Re: 328i audio system choices

[Brendon <brendon@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Mike:

This is a pretty common question among new owners
of the later 3 series models. There's probably an FAQ or
try www.unofficialbmw.com, but if you have a 
'96 or later 3 series, BMW locks you into
buying the BMW's factory CD changer. The other choice, of
course (and more prudent since some say the
BMW head unit is underpowered) is to rip out the
BWM headunit and out in a new aftermarket headunit
with the CD changer of your choice. 

Some say the Nokia stock speakers are not all that
bad with a headunit with the proper amount of juice.
The downside of going with aftermarket headunit is
that the display will not match BMW's amber dash/controls
display at night...there are a few audio headunits that
can display amber, but they may not offer the features
you want. Your milage will definitely vary. 

I went with the BWM cd changer...had it for a year
and it works great (it's manufactured by Alpine,
as is the factory alarm system). Check the BMW
site above for posts about dealers that sell the factory CD changer
under dealer invoice...it can be had for around $450, not
the $700 most dealers ask for. Installation is very easy
if your car is "CD-changer-ready"...look for the black
plug in your trunk on the left-hand side.

Good luck,
- -B


bmw-digest wrote:
>
> 
> Date: Fri, 7 May 1999 07:47:37 +0000
> From: mikechaves@domain.elided
> Subject: audio system
> 
> hi
> recently bought a 97 328i and it has the stock system in it (cass/am/fm/
> 10 speaker.. wanted the ability to listen to cd.. should i get the bmw
> changer... or can i get an aftermarket one to work too(i heard alpine is
> the one who makes it..) i also have 2 audio components from my old car
> which need RCA outputs.... which the stock radio doesn't have. should i
> get a aftermarket cd head unit or even those nice Alpine decks with the 3
> disc cd changer in dash.. ? would it be difficult wiring with 10 speaker
> and a required amplifier too? Questions, Questions, Question
> 
> confused
> 
> any opionions from people who have done any upgrading would be greatly
> appreciated
> 
> thanks
> mike
> ___________________________________________________________________
>

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