DAB/Bluetooth head unit for an older BMW

[Robmarriott]

I’m pretty fussy when it comes to head units in cars and it always annoys me when something looks really out of place.

I’m after a single DIN head unit with DAB and Bluetooth to fit into an E34 5 series, needs to have the option of changing the backlight colours to match the other stuff in the car and I’d prefer it to have buttons rather than touch screen.

If it doesn’t have Bluetooth,I’d want it to have a USB port on the back so I could hide a USB lead somewhere.

Does anyone have any suggestions for where to look or any recommendations for a specific model of head unit? I’m a bit out of touch with ICE now, it’s been about 10 years since I dabbled!

[mmm-five]

Something like this?



...or this (if you really want a rear-USB slot):

Edited by mmm-five on Tuesday 7th August 19:26

[defblade]

I had (well have, it's in my Subaru now though) a Kenwood KDC-BT73DAB in my E39, which might fit the bill, if you can find one (can only see a 2nd hand on one amazon at a quick google). Being able to change the backlight does work wonders.

In my E39:








And the same HU in my Subaru (I've tuned the display a little less blue/more green since that photo, mind...):

[Squishey]

I had a Pioneer DEH-X7800DAB in my Puma which was excellent. The Bluetooth audio and phone was crystal clear, the USB and CD slot in the front is handy, the DAB was perfect (even with a cheap eBay stick on antenna), and lots of scope for colour personalisation.

[Collectingbrass]

I had the Sony unit in an E39 and it was superb. You should be able to get an external microphone for it for hands free calls too. I bought mine from Halfords because (a) it was a new car and I was impatient (b) I'm *very* old skool and (b) I wanted a street address to take it back to if there was a problem

Don't forget you'll probably need an ISO connection adapter and an aerial lead, and you may need a dashboard cover plate. I did in my E39 but I don't know about yours. These will probably be a special order from Halfords and you would probably be better with an online specialist. I cant remember the website I got mine from though.

[defblade]

Collectingbrass said:

you may need a dashboard cover plate.

I might have one I could send on if OP needs.

As you can see, I eventually decided I wanted the MID back, which entailed some surgery to the mounting for the MID and HU within the dash, and then I chopped up the original cover flap to make the edging pieces either side of the HU. Not the best install I've ever done, but it was free

[Light17]

This fits well in my old Merc https://vdo-webshop.nl/en/dab-radio-s/1658-contine...

You can get one with a blue or orange backlight, no option to change unfortunately.