All your thoughts on this.

S

Shipkiller

Veteran
Had to drive the truck to work today, raining.... and I miss driving my truck sometimes….

Came to the conclusion that I don't like the sound of the HIFI system in my Z, and I can't use my IPOD in the Z either.

I have two options.

1. Get the Aux input from Bavarian Auto to attach to the Business Radio Head Unit.
2. Replace the head unit with a aftermarket one.

If I go with option 1, then I will have to live with, in my opinion, substandard audio quality.

If I go with option 2, then I have an odd looking head unit that just won’t look right in the dash.

What do you all think? (Big Question, lots of opinions) :fuelfire:
 
I've been suffering the same thoughts ... I favour the aux connection - it's relatively cheap and will at least make the ipod work OK.

I wouldn't want to change the head unit ... but would rather upgrade the speakers and amp that the head unit uses ... but haven't really found a decent solution yet.

I'll be interested to see the thoughts of the other members

Regards
 
I only have the business unit but I'm perfectly happy with it - it's nothing like my Bose at home but plenty good enough for me. I'm going with the aux input as soon as I get some time off to do it.
 
When I had the same problem with my E46 M3 I was told about something called a 'Sound on Top' amp by Sony, designed to boost the quality of stock audio in conjunction with OEM Nav. I had little luck finding out more info though, anyone know about these?
 
Get a Z4M and then you won't care about music because the engine will be music to your ears :D

Now to give my $0.02 -
Get the aux as suggested above.
 
I added a DICE interface to mine so I can play my iPod all the time and this does sound better than using the AUX input. That said I have learned to put up with the sound quality but it is no where near the Alpine/JL Audio/Diamond system I had in my last car. I had hopes when I ordered the car given the hype about the THX sound system, etc. but I have yet to hear a factory sound system then even comes close to what can be done with aftermarket gear.

I keep wondering about your option 2 with the odd looking HU as well. It is definitely tempting some days.
 
I don't think you will ever get audiophile quality out of a car this small and definately not a convertible, and i have the Carver system. But it does play loud without distortion, which is what you want with a convertible its clear and loud at 80plus MPH. As a matter of fact, it was the best sound system of all the convertibles i tested (boxster, 350 Z, miata, s2000, etc). I too have the dice unit and i am happy with it, i just select shuffle and have hours and hours of my favorite tunes :thumbsup:
 
fire-n-ice said:
So, what do y'all like better: dice or aux? How different/more difficult/price difference is the dice?
Click to expand...

I like the dice, but there have been a few people that said they had some problems, most installation issues. The Dice gives you these features operated using the radio buttons:

Artist and name of song scrolling across the display
you can select playlists
you can forward to next or previous song
gives you excellent sound
audiobooks you can select various chapters
mounts in the console between the seats (out of site) i even leave there during service

I believe with the Aux input you still have to operate the IPOD by hand
 
mikedav said:
When I had the same problem with my E46 M3 I was told about something called a 'Sound on Top' amp by Sony, designed to boost the quality of stock audio in conjunction with OEM Nav. I had little luck finding out more info though, anyone know about these?
Click to expand...

i did this mod in my E46 330D sport, business head unit and sony sound on top amp, it's a great enhancement to the business head unit, more sound depth and quality, it's a simple little amp that with the right connector plugs int the back of the head unit and sits away under the dash where ever you choose, thing is they are no longer made and tend to go for a premium on fleabay as it's the BMW ferternity who crave them, not sure what the actual amp model number is but if you visit http://www.bmwland.co.uk and do a search for "sony sound on top" there is much to be read about them on there and i think you will find a few install guide's too if you look hard enough.. :thumbsup:
 
I just use an FM transmitter an plug it into my cig lighter. Unfortunatly with that it exposes the ashtray and to change songs on my IPOD I have to use the ipod....Not safe to do when driving. So I treat it like the radio, if I don't like the song I just pick a diff station.
 
The head unit replace/upgrade was discussed before in the now defunct Z4um and if I remember correctly, if you want to replace the head unit, you have to replace all the speakers, the amp, and I pretty sure you have to rewire everything to make it work
 
Thork said:
The head unit replace/upgrade was discussed before in the now defunct Z4um and if I remember correctly, if you want to replace the head unit, you have to replace all the speakers, the amp, and I pretty sure you have to rewire everything to make it work
Click to expand...

'Tis true, I did this to my '03 Z4 with an entire Alpine set up. My '06 has the Carver upgrade and is truely an upgrade, expensive and worth it.
 
Mouse flipping through the Electical manual, it states that there are three types of sound systems:

Speaker system
Three speaker systems are available. In contrast to the HiFi and Top HiFi system, in which an amplifier is interconnected, the speakers are connected directly to the radio in the stereo system.

Brief description of components
Stereo system (standard equipment)
2 front tweeters in mirror triangles
2 woofers in the front door
2 rear medium-range loudspeakers


Active HiFi system
2 front tweeters in mirror triangles
2 mid-range speakers in the front door
2 woofers in the front door
2 mid-range speakers in the rear door
2 rear subwoofer speakers
HiFi amplifier with:
- vehicle-specific equalizing
- active diplexers


Active Top HiFi System
Speakers as for active HiFi system, additionally:
Top HiFi amplifier with:
- vehicle-specific equalizing
- active diplexers
- speed-dependent equalization of driving acoustics in various sound ranges

This write up makes me think I have a Top HiFi system because my volume increases with speed with the top down, and I can change how much the bias is.

Am I wrong on this? Remember, when I got the car, NO manuals came with it so I am trying to get info where ever I can on its (the Z4) operation.
 
Well after writing earlier about wishing I could ditch my "Carver" system for something better I took a good look at the OEM setup as I drove to work and realized that since I have the NAV system I have no such option. All of the NAV system controls are on the OEM head unit knobs so I will be living with the Carver system for the foreseeable future. :cry:

It is a reasonable system for an OEM sound system, but at the same time I know from past experience it is a system that can be easily eclipsed for less money than BMW charged me for this one.
 
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