I went to get an aftermarket radio installed after purchasing it. An installer I spoke to claimed that he couldn’t complete the task since the radio was linked to…
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Scy
My 2007 530xi has a defective CCC system. I’d rather just install an aftermarket radio if I can do it for less money than the dealer wants to charge me $2,000 to repair it. I’ve managed to get a dash kit and an inexpensive radio, but I’m struggling to track down a wire harness to facilitate the installation. I’m bad at exploring forums, so if anyone has a link to a harness or another topic post where this might have already been covered, it would be very appreciated.
What kind of OEM BMW audio system do I have?
You will be given a variety of buying alternatives depending on the factory OEM equipment that is currently installed in your car. We can find out how many and what kind of BMW speakers your car has thanks to its special VIN number.
Your vehicle may be equipped with one of three basic OEM versions of BMW audio equipment. The catch is that upgrading from one version to a higher one is difficult, but you may still replace the factory-installed equipment on your car with aftermarket parts. What OEM stereo version would you have, then?
I hate driving around without a screen, so one of the biggest compromises I had to make when buying my car was that it didn’t have idrive. However, after doing some research recently, it appears you can get a super cheap setup from Hong Kong for $250 or $300 that has navigation, bluetooth, dvd, and all these bells and whistles. Even though it’s designed for the car to fit inside the spacing, etc., it almost seems too good to be true. Has anyone dealt with these issues before, and is this offer really too good to be true?
Do you know if anyone who has used these before can still utilize the steering wheel buttons? e.g., changing the station, Bluetooth phone, or volume?
As an alternative, I believe I’d like to buy a dashboard mount for my phone and utilize that exclusively. I can perform 95% of the functions that the in-car entertainment systems can with Siri and other hands-free technology.
Similar to you, I didn’t get iDrive on my M3 even though I wanted it since I thought it could be a little out of date by now. Where the factory radio is, you may have some good head units from Alpine or Pioneer installed that also support CarPlay for iPhone or Android devices.
For $250 to $300, you can purchase a super affordable setup from Hong Kong that has GPS, bluetooth, a DVD player, and all the other bells and whistles. Even though it’s designed for the car to fit inside the spacing, etc., it almost seems too good to be true.
My 2009 M3 sans iDrive was just purchased in July. The Eonon head unit was equipped with “normal HIFI” audio by the previous owner. I’m not sure if this is the model you’re referring to, but it kept all steering-wheel functions with the harness adapter. If you have PDC, it also enables the attachment of a backup camera.
Although it appears to be fairly tidy, the Bluetooth calling microphone is horrible. There might be a more recent model available that enables music streaming, app downloads, and Google Maps navigation. I was thinking about switching to that head unit and getting some BavSound speakers and subwoofer.
Was going to ask whether I just purchased my M3 from you. In October, I purchased a 2010 from a Lexus dealership in Honolulu. It was Alpine White with a Kenwood Head Unit.
How to Change a BMW’s Radio
If you’ve owned your BMW for a while, the radio might no longer function. While BMW produces high-quality cars, the radios occasionally are the less expensive iterations of well-known devices from manufacturers like Bose. For BMW automobiles, aftermarket radios provide a remarkable improvement over the standard model. You’ll need to understand how to install your new radio once you’ve made your decision. Thankfully, switching the radio won’t take more than 15 to 20 minutes.
stereo with built-in navigation
It’s not advisable to replace the navigation system’s radio on a whim. It needs a lot of modification. There are no readily accessible aftermarket mounting kits; you must create an unique one. The wires from the wiring harness will also need to be extended all the way to the trunk, along the length of the vehicle, where the tuner/amp module is situated.
We do not advise trying to accomplish this yourself because it is not a task for the typical do-it-yourselfer. Having said that, if you HAVE previously tried it, please feel free to share your struggles, setbacks, and triumphs in the comments section below. We and your fellow owners would both love to hear from you.
To install an aftermarket stereo, what do I need?
- screwdrivers with flat blades and Phillips heads.
- Torx bits or drivers.
- prying tool or prying bar.
- adaptor for wiring harness.
- crimping or soldering iron.
- You will also require solder or crimp connectors if you don’t have a wiring harness adaptor.
Any car stereo will it fit?
No, the size of every automobile audio varies. They come in a variety of sizes and forms, so it’s crucial that you choose one that will fit in your vehicle. The most effective approach to achieve this is to measure your present head unit before searching for a replacement.
Your BMW iDrive may it be upgraded?
As long as their vehicle has a Combox, which works with iDrive and improves numerous technological aspects in your BMW, any owner can perform this type of upgrade themselves. Combox functionality is included into more recent NBT and iDrive systems, making things even simpler.
Are satellite radios available in every BMW?
All new BMW models with SiriusXM will get a complimentary 12-month trial subscription to the SiriusXM Platinum Plan. A 3-month trial subscription is included with qualified pre-owned1 and certified pre-owned (CPO) automobiles.
Your customers can enjoy the best entertainment available in their cars and on the SXM App with the Platinum Plan trial subscription. This includes music that has been carefully selected to be ad-free, Pandora stations, sports play-by-play, talk shows hosted by celebrities, news, comedy, Howard Stern, and more.
A large selection of podcasts, including SiriusXM exclusives, along with original discussion channels
Can BMW iDrive be modified?
Even ten years after their initial release, the majority of BMWs will still feel very modern, but iDrive probably won’t qualify. The iDrive in your brand-new BMW may already be outdated in a few significant areas before your lease expires since technology advances so quickly that it only takes a few years for a system to begin to fall behind.
Smartphone connectivity is one area where problems tend to surface rapidly. Your previous iDrive probably won’t be compatible with everything your phone has to offer because each year’s models from companies like Apple and Samsung include more new functions. For instance, using the voice command button on the steering wheel, you may summon Siri or Google Assistant in newer BMWs after syncing your smartphone with the vehicle. Older cars built before the emergence of virtual assistants won’t have that option.
If there is a compatibility issue between your current BMW and a new smartphone, in some circumstances a straightforward BMW iDrive software update may be sufficient. The next time you bring your car in for maintenance, your dealer might be able to upgrade your iDrive firmware.
In some instances, though, upgrading your BMW iDrive system necessitates replacing it with a brand-new one. For instance, BMW vehicles began receiving Apple CarPlay in 2017. Apple CarPlay was introduced in 2014. CarPlay support cannot be added via a software update, but your BMW can be retrofitted with an iDrive head unit that is CarPlay compatible. Although BMW does not provide these iDrive updates, a third-party business like BimmerTech can assist with a complete iDrive upgrade.
Installing car stereos not purchased at Best Buy
Yes and again. Best Buy will install the radio even if it wasn’t bought there, but they can’t guarantee their work. To schedule an appointment, you can dial or visit a website.
For the installation of an aftermarket radio, is a wiring harness required?
There should be at least one plastic wiring harness behind the stereo opening if your car has (or formerly had) a factory stereo or was pre-wired with a “stereo prep” package. This connection links the stereo to your vehicle’s electrical system and the speakers. To finish the removal process, unhook the antenna as well as the OEM stereo from the wiring harnesses.
It’s time to concentrate on the new radio now that the old one is out of the way. That entails tying all the cables together before mounting the audio in the dash.
With a BMW, is SiriusXM free?
A free trial membership to SiriusXM for six months and the All Access plan, which covers all of SiriusXM’s channels both inside and outside the vehicle, are included with every new BMW. You may take advantage of it with no cost or obligation.
If my BMW has satellite radio, how do I know?
Go to the radio menu on your iDrive if you are a current BMW owner and are unsure whether your BMW has SiriusXM. If your BMW has SiriusXM, satellite radio will be offered alongside FM and AM.
How much does a new BMW iDrive cost?
I’ve been wondering how much it would cost to upgrade to the newest IDRIVE, so I’ve been giving it a lot of thought. I want to upgrade to a new 2012 or 2013 IDRIVE with all the bells and whistles, but I’m not sure if it will be worthwhile.
Basic CIC idrives with maps, voice control, and video in motion cost between $2200 and $2500; occasionally, a backup camera can be included in that price.
On my 2008, I’ve been meaning to upgrade as well. a full cic with combos, a front pdc, and a rear camera was desired. Like the OP said, it has all the bells and whistles.
Please also PM me. I have a 2008 M3 and would really like the new CIC with the new controller, buttons, etc., Bluetooth playback for an iPod or Droid phone, new maps with a high-resolution screen, and a backup camera would be a good addition.
Any information you can give me regarding this refit would be greatly welcomed and useful. Alekshop said I would only need to drive to the dealership to have the software updated. TECH, if I installed the entire system myself, what tuning is required afterward.
You would need to get in touch with me outside of the forum since I’m no longer a merchant here.
I have a 2010 CIC system, but I don’t have internet access, sound streaming Bluetooth, or any BMW apps. I believe all I would need to upgrade to this level is a combox.
Do you market and code the combox? I’m attempting to put up one for the wife’s 2010 E70 2010 X5 with coding. Can you send me any information via private message? thanks!