robz82001
September 3rd 2006, 02:09
OK......my head unit has been out of commision for 6 months now. Over the past 2 years (my Z8 is a 2001) the unit has been working off and on.....but over the past 6 months...totally off! So I'm ready for an upgrade. I've read all the posts on this subject. There are several camps
1.) there are those who agree the stereo sucks and are looking for an acceptable alternative to the whole system;
2.) there are those who have upgraded....but only amps and speakers..keeping the head unit;
3.) those who think the stereo is acceptable as it is and don't really care how good the radio is as they are more interested in the sounds of the car itself.
I have been unsuccessful in getting any info from anyone who has actually replaced the head unit....heard that some Euros have replaced with an Alpine unit...but nothing definitive. So, I figure I have a few alternatives:
1.) I can order a new OEM unit from my local BMW dealership...get a "re-made" unit that may or may not work (as I understand thet BMW cannot guarantee the "new" unit will not malfunction) for about $1,1oo;
2.) I can simply forget about listening to the radio and listen to my Eisenmann Race exhaust (not an option per my significant other)
3.) take the plunge and get a top end replacement unit with accessories.
Now I've read all kinds of stuff about the dangers of replacing the head unit. It could mess with the electronics of the car....(but I've replaced many stock heads over the past 20 years and had NO interference with electonics of the cars I've owned....why would the Z8 be different? I've read the manuals for the Z8..what runs through the radio????..the temp gauge??? As for the argument about decreasing the value of the car....that's fine, I'll keep the crappy OEM head unit and when I'm done enjoying the car with the new stereo, I'll replace at that time (hopefully I'll be dead).
So with this in mind I may have found the perfect unit for our beloved Z8s. I spoke to my friends at Freeman's Stereo Video here in North Carolina and found what may be an awesome solution to our Z8 head problem. I may have found a solution that includes a 7" monitor w/ DVD system (as many of you know, most monitors will not work with our Z8s due to the unique position of the head unit in the dash), and a hideaway nav. system for use on the monitor. The system will include replacement of the the front tweeters, front kickers, and replacementment of 6.5" subwoofers under each seat. The system will include a 6 channel 75w amp, sirius connectivity and IPOD interface. Total cost all-in...~$5,000. That's assuming the 7" monitor works. It is a unit that allows for slide AND angle adjustments. It may clear the head cover and the dash as it slides out quite far before releasing the display, then actually moves back in towards the dash and has angle adjustment. You might not be able to get a 90' angle on the display....but you probably can get something like 100' or 110'...do not know yet. Anyway, I'm interested in any opinions, one way or the other, about making this upgrade. If I decide to do it I'll post pictures, etc. as I told the "high-end" car tech I would supply a camera for pics...he told me not to worry as he has his own and just finished an AM DB9 that he imaged.
1.) there are those who agree the stereo sucks and are looking for an acceptable alternative to the whole system;
2.) there are those who have upgraded....but only amps and speakers..keeping the head unit;
3.) those who think the stereo is acceptable as it is and don't really care how good the radio is as they are more interested in the sounds of the car itself.
I have been unsuccessful in getting any info from anyone who has actually replaced the head unit....heard that some Euros have replaced with an Alpine unit...but nothing definitive. So, I figure I have a few alternatives:
1.) I can order a new OEM unit from my local BMW dealership...get a "re-made" unit that may or may not work (as I understand thet BMW cannot guarantee the "new" unit will not malfunction) for about $1,1oo;
2.) I can simply forget about listening to the radio and listen to my Eisenmann Race exhaust (not an option per my significant other)
3.) take the plunge and get a top end replacement unit with accessories.
Now I've read all kinds of stuff about the dangers of replacing the head unit. It could mess with the electronics of the car....(but I've replaced many stock heads over the past 20 years and had NO interference with electonics of the cars I've owned....why would the Z8 be different? I've read the manuals for the Z8..what runs through the radio????..the temp gauge??? As for the argument about decreasing the value of the car....that's fine, I'll keep the crappy OEM head unit and when I'm done enjoying the car with the new stereo, I'll replace at that time (hopefully I'll be dead).
So with this in mind I may have found the perfect unit for our beloved Z8s. I spoke to my friends at Freeman's Stereo Video here in North Carolina and found what may be an awesome solution to our Z8 head problem. I may have found a solution that includes a 7" monitor w/ DVD system (as many of you know, most monitors will not work with our Z8s due to the unique position of the head unit in the dash), and a hideaway nav. system for use on the monitor. The system will include replacement of the the front tweeters, front kickers, and replacementment of 6.5" subwoofers under each seat. The system will include a 6 channel 75w amp, sirius connectivity and IPOD interface. Total cost all-in...~$5,000. That's assuming the 7" monitor works. It is a unit that allows for slide AND angle adjustments. It may clear the head cover and the dash as it slides out quite far before releasing the display, then actually moves back in towards the dash and has angle adjustment. You might not be able to get a 90' angle on the display....but you probably can get something like 100' or 110'...do not know yet. Anyway, I'm interested in any opinions, one way or the other, about making this upgrade. If I decide to do it I'll post pictures, etc. as I told the "high-end" car tech I would supply a camera for pics...he told me not to worry as he has his own and just finished an AM DB9 that he imaged.