Z3m stereo

[Andy Birts]

Hi. I have a z3m roadster with only 24000 miles on it. I could either do with finding a cd changer for the boot and the wiring that it would require or rather buy a modern stereo that would take a USB. It currently has the upgraded supplied stereo with sub but I am wondering what modern type of stereo would just pop in bearing in mind I think mine will have an amp built in somewhere any thoughts please ?

 

[bertiejaffa]

I bought just a nice stereo that I likes that had Audio Bluetooth etc and fitted it to the car using the existing wiring - obviously didnt connect anything to do with the multichanger. I also upgrade the OEM speakers to have greater wattage than the stereo to ensure the sound didnt crackle when loud.

 

[Andy Birts]

I bought just a nice stereo that I likes that had Audio Bluetooth etc and fitted it to the car using the existing wiring - obviously didnt connect anything to do with the multichanger. I also upgrade the OEM speakers to have greater wattage than the stereo to ensure the sound didnt crackle when loud.

Hi. My problem is I need a low wattage output stereo because it has to then go through the upgraded amp which mine has from new apparently.

 

[bertiejaffa]

To be honest I wouldnt worry - just dont turn it up to high then

 

[Andy Birts]

Driving to southern Spain in it so could do with getting it right really. Proving to be ultra difficult.

 

[137699]

You can add Bluetooth/USB to the original stereo using the CD changer port.
Much better than buying a modern stereo because...
1. Looks period - modern radios look gash
2. Lights up the correct colour
3. Sounds better as it connects up all the amps etc where as many of the aftermarket wiring kits bypass them
4. Not going to come back and find a brick been put through your window to steal the stereo

This is the kit I used:
Bluetooth A2DP Handsfree USB SD AUX Adapter for BMW e46 e39 Round Pin: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

 

[Andy Birts]

Bloody hell. Will look into this when I get home. You are a lifesaver if this works for me.

 

[bertiejaffa]

4. Not going to come back and find a brick been put through your window to steal the stereo

Is this still a thing?!?!? Surely if this is still happening its a rough enough neighbourhood that the chav in question would use the knife he will obviously be carrying to just cut through the roof

 

[miller1098]

You could try and search for the radio that bmw should of put in the M in the first place. Becker indionapols pro

 

[Sean d]

There are some very good car stereos out there that look period, and not "gash" as someone kindly pointed out they also sound far superior and have all the modern facilities, especially when the speakers are upgraded, the original HK system sounds bloody aweful

 

[137699]

Sorry but the HK system sounds really good - WHEN powered properly by a genuine BMW radio.
My own Z came with a “gash” but expensive Sony unit installed. Spent weeks trying to get a decent sound output from it.
Then I trial fitted a “period” original CD43 unit and the sound improvement was night and day over the Sony unit. Sure it didn’t have Bluetooth as it pre-dated that era but £50 later a Bluetooth module fixed that little issue - the display colour matches the rest of the dash, it looks correct (because it IS correct) and it’s highly unlikely to get stolen.
But for me, most importantly, it sounds really good. Absolutely nothing wrong with the HK setup - just needs the correct headunit to drive it properly.