Z3 radio replacement - any experience / recommendations

[mktommo]

Hi all

I already have a replacement radio in my Z3 (I think it might have come from a 1990s Rover of some kind - fitted by a previous owner), but the CD player is knackered and it has limited functionality.

So I need to replace. Does anybody have any recommendations or experience of new units that tick the below please

a) Looks like it might come from a 1997 car (i.e. doesn't look like a spaceship has landed in the dashboard with flashing lights etc).
b) Has MP3 compatibility
c) Has security so that I can leave car parked with roof down occasionally

Other functions such as DAB / CD / Bluetooth / etc I'll take but am not that fussed by.

Also - I've not replaced a radio since I did it to an old Mk V Cortina - is wiring of a new stereo likely to be compatible with my Z3?

Thanks in advance

Paul

 

[Davyhoogy]

I like my sony mx5100bt
It's carbon fibre look on the outside but can get the exact matching orange light as the rest of the dials.
Also has Bluetooth phone aux CD sub.
The facial is removable so not really secure but I put mine in the centre storage.
Great sound!

 

[hard top]

I know a Dutch guy selling a BMW Alpine Business cassette/radio with connections for CD if that's of any help?
€90

 

[mrscalex]

Embrace the OEM radio/cassette. Tune in to Radio 2 and keep it there - you don't need MP3s.

Grumble like Victor Meldrew over what a d*ck Chris Evans is. Score full points on Ken Bruce popmaster for the 70s/80s questions and wonder what the heck the answer is to anything from the last 20 years.

Bop up and down in the seat to Bucks Fizz and Brotherhood of Man and use the roof being down to showcase your grey hair on your animated head. Look forward all week to Steve Wright's Serious Jockin as you dad dance in the footwell to Black Box and 2 Unlimited who seemed c*ap at the time but positively acceptable compared to Ed ruddy Sheeran and One flippin Direction.

Well that's how I approach the whole in car entertainment thing

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

I've got this one I recently removed from a z3, complete with the needed connectors

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162532230176?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

 

[Faheem]

a) Looks like it might come from a 1997 car (i.e. doesn't look like a spaceship has landed in the dashboard with flashing lights etc).



Very true mate.

 

[mktommo]

Thanks for the offer of used units guys but I'll keep looking for something that has MP3 functionality...........

 

[katkwak]

i,m after 1 that still uses the multi change in the boot

 

[Dino D]

i,m after 1 that still uses the multi change in the boot

I remember when that was the business, but only 6 cds was poor form when Sony did 10 cd changer units!

 

[GazHyde]

This may be worth you reading through... https://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-radio-head-unit-removal-and-replacement.70/

 

[hard top]

I know a Dutch guy selling a BMW Alpine Business cassette/radio with connections for CD if that's of any help?
€90

i,m after 1 that still uses the multi change in the boot

This one?

​

​

[URL='https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1479534435442892&set=pcb.1910280102573106&type=3']
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1479534452109557&set=pcb.1910280102573106&type=3[/URL]

​

 

[Hemeltone]

Thanks for the offer of used units guys but I'll keep looking for something that has MP3 functionality...........

I've got an Alpine MP3/Bluetooth player in mine, works very well with my Galaxy S7, just purchased some JBL component speakers to accompany it, I will let you know what it sounds like once I have fitted them...

 

[PSD]

I went for a Clarion FZ102E. Really great retro looking stereo and in my view blends in seemlessly to the dashboard looking very oem, even at night.

Pictures attached.

 

[Clockwatcher]

PSD,

Nice looking stereo, it truly looks OEM!

CW

 

[mrscalex]

That is a very good find.

Although for me personally it’s a shame the rotary knob isn’t on the left and a bit smaller.

It’s still the only aftermarket unit I’ve seen I would actually consider installing.

But I’m a strictly factory person so that includes enjoying the tinniness of the original while listening to Radio 2. It’s comical at times. If it was my main car I doubt I would stick with it!

 

[Clockwatcher]

mktommo,

I have just fitted a Pioneer DEH X8700DAB. Normally £200, but for some reason you can get it from Half*rds for £120. All you need is a harness adapter, dab antenna and an aerial adapter. It will runs DAB, FM, CD, Bluetooth (phone and music) USB (music) and Aux. And for audiophiles, it will play Flac files too. Synched to our phones simply and easily, and they are not iPhones or Androids! It will auto dim when put the lights on and it does not look to flashy. Controls take a bit of getting used to, but that is a minor issue.

Most importantly, all the display colours can be adapted to match BMW orange perfectly!

Not the best picture I have taken.....

CW

 

[inkey$]

I've got a second hand Alpine for sale which doesn't look too crazy but might for the bill for you.
And it's just £35 posted. Even got the manual
https://zroadster.org/threads/alpine-cde-9850ri-cd-receiver.23563/

 

[N4LLY]

SONY MEX-N6001BD 55x4 Watts DAB Radio Bluetooth CD MP3 USB AUX

 

[Sean d]

Embrace the OEM radio/cassette. Tune in to Radio 2 and keep it there - you don't need MP3s.

Grumble like Victor Meldrew over what a d*ck Chris Evans is. Score full points on Ken Bruce popmaster for the 70s/80s questions and wonder what the heck the answer is to anything from the last 20 years.

Bop up and down in the seat to Bucks Fizz and Brotherhood of Man and use the roof being down to showcase your grey hair on your animated head. Look forward all week to Steve Wright's Serious Jockin as you dad dance in the footwell to Black Box and 2 Unlimited who seemed c*ap at the time but positively acceptable compared to Ed ruddy Sheeran and One flippin Direction.

Well that's how I approach the whole in car entertainment thing

Ha, agree with all of the above other keep the original unit, it and the speakers are bloody useless