Best looking aftermarket head unit?

[JasonMHorn]

I’ve seen countless threads on this topic but none of them seem to be up to date. If there is one I apologize but I haven’t seen it.

What’s everyone opinion on a head unit that looks as close to factory with modern technology (Bluetooth, iPhone compatible, etc)?

[MParallel]

There have been recent threads. There is no real definitive answer.

What about a factory headunit and add BT, iphone, Aux etc to it? Plenty of interfaces that do exactly this. As long as the factory head unit supports a CD changer.

[JasonMHorn]

There have been recent threads. There is no real definitive answer.

What about a factory headunit and add BT, iphone, Aux etc to it? Plenty of interfaces that do exactly this. As long as the factory head unit supports a CD changer.

My factory HU is fried. I do have the CD Changer.

[MParallel]

Get a CD43 and an interface. That’s what I would do.

[MParallel]

Get a CD43 and an interface. That’s what I would do.

[Migou]

I actually found a Kenwood that wasn't a rainbow of colors. You can change the color of the display. The orange/red color they have is really close to the rest of the dash lights.

[Bostongruen]

I actually found a Kenwood that wasn't a rainbow of colors. You can change the color of the display. The orange/red color they have is really close to the rest of the dash lights.

Which model?

[JasonMHorn]

I actually found a Kenwood that wasn't a rainbow of colors. You can change the color of the display. The orange/red color they have is really close to the rest of the dash lights.

I’m not a huge Kenwood fan. How do you like it besides the look? What model is it and do you have any pictures?

[MParallel]

Matching color display/lights is only so much.

Problem is any modern unit looks, well, too modern for the E36 interior and most have some type of bevel, making it stand out like a sore thumb.

BMW units have a flat facia, nicely making a single surface with the climate controls.

Now unless you're an audiophile and don't care for factory optics, for US, the CD43 is the best choice.

[Jcbzr]

Clarion FZ102E is the best match, however it's outdated and doesn't have BT as a feature...

[Migou]

I'm not a huge Kenwood fan either. I wanted something cost effective, and something that worked with the interior. The model number is KMM-BT518HD. It doesn't have a CD player, USB only.

[CarterH]

Clarion FZ102E is the best match, however it's outdated and doesn't have BT as a feature...

A beautiful unit for sure but it has no iPod support and it's quite old now. It's also very expensive.

Lately I've been finding a lot of cheaper units that are flat and minimal and there's also a lot of minimal but expensive units out there. It seems the middle tier is filled with the 90s nightclub head units while the OEM looking units are either outrageously expensive or suspiciously cheap. Some of the lower tier Pioneer units look pretty okay and do everything that is needed today.

[MParallel]

Thinking about it...if the best unit you could get at the time was the Becker made Professional RDS, the best aftermarket unit would be the Becker Mexico Professional.



The BMW unit is this unit, with a slightly altered front. (and weirdly enough, some functions dropped).

[JasonMHorn]

I ended up going with the Alpine UTE-73BT. You can change the colors of the display and buttons to match pretty good. It has a bunch of nice features, sounds awesome and was a good price. It may not look factory but as I said it does look pretty good and I’m very happy with it over all.

[RJe36is]

NKM.CD500_fs.jpg

Nakamichi Cd-500

[JasonMHorn]

NKM.CD500_fs.jpg

Nakamichi Cd-500

That’s very nice but the price tag is a little much.

[JasonMHorn]

Here the Alpine UTE-73BT that I went with.

https://i.imgur.com/fdXySN3.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5bPTHc4.jpg

[Migou]

Here the Alpine UTE-73BT that I went with.

https://i.imgur.com/fdXySN3.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5bPTHc4.jpg

Link didn't work

[blckstrm]

Link didn't work

Me neither - but I hit "reload" and it did work.

[JasonMHorn]

Link didn't work

I don’t know, it works for me. If someone can explain to me how to post pictures instead of links with a mobile device, I’d appreciate it.

[Spyke]

Love my older Pioneer MVH unit, super clean, plays from SD/USB/Aux

IMG_3368 by Gregg, on Flickr

[QUiKSR20]

When I was looking I couldnt find many that looked good shy of a modded CD43 which are usually overpriced and outdown in sound quality by a $129 entry level deck these days.
They do look awesome though, I think I captured the OEM+ looks with this minimal Alpine CDE-HD149BT w/ a modded LCD screen. Colors are perfect and its very minimalistic
in looks with a ton of sound quality to back it.

IMG_9925.jpg

Bunch of info in the below thread ( i was just in the same situation trying to find the perfect blend of performance and OEM cleanliness )
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...t-on-E36/page6

This guy here also made a killer OEM looking trim ring which I plan on adding eventually to mine.
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...-Audio-Upgrade

CAM00078.jpg

Needless to say you have options, But the CD43 and C33 will look the best ultimately still, Just not sound the best and you will pay for them unless you find a deal.