Aftermarket Stereo For E46 3-Series Question

[ChouDawg]

Hey guys I have a 2002 330ci, I was wondering are there any drop in aftermarket stereos that replace the OEM one? I have a BMW Business CD with Harmon Kardon speakers. I looked through crutchfield.com and all noted that modifcation is needed for the stereo to fit anyone know info on this topic? Thanks

[jr_scheiBe]

Yeah one of the stereo shops should have a fit kit. You lose the steering wheel controls for the stereo. Think my friend paid $60 for his when he did an Alpine DVD. Included the plastic trim plate and harness. there was a definitel improvement in sound quality

[ChouDawg]

So I wont need to hack apart my dash and etc. Like the warning at CF says? If I just need a kit to mount it that works for me as long as I dont have to go cutting off cutting my dash for the stereo to fit right. Sux to lose the steering wheel controls though. Thanks for the info.

[TOYr32]

No need to hack up anything. American International and Metro both make kits. Also, you can get a module if you know someone that can install it, to work for your steering wheel contorls. It kind of works like an IR repeater, and works pretty good. Call a good shop, like La Jolla Audio for info, but they are very expensive to install, you you'r better off going to Tweeter or someone like that. Call Trent Hall at Tweeter in Sporta Arena 619-226-3500, he's part of this forum I think, he can hook you up.

[twistedangel]

Yo! Call La Jolla Audio. They know all about compatibility, get someone in the shop on the phone. They know your car well, and are very knowledgeable.

Search the e46 fanatics archives, too.

You can retrofit the dash with OE parts if you wanna do 2xdin, you can use some of the nav retrofit to move the climate control out of the way. A lot of work, tho. There is a DIY on fanatics about this. Too lazy to find it myself.

[ReNNeN.CaRL]

The guys at StreetNoyz do good work as well.

[bugzy]

Both La Jolla Audio and Street Noyz are top notch.

I'd recommend Street Noyz because their pricing is more competitive.

We got a lot of members that got their custom stuff done there.

[twistedangel]

Both La Jolla Audio and Street Noyz are top notch.

I'd recommend Street Noyz because their pricing is more competitive.

We got a lot of members that got their custom stuff done there.

BUT if you don't plan on dropping cash, La Jolla Audio is more generous with technical info.

That's all I was saying.