Replacement head unit.

L

Lee Young

Member
I like the clean lines of the dash on the Zed, looks sophisticated (Imo). However, do like the idea of having a better head unit one with a slide out screen. My question is ... Do the replacement head units simply fit in the existing space without protruding in any way. Also, very like much understatement so wouldn't want flashing lights and such like. Any suggestions or advice appreciated. Willing to spend around £300.

Thanks.
 
Hi lee, which ever head unit you fit it wil look aftermarket. You will need a surround piece of plastic which should finish the shape into the dash, I can't recommend a head unit though. Best of luck in your hunt.
 
They're all going to, to some degree, stick out like a sore thumb.

Is your sole reason for upgrading to get a screen?
 
Yes, the screen appeals. Guess it would sound better too - using my iPhone. Not keen at all on anything that takes the clean lines away. Looks like I'll stay with what is.

Thanks.
 
I'm looking into doing something similar so interested to hear what solutions people have found.

I already have Nav with the, in my opinion, ghastly screen, etc. I'm thinking about removing it all, fitting a new dash top piece and just having the new unit with a slide out screen.
 
Any aftermarket unit is gonna look crap (mine does) coz the front of the Z specific stereo curves in 2 planes whereas standard shape ones are all flat. That said some adaptors look better than others but theres not much choice out there. One of the cheaper upgrades is to change or install better rear speakers.
 
Think I'll stick with what I have head unit wise but, as has been suggested, change the rear speakers. I'm assuming that BMW use budget speakers. Will investigate what available and spend yet more dosh!
 
Lee,

As NeilP has stated they will stick out like a sore thumb. Have attached a picture of my set up which I have gotten used to now. Although the sound quality 500% better than any BMW kit.

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I would advised against updating the rear speakers only. Having tried numerous combinations and speaker types I would upgrade the fronts. During the build of my set up changing the fronts gave a much greater increase in the sound quality. The cubby holes don't lend themselves to supporting speaker reflex action so you will not get extended bass with slam or depth from there. The foot wells on my car have six inch woofers with component mid range and tweeters fitted in the original positions. These are excellent. The rears are not in the same league although they are quality speakers.

Beware also that if you change the head unit and have hands free, Kenwood and Alpine the telephony only comes out the speaker output from the head unit and not any of the pre outs.

In conclusion if you do change the head then the front speakers want changing and fed from a quality amp.

Regards

Cavey
 
Thanks Cavey,
Your set up looks good, much better than I was expecting. It's kind of quiet if that makes sense for a music system. Like the idea of having a touch screen for some reason, guess it's the way we do most things these days. Did you buy as a complete kit or put the bits and together yourself? What about fitting? Best wishes.
 
Lee,

I bought the head unit first and had it fitted professionally in Sheffield. The company concerned were very good and actually lent me several subs to see which sounded best for myself. I have a soft top so when the roof is open the sub is tweaked up a bit then when the roof is closed.

Your ears are the best source of reference and I listened to quite a few before I decided. Although I would confirm that the 3 way set up in the front is well worth the money. The 3 way elliptical behind the seats don't bother. Although good quality speakers they just provide the additional power if you like a bit of serious volume.

The speakers are biased +4 to the front. The components were ok to fit in the kick panels and the doors but its hard to run the wiring and the fitting of the tweeters was difficult. As I said I paid to have the kit installed and they did an excellent job.

In summary if its the sort of system you want I would take the time to listen to different makes, JL Audison, Hertz etc and see what you find. You get what you pay for to some extent. There are some other pics on another thread.

Regards

Cavey

If you get it professionally installed they will go over the things which are easy to miss... steering wheel control compatability etc.
 
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