The display on my stock head unit (2001 325i, Business CD) is entirely lit up, and has been that way since I got the car, so I'm considering replacing it. It functions properly (other than occasional trouble ejecting CD) and sounds OK, but I can't effectively change any settings, nor would I be able to use IPod or Sirius, both of which I want to get in the future.

If I'm replacing it, I may as well look for something that sounds better - but I'm very concerned with keeping the stock look and the use of the steering wheel controls. I don't need loud, but the existing system isn't quite as clean-sounding as I would like.

Does the HK system use the same head unit, but just different amp & speakers? I can't find any listings anywhere for a HK-specific head. If the HK system uses the same head, then I can just replace the head now and look for better speakers and amp later. If the HK system uses a different head, then I will probably start looking for one of those.

If the head is the same, Is it feasible to replace the standard (10-speaker) system with HK amp & speakers? Is it the same wiring? Does it sound better? (better is subjective, I know...) Alternatively, can anyone (BSW, etc) recommend an amp/speaker combo that will integrate well with the stock head but sound crisper and cleaner?

Thanks.

The display on my stock head unit (2001 325i, Business CD) is entirely lit up, and has been that way since I got the car, so I'm considering replacing it. It functions properly (other than occasional trouble ejecting CD) and sounds OK, but I can't effectively change any settings, nor would I be able to use IPod or Sirius, both of which I want to get in the future.

If I'm replacing it, I may as well look for something that sounds better - but I'm very concerned with keeping the stock look and the use of the steering wheel controls. I don't need loud, but the existing system isn't quite as clean-sounding as I would like.

Does the HK system use the same head unit, but just different amp & speakers? I can't find any listings anywhere for a HK-specific head. If the HK system uses the same head, then I can just replace the head now and look for better speakers and amp later. If the HK system uses a different head, then I will probably start looking for one of those.

If the head is the same, Is it feasible to replace the standard (10-speaker) system with HK amp & speakers? Is it the same wiring? Does it sound better? (better is subjective, I know...) Alternatively, can anyone (BSW, etc) recommend an amp/speaker combo that will integrate well with the stock head but sound crisper and cleaner?

Thanks.

BSW can handle you on the speaker choices, I can help on the HU.

The head units are not HK-Specific, however there are 3 generations of Business CD radios, each with different options:

- 1st Generation (up to 8/02): Standard CD player
- 2nd Generation (9/02-8/04): Sirius/AUX support, iPodyourBMW support
- 3rd Generation (9/05+): Added WMA/MP3 support

Any of the radios are compatible with the DICE iPod kits. The OEM upgrades are the way to go if you would like to keep the same look, feel and most of all - steering wheel control.