New Head Unit - United Bimmer Community

**Alpine328i** · 08-29-2006, 05:49 PM

What up people,

I've done stereos before, but never in a Bimmer. I've heard they're a BIATCH to install and you have to bypass the factory amp, etc..

Is there any truth to this?

I'd ultimately want to hook up just four of the speakers, I'm putting coaxials in the kickpanels and I'd run the rear deck speakers too, just those four. I'd not use the components in the front doors.

Any special harnesses or anything I need? Anyone done this?

Thanks!

**Rooz** · 08-29-2006, 08:47 PM

ok...

JUST doing a deck in it is as easy as a deck in any other car.

doing SPEAKERS is where you need to by-pass the amp and such.

Now, let me ask you this, WHY put coaxial speakers by your feet when you have the chance to put some components and get some sound up top?

**BMWLotAttendant** · 08-29-2006, 08:48 PM

Rooz is THE MAN to talk to about audio installs.

**Alpine328i** · 08-29-2006, 08:50 PM

Well Rooz, the answer is easy.... money....

I can get a decent set of coaxials for 1/4 the cost of components.

Know what I mean man?

**Rooz** · 08-29-2006, 09:16 PM

I know, but you'll be missing out on a lot

**Eagle** · 08-30-2006, 04:36 AM

For that you should just leave the factory components in and powered up.
Then when you are ready to do it right, get a decent 2 channel amp and some components and go to town.

**Dudesky** · 08-30-2006, 05:00 AM

Indeed, I agree with Rooz & Eagle. If you're strapped for cash, why waste money on coaxials, when you already have seperates as the OEM setup? Doing that could actually be a downgrade. If anything, don't buy the speakers yet. Install the new HU first, and see how the stock speakers and amp works for you.

**Alpine328i** · 08-30-2006, 06:50 AM

Well, the stock speaksers in my car are ABSOLUTE CRAP so a set of freakin WAL-MART coaxials would sound better.

I'm getting the rear 6X9 conversion brackets that Rooz has previously recommended for me in the rear, and I'm probably just gonna do the coaxials in the front.

So can anyone answer my original questions on how to hook up just the fronts without the door speakers?

Thanks in advance.

Also, Rooz.... check out my other post in this forum. If you're a stereo guy, maybe you know about those woofers....???.....

**BMWLotAttendant** · 08-30-2006, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpine328i

Also, Rooz.... check out my other post in this forum. If you're a stereo guy, maybe you know about those woofers....???.....

If....what does if mean?

Like I said. Rooz is THE MAN when it comes to audio installs. He works at a professional audio store.

I think that more than qualifies him.

**Alpine328i** · 08-30-2006, 07:54 PM

I'm not questioning Rooz's abilities, I was just making sure he saw the other post.

So Rooz.. here's your chance to prove you're the man :-)

**Rooz** · 08-30-2006, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWLotAttendant

If....what does if mean?

Like I said. Rooz is THE MAN when it comes to audio installs. He works at a professional audio store.

I think that more than qualifies him.

thank you sir

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpine328i

I'm not questioning Rooz's abilities, I was just making sure he saw the other post.

So Rooz.. here's your chance to prove you're the man :-)

Noticed and replied

**Alpine328i** · 08-31-2006, 08:19 AM

So can anyone answer my original questions on how to hook up just the fronts without the door speakers?

**defkon99** · 08-31-2006, 08:23 AM

Well i myself am lookin for a new head unit something that can play dvd video , and mp3 data a flip up lcd would be nice or just like a 2.5-3.5" lcd on the face also am lookin for a set of i think its 5.25 speakers in the back something with good bass and a nice tone.

throw up some ideas im wreckin my brain.

**Rooz** · 08-31-2006, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by defkon99

Well i myself am lookin for a new head unit something that can play dvd video , and mp3 data a flip up lcd would be nice or just like a 2.5-3.5" lcd on the face also am lookin for a set of i think its 5.25 speakers in the back something with good bass and a nice tone.

throw up some ideas im wreckin my brain.

Alpine IVAD-310 would be my first choice
Alpine IVAD-100 would be my second
Clarion VRX765VD would be my last one

Now speakers, are you going to amp them or run them off deck power?

**k318iS** · 09-01-2006, 01:55 AM

I can recommend the IVAD100, especially if you don't want to have to hide the huge brain unit for the IVAD310...as well it's AI Net capable, so you can use your ipod with a simple cable, hook up a bluetooth adaptor, and lots more, very easily... Much easier than with the 310.

Oh, and we finally installed my IVAD100 today, so I know how nice it is...

And if you just want a smaller screen without a double din or flip up, the JVC KDAVX2 and 1 are decent decks...the screens are small but still easily watchable...