Installed mine yesterday, brand new. Major improvement in sound quality right out of the box. Installation was a snap, once I got the plug off the old unit.

Down the road will go with Dice and convert to iPod.

Yo,
Rod

How much? Does it have nav, Play Mp3? Thanks!

8eights,

Trying to give me a complex bro :) ?
No Nav... haven't tried mp3's, but it's not listed as playing them. Intent was to maintain factory appearance while upgrading the sound, which it did. Has in-dash CD versus outdated casette. The future plan is to install Dice and iPod.

Got it for $296.00 brand new in the box + delivery, not refurbished. Does have RDS. Gonna depend on which bus you have as to if it will control the CD stacker in the trunk.

http://stores.ebay.com/12vElectronics-dot-com (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-1751-2978-71/1?AID=5463217&PID=2518995&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fstores.ebay.com%2F12vElectronics-dot-com)

Yo,
Rod

No, I was just asking, I saw a nice stock looking radio and didn't know the model number, I thought you had the same, Sorry about that. The one i saw was a Becker Monza.

Someone had a Becker post recently and converted it to match stock pixels. From what I've read the nav won't work in the US, but can be disabled. Different model that the one you posted as I recall... pricier than the CD43.

Just messing with you on the complex bro...

Yo,
Rod

this is what makes the cool sounds in my car...

and when I want a change of pace, I listen to this (Becker Indianpolis):

Tx,

I'm still smiling... very nice BRO!!!

What it really needs is... NOTHING!!!

Very clean and well detailed.

Yo,
Rod

PS, What are those 4 extra do-hickies you got in there?

Tx,

I'm still smiling... very nice BRO!!!

What id really needs is... NOTHING!!!

Very clean and well detailed.

Yo,
Rod

PS, What are those 4 extra do-hickies you got in there?



...When you grow up some day, you will know what those 4 extra things are. Right now I won't tell you because I don't want your head to explode. (J/K of course)
Thanks for the compliment though.

Tx,

It'd have to be warm and wet to make my head explode...

Did you do any other mods to the sounds?.. speakers or add an amp?

Yo,
Rod

no, the Indianapolis is a far superior unit over stock. I had the CD43 in there for a while (it found a new home in my wife's 750iL), but I liked the look of the BECKER unit much better, plus the RDS for some reason works on ALL the stations now, where with the CD43 it only works on most. It would be cool if the GPS worked on this thing, but oh well, you can't have everything...

Hey Rod, go for the DICE iPod kit. You'll love it.

Got a JL Audio amp in the trunk along with a 10" JL Audio woofer. I will be swapping things around soon (again). I've got another JL Audio amp in the garage along with MB Quart QSD 213 + 216.

This will do mp3, gps, dvd, divx, live google earth, internet access, traffic updates and webcams, engine diagnostics, visulisations, XM/DAB radio, you name it!

Almost there...

http://www.imprint-aa.com/Mputer/IMG_4272.JPG
(not entirely happy wit this, and I'll probably re do it to get 100% factory looking. it'll do for now)

http://www.imprint-aa.com/Mputer/IMG_4273.JPG

The OBC will be relocated to the HVAC hole, and the HVAC will be relocated to the center console near the hand brake...

http://www.imprint-aa.com/Mputer/IMG_4312.JPG

And the HVAC will be controlled from the touchscreen of course once it's reverse engineered :)


I know some of us are purists here and like to stay original, but I think the 8's interior is way dated and needs a modernisation, hence the project. It's 100% reversible though

Someone had a Becker post recently and converted it to match stock pixels.

Yes, that was me.

Becker/BMW Radio Navigation Indianapolis mod:

http://tweakers.net/ext/f/gCAFy4TvwjlvYpUxJUKAYcBY/full.jpg
Modified unit installed in my car. Note that the OBC/MID is not properly inserted. I wanted to take the center console out again.

http://tweakers.net/ext/f/cw7ASzQ3NVkfRXA6UsrGS6wY/full.jpg
On top the original Becker/BMW Indianapolis 7969. Below/img my modified unit.

Becker/BMW Radio Navigation Indianapolis mod (http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/e31/8743378-2.html) - If you're interested in my modification, read my extensive post at the roadfly forums.

Like I said... installed a CD43 yesterday...
Plan is now to throw it in a dumpster... you guys win I'm convinced it's a piece of shit...

Yo,
Rod

lol Rod :)

here you go, pics posted for you revtor

http://tweakers.net/ext/f/gCAFy4TvwjlvYpUxJUKAYcBY/full.jpg

http://tweakers.net/ext/f/cw7ASzQ3NVkfRXA6UsrGS6wY/full.jpg

http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/e31/8743378-2.html

Like I said... installed a CD43 yesterday...
Plan is now to throw it in a dumpster... you guys win I'm convinced it's a piece of shit...

Yo,
RodLol Rod, Don't do it! Others are just sharing experiences, It's about what you like, I'm sure your next radio want be your last either! Get back by asking (Some of) them to show there old rusty exhaust pipes!!! :D
Including me, I will be rusty on the bottom for another week.----:(

I prefer a larger screen for display of my Navigation map display, rearview camera and CD movies. This retractable Alpine 7 inch screen fits into the old radio spot without modification to the surrounding wood. Later models offer touch screen, which mine isn't. Theonly negative is that when the screen is out and in the vertical, it blocks the computer selectors. You could still view the computer if you select the horizontal screen position.

whale.. nice one.

in-dash systems work very well. my quibs with them is their rigidity when used as a touch screen, and that it's difficult to match the interior for an oem look.

you also have wood, which you wouldn't want to hack

Like I said... installed a CD43 yesterday...
Plan is now to throw it in a dumpster... you guys win I'm convinced it's a piece of shit...Hehe :D

No serious, the CD43 is one of the best upgrades you can do to the E31's audio system. It looks stock, features an in-dash cd player and even mp3 support is possible through a DICE unit. Its sound quality is a vast improvement over the stock Business cassette players. The CD43 isn't cheap, but it isn't expensive either. It's an easy upgrade within everyone's reach.

The CD43 is not without its limitations and, yes, the Becker/BMW Indianapolis may be an even better choice. But it's way more expensive and it doesn't have the correct negative BMW orange illumination out-of-the-box. You'll have to settle with the positive display (black text on an orange background) like "TxGR8White" and many others did, or you'll have to modify it like I did - with the possible risc you'll ruin a perfectly working Indianapolis AND Traffic Pro...

sama: Thanks for making the pictures viewable. Just a few more posts... ;)

Revtor,

Now that's what I'm talking about... well written and my thoughts exactly... guess I'm going dumpster diving...lol.

Yo,
Rod

I prefer a larger screen for display of my Navigation map display, rearview camera and CD movies. This retractable Alpine 7 inch screen fits into the old radio spot without modification to the surrounding wood. Later models offer touch screen, which mine isn't. Theonly negative is that when the screen is out and in the vertical, it blocks the computer selectors. You could still view the computer if you select the horizontal screen position.Looks like the Iva-d900/D901 series, I had that one, It is a wonderful media control unit, I replaced it with the Iva-d310 because i wanted to use windows in the car, Personally i can't stand the prehistoric oem look, It's dated in my opinion and the car out grew it, Plus way too few options in "oem" No MP3, Rear view camera, Dvd, ai-net, TV-Tuner, Built end Eq, Not just Bass, Treble and fade, Oem is like the 80's New units are just amazing, I'm going to get a beating for this, Please get it over with fast, Thanks! Just my honest opinion, OUCH!!!

I'm hearing you eights, If I could get all that and not have it look like the nav my brother added to his honda...
It's gotta be the real deal, flow with the car's interior and not be a freaking science project...

Yo,
Rod

hey!! it's only a science project from the back, you won't see it when it's finished.

This is TallTony's attempt from www.clube31.net

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x74/BigTvProductions/IMAGE_331.jpg


http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x74/BigTvProductions/IMAGE_328.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x74/BigTvProductions/IMAGE_330.jpg

All Nice!

Sama,

It looks great bro... didn't mean it looked bad, just possibly over my head. I think it's far out and wish you the best on it.
The plastic fabrication and electronics installation looks excellent!

Yo,
Rod

Installed the Dice and iPod today ... rockin out!

Yo,
Rod

nice! where did you put the ipod?

The cable exits the console on the passenger side and runs under the piece of carpet trim that runs down the mid-side. The cord is 4' long which barely allows it to come up at the back of the console. At this point I am not going to modify the console in anyway to allow for a more "custom" installation. As one of the fellas pointed out in a previous thread, quite possibly not my last head unit etc.

The installation sounds great and now allows me to focus on other mods I want to make on the car as well as the "freshening-up" stuff.

Those that are thinking of installing this configuration, understand that the iPod does not retain full functionality in conjunction with this installation. I am not able to scroll and select with the iPod attached. Must select an artist, shuffle or run a playlist prior to attaching iPod to cable. The RDS does function.

Yo,
Rod

Yo,
Rod

Those that are thinking of installing this configuration, understand that the iPod does not retain full functionality in conjunction with this installation. I am not able to scroll and select with the iPod attached. Must select an artist, shuffle or run a playlist prior to attaching iPod to cable. The RDS does function.

That depends upon your iPod version. My 20GB iPod retains all of its functions via the scroll wheel or via the CD43.

Can you select from your iPod through your head unit? My Touch screen came with a iPod adapter and i'm considering it, Tia!

Yes, thru the CD43 and thru the iPod. And it displays the text info on the CD43.

Awesome, Thanks!

Guess I need to review my functionality... :)

YO,
ROD

There are 2 different types of Dice iPod controllers and they both have dip switches to configure them with. There is the "new" Dice unit and of course the "old" Dice unit. They have different fuctionality in the way they communicate with the head unit. The "new" type is what I have. In normal operation it cuts off the iPod as a control for selection and uses the head unit for selecting playlists and artist tracks. The old unit suppousedly has less or different communication with the head unit and the iPod remains intact for direct song selection. I will be trading my "new" unit for the "older" version tomorrow or Saturday. Do some research prior to buying the unit... I have been corrected before.
NOTE: both are RDS compatible.. with a RDS head unit.
Yo,
Rod

Damn, you're right, I forgot about the new units that just came out. It's odd that DICE would make all these supposed improvements but then 'lock out' the iPod. Makes no sense. I asked EAS about the new unit and told 'em I wanted to buy a new 160GB iPod. Forget it. I like being able to scroll via iPod sometimes - it's faster than via CD43.

Anyhow, good idea about getting the older version Rod. That's what I have and I'm loving it.

Damn, you're right, I forgot about the new units that just came out. It's odd that DICE would make all these supposed improvements but then 'lock out' the iPod. Makes no sense. I asked EAS about the new unit and told 'em I wanted to buy a new 160GB iPod. Forget it. I like being able to scroll via iPod sometimes - it's faster than via CD43.

Anyhow, good idea about getting the older version Rod. That's what I have and I'm loving it.

The iPod has to be placed in UART (locked) mode in order to utilize the new features on SILVERLINE. On the older DICE kits with 5G iPod or previous version, you will have Clickwheel control, but not the added features SILVERLINE offers.

Installed the Dice and iPod today ... rockin out!

Yo,
Rod

Good meeting you the other day, let me know how everything works out on the DIP positions or you would like to revert to the 1st Gen module.

Tom,

Really nice meeting you too Tom.
Fellas, these guys are extremely helpful (EAS)... big smile here.
Everything you'd expect in A#1 customer service!

Yo,
Rod

Picked up the prior model Dice module today, have to say I like it better.
Tom and Steve at Eurpopean Auto Source (EAS) were extremely helpful and knowledgeable... thanks to them again for their help and patience.

Yo,
Rod

Over and out on the sounds for now... time for the next upgrade!

Completed the Dice control module and iPod installation. Did more of a semi-permanent installation. Had to remove the ashtray console to fix the ashtray lid anyway (Thanks Wuffer). So I drilled a small hole just big enough to fit the round end of the cable through in the storage compartment and snaked the cable up throught the console to meet up with the Dice controller behind the CD43. The little mat in the storage console covers the hole and it gives me more cable to play with while I'm driving. I'm happy with the install, it came out pretty clean. Just couldn't figure out where the little bulb for the ashtray (?) went. There was a hole next to the forward screw it fit in, but if I put the bulb in there the ashtray wouldn't seat correctly.
Anyone know?

Yo,
Rod

There is a Extra small socket with a Bulb in it below the ashtray console, It it taped to a wire harness between the ashtray and where the cd box/cassette box would go.

I have CD43 and DICE unit, which sits in the carpet trim up and just behind the center console nicely. The cord makes it back under the passenger side carpet trim to the center console storage where the iPod rests. I can control the iPod from the head unit or from the iPod itself. Perfect and easy.

Forget it. I like being able to scroll via iPod sometimes - it's faster than via CD43.


Just make sure to always keep the eyes on the road....

There is a Extra small socket with a Bulb in it below the ashtray console, It it taped to a wire harness between the ashtray and where the cd box/cassette box would go.

I placed the bulb in there... right next to the screw under the ashtray and then the ashtray wouldn't seat. Is that the hole you're referring to?

Yo,
Rod

What i'm talking about is a Extra socket with a bulb in it taped to the wiring harness below the console between the ashtray and end of the console, If the ashtray want seat then something is likely in the way, Maybe the new wiring install might have to be moved over a tad? What's the tray hitting to stop it from seating properly?

I taped the new (Dice) harness to an inset in the bottom of the console prior to installing. It is, without a doubt, not interfering with the installation. The console sits in just fine. If I stick the light bulb/receptacle up through the hole in the console next to the screw under the ashtray, the bulb sits up pretty far and prevents the ashtray from seating in the console. Where does the bulb/receptacle install?

Thanks for your response.

I just went down and pulled my ashtry and and didn't see a bulb, I saw a reflector in the rear of the ashtray where a bulb could shine through, The bulb must go in the cigarette lighter area?

I figure the bulb is to find the lighter receptacle in the dark. I'll check some more too.