Ultimate E30 Head Units...

[Blitz]

The problem with the BMW ones is that its going to be hard to add an amp.

[toby]

It isn't hard to add an amp if the amp has speaker inputs.

[Royalratch]

You can use use speaker to line-level adapters to get the correct signal for an amp.

I did forget all about the amp needs too!

Andyboy, the BMW unit it spot-on though I prefer the E36 one. The Blaupunkt is too retro. Plus I can bet it won't play ball with too many add-ons.

[Blitz]

Now this is rare. Becker Mexico CD865



Big boy Nakamichi CD700

[Royalratch]

The Becker Mexico is too old - way older than the E30.

The Nak is cool but again, a little too period.

The CD500 plays MP3 and has a 24-Bit DAC (nuts for ICE). The CD300, 400 and 700 / 700II only do CD.

[Blitz]

Are you sure. It was used in Mercedes in the 80's and I've seen some in E24's.

[Royalratch]

You may be right, but it looks too dated even for an E30.

[Dezzy]

I am lost now. All new headunits look like sh1t. Most old ones dont run my iPhone.

Ideally I want a sterio that runs the iPod on my phone. Not bothered about amps as I only have 4 good quality speakers and headunit.

Is this an impossible ask?

[Royalratch]

The only decent LOOKING head units that can do this are Becker & Blaupunkt.

Everyone else either looks gash or doesn't offer full iPod control.

Otherwise get a Nakamichi or BMW unit and a Parrot and manually control the music part of your iPhone.

[Dezzy]

I would like a becker gp but that isn't an option now is it?

[Royalratch]

Unless you get lucky on eBay or do a deep search online - which is what I just did...

[rh306]

Why not go down the blanking plate option, BMWs and Audi's were legendary for being poorly equipped back in the day.. Maximum retro points would go to the driver with no radio fitted and a period ADAC road atlas in the door pocket

I've got one of these for audio

[Royalratch]

Haha - I still have the blanking plate that came the car.

[pac1982]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT

[Dezzy]

Unless you get lucky on eBay or do a deep search online - which is what I just did...

Have you found someone selling them?

[bss325i]

What is the sole purpose of a car radio?

Answer, to play music!

All the ad on shit just takes up space inside the headunit so compromised have to be made to fit it all in.

Nakamichi head units have famously been sparse in the functions for many years so much so that up untill recently, they didn't even have RDS!

If your into your music, get a Nak (or a very good Alpine) but AVOID the Nak CD300 as its just a chepo head unit with a Nak facia!

[Dezzy]

This seem's to be okish for a modern unit. I might give this a go. Shame about the display colour though.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk:80/Alpine-CDE-101 ... 3161wt_876

[Royalratch]

I am into my choons thus the Head Unit of choice must be able to control my iPod which houses my very hi-bit rate (320KBS - 1000KBS, 16-Bit Stereo) collection of Funk, Hip Hop, Fusion, Afro Cuban Grooves, Indie Folk Punk Rock type stuff and all out 80's / Electronica.

And I rock my phone a lot too as I wheel and deal my way about town so Bluefoot® is a must.

Dezzy - no joy, looks they're well and truly gone with manufacturing ceasing a year ago .

I'm holding onto my Cascade for now but may grab a cheap CD500 if one comes up or a BMW Business.

[Radar]

To the OP. I had the same problem when I first got my M3. In the end I got a modern Alpine, an IDA-X200 I think it is.

It has a brilliant iPod interface and a bluetooth module is available, I don't have the BT module so I can't comment on its performance. My Tom Tom has a BT phone kit built in so I normally use that.

Unfortunately it doesn't look period, however the overall functionality more than makes up for the looks. I find it quite intuitive to use also.

I very carefully packed the original unit away, for simple refitting should it be necessary to go all OEM. I used adapter plugs to connect the Alpine so there was no cutting necessary, I ran the iPod cable into the glove box. It's only a 10 minute job to refit the original cassette head unit. Funnily enough the cassette storage had been removed from the M3, though I have now put that back even though there is no cassette playing facility.

I haven't tried connecting it to my iPhone, I doubt that it will charge it as I am not sure the iPhone had been released when I bought the head unit. The iPod dock in my Merc will play music but not charge and my hi fi dock in the house is the same.

[Royalratch]

iPhones require a step down converter from 12V > 5V to charge - £15 from the usual places.

[Royalratch]

Well, I sold my Cascade to a Ferrari 550 Maranello owner and will be fitting it too lol!

I am 90% certain going down the Nakamichi route as the Grand Prixs' are pretty much gone - unless Kieran wants to sell me one!

I'd still prefer a Business CD for flawless OEMness but no iPod control or even Amp Pre-outs without bodgery just turns me off.

So Nakamichi + Parrot + iPod RCA cable it looks to be...

[Dezzy]

I am going to pick the alpine cde-101rm and iPod cable. A cheap fix for now. They look poo but they tick all other boxes.

[Royalratch]

What's up with the Nak?

Or you want to control your iPod from your head unit?

[billgatese30]

Dezzy - no joy, looks they're well and truly gone with manufacturing ceasing a year ago .

if your talking about the Grand Prix 7992 with the red backlight, then I guess I was kinda lucky

[Dezzy]

What's up with the Nak?

Or you want to control your iPod from your head unit?

Exactly mate. I have an old Sony now that has the converter in the mulitcanger port. It's a nightmare with the ipone on the move though.

Everything through the head unit is the only way IMO

[kieran325]

^^ Where did you get it from ??

[billgatese30]

^^ Where did you get it from ??

I got it from here

http://www.car-vision.co.uk/

but it doesn't look like they have any more

it was £310 and one of the few places I could find a 7992, there was plenty of amber ones around.

[kieran325]

I bought one at £249 last year and then when I wanted another one they put the price up, it's Becker that upped the price

The 7992 suits the E30 colour dash

[Dezzy]

Is this the Amber one.
http://www.pentagongps.co.uk/becker-799 ... 11293.html

I may have to have this. Ratch or Chris what would I need to connect iPhone for music and call's

Cheers dudes

[Royalratch]

It's out of stock dude and you'll never find one!

If you do, you need the Becker iPod interface for music and then Head Unit has built-in Bluetooth for calls.

[kieran325]

Seriously, is everywhere out of stock ??

[billgatese30]

I've never seen any and had a right job just before Easter to find somewhere with this one in stock.

Your other option is the Indianapolis Pro which is basically a Grand Prix but with built in Sat Nav

[kieran325]

Just checked, I ordered mine on the 8th April and only MNC came out the cheapest even though other retailers had stock.

How about ringing local car audio shops up to see if they have display ones or ones left on the shelf

[Dezzy]

I have just bought a Becker 7990 (yellow)

Fooking hard to find but better that the Alpine I nearly bought. Anyone got a link for Ipod cable. Cheers

[Royalratch]

Check my PM Dezzy - you'll laugh!