Z4M Head unit upgrade

[Polarbert]

From what I've been looking into this is pretty much not worth doing with the 10 speaker system, which I believe is what I have. Is there anyone out there who has upgraded the head unit on their M? I don't have the sat nav, and had found a nice Sony single DIN with a flip out screen that looked quite nice, had bluetooth and android auto so would have been right up my road.

I've got a bluetooth adapter, and the car came with an ipod connector which I have my old ipod classic plugged in to. Its not the end of the world if its not straight forward to do.

I had a search and it didn't seem like many people had discussed the idea. Feel free to point me in the right direction if it has been discussed before. I had read that someone had suggested splicing into the original head unit and storing it in the boot which seemed a bit counter intuitive.

Thanks,

Rob

 

[abar121]

It's not really M specific, so try the normal forum for more feedback.

 

[Argenta]

I have the 10 speaker Business stereo, upgraded with the Grom unit.
So, bluetooth & USB, switch songs in Spotify with OEM steering wheel buttons etc. Works great.

 

[maupineda]

Due to the design, anything but the OE head unit will not look right IMO. I dont think the Z4 is a car for music audiophiles, the 10 speaker though impressive on paper, does not sound great. Maybe a Bavsound speaker upgrade is enough if you want to make it better.

 

[dhobbs]

Depends if you prefer the look of the OEM radio over the functions of a replacement HU. I replaced mine last year with a pioneer one and it's sounds much better plus has the added benefit of BT, all wired up to the MFSW.

You can always go back to the original radio if you intend to sell.

 

[Beedub]

ive always found it sounds fantastic! but then maybe im clueless......

at work we are fitting top end audison / hertz audio equipment with DSPs and for the age of the z4 setup ive always been really impressed with them.....

 

[Argenta]

It sounds pretty good indeed with the 10-speaker sub bass package, it's just the car itself's so damn noisy...

 

[abar121]

I think the top spec system sounds pretty poor, especially the harsh tweeters.

The EQ settings on here made it acceptable, although it's fighting a loosing battle in a convertible.

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=17407&p=251736&hilit=eq+settings+analysis#p251736

Also turning down the auto volume increase helps a lot, reducing the loudness effect that ramps in.

The S54 however makes sweet music. Especially roof down it's still an utter joy to listen too