questions!!

[fst96se]

Hello all, this is my maiden post here on bimmerforums. I have 95 740i and today I tried to replace the head unit (cassete) with an Alpine 9813. I have searched and searched, and have yet to find anyone who has replaced (and explained HOW to replace) their head unit. I have seen a bit on the 3 and 5 series, but have found virtually nothing on the 7. I have searched the ICE forum and the 7 forum both. Hence my frustration. I hope it is actually possible using just a harness adapter.

Here is my issue. Background, my car has DSP (whatever that is) and I do not believe it has the HK. Don't know if that helps or not, but......

I am getting no sound from my Apline. I am using the Universal BMW and universal Alpine harnesses. Put them together and I get power, just no sound. I spliced my power antenna wire and amp turn on wire together to see if that would work, and nothing.

So you see, I would like someone who has installed an aftermarket HU in their 7 series to 'splain to me what I am doing wrong. I will be posting this in both forums to see if I can get a rapid and relavent response.

THanks,
SHawn

[wolffbimmer]

I have a 95 also and im pretty sure you cant use the stock amp. youd have to disconnect it and run wires from the amp connectors to the headunit for it to work. thats what a shop like best buy or circuit city would do.

[Gregs///M]

You have to bypass the amp. There is a current thread on this exact topic. Search DSP

[AudioDesignsATL]

This car requires a lot more than just bypassing the stock amp. There are too many speakers in the car to be powered by the head unit. Your best best is a 4 ch amp with a few sets of passive x-overs to get you going. Unless your looking for a big upgrade which would yield the best possible results.

[AwesomeIsLuke]

With DSP, you have to replace the stock amp and all speakers. I just learned this the other day, and it sucks

[wolffbimmer]

The DSP system can be a pain. At first the volume would click and pop when i changed it and it sometimes wouldnt even turn on. I had to buy a new amp off ebay. i got for 220 but it fixed everything and it sounds great now. i disconnected the 4 tweeters because they seemed way too loud and too much trebal. So i have 8 pionner 3way speakers in place of the stock speakers and i love it