Hi Everyone,

As most people know I have done considerable changes to my audio system. Well the time has come to investigate some alternatives to the OEM head unit. The CD function on my radio is starting to short out occasionally. Some CDs, even new ones will not play. The music will suddenly stop and no CD functions, such as changing CDs, volume, and tone controls. My HFL works since I see the display on the dash, but no sound. The only way to correct this is to stop the car, turn off the car and restart the car. Everything comes back on.

I figure it’s time to look into alternatives since my car almost 42K miles on the car. A lot as changed a lot since the 3G TLs were introduced and some of its technology may have been surpassed, changed or improved. The dealer will probably not want to touch it since I’ve done a lot of mods anyway.

My choices are:

1. A replacement stock HU. This is a pretty straightforward switch out. Ebay prices are around $300.00.

2. Go aftermarket, such as the new Pioneer FH-P800BT http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...mier/FH-P800BT or the Kenwood DDX812 http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entert...igation/DDX812 . Aftermarket choices need include double din size, Bluetooth, ipod control, 3 preamp outputs, aux-in (for my CarPC). No GPS, DVD needed since this is on my CarPC. Touch screen and 5.1 are optional but not needed. I will need to refab the metal trim pieces to loose the two knob cutouts for a cleaner look

If I go aftermarket I have some questions:

1. To those who have changed out the stock head unit. How do the electronics (HLF, AC, etc) behave without the stock head unit?

2. Since no one makes an install kit for aftermarket head units. How difficult was it for you or your installer to create one?

3. How smoothly does the Bluetooth function work on aftermarket units?

4. Are there any other units that may work for my needs?

Please Pictures if you have any.

I wish Alpine made a good basic double din unit

Thanks

 

I bought the kenwood DNX7100 and had it installed in mytl, so I could help you with your questions.

1. To those who have changed out the stock head unit. How do the electronics (HLF, AC, etc) behave without the stock head unit?
the hfl will not work anymore but AC works as normal

2. Since no one makes an install kit for aftermarket head units. How difficult was it for you or your installer to create one?
they said it was pretty hard and ended up to cost a lot to have it installed, but well worth it as I think it looks really good

3. How smoothly does the Bluetooth function work on aftermarket units?
bluetooth works perfect on the 7100, I can dial on the screen and look up names and everything that I would want on it. but if you switch out head units and have a phone with windows mobile, be sure to disconnect your phone from the hfl list
4. Are there any other units that may work for my needs?l
can't really help you with this one

 

here's a link to some pictures:

https://acurazine.com/forums/ramblings-12/bmw-forums-175587/

 

Thanks for the info 04 TL 04.

Glad to hear that everything else works as it should.

So I can just disconnect the HFL and I should be OK?

I'm not sure if I want to fab an install kit for the Pioneer or Kenwood units. I could probably do it, it's just a matter of time and effort. West Coast Customs is down the street from me. Maybe I'll stop by and get a quote and some ideas.

Here's a pic of my first choice.

 

that head unit looks amazing by the way.....

 

Yeah wow that IS nice but why not get a screen like the DDX812 or DDX512

 

ya I couldn't do without a touch screen either

 

The DDX812 is on my list. Not sure if I want to fiddle with another touchscreen since I already have a touchscreen PC. I think a knob and button head unit may flow better with on the center stack than screens from top to bottom. All this is in the planning stages still. I still need to figure out how to install the aftermaket head unit since the PC touchscreen housing is bolted to and is part of the radio assembly. I'm still wonder how installers did this on our 3G TLs

 

what about locating someone in your area that does carbon fiber work? Before I got my new car I was thinking of doing the same thing that you are considering. I have a local company that just does CF work, and I was going to see if they could fill in the knob cutouts, and then wrap the trim in cf, or fab some new ones with the origional as a mold. Then have them mold an install kit for the stereo, they should be able to incorporate your PC screen mounting into it too