Aftermarket HU adaptors with steering function retention

[Derektvy]

Hey guys,

I thought I better start a new thread and stop hijacking the other thread on BMW bass tube...

:laughing: look at what I've found... lead adaptors for BMW to Sony, Pioneer, Alpine, Kenwood HUs... It even retains the steering wheel functions with simple connections...

Check this site out:
http://caraudiosecurity.com/catalog/index.php+cPath+48_208_241

Rather comprehensive in their products... Now I'm confused whether I should change my HU to a Sony CDX-M990 or CDx-M8800 or Alpine CDA-9835.... Anyone any advise?

Another site to check out (but in Jap) - Sony instructions on how to ICE your Beemer! Too bad it's in Jap. Anyone here can translate it?
http://www.mobile.sony.co.jp/fit/fit.html

In addition, anyone here knows what type of audio lead/connector a 318 Sports has? Does it has round or flat pins? I'm seriously comtemplating ripping out the stock HU myself to check... but feeling kinda apprehensive...

I'll be checking the local availability and prices for comparision before deciding whether to get them from UK. Anyone interested in a group buy? emiffy, what about you?

Last question here:
Anyone knows were to get a 'facia adaptor' for the aftermarket HU that has a CF or bmw 'alucube' design to match the sports ed interior trims?

Gong Xi Fa Cai everyone...

 

[emiffy]

Derektvy,

there are two routes for you: (1) get a IR remote control, like the PAXSWI, or (2) get a dedicated control cable.

For (2), I'm only aware that Alpine and Blaupunkt has one for the E46. There are two connectors available as well, depending on the YOM, which has a cut-off around Sep 2001 (or is it 2002?).

Thanks for the links; will continue to investigate. In another thread, are you keen on a group-buy? I have two other similiar-minded friends, all doing their research, and planning to get around May/June this year.

Happy Lunar New Year!!!

 

[Derektvy]

Derektvy,

there are two routes for you: (1) get a IR remote control, like the PAXSWI, or (2) get a dedicated control cable.

For (2), I'm only aware that Alpine and Blaupunkt has one for the E46. There are two connectors available as well, depending on the YOM, which has a cut-off around Sep 2001 (or is it 2002?).

Thanks for the links; will continue to investigate. In another thread, are you keen on a group-buy? I have two other similiar-minded friends, all doing their research, and planning to get around May/June this year.

Happy Lunar New Year!!!

I'm definitely going for (2). The sites I've researched, seems like the Sony control cable is able to take the controls from the steering. The the diff in the cut-off is on whether your stock BMW audio connector has flat or round pin. That's why I'm comtemplating whether to rip out my stock HU to check now... :thinking: Does you friends know anything abt this?

I guess the pple in UK are the only country with enuf ICE + BMW crazy pple to have a 'factory' producing these adaptors (www.autoleads.co.uk). I'm going to check out the availability in taiwan/HK's websites as well.. Let's keep each other posted of any new stuff...

Glad that there some pple sharing interest in this... the majority of the beemer owner I've met doesn't seems to mind keeping that crappy stock tape-playing HU. Hard to get any experienced guru on this...

I'm keen on a group buy... maybe more of a 'group order + shipment' as maybe I'm going for the Sony HU (i like their interface + design). What you think? Alpine better? :ehhh:

 

[Arsony]

Derektvy,

I have not personally sampled the latest Sony HU's but going by previous experiences, Alpine wins hands down in terms of sound fidelity, quality and delivery. Sony may look good on the outside but the sound sucks big time. In fact Pioneer sounds better but between Pioneer and Alpine, go for Pioneer if you llisten to more hard - hitting pop/contemporary music cos they're good in the bass department but if you prefer something that sounds more mellow, crisp and clear, then go for the Alpines and you'll never go wrong. If you really cant decide, then go for Clarion. Very middle of the road HU's with good looks and decent sound.

All these , im referring only to their upper mid range and top range models. If you're thinking of getting only a basic unit, then other than Sony, the rest do not make much of a diff.

Honestly, one thing I learn with regards to any kind of equipments, the best make/brand is the one in which the company dedicates itself to making only one type of product. eg Alpine does not make television sets, phones, handheld computers , laptops, etc etc . You get what I mean.....

Arsony
Topaz Blue NOT dedicated...

 

[Derektvy]

Heya Arsony,

thanks for the insight on the various makes.... Looking thru the operating manual, I've a feeling that the Alpine unit would provide better functionality but I'm still like the Sony look better. The 9900 has a nice TFT screen to view mini movies if connected to a player... Sony make rather good quality stuff generally and I did used their HU before. The prob is that I dun have any experience on the Alpine and hence abit apprehensive on getting it...

I listen mainly to trance, house and chillout music, and afraid that the Alpine may not produce enuf bass... But I guess having a subwoofer + amp would solve the prob rite?

 

[Arsony]

Derektvy,

When it comes to sound there are 3 rules you should observe.

1) Different setup suits different listeners and since YOU are the one who's gonna be in the car most of the time, the setup should be made for you.

2) Trust YOUR ears. Not your friends' , not that magazine/internet reviewers' and certainly (x3!) not the audio salespersons'. So go and sample setups if you can. Go to Seletar dam every end of month I think (check the ICE forum at Delphi) for the ICE enthusiast gathering. You can pick up some tips and sample diff setups . When you have an idea of what you want, then go to a place like Edison at SLS 1st floor and audition some speakers.

3) More expensive is NOT equal to better sound. The limit to how much an audiophile you are lies in your ears and your auditory centres in your brain. If you cant discern certain differences in sound, then paying that extra dollar for the equipment to produce that non-discerning sound is wasted. Agreed? In sound reproduction, there is no such thing as buying a "reserved capability". Buy what you WILL hear. Not what someone else might , unless of course the reason you buy is to show off, but that's childish. Going along similar principles, buy matching equipments. eg the most important piece of equipment are the speakers. Cos that's gonna give you your end product. So start with decent speakers, next find an amp that's powerful enough to drive those speakers. HU is last! Its only good
at producing and modulating the sounds that you wish to hear but whatever you play out of a HU, if your amp and speaker is crap, then you hear shit! Matching equipments also means that you buy stuff at similar quality levels. ie dont buy a McIntosh amp and do it injustice by hooking it up to say.....Mohawk/Soundscape/pioneer speakers. You get my drift.

Arsony
Topaz Blue NOT an audiophile...

 

[yendor]

Hi Derek

Your stock Business Tape player hasround pins for the power, speaker connections. The control cable for the CD changer in the back uses the small square connections.

If you like I got a spare business deck out of the car.

Cheers

Rodney

 

[Derektvy]

Thanks again Arsony for the great pointers..

And you too Rodney, saved me the trouble of rippin out my deck just to check. But I dun need the Business deck, in fact I intend to change my stock business deck to a aftermarket.. Thanks anyway.

Cheers!