Im new to this but i got a question someone please help?

Ok im new to this forum but im getting a 2000 bmw 323i and im wanting to change the head unit in it so i can put subs in and so it will fit my ipod. But ive read that you cant change it and some red light starts flashing and you cant get reception in less you have some code? i was wondering if this was true. Please help? Thank you.

you heard wrong

so it is possible? it was on yahoo answers so i was just curios.

No red lights, code you need to know, etc required on business cd head units...just replace and go.

Couple things worth noting:

- You can install subs without changing the head unit.
- You can get OEM AUX intergration with an OEM head unit, but need one produced more recent than yours

There are good alternatives to a single DIN aftermarket head unit that will get you what you want while retaining OEM, or atleast the OEM look.

If that interest you and you want to know more, let us know what you want, function wise, from a setup and we can make suggestions.

i just change my 323's old tape deck head unit to a new pioneer one. you just need an antenna adapter, wiring harness, and a mounting kit. it cost me just over $60 for all of those at car toys

^ good point, forgot to mention the 99-00 E46 has a different radio antenna plug than the rest, so if upgrading to another unit you will need an adapter.

It's pretty easy to change the head unit...I had no issue with reception

ok thanks to all. i was just curious about it cause i read it on yahoo answers. and i knew you could install the subs in without changing the head unit and im gonna post a link and is this the antenna plug that i would need? http://www.amazon.com/Stereo-ANTENNA...8195651&sr=1-4

OP, whats your budget?

Originally Posted by BJohnson113

ok thanks to all. i was just curious about it cause i read it on yahoo answers. and i knew you could install the subs in without changing the head unit and im gonna post a link and is this the antenna plug that i would need? http://www.amazon.com/Stereo-ANTENNA...8195651&sr=1-4

yep, that would be it

Btw keep in mind im only 16.. So if i ask some stupid ass questions that are common sense.. dont hate please ha

Originally Posted by rizwan1377

OP, whats your budget?

budget for...? depending on what your talking about such as subs and stuff like that. and budget does not matter to me at the moment

Originally Posted by LiNk504

yep, that would be it

ok thanks for the help

Originally Posted by BJohnson113

ok thanks for the help

no problem. oh and if you go with an aftermarket deck, be prepare to remove more than just the HU from the dash as you have to move some wires around so you can push the new HU all the way back

The budget question dictates what route we help suggest for you.

Bigger budget: Consider the Dynavin head unit. It's plug-n-play for out car (minus your antenna adapter) double DIN, looks OEM, has ipod function (that can charge the ipod unlike AUX) uses steering wheel controls, has NAV, DVD, etc.

Median budget: DICE unit (for ipod intergration/charging) and comparable others

Smaller budget but close to median budget: Newer OEM unit that supports AUX input.

why don't you get a "dice silverline" for the ipod and a hi-low converter to add a sub

^ Pretty economical way of doing it if that fits your needs OP.

For subwoofer installation, refer to the nice free audi info that BSW has put together here: http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/kn...tory+system%3F

(contains color codes for wires to tap into, items needed, etc)

thanks for the budgets i dont need a hitec one with the GPS and touch screen etc i got my phone to do that for me haha i just want one with either an ipod adapter or a AUX mp3 plug nothing to special ha and the subs idk what to get and what size and everthing like that i was thinking one 12? and amp and all that. sorry im such a newbie im only 16 well 17 lol

age doesn't matter as long as you have a basic understanding of how it works, i have a single 10 with an epicenter to control bass levels, its all in a set up, i have a video that a friend recorded from his car(windows closed) and i lowered my windows in a tunnel(driving behind him) and turned everything up, the bass from my car covered up his music in the video, its pretty intense ill have to find the video and i myself am only 18

A good quality single subwoofer (either 10" or 12") will usually satisfy your needs and take up less trunk space.

I personally am running a single JL Audio 12W6 and absolutely LOVE the setup.

You will, however, hear plenty of opinions on different subs, different styles of music being better with certain subs and, obviously, a price range that is associated with each level of subwoofer out there. So, depends on what you listen to, whether quality or simply extreme decibals is your thing.

Back to head units:

A newer AUX capable OEM head unit and associated OEM AUX input would run you around $175-180 total.

A new ipod interface would run around the same price range. Some are slightly problematic (require being reset from time to time, etc). Steering wheel controls will be able to be used with most interface setups, which can be a convienence and a safer way to operate the ipod.