E46 CD Changer compatibility with a new head unit.
Discussion
Hey guys!
I have a E46 with the usual casset head unit and cd changer in the boot. I'm thinking upgrading and puting a kenwood unit I have in. I've found all the neccissary wiring loom for the wheel controls and the facia pannels, but is there a way I can get the current cd changer to work with a kenwood head unit?
Would appreciate your thoughts and ideas!
Cheers
I have a E46 with the usual casset head unit and cd changer in the boot. I'm thinking upgrading and puting a kenwood unit I have in. I've found all the neccissary wiring loom for the wheel controls and the facia pannels, but is there a way I can get the current cd changer to work with a kenwood head unit?
Would appreciate your thoughts and ideas!
Cheers
Hi there
You don't mention how old the Kenwood head unit that you have is. Also, the game has moved on from CD changers with the latest aftermarket head units, now it's to do with playback of digitally stored music files - be that on the iPod or via music stored on USB sticks.
If you are going to take the plunge to go aftermarket with your car, I'd say get one of the latest units from Kenwood, Alpine, Pioneer etc with digital files playback, a common 8GB USB stick will hold far far more audio tracks than a 6 CD changer.
I'd also be inclined to think that if it's a slightly older Kenwood head unit that you have, then either it won't be able to control the OEM changer that you have, or you'd have to shell out for a controlling box to enable that function and that won't be a cheap £9.99 type jobbie, it'll probably be £40-50+. So you may as well put that money towards a new 2010 range head unit.
If you look around the various forums, you can get more of an idea of other possibilities that other E46 owners have gone for, ranging from the simple single DIN after market head unit upgrade like what you're thinking of, right up to Double DIN, 7 inch widescreen and Navigation units to be able to do everything! - also not forgetting the enthusiast level of taking the audio and video systems even further
Hope this helps ! Cheers, Dennis! West London & Slough UK!
You don't mention how old the Kenwood head unit that you have is. Also, the game has moved on from CD changers with the latest aftermarket head units, now it's to do with playback of digitally stored music files - be that on the iPod or via music stored on USB sticks.
If you are going to take the plunge to go aftermarket with your car, I'd say get one of the latest units from Kenwood, Alpine, Pioneer etc with digital files playback, a common 8GB USB stick will hold far far more audio tracks than a 6 CD changer.
I'd also be inclined to think that if it's a slightly older Kenwood head unit that you have, then either it won't be able to control the OEM changer that you have, or you'd have to shell out for a controlling box to enable that function and that won't be a cheap £9.99 type jobbie, it'll probably be £40-50+. So you may as well put that money towards a new 2010 range head unit.
If you look around the various forums, you can get more of an idea of other possibilities that other E46 owners have gone for, ranging from the simple single DIN after market head unit upgrade like what you're thinking of, right up to Double DIN, 7 inch widescreen and Navigation units to be able to do everything! - also not forgetting the enthusiast level of taking the audio and video systems even further
Hope this helps ! Cheers, Dennis! West London & Slough UK!
Cheers Dennis!
The head unit is probably 3 years old, cant get the model number as its in another car in the work shop. It was a top of the range when released (near £600 for the kit), has a 20gb hard drive etc with colour screen and remote, so as for the CD changer i'm not fussed, as the head unit plays MP3 cd's and with the hard drive I wont need the changer. Just be nice to utilise it rather than just sitting there.
As for the fitting kit, do you rekon this has everything to do the job?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/KENWOOD-BMW-3-Series-E46-Car...
I'd love to go for a double din jobby, but the price for the unit, and the work that needs to be done doesnt really seem worth it! Apparently you have to cut into part of the wind pipes to make space, and of course move the air con controls down one unit.
Cheers!
The head unit is probably 3 years old, cant get the model number as its in another car in the work shop. It was a top of the range when released (near £600 for the kit), has a 20gb hard drive etc with colour screen and remote, so as for the CD changer i'm not fussed, as the head unit plays MP3 cd's and with the hard drive I wont need the changer. Just be nice to utilise it rather than just sitting there.
As for the fitting kit, do you rekon this has everything to do the job?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/KENWOOD-BMW-3-Series-E46-Car...
I'd love to go for a double din jobby, but the price for the unit, and the work that needs to be done doesnt really seem worth it! Apparently you have to cut into part of the wind pipes to make space, and of course move the air con controls down one unit.
Cheers!
Cheers SuperVeloce!
Surffreak, I'd suggest in this case to just sell off the CD changer to someone who wants it for parts or spares or as an upgrade to a more basically equipped e46 out there.
Some double DIN conversions in the E46 look fantastic! could be a possibility for you at some point!
Cheers, Dennis! West London & Slough UK!
Surffreak, I'd suggest in this case to just sell off the CD changer to someone who wants it for parts or spares or as an upgrade to a more basically equipped e46 out there.
Some double DIN conversions in the E46 look fantastic! could be a possibility for you at some point!
Cheers, Dennis! West London & Slough UK!
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