hey whats up guys, i tried to search to find out but i didnt see any info on this. i want to put a head-unit into my e36. i have the hk sound package, i was wondering if a head unit would be plug and play? and if so wich unit will work. i also plan on buying the BSW mids and tweeters and i was also wondering how i could go about putting a sub in the car?

thanks,
stefan

Yes, a headunit will be a direct fit and speaker installation and subwoofer installation has been covered if you would search this site more.

There are hundreds of topics covering audio upgrades for the e36.

someone was telling me the head-unit has a built in amp. so how will that work with the hk amp in the car now?

You just need the bmw harness and a VW antenna adapter. The rest just works. Don't forget the amp turn-on wire.

All head units require a little work because you have to solder/splice the wiring harness of the head unit into the wiring harness adapter that plugs into your OEM harness.

That said, it's not hard to do and once it's done, it's a piece of take from there out. The only trick to the soldering is make sure you connect the wire designated remote turn on off of the head unit's wiring harness and wire it to the power antenna wire in the adapter harness. If you don't, your system will only work on radio source and CDs/iPod/Sat radio will all look like they're working but you won't hear sound.

There is a built in amplifier in aftermarket head units and there is an amplifier in your e36. Though it would seem redundant and in other systems it might cause trouble, you can wire the head unit you would in a car w/o the amplifier (ie. as per crutchfield instructions, etc) and use it without problems. Also, if you buy from crutchfield, they'll try to sell you a PAC OEM-2: they're not wrong for doing this but it's not really necessary in our cars so I would safe the money: I believe you'll be just as content.

If you want a sub in the car, your best bet is to run RCA cables from the head unit to an external amplifier in the trunk. E36s are easy because all you need to run from the front of the car to the rear is the RCA and not RCA and power like you would in a car w/ a battery in the front. You'll then run a ground from the amp to a reasonable grounding point (seat belt bolts are commonly used) and power from the car's battery to the amp. Finally, you'll run [large] speaker wires from the amp to the sub, plug your RCAs into the amp, power up and go!

Good luck!

step one: sell me your HK mids and highs (if they aren't blown)
step two: sell me your CD43 headunit (if that's what you have)
step three: profit!
:redspot

The Larger One On The Pass Side Rattles The Rest Are Good.... Pm Me

All head units require a little work because you have to solder/splice the wiring harness of the head unit into the wiring harness adapter that plugs into your OEM harness.

That said, it's not hard to do and once it's done, it's a piece of take from there out. The only trick to the soldering is make sure you connect the wire designated remote turn on off of the head unit's wiring harness and wire it to the power antenna wire in the adapter harness. If you don't, your system will only work on radio source and CDs/iPod/Sat radio will all look like they're working but you won't hear sound.

There is a built in amplifier in aftermarket head units and there is an amplifier in your e36. Though it would seem redundant and in other systems it might cause trouble, you can wire the head unit you would in a car w/o the amplifier (ie. as per crutchfield instructions, etc) and use it without problems. Also, if you buy from crutchfield, they'll try to sell you a PAC OEM-2: they're not wrong for doing this but it's not really necessary in our cars so I would safe the money: I believe you'll be just as content.

If you want a sub in the car, your best bet is to run RCA cables from the head unit to an external amplifier in the trunk. E36s are easy because all you need to run from the front of the car to the rear is the RCA and not RCA and power like you would in a car w/ a battery in the front. You'll then run a ground from the amp to a reasonable grounding point (seat belt bolts are commonly used) and power from the car's battery to the amp. Finally, you'll run [large] speaker wires from the amp to the sub, plug your RCAs into the amp, power up and go!

Good luck!

I totally agree that the PAC OEM2 is not needed. Cruthcfield convinved me to get it in the first place, bu tthat was a major disappointment in terms of soudn quality (running BSW stage 1 and Alpine HU). I called them up and explained the situation, and they're taking it back, so good service altogether. I've been happy with BSW. Not saying that there's nothing else out there, but that's definately a good option. HU wise I'm happy with the Alpine too. Goes nicely with the BSW. Installation is really as easy as it sounds.

how the clarion headunit,

how the clarion headunit

how the clarion headunit

Which one?

step one: sell me your HK mids and highs (if they aren't blown)
step two: sell me your CD43 headunit (if that's what you have)
step three: profit!
:redspot


:lol

Step 1: Steal underpants
Step 2: ....
Step 3: Profit!

any clarion headunit... i was just wondering if they are any good. and is there a DIY for installing a H-U

Do the CD43 head unit. Works great w/ the Harmon Kardon speaker pkg. I upgraded both my mid & tweeter door speakers w/ the BSW packages. Very nice. And i did a Dice iPod unit to make my CD43 talk w/ my iPod (and charge it). Feel like I have a whole new car.