E30 Alternatives - United Bimmer Community

**theSMELSINATOR** · 01-09-2008, 03:05 PM

Hey guys, it's been a while.

I'm looking into better ways to play my iPod through my stereo. I have the stock headunit - I can't really stand aftermarket ones. I'm currently using a Monster cassette adapter, but I want to upgrade. I was looking into a Harman Kardon Drive and Play setup from Bavauto, but I have a few concerns. For one, I've never been a fan of FM transmitters, even if it is a high-end one. Also, there isn't a whole lot of room in an E30 for the click-wheel or display.

Although my E30 doesn't have a CD changer (did any of them? I think some E34s did...), the stock headunit (Alpine) has the pins in the back for one. I've looked into cables that plug into that and then directly into the iPod, but haven't found any for the stock Alpine unit. They make them for the Kenwood one, but that won't work on my Alpine.

Any suggestions? Heard of any alternatives? Had any experience with the Drive and Play kit? As a last alternative I'd consider a new headunit, but it would have to match very well. I'm open to suggestions on headunits, but please no chrome with blue LEDs. yuck.

**denyo77** · 01-10-2008, 09:46 AM

I wouldn't go with the FM one.
They're usually way worse than casette adapters.

I have a Kenwood headunit, which semi-fits the e30.
Similar to this one:

that'd be the KDC-W4737U
most Kenwoods can be switched to red display color

**mzbmw325i** · 01-10-2008, 11:40 AM

i dont see why you love the original unit, back in the day yeah but now with the digital crap, ok maybe the lights blend in, right?

just go to Crutchfield and check the alpines, you can blow up the pics there and see how the unit will look in your car, they have similar lighted buttons on some models, i think the E30 stereo was made by alpine too.

**theSMELSINATOR** · 01-10-2008, 02:31 PM

It's mostly the look. I can't stand how flashy an aftermarket HU would look in an E30. Even at a lower quality than modern ones, the stock one is still quite nice. Weather Band radio ftw!

nick_318is · 01-10-2008, 04:25 PM

^+1,000,000

I love the stock radio, and I do from time to time use the weatherband.

**Thew** · 01-10-2008, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick_318is

^+1,000,000

I love the stock radio, and I do from time to time use the weatherband.

X2
I have the Harmon/Kardon 8 speaker factory sound and its more than I need...