BMW 1 Series Coupe Aftermarket Stereo advice

[Mike_2193]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 21 August 2022 at 14:58

[ArsE82]

Yes. Loads of options.

I’ve just ordered a 10.25” Android unit to replace the current iDrive screen. If you don’t want to go that far you can put a standard head unit in the usual places with some work.

If you’re on Facebook join the ‘E82 Fam’ group. Some good content on there.

[Gad-Westy]

Mike_2193 said:

Here is a photo of the stereo in the car at the moment if it helps.

I use a Dension Gateway 500S BT in my 5-series. Similar vintage car so I had the same problems with standard kit.

It gives you bluetooth (calls and streaming), USB interface and aux in. You can add DAB if you want it too. The big advantage is that it's completely hidden and seamlessly integrates with all the standard BMW kit. Most of the aftermarket replacement units look so out of place with the rest of the car, or in the case of the 5-series at least, you lose all the i-drive functions, many of which are actually quite important.

Downsides, it should be plug and play, but wasn't for me so install was a little fiddly (but not that bad) and like many non-oem bits of kit, occasionally it goes a bit crazy or glitchy and needs an ignition cycle to sort itself out. The vast majority of the time it works flawlessly and does exactly what I need it to. Not cheap but not daft money, well worth a look IMO.

http://shop.dension.com/en/gateway-500s-bt-sfot

[ArsE82]

You can still fit the Android units where the iDrive would usually go. Just needs a bit of cutting.

If you don’t fancy that then the Alpine Halo 9 or Sony XAV-AX8000 are both single DIN with motorised screens.

Not my picture but this is the Halo:

[ArsE82]

You’ll get a more precise answer from the E82 Fam Facebook group

[Gad-Westy]

Mike_2193 said:

Gad-Westy said:

I use a Dension Gateway 500S BT in my 5-series. Similar vintage car so I had the same problems with standard kit.

It gives you bluetooth (calls and streaming), USB interface and aux in. You can add DAB if you want it too. The big advantage is that it's completely hidden and seamlessly integrates with all the standard BMW kit. Most of the aftermarket replacement units look so out of place with the rest of the car, or in the case of the 5-series at least, you lose all the i-drive functions, many of which are actually quite important.

Downsides, it should be plug and play, but wasn't for me so install was a little fiddly (but not that bad) and like many non-oem bits of kit, occasionally it goes a bit crazy or glitchy and needs an ignition cycle to sort itself out. The vast majority of the time it works flawlessly and does exactly what I need it to. Not cheap but not daft money, well worth a look IMO.

http://shop.dension.com/en/gateway-500s-bt-sfot

Thanks mate, would you be able to put a photo of what it looks like in the car? If not then don't worry about it.

Nothing to see I'm afraid. The Dension unit is entirely hidden under the dash. The only things you can see that aren't standard are a small mic near the rear view mirror and a lightning cable that comes up into a cubby hole in the centre of the car. It's all controlled by the standard BMW head unit. That's what I like about it. Just integrates seamlessly.

[Smiffeee]

Hi all, I recently bought an E88 125i fitted with the Business radio CD and like the OP previously owned a car with up to date in car tech.

I went to a specialist in Exeter and decided to do the following cost effective upgrade (which gives me DAB, Bluetooth Phone etc etc utilising the steering wheel controls and maintains the rear PDC)

> Pioneer S720 DAB head unit.
> Fitting/adapter kit which maintains PDC (FK118-PDC)
> Dab Antenna
>This upgrade includes a remote microphone for the phone.

There are lots of alternatives but this works for me, hope this helps and good luck with it.

[Smiffeee]

Give 'Car Audio services Exeter' a try, the cost inc fitting £388 for my upgrade.

[Smiffeee]

The head unit is only around £130 ... the fitting kit is a pain as it is needed to maintain the PDC ... the PDC is integrated to the Business Radio set up, so a patch is required to provide the warning sound when the head unit is swapped for non BMW. This adds £118 to the job .... the labour is £98.

[samdev]

I've just purchased a 120d e82 myself with the intention of upgrading the stereo to a double din unit capable of apple car play and a bit of an audio upgrade. Having swapped plenty of head units in previous older cars I have decided to tackle it myself as from what I can see it looks relatively simple (even if you're not very hands-on).

There are a few online shops offering a package with the facia & all the wiring required to integrate your new stereo even to the steering wheel controls. I ordered mine from Bassjunkies as their kit claimed to retain the PDC parking sensors & warning tones. Just make sure you get the right facia which depends on if you have the auto air con or the manual heater panel. Cost £125 - Link below

https://www.bassjunkies.com/ctkbm08.html

The head unit I have ordered (I am bit of a Sony fanboy) is the Sony xav-ax3005db. Cost £340 link below. So total spend is £465 so far.

https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/sony-xav-ax3005db-...

A helpful short video that confirmed my confidence in going ahead with the process is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWcbe81WadM

I will be sure to update once I have completed the refit and let you guys know how it goes

Hope this is somewhat helpful