BMW business head unit + aftermarket amp

T

T4NG

Member
 Leeds
Hi all, this is one for all you audio geeks out there :P

I've searched high and low and i've not been able to get an answer to a few queries i have with an audio upgrade i plan on doing.
So here goes, I have the standard 6 speaker with no amp or nav. Im planning on installing a set of 3 way components to replace the 6 standard speakers(mids to go in doors not behind headrest) and also a 4 channel amp in boot. This is whilst retaining the business head unit, dont want an aftermarket HU.

Question 1 - Does the standard head unit have a 12v remote out, for an amp. Ive looked here http://users.telenet.be/AcousticSolution/z4infoweb/bodycarhifi.htm but cant see anything mentioned.

Question 2 - IF there is no remote out for the amp, what are the consequences of not connecting the remote option on amp ie will it flatten my battery?

Question 3 - Im planning on getting an amp that has hi/lo speaker level inputs, so that i can feed speaker signals directly from HU into amp then back out to components, is this a good thing to do or should i look at getting something like an audiocontrol LC6i or cleansweep.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
I have pretty much these exact questions myself. I did buy a cleansweep on ebay for £85 which I thought was a good price, but I'm just not sure how worthwhile it is.

I think it depends on how much factory EQ there is on the had unit, and JL Audio who make the CleanSweep suggest that you play a test track and check the results on a realtime spectrum analyser (RTA), but I don't exactly happen to have one kicking about!
 
Just done something similar.

Q1: There is a wire you can connect to for remote, comes on with the ignition accessories, but if you turn on the stereo without the ignition the amp wont turn on.

There was another wire that comes on with the stereo (even without ignition) but had a slight drain, assumably so that it detects when you turn the stereo on, so i didn't want to conect the amp to that one incase it messes with the amp etc.

Q3: I'm using the hi level input on the amp, sounds good, but does sound more crisp with an aftermarket HU low level.

Also had a go with a line driver, but it didn't really get significant results and had an anoying buzz when the engine running, couldn't figure out why?

Good luck with the install
 
As above the ignition live is in the boot behind the carpet in the main loom, the cable is purple with a white stripe. I used this when trying to run an amp from the stock headunit, after trying a high to low adapter and high level inputs on the amp i gave up as i just wasnt happy with the sound quality.

In the end i went aftermarket headunit and dont regret it one bit. Sound is awesome, i still need to upgrade my subs though when i decide what to do.
 
Ok cool, thanks for the input guys. One less thing to worry about with the remote connection...
Still in 2 minds about the line converter, but if it sounds naff without i can always add it later.
I know it would sound better with aftermarket HU but want to keep the look of the cabin and also keep the functionality if steering wheel controls. :thumbsup:
 
un1eash, Do you have any pics of your aftermarket headunit showing the surround needed? I'm keen to see what this looks like as I'd prefer not to replace my headunit if possible, but the lack of MP3-disc compatability and lack of clarity is starting to annoy me...
 
Not the best pic but...

IMG_0023.jpg


Heres one of RichardG's aswell...

12032009024.jpg
 
Thanks :thumbsup:

Not too bad but I still prefer the standard look (it'd be an alpine unit I'd probably use). Argh, might just keep a lookout for a newer BMW unit that'll play MP3 discs as I'm unlikely to faff around with amps in the Z4 in all honesty...
 
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