E39 M5 new stereo - thoughts?

[Iamnotkloot]

Hi all,

I'm in two minds. I've got a crummy aftermarket head unit (and a decent amp) fitted by a previous owner and I've always disliked it. Picture here:


So finally, it's time to change it. I could go OEM, which would obviously keep things nice and original or I could go aftermarket and get a decent touchscreen jobbie. Would having something like the below be a problem come resale or would most people appreciate a better stereo? Something like this-ish:

[Chunkychucky]

Tough call. From an ownership perspective it would be desirable to have the best-functioning bit of equipment to enhance your ownership experience, however as pointed out this may not be to the liking of prospective punters come resale time..

I'd probably lean towards getting the screen installed as it looks miles better than the head unit in place currently, plus there's always the option for any future owner to stick a BMW unit/something 'period correct' back in place anyway.

[CSK423]

I've noticed a few E46 M3's have an after market Headunit/screen which is near identical to the OEM sat nav unit. There be something similar for the E39 ?

[akirk]

I had a full change on mine back in 2019:

from the widescreen big original head unit...


to a top end Pioneer with wireless Apple Car Play or Android Auto:


All the kit was removed from the boot and replaced with a new amp and cross-overs


with a bespoke cover for the space where the CD player had been:


All the kit removed from the car was kept bolted to its frame and stored by me, so when I sold the car last month it went with the car to the new owner.

Advantages:
- worked flawlessly
- get in the car and phone connects automatically to Car Play
- could run a second phone for e.g. music by plugging it in (cable in glove box)
- Could switch between the Pioneer head unit functionality and Car Play
- Added DAB radio (aerial in the windscreen)
- perfect sound quality through the audio system
- perfect sound quality in the phone calls

Disadvantages:
- cost me c. £1,700 in 2019 - done professionally by a very good outfit who had the car for three days - beautifully integrated into the car
- lose the ability to set some things on the computer - you still get the dash output which is switchable via the left stalk - but for example you can't reset the clock, so make sure it is accurate first and then for 6 months it will be 1 hour out

Would I do it again - yes, it is was a superb upgrade and made the car feel more modern.
New owner (may have his own view) but didn't seem to put him off, and while the inability to set the time is a pain (and you do have correct time on the head unit) otherwise it all seems positive...

[Iamnotkloot]

Thanks guys, useful advice/opinions so far. I think I will go with a modern replacement as they're so much more usable/more attractive than the OEM stuff.....

[Biggriff]

Have both. New head unit with Innovadrive fascia.

[Iamnotkloot]

Biggriff said:

Have both. New head unit with Innovadrive fascia.

I like that - am I right in thinking the buttons are just for aesthetics and don't actually do anything?

In the meantime I got a Pioneer double DIN thing, pic below, I might get one of those fascia's later to tidy it up. It's great to have a proper, modern stereo at last - should have done it years ago.