This isn't a "Best Buy" roast...it just happens to be the place I went to.

I'm a busy guy...and like most people I never get around to my "projects". Like complete the audio system upgrade in my "new to me" E39. So, my equipment just sits on the bench in the garage and the I continue to pay for my XM subscription that I am not using...nice.

I finally had enough and said, FINE I will pay someone to do all the work for me even though I have done all this work before back in the day...although it was on GM vehicles which are much "simplier" to work on from an electronics point of view in my opinion. Fewer gadgets to worry about and great part availiability.

So I walk in Best Buy and say this is what I want...

- AUX input of some sort that is NOT an FM Mod. I want to be able to run my XM Radio and then be able to switch and use by Zune. Yes, a ZUNE, not an ipod.

- I want to add my subs and amp

- Down the road we can discuss speaker upgrades

I told them that I don't want to lose the functionality of the fuel range info, etc...if I replace the stereo with an aftermarket head unit, what will happen? How much are the adapters if I want to keep the factory stuff and just add an AUX input?

"Well, we would have to look into that"
"We wouldn't know until we took your current stereo out..."

Jeez...don't these guys know anything? You would think I was the first person to come in an want to do an audio upgrade to an E39.

Sorry...just my little rant. Anyway, I will be browsing around here figuring out my next move. Thanks to everyone who has posted all this great info!

Jeez...don't these guys know anything?

No they don't. My son worked at that store. The only thing they train their people to do is sell extended warranties, magazines etc. You are supposed to go there, be wowed by the low prices :laugh :rofl2 :rofl and then leave with your stuff. If you need an install you are supposed to be a deer in the headlights and blindly do whatever they say.

My advice would be to find a local independent shop that does audio installs and speak to them. Odds are you will end up there anyway after BB messes it up.

So here is the deal! The only thing you have to worry about if you want to use the factory speakers is you need a adapter for about 100 bucks. The other thing's you are talking about aux input for you zune, xm radio. options for your head unit to handle. witch I'm expecting you to want if you are adding subs and a amp.

not exactly sure what a aux input would be for your factory stuff! but stop being lazy and put your stereo in, you wont stop smiling after it is done

~ HIGH FIVES on the zune by the way!!

might be of interest to you...

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=915170&highlight=upgrade

what i've done adds xm to the oem cd deck and also allows aux-in. ...with factory equipment.

cheers!
- ben

Very nice EDU...thanks for the link!

thanks, but what's an "EDU"?

:)

Oh, sorry. Slang from another forum I am on. EDU...short for "education"...basically it refers to a DIY (do-it yourself) guide.

When someone posts something like you did that has step by step instructions and pictures...people call it a EDU.

Maybe they call it something different here?

Regardless...great info! Thanks!

gotcha... ;)

"stage 2" will be coming shortly... i keep saying that, but i promise it will! :)

I would NEVER use and aftermarket install shop. period. unless you are good personal friends with the installer.

an install shop drilled right through a fuel line on my car. they will cut corners any way they can.

set a day, DIY

might be of interest to you...

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=915170&highlight=upgrade

what i've done adds xm to the oem cd deck and also allows aux-in. ...with factory equipment.

cheers!
- ben

This is the best way to go if you want the display to work correctly. If your car has the round pins from the factory, I know where you can get brand new factory E39 units which will allow your display to work properly.

I would NEVER use and aftermarket install shop. period. unless you are good personal friends with the installer.

an install shop drilled right through a fuel line on my car. they will cut corners any way they can.

set a day, DIY
Great Advice!!! I've learned if you want something done right ....you have to do it yourself. I cannot stand paying GOOD money for POOR workmanship regardless of what it is! No one will take as much care of your car other than yourself.

Great Advice!!! I've learned if you want something done right ....you have to do it yourself. I cannot stand paying GOOD money for POOR workmanship regardless of what it is! No one will take as much care of your car other than yourself.

That may be true, but if you are not familiar with disassembling your car, you can do alott of damage.

All installation shops are not the same. There are many good ones out there that DO know what they are doing and may do a better job than someone who does not have the experience or patience to tackle a stereo installation project.

I am not sure you have to be personal friends with the installer, but doing your homework before you choose an installation shop can be the difference between a good experience and a bad one.

One thing to look for is an installer who will show you work he/she has done. Attention to detail in an installation (however big or small) is usually a good sign. Also make sure the shop has a good reputation for standing behind the work that they do.

Seriously, I'll do it for you if you are in Florida. I LOVE installing aftermarket audio equipment in BMWs, I personally like keeping the stock headunit and replacing just about everything else. I've done 4 BMWs (and mine twice, technically 2.5xs because I took it out before I sold it). I was going to start on the Z4, but I'm selling it to buy a 3er.
Send me an email.