Factory Looking Headunits
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+1 for the Nak. I have a new CD400 that will go in my car when ready. It is very period looking and the other reason, beside quality, that I bought it for, is the lighting can be set at green or orange to match the stock lighting
81 Euro 635 M90 with motronic. Currently under a complete nut and bolt restoration. Pictures at
flickr.com/photos/bertsphotos.
flickr.com/photos/bertsphotos.
Managed to get a Nakamichi CD400.
Installed with a rocker switch on the aerial feed, as this does not go down when using CD or Aux, and aux jack in one of the spare switch panels. Looks good with the amber display and sounds good. VERY easy to use - don't have to be a space cadet.
Installed with a rocker switch on the aerial feed, as this does not go down when using CD or Aux, and aux jack in one of the spare switch panels. Looks good with the amber display and sounds good. VERY easy to use - don't have to be a space cadet.
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'85 635csi JPS (RA2-66)
- SORIANOTRON
- Posts: 71
- Joined: Tue Oct 31, 2017 7:58 pm
- Location: Honolulu
Re: Factory Looking Headunits
Gravedig!
Looking to install a new headhunt and was looking for suggestions on some clean, OEM looking aftermarket units some of you guys might have?
Looking to install a new headhunt and was looking for suggestions on some clean, OEM looking aftermarket units some of you guys might have?
Re: Factory Looking Headunits
The one everyone seems to be going for these days is the continental tr7412ub-or. It's actually made by VDO.
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Re: Factory Looking Headunits
I put a VDO unit in my wife's e30 it works great and looks great. Also put one in my old e23, with No CD player they are not very deep and easy to install.
Just google - TR7412UB-OR you can find them for about $130
But for the price and ease of install, it's much better than my stock head unit, The guy I got if from on Ebay shipped it quick (less than a week from Germany)
Pros
- no static
- nice clear audio
- Price
- close to OE look, amber is close too
- pretty easy to install
- Has bluetooth Streaming from phone (works well) pandora, itunes, etc
- Has bluetooth Phone options, did not run the other (supplied) micrphone so you would have to talk toward the headunit mic under the dial.
-Made a call without the additional Mic and it works pretty good, you need to talk louder toward the head unit but it works.
Cons
-no preout connections to add amp/etc
-protrudes out farther than oe Radio when mounted
-Mounting the cage is OK, not as solid as OE radio (but that's how most install)
-Did not come with Wiring (iso) harness had to order ($10)
Just google - TR7412UB-OR you can find them for about $130
But for the price and ease of install, it's much better than my stock head unit, The guy I got if from on Ebay shipped it quick (less than a week from Germany)
Pros
- no static
- nice clear audio
- Price
- close to OE look, amber is close too
- pretty easy to install
- Has bluetooth Streaming from phone (works well) pandora, itunes, etc
- Has bluetooth Phone options, did not run the other (supplied) micrphone so you would have to talk toward the headunit mic under the dial.
-Made a call without the additional Mic and it works pretty good, you need to talk louder toward the head unit but it works.
Cons
-no preout connections to add amp/etc
-protrudes out farther than oe Radio when mounted
-Mounting the cage is OK, not as solid as OE radio (but that's how most install)
-Did not come with Wiring (iso) harness had to order ($10)
- 12 535i
- 92 325ic
- 92 325ic
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- Posts: 797
- Joined: Wed Sep 01, 2010 3:29 pm
- Location: Broomfield, CO
Re: Factory Looking Headunits
- 12 535i
- 92 325ic
- 92 325ic
- Bostn635csi
- Posts: 56
- Joined: Thu Jun 19, 2014 11:40 pm
- Location: Boston
Re: Factory Looking Headunits
I installed the Kenwood Excelon KDC X998. I like the one knob look similar to OEM. Also has an orange display. Lots of features like HD Radio, built in Bluetooth and automatic iPhone pairing. Pandora, IHeart Radio and SirousXM.
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- Radio.JPG (439.02 KiB) Viewed 15223 times
Kevin
1988 BMW 635csi, 5-speed
Lachsilber
1988 BMW 635csi, 5-speed
Lachsilber
Re: Factory Looking Headunits
Instead of going for something that LOOKS period correct. You could always get something that IS period correct. The best kind of period correct:
https://youtu.be/dZ0l7dzB0y0
(Not me in the video)
https://youtu.be/dZ0l7dzB0y0
(Not me in the video)
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- Posts: 523
- Joined: Mon Oct 30, 2006 8:23 pm
- Location: San Mateo, CA just South of San Francisco
Re: Factory Looking Headunits
I prefer and had my Alpine deck for 15+ years and still working, nice thing is you can change the buttons to amber red so it matches the obc lights. Good luck with your decision.
Tommy
1989 635 CSI (Second owner since Jun 1995, driven daily and retired in 2013 with 295k to occasional driving)
2011 335D (Daily driver) with 103,550
1989 635 CSI (Second owner since Jun 1995, driven daily and retired in 2013 with 295k to occasional driving)
2011 335D (Daily driver) with 103,550
Re: Factory Looking Headunits
I ended up buying the Bravo IND-400BT. It has a red display, looks basic, no CD, Bluetooth and all of that jazz and only cost $17 on amazon warehouse deals. I think normally it was $40. It fits the bill perfectly for me. Two downsides:
1. The faceplate is "thick" and sticks out far past the mounting. It didn't look right. To solve this I glued the bezel to the mounting frame and installed the radio from the back. (See picture)
2. The buttons and dial feel ok, but this thing is light. I can't imagine the internals are well made are high powered.
1. The faceplate is "thick" and sticks out far past the mounting. It didn't look right. To solve this I glued the bezel to the mounting frame and installed the radio from the back. (See picture)
2. The buttons and dial feel ok, but this thing is light. I can't imagine the internals are well made are high powered.
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- IMG_20190525_081915.jpg (140.84 KiB) Viewed 14571 times
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- Location: North East
Re: Factory Looking Headunits
That's what I did.
http://imgur.com/a/nzL2edt
http://imgur.com/a/nzL2edt
G03rt2 wrote: ↑Sat Dec 01, 2018 11:36 pm Instead of going for something that LOOKS period correct. You could always get something that IS period correct. The best kind of period correct:
https://youtu.be/dZ0l7dzB0y0
(Not me in the video)
Re: Factory Looking Headunits
I keep saying I am going to put this in, then use then aux/changer input for some form of iPhone integration but haven’t done it yet. Not easy, need to do the whole system over imo. 35 yr old speakers.
BMW Business CD43
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-BUSINESS ... 2028155710
BMW Business CD43
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-BUSINESS ... 2028155710
'85 M635CSi #64
‘08 535XiT 6sp
Sold '01 325XiT
(Formerly "Sixracer")
‘08 535XiT 6sp
Sold '01 325XiT
(Formerly "Sixracer")
Re: Factory Looking Headunits
Sixracer1 wrote: ↑Thu Jun 27, 2019 3:24 am I keep saying I am going to put this in, then use then aux/changer input for some form of iPhone integration but haven’t done it yet. Not easy, need to do the whole system over imo. 35 yr old speakers.
BMW Business CD43
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-BUSINESS ... 2028155710
BD74C117-B5D9-4BAF-973A-02B582A23512.jpeg
Sixer,
These people that sell the CD43 on Ebay are a JOKE, missing one or both of the side screw covers
You cannot make it work unless you have the multi pin connector with pigtail wires, and you also need a 90 degree antenna interface connector,
These guys selling these CD43 are stupid, if you buy it it will not work, so they just are junk mongers! OOH you also need the the booklet and code password #.
The only one that ever did it correctly was Robb Mars,
Best,
Jay
'88 M6, Red/Tan
My NEW Website https://www.jaysbmwparts.com/
'88 M6, Red/Tan
My NEW Website https://www.jaysbmwparts.com/
Re: Factory Looking Headunits
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- BP Bremen.jpg (222.82 KiB) Viewed 14370 times
01/1987 M6
past Bimmers;
1970 2800CS
1988 325is
1985 325E
past Bimmers;
1970 2800CS
1988 325is
1985 325E
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- Posts: 797
- Joined: Wed Sep 01, 2010 3:29 pm
- Location: Broomfield, CO
Re: Factory Looking Headunits
Looks like it will be available in September - https://www.classiccarstereo.co.uk/clas ... ar-stereo/
01/1987 M6
past Bimmers;
1970 2800CS
1988 325is
1985 325E
past Bimmers;
1970 2800CS
1988 325is
1985 325E
Re: Factory Looking Headunits
Continental TR4217 for me, installed on Saturday. Phone works easily and less depth makes it an easy fit. Julian
# 328 RHD M635csi 1986 Dinan 3.8
Jensen Interceptor Convertible 1976
Jensen Interceptor Convertible 1976
- nick88highline
- Posts: 348
- Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2009 11:31 am
- Location: Suffolk, UK
Re: Factory Looking Headunits
I got one of the new Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 DAB. Probably the first one installed in an E24
Still fiddling around with it, but it's the most factory looking headunit I have installed in this car.
Nick
Still fiddling around with it, but it's the most factory looking headunit I have installed in this car.
Nick
BMW 635CSiA (1988)
BMW i3 (2016)
Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 (2000)
Morris Minor 1000 (1968)
BMW i3 (2016)
Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 (2000)
Morris Minor 1000 (1968)
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- Posts: 797
- Joined: Wed Sep 01, 2010 3:29 pm
- Location: Broomfield, CO
Re: Factory Looking Headunits
Very interested in how it works and sounds for the money.
Does the Bluetooth connect well to Audio and phone?
Where did you get it? UK? https://www.classiccarstereo.co.uk
Does the Bluetooth connect well to Audio and phone?
Where did you get it? UK? https://www.classiccarstereo.co.uk
- 12 535i
- 92 325ic
- 92 325ic
Re: Factory Looking Headunits
I have been giving thought to one of these.
How does the illumination of the head unit compare to that of the rest of the dashboard? My concern is that it is too red, and not orange enough.
A night-time picture with everything would be enormously appreciated!
How does the illumination of the head unit compare to that of the rest of the dashboard? My concern is that it is too red, and not orange enough.
A night-time picture with everything would be enormously appreciated!
E24 M635CSi
- nick88highline
- Posts: 348
- Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2009 11:31 am
- Location: Suffolk, UK
Re: Factory Looking Headunits
I got it from classic car stereo as suggested by brickwhite.
Still investigating sound quality, but it seems to be pretty good compared to the Pioneer reference headunit I had in there before.
The colours can be customised using an RGB mixer with 8 levels per colour, so you can mix up different colours and also brightness levels for day and night driving. The day time match is a bit off at the moment (too orange) but the night time match is quite good. The pictures below show this.
Nick
Day
Night (with headlights on)
Still investigating sound quality, but it seems to be pretty good compared to the Pioneer reference headunit I had in there before.
The colours can be customised using an RGB mixer with 8 levels per colour, so you can mix up different colours and also brightness levels for day and night driving. The day time match is a bit off at the moment (too orange) but the night time match is quite good. The pictures below show this.
Nick
Day
Night (with headlights on)
BMW 635CSiA (1988)
BMW i3 (2016)
Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 (2000)
Morris Minor 1000 (1968)
BMW i3 (2016)
Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 (2000)
Morris Minor 1000 (1968)
Re: Factory Looking Headunits
I have fitted a period Becker Mexico, modified for bluetooth hands free and audio streaming by a widget from a bloke in Germany. It looks perfect and the Mexico is even mentioned in the BMW M635 manual. The kit comes with a microphone, discreet answer/end call button and a breakout box for Aux input, USB plug for memory sticks and SD card slot, if you do not want to stream bluetooth direct. All this is controlled by the Becker head unit too. So, a period cassette/radio but modern hands-free phone calls and audio streaming.
The Becker Mexico was a premium option on 80s BMWs and considering it was built in the 1980s, is surprisingly powerful and offers great clarity. I have a set of B&W floor-standing speakers in my house and before fitting the Becker, I setup and ran it for the morning, connected to them. It was loud and I was very surprised how clean it was, even at high volumes and with my Audiophile critical ears... :)
However, in the car and connected to the original 1980s 4x Pioneer 2way 6x4 speakers (kick panels and pods) it soon overpowered them and generally sounded crap, at any volume. So, I plan to use the existing pods for 6x4 2 way for mid/high with 2x8" bass drivers mounted in the boot panel, facing into the rear seats, and alongside a pair of 2way crossovers hidden by a carpeted panel in the boot. All will be Alpine speakers, another manufacturer commonly seen in 80s BMWs.
In the front, the existing holes in the side kick-panels will house 6x4 mids and with under-seat subs, where I will akso fit 3way crossovers. I want to fit tweeters into the small triangular panels where the door mirrors are mounted. However, I do not want to fit surface mounted tweeters there. Is there a replacement panel from a more modern BMW that has a tweeter grill, that can be modified fit the E24?
Once I have solved that last challenge, I should have a system that looks original but has modern functionality and will sound fantastic.
Thanks,
Ian
The Becker Mexico was a premium option on 80s BMWs and considering it was built in the 1980s, is surprisingly powerful and offers great clarity. I have a set of B&W floor-standing speakers in my house and before fitting the Becker, I setup and ran it for the morning, connected to them. It was loud and I was very surprised how clean it was, even at high volumes and with my Audiophile critical ears... :)
However, in the car and connected to the original 1980s 4x Pioneer 2way 6x4 speakers (kick panels and pods) it soon overpowered them and generally sounded crap, at any volume. So, I plan to use the existing pods for 6x4 2 way for mid/high with 2x8" bass drivers mounted in the boot panel, facing into the rear seats, and alongside a pair of 2way crossovers hidden by a carpeted panel in the boot. All will be Alpine speakers, another manufacturer commonly seen in 80s BMWs.
In the front, the existing holes in the side kick-panels will house 6x4 mids and with under-seat subs, where I will akso fit 3way crossovers. I want to fit tweeters into the small triangular panels where the door mirrors are mounted. However, I do not want to fit surface mounted tweeters there. Is there a replacement panel from a more modern BMW that has a tweeter grill, that can be modified fit the E24?
Once I have solved that last challenge, I should have a system that looks original but has modern functionality and will sound fantastic.
Thanks,
Ian
1985 M635CSI
Classic Car and Bike Collector & Restorer.
Classic Car and Bike Collector & Restorer.