Okay...diving into the pool of BMW audio/electronics and it is a whole new world compared to what I was used to (GM).

If I were to remove my factory stereo and replace it with an aftermarket unit...

Will I lose the functionality of the time/date and fuel range functions on the in-dash display?

Will I am able to somehow maintain the use of the steering wheel volume controls?

What other impacts should I be aware of?

2003 530i
standard factory system (not harmon karden)
no CD changer installed

Thanks!

Okay...diving into the pool of BMW audio/electronics and it is a whole new world compared to what I was used to (GM).

If I were to remove my factory stereo and replace it with an aftermarket unit...

Will I lose the functionality of the time/date and fuel range functions on the in-dash display?

Will I am able to somehow maintain the use of the steering wheel volume controls?

What other impacts should I be aware of?

2003 530i
standard factory system (not harmon karden)
no CD changer installed

Thanks!

I believe the dash display has nothing to do with the head unit other than syncing the clock. There is an aftermarket kit that will allow you to keep the steering wheel controls.

I believe the dash display has nothing to do with the head unit other than syncing the clock. There is an aftermarket kit that will allow you to keep the steering wheel controls.


I was wondering about that. A lot of the "info" in the dash display can be duplicated on the stereo. Just wasn't sure where the "brains of the operation were" and which display was just a duplicate.

I was wondering about that. A lot of the "info" in the dash display can be duplicated on the stereo. Just wasn't sure where the "brains of the operation were" and which display was just a duplicate.

Well I am just guessing but since setting the clock on the dash also sets it on the head unit, I would guess that the dash is what controls it.

But the reverse is also true. I set my clock on the head unit...?

I have a 97 E39 with aftermarket HU. I have no control of the on board computer functions.

the '97 e39 is a blacksheep. the stereo/obc integration is different than '98-'03.

Is the display just blank on the dash?