Stereo for E46 325i Sport - ICE

[Overhere]

Hi, I just bought a 2003 325i Sport with a standard stereo, it's no where near as good as the up-graded stereo in the golf VR6 I traded in but a much nicer car ;-). All I really want is better sound, better speakers and an iPod adapter, can't put a subby in cause you'd never hear it through the boot unless it took up the whole boot, which I'm not willing to do.

My local ICE centre tells me the best thing to do it replace the stereo with an aftermarket DIN stereo and an adapter plate. He suggested an Alpine untit.

I'm hesitant becaust I don't want to spoil the dash look, Want to know if there is another solution (BMW) that won't cost an arm and a leg, or if I shouldn't worry about look.

Can anyone post a picture of a similar car with an aftermarket stereo so I can see what it looks like?

Appriciate the help

[Swoxy]

Just takes a big of Googling ...

[Otter's pocket]

well- I think that proves that they wreck the aesthetics of the dash...

[Overhere]

First of all, what a star, thank you Swoxy (man, I gotta get better at googling!). This exactly what I wanted to see, of all of them, none look "great" but a couple look not that bad, but yes, they all spoil the BMW lines of the dash. Depends on how bad I want good sound.

Does anyone know what BMW would offer? My ICE dealer said BMW will upgrade it, but it will cost £700! Anyone had this done or have any advice?

Thanks to all

[Swoxy]

It looks terrible.
However ICE is relatively important to me so in a nice car such as yours I'd get the kit from eBay and fit a DIN sized stereo. Money is more important to me and there's no way I'd pay £700 for a BMW stereo, no matter how nice it looks! If you wanted to do it yourself but not purchase the stereo, fascia and adaptor, this has everything you need.

[VtecLover]

Get the bmw professional head unit with the harmann kardann upgrade

[Overhere]

I gotta tell ya, getting the HK up-grade is a very real option, does anyone know how much it will cost? Do I have to go to BMW or is there anyone else who will do this (for less)?

[VtecLover]

Not sure mate. My brothers got a show install in his bmw.

The harmann kardon is well worth the extra, the only thing i would do is add a small 8 or 10 inch sub for the rear deep bass if you listen to your music loud.

You could ring a few breakers for the bits and fit them yourself? Or get an independant audio shop to fit it.

[rick355s]

hi,
have a look at www.caraudiosecurity.com

They offer many different car stereo's, monitor's etc, so at least one must fit your needs!