audio people.

[liquidtiger720]

Basically, i can get a nice deal on this headunit. http://www.cartoys.com/cartoys/showd...tion=storepref


...and all i really want is a cd-player...so will it fit? How would i hook it up? what details do i need to know in order for it to work in my car?

[Kalevera]

Josh, the link is bad, buddy.

Most installs are straightforward -- your car has a universal harness, so there are adapters.

Best, whit

[liquidtiger720]

opps, here we go.
http://www.cartoys.com/cartoys/showdetl.cfm/Product_ID/70363/webpage.cfm?&DID=7&WebPage_ID=18&Action=storepref


adapter. = pacoem2 adapter from crutchfield would work?

[Kalevera]

Sure, I've never used one myself, but I've heard good things about them; should be a quick and easy way around the whole common ground issue.

The size of the head unit is standardized. Disconnect the old radio (may need a line wrench for the antenna -- I don't know how it'll be setup on your car), mount the fitting bracket (usually a universal one), connect the adapter, set HU in the mount and try it out.

Best, whit

[uscharalph]

opps, here we go.
http://www.cartoys.com/cartoys/showdetl.cfm/Product_ID/70363/webpage.cfm?&DID=7&WebPage_ID=18&Action=storepref


adapter. = pacoem2 adapter from crutchfield would work?
I've never heard of them. Let us know how it works out.

[uscharalph]

I've never heard of them. Let us know how it works out.
Eclipse that is.

[Martin in Bellevue]

Eclipse that is.
The m3 was purchased with an eclipse head unit. It isn't the item for an old guy, I guess. The damn thing doesn't ever go fully off; even when off, it has a huge message, saying that it is off. There were several layers of menus to fight through just to turn of a loud beep that occurs each time any button is pressed. Oh yeah, it also uses several different colors in the too bright display.
I've got an infinity basslink in the garage attic from it also. That thing took up an entire third of the convertible's trunk space.
http://www.cartoys.com/cartoy/images/productimages/md/CD5444-med.jpg

[liquidtiger720]

Maybe ill change my choice now.


Martin- how much would you be willing to sell it for? - the HU.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Eclipse makes a very good headunit. I used to be into car stereo a few years ago, I guess I just grew out of it, got lots of free beer installing for people though. They normally have good features if you want to add amps, etc later, and a really high CD signal to noise ratio (high quality sound). If you're looking for simplicity, you may be upset, the more features a headunit has, the harder it is to navigate. Find a local store and go fiddle with it to see what you think. The only headunit I have ever had that I could figure out without the manual was a Kenwood Echelon, had a ton of features too. I have a Sony ES in the 540, it sucks and is hard to use, my 951 had an Alpine that was even worse, and before that I had a Pioneer that was impossible as well.

If you're not stuck on Eclipse, Crutchfield sends the wiring adapters free, and has great tech support, decent prices too. Sometimes you can find real bargains in their outlet section. Check these guys too if you haven't, I saved a bunch on a Sony home theatre reciever from them.
www.soundcity.com
www.soundcityoutlet.com

[SRR2]

About a week ago I posted a long winded discussion about changing out the head unit in the '91 325. It includes information on the common ground situation. In a nutshell, you likely do not need that OEM-2 adapter if you want to use the factory amp. Your radio will have the easy to interface with single connector, but you'll need an adapter for it. They should be readily available.

[Martin in Bellevue]

Martin- how much would you be willing to sell it for? - the HU.
But first, I need to find a replacement head unit. Honestly, it has been down on the list.

[Incantation]

don't bother changing the head unit if that's all you want to change.. you will have incompatibility issues with the amp and the rest of the setup is pretty much useless unless you're able to replace the speakers too..

buy a bmw cd changer; i had one i gave to someone in this forum.. maybe there's someone else here who has one to give/sell to you.

[darron525]

josh,

any regular size unit fits. And you should not have any issues with your amp compatibility. I have put two different units in my car and had no issues at all.
all you will need is a wirring harness (http://www.installer.com/photos/wh08.jpg) and antenna adapter. The harness plugs into your cars plug and you wire the other end up to the radio.
Its just like http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/Upgrade/Stereo_radio.htm says. Most radios now days come with a bracket sleeve that you put in the car and the radio locks into it.
It is very simple, and since you have a 95 there is no issues.
Try Good Guys if they still have them up North, they are closing all of the California stores so everything is slashed. I just got this Alpine (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-mzaaHSHQseC/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=300&id=morephotos&pi=1&i=500CDA9847&display=L#Tab) mp3 player for $149.00.
Darron