E36 Stereo Options

[abels]

After recently purchasing another E36 Cabrio there is something particular missing and that is a stereo that looks like it should be there. On my old E36 I had the Bavaria Business package CD jobby. But on the latest purchase I have something that looks fairly naff, cheap and wrong.
I have looked at various stereos around and quite liked the look of the ones with the fold out screen etc, the only problem being is that they either obstruct controls or the air vents.
So before I go and buy another BMW original E36 stereo, are there any recommendations for something that will not look out of place? Additionally are there are stereos from later BMW's that will fit?
Have to add, I do not need anything with a million Watts and every function under the sun.

Thanks,
Abels

[duff]

I've got an Alpine CDE 9880R in mine. Great quality with full iPod functions controlled from the head unit. The main reason for me getting it was it's nice and simple with orange display, no Star Wars style warp drive graphics so doesn't look out of place in the car. I got mine from Audio66.com for £130 plus £20 for the proper Alpine iPod lead, then an ISO adaptor for a couple of quid.

Those head unit with the pop out screen look gash imo....

[abels]

duff said:

I've got an Alpine CDE 9880R in mine. Great quality with full iPod functions controlled from the head unit. The main reason for me getting it was it's nice and simple with orange display, no Star Wars style warp drive graphics so doesn't look out of place in the car. I got mine from Audio66.com for £130 plus £20 for the proper Alpine iPod lead, then an ISO adaptor for a couple of quid.

Those head unit with the pop out screen look gash imo....

Thanks for the suggestion, I will take a look as the iPod connectivity would be useful. I know what you mean aboout the pop out screen stereo, they can look a bit crap.

Nice car BTW.

[clonmult]

I had the 9855 in mine - relatively simple interface.

Now I've got an IDA-X100. Considerably simpler visual design, no CD tray though - iPod only.

The other option is to go for a standard BMW fit system, then connect an iPod via a Dension ICE-Link. Wouldn't be anywhere near as slick as some of the Alpine kit though.

[neil_bolton]

If you want a decent head unit that looks OEM, go for a Becker Grand Prix 7992 to match the interior and the interior lighting.

Stunning looks, simple as to use, and excellent quality sound.

I've one in mine, and as well as the bluetooth hands free also onboard, its been faultless.

It also can be supplied with an iPod adaptor so that you can control the iPod from the head unit. Works amazingly well - I've ad mine for over 2.5 years and never once had an issue.

[abels]

neil_bolton said:

If you want a decent head unit that looks OEM, go for a Becker Grand Prix 7992 to match the interior and the interior lighting.

Stunning looks, simple as to use, and excellent quality sound.

I've one in mine, and as well as the bluetooth hands free also onboard, its been faultless.

It also can be supplied with an iPod adaptor so that you can control the iPod from the head unit. Works amazingly well - I've ad mine for over 2.5 years and never once had an issue.

Good call and has all the fuctionality I need. Thanks, I will definitely look into this.

[wiggy001]

Sorry to hijack but a quick (related) question seeing the stereo above - how does the bluetooth work on these units? Are the calls routed through the cars speakers (I'm guessing so) and do you need an add-on mic?

I've read loads of specs online and all say they have bluetooth but none explain how it works, and I really don't want to ask a monkey in Halfords!

Thanks in advance