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Thread: Which Digital Receiver for E30

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Detroit
    Posts
    447
    My Cars
    E36 Compact,Coupe,E30

    Which Digital Receiver for E30

    I have been looking at a replacement HU for 84 318i as the current used cassette decks are expensive so I am waiting until I find one in a yard or locally. I'd rather get a newer HU for less cost. I'm currently using a Pioneer unit in my e36 and have found it to match the color quite well not stand out that much. I have been looking at this Pioneer HU as it has all the modern features and shallow design. This e30 does not have an amp so most likely I will wire up a simple 4 channel amp and some Dayton speakers from parts express if needed. Anyone have a favorite E30 HU?
    S52 E36 Compact
    E36 325is Coronaproject
    08 Saab 9-3 in Oxford Green

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Arlington, VA
    Posts
    9,933
    My Cars
    2018 BMW M240i
    I went through 3 head units in my ‘85 325e. I replaced the factory unit with a kenwood. I replaced that with an Alpine. I think Alpine head units are a great choice.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Detroit
    Posts
    447
    My Cars
    E36 Compact,Coupe,E30
    Alpine makes nice stuff but I personally don’t like the new ones. Are you using a separate amp as well? Or all HU?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    S52 E36 Compact
    E36 325is Coronaproject
    08 Saab 9-3 in Oxford Green

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Peoria, AZ
    Posts
    7,696
    My Cars
    03 zhp, 97 e36m3, 04 zhp

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Detroit
    Posts
    447
    My Cars
    E36 Compact,Coupe,E30

    Gahh, why couldn't I find this on R3V? Many thanks!
    S52 E36 Compact
    E36 325is Coronaproject
    08 Saab 9-3 in Oxford Green

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    NJ
    Posts
    158
    My Cars
    '13 328i / '95 325i Vert
    I put a Pioneer in my old E30 ( thread - https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...d.php?t=219813 ) came out awesome..
    Painting the Trim Ring calmed it down a bit as well.

    painted.jpg
    13 F30 328i Sport 6MT
    95 E36 325i Vert 5MT
    92 Sentra SE-R SR20DET DET Build Thread
    08 E90 328i Sport [sold]
    89 E30 325is [sold & missed]

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Arlington, VA
    Posts
    9,933
    My Cars
    2018 BMW M240i
    I used a separate amp.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    161
    My Cars
    '91 M5, '13 E92, '89 E32
    OP, I have that same Pioneer MVH-S501 head unit in both my E34 M5 and E32 750iL. I was so impressed with it in the 750 that I bought another one to replace a significantly more expensive Alpine in the M5. The Pioneer supports FLAC files, the radio works well with the antenna embedded in the rear window, and the DSP is really powerful (especially considering the price). I like having precise control over crossover frequency and slope, precise control over EQ with multiple customizable curves, and most importantly: time alignment across all four corners and the sub.

    I'm using the 6x line out connectors on the back of the unit to power a 5 channel amp in the trunk, with a 10" sub mounted behind the ski portal. I never used the amp built into the head unit so I can't comment on how powerful it is. The "amber" choice for illuminating the display matches the BMW dash pretty well. I was able to drill a half inch hole in a knockout plastic panel next to my headlight switch and mount the mic for the bluetooth connection with a grommet. Looks factory and works perfectly.
    1989 750iL schwarz/schwarz
    1991 M5 schwarz/silbergrau
    2013 328i coupe diamondschwarz/caramel
    2003 525iT orient blue/tan
    1990 535i/5 schwarz/schwarz

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Detroit
    Posts
    447
    My Cars
    E36 Compact,Coupe,E30
    Quote Originally Posted by biasvoltage View Post
    OP, I have that same Pioneer MVH-S501 head unit in both my E34 M5 and E32 750iL. I was so impressed with it in the 750 that I bought another one to replace a significantly more expensive Alpine in the M5. The Pioneer supports FLAC files, the radio works well with the antenna embedded in the rear window, and the DSP is really powerful (especially considering the price). I like having precise control over crossover frequency and slope, precise control over EQ with multiple customizable curves, and most importantly: time alignment across all four corners and the sub.

    I'm using the 6x line out connectors on the back of the unit to power a 5 channel amp in the trunk, with a 10" sub mounted behind the ski portal. I never used the amp built into the head unit so I can't comment on how powerful it is. The "amber" choice for illuminating the display matches the BMW dash pretty well. I was able to drill a half inch hole in a knockout plastic panel next to my headlight switch and mount the mic for the bluetooth connection with a grommet. Looks factory and works perfectly.
    Thanks, this will most likely be the one I pick up. Pioneer in my experience have been great for the money. By chance do you have a photo of it in your e30?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    S52 E36 Compact
    E36 325is Coronaproject
    08 Saab 9-3 in Oxford Green

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