upgrading audio system for E39

[TheFazz]

I've been looking for examples of people upgrading their audio system for their E39 primarily for mp3 playback, but without "pimping" the central console and maintaining the use of the control buttons on the E39 steering wheel.I came across this post on another forum:http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=31729Looks like a pretty damn cool job. Very factory looking upgrade..anybody know how to get even close to doing this?

 

[fabianyee]

masCh had a 'carputer' in his E36.. some of us here have seen it during the Northern Drive last month.

 

[TheFazz]

actually, i am only looking for a good mp3 system to play my mp3, wma etc. but the constraint is i don't want the dash to look like a christmas tree with all the blinking lights and rotating LEDs. i would prefer the system to look like stock factory item which blends into the dash nicely like the guy in the above link.

any help / recommendations is appreciated.

 

[Alvin]

Better to go with the IPOD i thk. Not sure for the E39 but for the mini we can use the controls on the steering wheel. I can check for you if you want?

 

[TheFazz]

Originally posted by Alvin@May 3 2006, 06:47 AM
Better to go with the IPOD i thk. Not sure for the E39 but for the mini we can use the controls on the steering wheel. I can check for you if you want?

bro - still kind of prefer using standard cd-rom burning to get the mp3.

as for ipod, worth a look though if you don't mind. but i understand that it only allows 5 playlists or something. what about the bmw look and feel?

 

[azman818]

bro, u have the 16:9 monitor in the e39. then installing a carputer
would only cost around rm4k.

i've made some research but the budget always get reallocated.

i remember uncle z was looking into iPod c/w bmw interface so
controls are from multi-function steering.

uncle z, u already have this? it's cool?

 

[uncle z]

Check out Calvin Tan's posting on iPod for video:

http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/inde...showtopic=10153

I'll be paying his shop a visit hopefully soon.

 

[azwanb]

Err. I cheat. I went to Sony shop, bought one mp3 player, bought the Sony cassete interface thingie and wallah! i got an mp3 player in the car - AND can bring with me everywhere too....

Oklah, not the most elegant but it works and its still pretty neat on the dash.

 

[TheFazz]

Originally posted by azwanb@Jun 3 2006, 05:30 PM
Err. I cheat. I went to Sony shop, bought one mp3 player, bought the Sony cassete interface thingie and wallah! i got an mp3 player in the car - AND can bring with me everywhere too....

Oklah, not the most elegant but it works and its still pretty neat on the dash.

sounds like a practical solution. so the cassette interface works well? what about the mp3 controls etc?

 

[azwanb]

Originally posted by TheFazz+Jun 10 2006, 11:28 PM-->QUOTE (TheFazz @ Jun 10 2006, 11:28 PM)

 

[TheFazz]

Originally posted by azwanb@Jun 10 2006, 04:31 PM
But I think the greatest advantage of the solution I chose? COST! RM69 for the interface and RM299 for the player. Sounds darn good in the car too.

hey man. thanks for the input. sounds like a plan. i too do not want to spoil the ori dashboard. it is far too elegant to cheapen.