Looking for in dash mp3 player that matches the interior...

[Ahmet]

Hey guys, I'm looking to replace the stock CD changer controls/radio in my e36 with a descent head unit that can play mp3s, but also doesn't look out of place in the interior. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Ahmet

[Giants9595]

i have a JVC Ar3000 for sale that matches the amber lights perfect.

here is the deck on JVCs website: http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?model...thId=52&page=1

I would sell the player for $200 shipped priority mail.

here is a picture of the deck installed in my car. I didnt have the shade of amber configured perfectly at the time but it is possible to make it exact.

[WoLF]

search

[Ahmet]

I would like something on which the buttons/texture of the unit, etc. doesn't look out of place. Perhaps a black aluminum face plate? If I can't find anything, I'll consider that model.
Thanks
Ahmet

[mastermind]

alot of people here say the alpine 9835, or clarion decks. check those out with a search.

[Giants9595]

that JVC deck is the closest out of any deck ive seen out there. I did a lot of research trying to match it to my interior to maintain a stock look. People suggested the alpines but they look out of place and cheap.

[eric77]

nakamichi
Although I would never own one because of the lack of modern features. It's kind of a primitive sq h/u, which does have great sq.

[psuman93]

I bought a Clarion ProAudio DXZ745MP, which has 700-some colors and plays mp3s and wma files. I think it fits pretty well with the E36 interior and has some nice features and decent sound quality. Worth a look, anyway.

The new Clarion units have a lot of silver on them and look like shit. The 2004 models were all black except for the silver main knob.

Good Luck on your decision.

-psuman93

[Ahmet]

Thanks a bunch for the replies, just ordered the Clarion. Looks great, specs seem descent also. Hopefully it will look "at home" in the car as well.

Here's to hoping it sounds OK without needing speakers too...
Ahmet

[WoLF]

good choice. i'm probably going to pick up the Clarion also!

[bigbris1]

Or you can pick up this rarer than rare one from me for cheeper than cheep.


Blaupunkt Los Angeles CDM147 Head unit $75 shipped
In dash CD player, PLAYS CD-Rs, has Aux input but the connector was cut off, accessory can be easily spliced in.
The buttons match the rest of the interior lighting nicely.

[Ahmet]

Yeah but, does it light up red?
Ahmet

[Ahmet]

Got the clarion, installed it. Sounds quite a bit better than stock. Color match is very close, not exact but better than I can imagine any aftermarket head unit being.

Thanks for all the feedback. I guess it's time to start looking for ways to add a little bit of bass now...
Ahmet

[bigbris1]

Yeah but, does it light up red?
Ahmet

I guess you didn't click the link to see these:

[Ahmet]

Nope, nope sorry didn't see those. I didn't need a regular CD player anyway (car came w/a changer), but that one does seem to match the interior well.
Ahmet

[JustaWanderer]

Best matching headunit that I've found is the one I ended up buying for my own bimmer.

CD/mp3/sat

http://www.stormlabs.com/Electronics...8991/id/94316/

Enlarge the picture. Buttons glow amber or green. Looks damn good with the black trim around it. Everything else out there seems so flashy and showy.

[Estoril Blue]

i think you're looking for the alpine cda 7894, it plays mp3's and matches perfectly with the amber (but not in this pic)

i could take a pic of mine if you really wanna see how it matches

[morganbressler]

My head unit, the JVC EXAD kdlx-500 or something like that is sweet. Its touch screen, and i set the color to amber to match the other lights in the bmw, and also, you can get a black brushed aluminum, or normal brushed aluminum front for it. So, if you have a brushed aluminum trim kit, it looks awesome, but if not, the black looks sweet too!

[MTribe]

Like the JVC. However, 4 perimeter buttons stay red. Is that lame to have that be a showstopper?

Considering Clarion. Anyone know how far these stick out? Or can post pics installed? Don't want it to crowd the three chrome HVAC rings.

BTW, are *any* of these decks flush with the dash?

[BMW325xi]

Thanks a bunch for the replies, just ordered the Clarion. Looks great, specs seem descent also. Hopefully it will look "at home" in the car as well.

Here's to hoping it sounds OK without needing speakers too...
Ahmet

which Clarion did you get?

[Ahmet]

DXZ745MP.
Ahmet

[bitchincamaro]

I have the Alpine 9835, matches perfect, except for the organic display, which is black and white and meshes well with everything...i got it so it would match with the interior and for the ipod connectivity, which isnt all that great, but thats another story.

[RenegadeBMW]

I have had my Clarion DXZ735MP for some time now. I love it, and that is coming from someone that always thought they were shit. Its inexpensive and hasn't failed me yet.

[Ed Salas]

Or you can pick up this rarer than rare one from me for cheeper than cheep.


Blaupunkt Los Angeles CDM147 Head unit $75 shipped
In dash CD player, PLAYS CD-Rs, has Aux input but the connector was cut off, accessory can be easily spliced in.
The buttons match the rest of the interior lighting nicely.

email me:
edsteff@msn.com

[Zowell]

I dont know if i should let you in on the secret, but the best deck by far in quality and color matching is the pioneer deh 8600. It has a organic oel display which comes with a perfect matching orange setting. It is top of the line pioneer, which in my opinion is the best head unit manufacturer. It plays, mp3, wma, rwcd, and sound real good with a 13 band eq. You can also make your own custom display or upload picture on it.

I'll upload some pics from my buddies car tomorrow.

Check it out.