Single deck OEM style head unit replacement?

[Fried_Chicken]

I've had an awful alpine head unit in my car since forever. It's looks tragic, and the blue light is completely out of place (any time we modify anything, we stray farther away from God).

I want some aftermarket replacement that 1. looks OEM and 2. has a USB input for my iPhone.

I don't want to spend the money for a Dynavin, and I don't want to go with a cheap dynavin knockoff. I also think only apple carplay would be a marginally acceptable look for this car.... again, straying away from perfection.

Are there any decent options out there?

[ZHPizza]

I have an OE headunit with aux input, if that's the kind of look/functionality that you're after

[Fried_Chicken]

I'd prefer to only attach one cable to the car, and also use the OEM forward/back buttons, play/pause.

The Dynavin and Avin Avant 4 offer these functions, but they're combined with an entire computer, which I find ridiculous in the car.

[DeathTrap]

I thought I was the only one with this problem. I really don't want a more "modern" looking HU in the E46. But I do want all the modern features, BT, HD radio, Nav (turn-by-turn?), aftermarket amp and speaker setup, etc.

I might just mod the OEM radio when I get enough time to play around with it

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[Fried_Chicken]

So far this is the best I've found:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-vdo-parts/radio-orange-display-usb-mp3-wma-12v-vdo/tr7412ub-or~con/

[edit]

I also found this guy:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bluetooth-Music-Handsfree-MP3-CD-Changer-Adapter-BMW-E36-E46-Z3-Business-Radio-/222415444016

This guy:
https://gromaudio.com/store/bt3_adapters/bmw-mini-98-05-bluetooth-adapter-car-kit-behind-the-radio-connector.html

And this guy:
https://www.dension.com/automotive/compatible-products/GBL3BM1,GW33BM1,GWL3BM1,GW17BM1?startlng=&make=BMW&type=3+Series%2C+E46&year=1998-2005&hu=Business+CD+%281%29&img=bmw_compact_2001-2006_business_head_unit.png

I'm going to order one or the other tomorrow.

Found one more option:
https://www.bavtekinc.com/parts/82110149389
There are a myriad of options for a straight aux connection''

[Yankeefan]

I've been looking for the same kind of thing you are- an inexpensive solution that keeps the OE look. Interested to see which one you choose, and why.

[Fried_Chicken]

I've been looking for the same kind of thing you are- an inexpensive solution that keeps the OE look. Interested to see which one you choose, and why.

Right now I'm leaning towards this guy:
https://gromaudio.com/store/usb_adapters/bmw-mini-98-06-usb-bluetooth-android-ipod-car-adapter-kit---behind-the-radio.html

With a USB flush mount. I just sent their support a message asking if song text will work. I really don't want to see something stupid like "track 5-99". It would bother me more than I care to admit

[GotZHP]

Crutchfield.com is my go to for car audio equipment. Every head unit I have bought from them in the past came with the appropriate wiring harness for steering wheel controls to work, but this is my first BMW and I have the stock head unit and bought the Aux Input from BMW after I bought the car.


You could always buy a used stock unit for dirt cheap if you want the OE part.

[Fried_Chicken]

Crutchfield.com is my go to for car audio equipment. Every head unit I have bought from them in the past came with the appropriate wiring harness for steering wheel controls to work, but this is my first BMW and I have the stock head unit and bought the Aux Input from BMW after I bought the car.


You could always buy a used stock unit for dirt cheap if you want the OE part.
I hVa the stock unit, I just need to do the power button repair.

I already ordered the part.

[GotZHP]

I hVa the stock unit, I just need to do the power button repair.

I already ordered the part.

Lol, my power button shit the bed too.

Can you link the parts for repair, I need to do it too

[Fried_Chicken]

Lol, my power button shit the bed too.

Can you link the parts for repair, I need to do it too

https://www.bavtekinc.com/do-it-yourself/e46-cd53

or order through ebay for free shipping

[Fried_Chicken]

I went ahead and ordered the GROM BMWSU3, along with the bluetooth extension, and the USB charging and 3.5mm aux input.

I paid $200 shipped for everything.

The Dension would have been cheaper by about $50, but decided to go with the GROM because... I don't really know why. I saw a video showing alternator whine on the dension. Also this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae9Alo3Eu_Q) shows it not displaying text (although officially text is supported?), and superior support by GROM, as Dension's U.S. vendor is this weird enfig site.

[Chaplian]

I've had the GROM setup for about 3 or 4 years now (maybe even 5 or 6), and it's awesome. Song text is displayed, it's pretty quick, and you can use steering wheel controls. I do recommend updating the firmware as soon as you get it.

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[Fried_Chicken]

I've had the GROM setup for about 3 or 4 years now (maybe even 5 or 6), and it's awesome. Song text is displayed, it's pretty quick, and you can use steering wheel controls. I do recommend updating the firmware as soon as you get it.


Thanks for the heads up; will do first thing

[GotZHP]

https://www.bavtekinc.com/do-it-yourself/e46-cd53

or order through ebay for free shipping

Thanks mate! I need to fix my power button and decide on a final location for my Aux input to be mounted. Really should get a Bluetooth adapter too so I can take calls in the car.

[Fried_Chicken]

Just finished the install of the GROM (what a terrible name).

They said something like 2 hours... forget it, more like 5.
Granted, I did also add the USB flush mount at the bottom where the DSC and DSP buttons are. I have to say it looks o.k. Ideally I'd want it recessed in there, but I don't see how that would have been feasible. It's in there solid, so I'm not worried about it coming apart. I'm really annoyed that I installed the USB port the wrong way up, but that can't be changed. I definitely prefer hooking up my USB like this.

Bluetooth calling works really well. I mounted the microphone in front of the gauge cluster. I did a test call at around 50 mph, and it's clear, both sending and receiving. Steering wheel buttons work too. Call accept is the up button, call decline is the down button.

Overall I'm very happy with this unit for $200. There are a few small hickups that keep it from being perfect OEM BMW, but no dealbreakers.

One unusual thing that happened (That's not related to the GROM) is the front left tweeter has stopped working. I double checked my wiring harness connection, and didn't see anything there. On my old head unit, I think the passenger side tweeter didn't work.

Here's a picture of the flush-mounted USB:
34919

[Chaplian]

Looks good! For your driver side tweeter, try reseating the connector to the head unit, and the connector in the trunk with the amp.

If that doesn't fix it, the amp may have bit the dust. (That's what happened to my sedan.)

Did you buy the behind the radio kit, or the trunk kit?

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[Fried_Chicken]

Looks good! For your driver side tweeter, try reseating the connector to the head unit, and the connector in the trunk with the amp.

If that doesn't fix it, the amp may have bit the dust. (That's what happened to my sedan.)

Did you buy the behind the radio kit, or the trunk kit?

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Behind the radio kit. I already tried cleaning and reseating the head unit harness. I will try the trunk amp harness when I get a chance.