Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 27

Thread: Looking for/upgrading Bavaria C professional radio!

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    26
    My Cars
    E31

    Looking for/upgrading Bavaria C professional radio!

    My car came with an original business rds radio, has a casette slot in the front and a CD player in the boot

    I was wondering if it's possible to upgrade to the later Bavaria C professional radio and if it's a simple plug and play installation?

    If so, where can I source this radio?

    Thanks!!
    Last edited by E31ftwww; 08-13-2017 at 12:24 PM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Los Angeles
    Posts
    817
    My Cars
    94 Euro BMW 850CSi 892
    Quote Originally Posted by E31ftwww View Post
    I am the owner of a b12 5.7 and the car came with an original business rds radio. I was wondering if it's possible to upgrade to the later Bavaria C professional radio and if it's a simple plug and play installation? If so, where can I source this radio? Thanks!!
    I've seen them on ebay. Rare, but you can find them from time to time.
    Board Member of SoCalEights (Marketing, Web Development & Social Media), Vice President: BMWCCA/E31 Chapter, www.cartiologyfilms.com
    Current E31s:
    1997 BMW 840Ci Black on Beige. CSI 62, 107 and 16. Euro-CSi #892.
    Client Represented E31s (Cartiology Films)
    1994 BMW 850CSi #11 USA, 1994 BMW 850CSi #31 USA, 1994 BMW 850CSi #58 USA
    93-850Ci - manual 6 speed. 97-850Ci - M73 Steptronic. 94-CSi 125, 95-CSi 162 Daytona Violet, CSi 198 White on Red
    Past E31s:
    1991 BMW 850i. Calypso Red on Beige Nappa and 1995 BMW 840Ci. Bright Red on Beige Nappa
    1997 BMW 840Ci. Black On Black Nappa, but changed to Dakar Yellow on Black Nappa and 1994 BMW 850CSi #27. Red On light Silver.
    1991 BMW 850i. Automatic. Red On Black and 1996 BMW 850Ci. Automatic. Midnight Blue on Gray.
    1994 BMW 850CSi. Black On Blak #107, Black/Black 97-840. White/White CSi. Silver/Silver 97-840

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    26
    My Cars
    E31
    are they just a direct plug and play upgrade?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Los Angeles
    Posts
    817
    My Cars
    94 Euro BMW 850CSi 892
    Quote Originally Posted by E31ftwww View Post
    are they just a direct plug and play upgrade?
    It was standard on Euro-CSi models so I think it's pretty much plug n play
    Board Member of SoCalEights (Marketing, Web Development & Social Media), Vice President: BMWCCA/E31 Chapter, www.cartiologyfilms.com
    Current E31s:
    1997 BMW 840Ci Black on Beige. CSI 62, 107 and 16. Euro-CSi #892.
    Client Represented E31s (Cartiology Films)
    1994 BMW 850CSi #11 USA, 1994 BMW 850CSi #31 USA, 1994 BMW 850CSi #58 USA
    93-850Ci - manual 6 speed. 97-850Ci - M73 Steptronic. 94-CSi 125, 95-CSi 162 Daytona Violet, CSi 198 White on Red
    Past E31s:
    1991 BMW 850i. Calypso Red on Beige Nappa and 1995 BMW 840Ci. Bright Red on Beige Nappa
    1997 BMW 840Ci. Black On Black Nappa, but changed to Dakar Yellow on Black Nappa and 1994 BMW 850CSi #27. Red On light Silver.
    1991 BMW 850i. Automatic. Red On Black and 1996 BMW 850Ci. Automatic. Midnight Blue on Gray.
    1994 BMW 850CSi. Black On Blak #107, Black/Black 97-840. White/White CSi. Silver/Silver 97-840

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Belgium
    Posts
    2,484
    My Cars
    Made in Germany
    Possible, yes, but it's not exactly plug-and-play. The BMW Bavaria C Professional (Becker BE0776) and the later BMW Bavaria C Professional RDS (Becker BE1801) are rather unique head units because they are 2-part devices. The unit in the center console is just a display, keyboard and cassette player. The tuner is in a separate unit mounted in the trunk. All other head units in the E31 were single-unit devices which makes installing the BE0776 or BE1801 quite different.

    If you really want a period-correct high-end radio/cassette player look for the successor of the BE0776 and BE1801: The BMW Professional RDS (Becker BE2450/BE2455). It was available for the E31 from 12/1994 until end of production. Unlike the Bavaria C Professional (RDS) the BE2450/BE2455 is a single-unit device and thus a straightforward replacement for any regular head unit in the E31.

    A highly recommended alternative is the BMW Business CD RDS (Blaupunkt CD43) which was available from 1/1994 until end of production. Of the OEM head units it's probably the best looking because it lacks the dated cassette player. There are also 3rd party accessories to make it support media players. The CD43 is very popular and second hand units often fetch relatively high prices. If you want a genuine unit, look for the print BMW BUSINESS CD right from the volume knob. BMW and Rover used exactly the same head unit so you'll find a lot of Rover head unit "rebadged" to BMW by putting a out-of-place ///M sticker over the Rover logo...
    Last edited by revtor; 08-14-2017 at 07:39 AM. Reason: typo

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    26
    My Cars
    E31
    This is really fantastic information...

    Was the business cd rds (cd43) a factory installed unit on the e31?

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Belgium
    Posts
    2,484
    My Cars
    Made in Germany
    E31ftwww: Optionally of course but, yes, the CD43 was available for the E31 (order option SA658 starting from 12/1994). In total 302 E31 left the BMW factory equipped with the CD43 (source: Reinhard from 8er.org / 8coupe.com).

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    26
    My Cars
    E31
    Thank you -

    Would the radio/cassette profressional RDS be a better choice or the Business CD RDS (cd43)?

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Belgium
    Posts
    2,484
    My Cars
    Made in Germany
    E31ftwww: That depends entirely on your preference. The BMW Professional RDS has a better radio tuner but the CD43 has a built-in cd player and support for external media players (through 3rd party accessories). Quality-wise you can't go wrong with either of them.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    26
    My Cars
    E31
    Revtor: thank you this is super helpful. Will be aiming to locate a cd43!

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Iceland
    Posts
    4,675
    My Cars
    BMW 850
    Rector. What alternative do I have if I have the business red allready ?

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Orange County, CA
    Posts
    13,503
    My Cars
    840Ci|725tds|Alpina B7
    Quote Originally Posted by Alec Cartio View Post
    It was standard on Euro-CSi models so I think it's pretty much plug n play
    I have that trunk-mounted tuner in my 93 Mercedes. The wiring is VERY different than the other BMWs

    Trunk module has all kinds of cables going to and from the head unit, CD changer, amp, etc:


  13. #13
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Whitney, TX
    Posts
    1,238
    My Cars
    97 850CI
    Quote Originally Posted by E31ftwww View Post
    Revtor: thank you this is super helpful. Will be aiming to locate a cd43!
    As you wish.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-CD43-Bus...czlM3A&vxp=mtr
    Desecrator of all things Sacred

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    26
    My Cars
    E31
    Thanks taking a look but no pix!

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Location
    West Chester, PA
    Posts
    154
    My Cars
    BMWs:74 3.0 CS, 97 840Ci
    Do an ebay search for: BMW CD43 radio There are usually 2 or 3 listed any time I was looking. Alternatively, if you do not want/need the CD changer connection, a CD23 is much cheaper. I have one I'll sell for $125 plus shipping (USA only). I upgraded as my car has the rear changer and I wanted that option.

    Gary

    PS: Unfortunately, I'm leaving home for 4 weeks tomorrow, so wouldn't be able to ship until I return.
    Gary Knox

    '97 BMW 840 Ci
    '03 MB SL55 AMG
    '07 Mini Cooper S hatchback
    '09 Aston Martin DB9 Volante
    '13 Audi A8
    '90 MB 560 SEC and '94 Porsche 928 GTS recently departed but long enjoyed
    50 or so others over the past 70 years of driving

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    26
    My Cars
    E31
    will the CD changer work fine after
    Upgrading to a cd43? I've read somewhere about m bus and i-bus comparability issues?

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Harrisburg, PA, USA
    Posts
    374
    My Cars
    x5, 640i, 850Ci, 850CSi
    Quote Originally Posted by E31ftwww View Post
    will the CD changer work fine after
    Upgrading to a cd43? I've read somewhere about m bus and i-bus comparability issues?
    It's supposed to, but mine doesn't. I need to check the connection when I pull the MID display to get that fixed, but I could also have a bad head unit.

    Mike Barrett
    Mike Barrett
    94 850CSi, Hellrot over silbergrau dunkel/silbergrau hell
    96 850Ci, Oxfordgrun over silbergrau hell

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    26
    My Cars
    E31
    my car is a 1993 build..

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
    Location
    Sydney, Australia
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    F80M3,E39M5,E31B125.7
    Thanks Revtor for such detailed info.
    My Alpina B12 5.7 E31 has the 850CSi Becker radio called BMW Professional RDS (BE1801). It is the 3 piece system with Head Unit in dash and Radio Tuner/Amp and CD in the boot (trunk).
    My radio tech says the microprocessor is faulty as the radio switches off after a few seconds. He also thinks the code is not correct. I got the code 1234 from a site which charged $10 for it by using the Serial Number.
    The way I see it is either the code is wrong or the microprocessor is gone. How can I find out which option is correct without buying another Head Unit and/or Radio Unit?
    If I need to replace the Head Unit (and possibly the Radio Tuner), can anyone find one for me or suggest a supplier?
    whammy

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    Woodstock, GA
    Posts
    566
    My Cars
    2001 BMW 540i6
    Here’s a step by step write up on how to swap in a CD43. It’s plug n play but if you want certain features to work like aux and stuff like that you need to run the updated BMW data cable.

    It’s done on an E36 but the wiring and everything as far as what needs to be plugged in and what not is the same.

    http://www.frankies-bmw.com/3series/....php#datacable

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    Uk
    Posts
    1,317
    My Cars
    1994 850csi rhd
    Quote Originally Posted by whammy2 View Post
    Thanks Revtor for such detailed info.
    My Alpina B12 5.7 E31 has the 850CSi Becker radio called BMW Professional RDS (BE1801). It is the 3 piece system with Head Unit in dash and Radio Tuner/Amp and CD in the boot (trunk).
    My radio tech says the microprocessor is faulty as the radio switches off after a few seconds. He also thinks the code is not correct. I got the code 1234 from a site which charged $10 for it by using the Serial Number.
    The way I see it is either the code is wrong or the microprocessor is gone. How can I find out which option is correct without buying another Head Unit and/or Radio Unit?
    If I need to replace the Head Unit (and possibly the Radio Tuner), can anyone find one for me or suggest a supplier?
    whammy
    It's not faulty, the tuner unit in the boot has lost power, likely fuse has gone. Without power to this unit the head unit will turn off after a few seconds.

    - - - Updated - - -

    I have 2 working sets of professional c head and tuner units should anyone be looking for one.

  22. #22
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    Woodstock, GA
    Posts
    566
    My Cars
    2001 BMW 540i6
    I know this is kinda old but you can find these radios all day out of late model Z3s. All these people on eBay are high af selling them for $300. I’ve bought 3 from junk yards for $75.

  23. #23
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Stockholm, Sweden
    Posts
    35
    My Cars
    2000 750iL, 1989 320i
    Quote Originally Posted by Omega man 1969 View Post
    I have 2 working sets of professional c head and tuner units should anyone be looking for one.
    Still available?

  24. #24
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    São Paulo, Brazil
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    BMW M5 E34
    Quote Originally Posted by Omega man 1969 View Post
    It's not faulty, the tuner unit in the boot has lost power, likely fuse has gone. Without power to this unit the head unit will turn off after a few seconds.

    - - - Updated - - -

    I have 2 working sets of professional c head and tuner units should anyone be looking for one.
    Hi Omega man! Do you still have an unit available?

  25. #25
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    Uk
    Posts
    1,317
    My Cars
    1994 850csi rhd
    Yes I have 2 head/tuner units available

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Looking for upgraded sound system for my E36 M3
    By JM3 in forum Car Audio & Electronics sponsored by Bavsound
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 01-30-2008, 01:15 PM
  2. Looking for a used C33 cassette radio..
    By BMWg84 in forum BMW Parts Wanted
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 08-06-2007, 12:15 PM
  3. Looking for a used C33 cassette radio
    By BMWg84 in forum BMW Parts Wanted
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 05-08-2007, 07:36 AM
  4. looking for upgrades on a 330
    By 330DinanHunter in forum Track, Auto-X & Drag Racing sponsored by Bimmerparts.com
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 05-23-2006, 02:44 AM
  5. Looking for upgrade, how does my setup sound?
    By kt1 in forum Car Audio & Electronics sponsored by Bavsound
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 12-29-2004, 01:52 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •