Z4 usb interface or head unit wanted

[Matt85]

Hi guys im new here. Just bought my first bmw z4 2.5 2003 convertible love the car but start hating stereo unit reads only basic cd's , is there any good usb interface for dsp radio with 10 speakers or what aftermarket stereo unit or single din dvd player you can suggest to fit in ? Thanks

 

[Tusk]

Matt - I'm in a similar situation having recently got a Z4 with DSP.

Options for connectivity are out there but limited general consensus. One of the more commonly suggested connections is a mediabridge but they are not sold at the minute (think the owner died).

DSP can come in two forms - either "analogue DSP" or "digital DSP" and each needs a different connection.

This is the important bit - you need to gain access to the rear bulkhead via the boot and reach into the recess where the CD changer cables will be situated, mine were taped down so I had to remove the tape first.

Check the connections - if you have a 6 pin and a 3 pin connector pair you have "analogue DSP" (I have this) but if you have a 3 pin and a coaxial cable you have a digital DSP.

If analogue - you need a BMW trunk connector
If digital - you need a DSP adapter

As for the brains of the operation, in the absence of the mediabridge, I've ordered a Grom BT3 Bluetooth unit to use, they also do a USB based one you can order.

I actually installed it behind the head unit but that didn't play sound due to my DSP - they sent me the wrong kit despite me specifying it when ordering. Pairing is simple and I like the way it seems to link to the phone.

I'm waiting on the new Grom analogue DSP connector (BMW trunk connector) to properly install - I can report back then.

 

[Matt85]

Thanks for the info . Just been to bromley car audio shop they said if i remove original stereo and fit let say pioneer avic single din dvd player the speakers will not work at all. So only one option is like you say grom audio unit. I will check tommorow is it digital or analogue . Will wait for your update ;-)

 

[Tusk]

I was hoping it would come today so I could get it all wrapped up this weekend - should be here Monday/Tuesday so hopefully it works.

If you let me know which connectors you have I'll try show you which bits I think you should buy.

 

[Matt85]

Ok i will let you know tommorow. Thanks.

 

[markplant]

Have a read of this thread it may be of some help
Or it may not
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=67364&hilit=Amp

 

[Tusk]

Hi Mark - that's a great thread, thanks for the link. For OP, I guess the first step of establishing there CD changer connections is still relevant as, if keeping the OEM head unit, this is the only way I can think of to cleanly attach a USB/Bluetooth unit.

If OP has the "analogue DSP" then great as the cable is pretty standard and would be needed anyway. If not, then perhaps there is a decision to be made (if he wants to keep DSP or not)

I'm intrigued by how easy it is to change out the amp, once I've hooked up he Bluetooth I'll have a chance to properly try the stereo, if the quality isn't great I might follow that guide and simply change the amp. In my car even if I did that, the Grom BT3 unit would still be needed as I'd prefer to keep the OEM head unit.

 

[Tusk]

To access the rear bulkhead and find the connectors please follow this video:

http://youtu.be/EHIfb0CW7cE

And if you have a circular plastic pull-cord handle, do not pull this. Cut a slit in the carpet and feed this through gently - it's difficult to undo pulling it (I'm led to believe)

 

[Matt85]

Ok thanks for info

 

[NeilP]

Have a read of this thread it may be of some help
Or it may not
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=67364&hilit=Amp

This is the easiest way to go about it.

Bypass the factory source unit and amplifier to really get the most from an upgrade.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

I've not done it but would agree with this. If you're not fussed about the stock head unit then take that and the amp out and start from scratch. The difficulties seem to come when looking to keep the original dash look.