Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Newbie (ish) with a new car

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Newbie (ish) with a new car

    Hi folks, just wanted to introduce myself. I used to read this site all the time and have always loved the MC. I owned one for a little while a couple of years ago, but then work took me abroad and I had to get rid of it far too soon. Anyway, I've just bought another that I pick up next week. Can't wait .

    I had a couple of questions please: the car doesn't have the HK upgrade and I was wondering how bad the standard stereo was? I saw this http://z3mcoupe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12438 (sorry, not very good with links), and was wondering if it was any use to me?

    Also, if I need to change the stereo, what would you suggest? Really don't like the shiny 'bling' stuff. Really like the Becker Grand Prix but you can't seem to buy them anymore.

    Thanks, and looking forward to getting involved here.
    2001 S54 Silver with Red/Black interior. Totally standard.

  • #2
    Originally posted by Hatter View Post
    I had a couple of questions please: the car doesn't have the HK upgrade and I was wondering how bad the standard stereo was? I saw this http://z3mcoupe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12438 (sorry, not very good with links), and was wondering if it was any use to me?
    Standard audio setup is pretty dire, I'm sorry to report.

    I looked at the sub woofer too, but I think I read on here that the loom is different for the HK upgrade and I don't really fancy stripping away at the interior. To be honest, I rarely turn the 'ICE' on

    Congrats on the car. Look forward to seeing some photos
    Not actually in the least bit fat

    2000 S50 Titanium Silver / Black
    ACS Suspension, Exhaust & Type III Wheels
    Simota carbon air intake | Strong Strut Front Brace

    Comment


    • #3
      Thanks Tony - I was afraid of that..... Oh well, guess I'm going to have to track down a stereo that doesn't look like a 70's disco from somewhere.

      Pictures as soon as I get the car.
      2001 S54 Silver with Red/Black interior. Totally standard.

      Comment


      • #4
        Stereo - try a German make called "THURD EAR". Great sound even at a 100MPH

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXNEFvOQZ_Q

        Comment


        • #5
          I meant to add, there have been a few Becker head units appear on here and on eBay over the last 12 months. Just a case of being patient if that's what you fancy I guess
          Not actually in the least bit fat

          2000 S50 Titanium Silver / Black
          ACS Suspension, Exhaust & Type III Wheels
          Simota carbon air intake | Strong Strut Front Brace

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by Mr H View Post
            Stereo - try a German make called "THURD EAR". Great sound even at a 100MPH

            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXNEFvOQZ_Q


            I've been keeping an eye on eBay for the last couple of months Tony, no luck so far. Might keep an eye out for the Becker Cascade, though I really don't need the old fashioned GPS. Or the Becker Traffic Pro, but I don't think you can get full iPod functionality with that.

            Btw, the car has actually been fitted with a BMW Business radio - don't know if these are any good either?
            2001 S54 Silver with Red/Black interior. Totally standard.

            Comment


            • #7
              Originally posted by Mr H View Post
              Stereo - try a German make called "TURD EAR".

              sound like some sort of disease
              [GROWING OLD IS COMPULSARY ---- GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL

              Comment


              • #8
                Hatter - As I understand it, the sound quality of the HK upgrade comes via the amp and speakers, which as another poster said have a different loom and cannot easily be retrofitted. It isn't at all clear to me what upgrade can be gained from changing just the head unit, so unless you can gain some certainty on that point I wouldn't bother.

                One thing in favour of the BMW headunit is the OEM look and the fact it lights up in precisely the same colour as the rest of the instruments. Theres a lot to be said for that.

                I would also be very cautious about hacking your interior to death to fit an upgraded stereo. It will likely detract from the value of the car. This is the case with a lot of upgrades, so consider any changes very carefully.

                If you really really want to scratch the upgrade itch get a CD43 - still totally OEM and now seen as a classic stereo. It will be expensive and wont improve the sound quality - but it looks great, you can easily change CDs and you can get your money back any time you like. And install will only take 15 minutes. In fact, it will probably appreciate. As others have said, Becker is probably the next best thing - you can at least play with the Nav.

                But enough doom and gloom - congrats on the purchase and enjoy the car.

                Comment


                • #9
                  any details of the car that you bought? was it the blue one from asm!!! or another

                  Click here to email me

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Hi Matt. Thanks for the comprehensive reply. The car already has the CD43 with an iPod connection. Although it looks great, the sound quality is fairly abysmal and the iPod connection can only be described as basic. I thought if I could get hold of a Becker it would look pretty OEM and plug straight into the BMW harness. I could then get some better speakers into the existing mounts. That way everything would look original with hopefully much better sound.

                    Indy the car is a silver S54 that was on pistonheads (up in Inverness). Used to belong to forum member Steve_c. Was fun driving back down south through the snow in the highlands. Will post pics as soon as I figure out how.....
                    2001 S54 Silver with Red/Black interior. Totally standard.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Hatter - you lucked out getting a CD43, if its in good condition you should get £200 for it on ebay or maybe even on here, that should fund your Becker.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Hatter View Post
                        Was fun driving back down south through the snow in the highlands. Will post pics as soon as I figure out how.....
                        Ha, takes me back 12 months when I picked mine up from Edinburgh... snow and ice everywhere and it was the first RWD car I'd driven other my dad's old MG Midget. Loved every minute of it... even 'the moments'
                        Not actually in the least bit fat

                        2000 S50 Titanium Silver / Black
                        ACS Suspension, Exhaust & Type III Wheels
                        Simota carbon air intake | Strong Strut Front Brace

                        Comment

                        Working...
                        X