Fitting a double DIN aftermarket radio

[oli445]

After a recent episode of water in the boot my amp has died. I do not fancy paying BMW £400 for a new one so I have done some research and will be buying a Pioneer double DIN unit next week.

I understand this is a big job but it seems fairly simple, I have new speaker wire and 2 amps should I require them, does anyone know of the correct ISO adapter to keep the steering controls?

I will post pics when all done and am thinking of offering a double DIN adapter for others - this is going to involve butchering the vent system though!

 

[Bad_Pritt]

No idea about the connectors but very interested in seeing the result!

 

[mrlozzer]

Not sure I would do it myself, but would be interested to see the results!

 

[Mindscape100]

Hey I'd be interested in this. We atte considering doing the same and if someone is offering a pre made adapter....is be happy to pay

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[Swiftly]

An interesting project, beyond my capabilities I think but will be interested to see the final result

 

[rookie975]

I wish you luck with this, it won't be easy! What do you plan to do with the vents?

 

[oli445]

I wish you luck with this, it won't be easy! What do you plan to do with the vents?

Not 100% sure yet but probably run 2 small tubes from the vent system to the facia with mesh at thee opening/closing. I will lose the option of shutting them individually.

For those that haven't seen, my alu dash is trimmed in Alcantara www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=36957

I plan on doing the alu trim in Alcantara with my facia / vents so it looks like one big piece and standard equipment

 

[andysat]

Sounds like a' well looked forward to' project!

 

[Taz]

i have seen it done, the air vents have had to be removed, is this your plan?

my lad is having a pioneer avh-2400bt fitted tomorrow in his ford focus

 

[Adamski]

I've not properly looked at the setup, but isn't there an alternative aftermarket amp?


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[oli445]

i have seen it done, the air vents have had to be removed, is this your plan?

my lad is having a pioneer avh-2400bt fitted tomorrow in his ford focus

I'm going to keep the vents but very different to the standard ones. I'm going to buy the Pioneer AVH-4400BT and make it fit how hard can it be :?

 

[oli445]

I've not properly looked at the setup, but isn't there an alternative aftermarket amp?


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Yep, Bavarian motor works. It's over a grand IIRC :thumbsdown:

 

[srhutch]

One of our American friends has done this, from memory he had vents moulded into the custom built surround.

There is a thread on here somewhere.

 

[Taz]

i have seen it done, the air vents have had to be removed, is this your plan?

my lad is having a pioneer avh-2400bt fitted tomorrow in his ford focus

I'm going to keep the vents but very different to the standard ones. I'm going to buy the Pioneer AVH-4400BT and make it fit how hard can it be :?

4400 is nice bit of kit, more expensive, did like the rear usb port though

 

[KarlosG]

Any progress on this?

I've just had an AVH 8400BT arrive today and will be fitting it (one way or another) at the weekend!
Only problem I can see so far is that the HU fouls on the ducting and original HU 'bracket', does anyone know how the dash comes apart so I can get better access to that area?

Thanks,
Karl.

 

[oli445]

Any progress on this?

I've just had an AVH 8400BT arrive today and will be fitting it (one way or another) at the weekend!
Only problem I can see so far is that the HU fouls on the ducting and original HU 'bracket', does anyone know how the dash comes apart so I can get better access to that area?

Thanks,
Karl.

Done but not finished it just yet!

You can remove the aluminium dash trim and get better access fairly easily. I then took a dremmel to the ducting to make room and sealed up what was left of the vent. I used 2 single din adapters joined together, trimmed and upholstered in the same Alcantara that I have trimmed all my alu panels in.

I went about it with the same attitude as you, I WILL make it fit! Good luck

 

[KarlosG]

Thanks mate thats very helpful!
How does the dash come off exactly? Dont want to break any clips or anything that I dont know are there whilst trying to get it off! :lol:

 

[oli445]

Remove the centre vents (lots of threads on here) then 2 Phillips screws for the radio and 2 from behind where the centre vent was then there is only one clip (I think) on the left hand side behind the dash (I had a mare with this and took the glovebox off).

Good luck, looking forward to seeing what you create!

Do you have the basic stereo setup at the mo?

 

[KarlosG]

Just one clip, access from the glove box, pretty much what I imagined to be the case, thanks!

Yeah I dd have the basic BMW setp but fitted a Pioneer DEH P88RS II running stock front speakers (for now, only had the car two weeks! lol) and a 12" Infinity Perfect Sub.

 

[KarlosG]

So the HU is in, just need to make up a surround!
I mounted it further in than yourself as I didnt like how much is stuck out the dash.

Cut this out using a hack saw...

Then had to trim some off the duct itself as my unit still wouldnt go back far enough, fitted the cage...

And finally the HU itself...