I want to get a new head unit that plays WMA, MP3, and CD-R along with regular CDs and has XM Radio capabilities. Does anyone know where the best place to go to get consultation and installation on this stuff in the DC area. I need a place that will know specifically what works and the parts I need for MY particular car.

Thanks.

Phllip - go see Nick at Myer Emco in Fairfax (the one by Costco). Reference my name and he should be able to help you out.

Myer Emco is a good place to go. Kinda pricey, but they seem to know what they are doing. Another place I have heard that is good is Tweeter. I got my stuff from a place in Arlington called Auto Sound I believe. They are good too. It's a small, family-run business, but they have quality stuff

I think I may go with the Alpine 7894 or the newer model that is coming out to replace it in a couple of weeks. I'm gonna go shopping around this weekend. I'll try and visit Myer-Emco in Ffx, but I had already called the one in Sterling and they have one 7894 unit left because it's discontinued and they are waiting for the newer models to arrive. Plus, Sterling is really close to home which would make the installation part easier since I'd have them do the work too.

Best Buy doesn't seem to have any good selections and neither does Circuit City at the moment. Any other places?

Right now is the "lame duck" timeline for the new models vs. last years model. Most retailers are trying to clear out the inventory so they can make room for the new models. The 7894 is great model for the price. There's another place in Fairfax called Tweeters. Ask for a guy name Robert Hyunh and again reference my name.

DIY - just a head unit will be easy Phil. Save the installation costs. You need to buy a harness from the car. Kevin 7909 on the boards can walk you through it. He's helping me with installing an amp, speakers, etc.

The head unit is pretty straightforward, nothing complicated so long as you have the wiring adaptor.

Originally posted by ///Milien
Right now is the "lame duck" timeline for the new models vs. last years model. Most retailers are trying to clear out the inventory so they can make room for the new models. The 7894 is great model for the price. There's another place in Fairfax called Tweeters. Ask for a guy name Robert Hyunh and again reference my name.

You think it's worth it to just get the newer 9813 model? I've been told that I just can't replace the head unit, but that I'll need to get new speakers as well because the current setup and amp do not work well with this particular head unit. The Harmon Kardon stuff is supposed to be really quirky when working with any other head unit than the BMW OEM one.

Where is Tweeters exactly? I may stop by there tomorrow afternoon.

Also (James), I am as anti-DIY as you can get when it comes to installing electronic gear in the car. I'm color blind and I was traumatized in highschool trying to upgrade the radio in my 1987 Honda CRX. :D

Tweeter is on 50 next to the Anita's and Embassy Carwash. I think AudioBuys used to be in that building.

Myer-emco is about the best place you can get. alittle pricey, but its quailty work. I'm currently running the pioneer deh-p940. It has everything you listed, as well as 50x4 mosfet amp, organic oel display, as well as a feature to control basically every single part of any music(yes music, not just system) wouldn't trade it for nutin

I agree that Myer-Emco is the best place for quality work. They did my complete system for my current and past rides. If you want Alpine, the head unit I am running is the 7998.

Myer-emco also won't give you bs about other stuff. they'll tell you staight out what the ups and downs to everything they have are. They only carry the best. JBL, JL, MB Quart, Alpine, Pioneer. Not like some best buy guy who says anything they have in the store is top notch and that some sony 10" craps will outperform even a JL 12w7.......p.s they also do AMAZING custom work

Well, I've done my research and it seems the guy at Myer-Emco in Sterling was feeding me a line of crap telling me that I have to replace my entire speaker system if I change the head unit of my car. I guess that's a typical scam these audio dealers try to pull on people. Anyway, now I am skeptical of going to them to do my install. I have purchased the Apline 9815 head unit on-line and would like to have someone reputable install it for me.

Any recommendations other than Myer-Emco that won't try to shove a set of speakers down my throat or rape me on price?

Phil --

I'm using a place in Rockville, MD called Auto Radio Center on Gude Dr. Basically take 355 to gude drive. Go over the little bridge thing and it will be on your right hand side after about a mile.

The person's name is Rick. Tell him that Patrick from Pro-imports recommended you. Seems to be a good guy. He does nice custom work and his prices are reasonable. The guy is the manager of the place.

Alternatively, Katz Radio on Glebe Road in Arlington also does good work (very familiar with BMW's) --carries Nakamichi, JL, etc.
They are very familiar with BMW's. I don't like Myer-emco or Tweeter's that much -- I prefer specialty places.

Good luck!

P.S. -- didn't I tell you that Kevin knows his stuff??

James, Kevin does know his stuff!

From the sounds of it, things should be pretty much plug-and-play aside from attaching the wires from the head unit to the wires in the harness. From there, it should be a snap (or a plug). :D My problem is that I am color-blind and won't be able to match the wires up. :( I don't even have a sodering (sp?) gun.

I'm told this process should take no more than about 1-2 hours. I was hoping to find a local shop where I could just wait for it. I'm always hesitant to leave my car for long periods of time unattended because of the "joy-riding" factor that usually rises when these kids take a look at my car or what's under the hood.

Anyway, I may try Myer-Emco in Fairfax and pretend like I never even talked to the one in Sterling. I will just request they install my head unit rather than ask for any recommendations and see what they come up with.

If somebody local has experience doing this and wants to help me out, please let me know. Dinner and beer at your choice of restaurant will be included.