Or is it output? I want to be able to play my iPod, that's all I listen to. I'd love Sirius but I realize the decks I like aren't SAT ready.

I was originally set on a CD43 with DICE but want to explore other options. The only other stereo mods would probably be the Rainbow Stage 1 by BSW, unless there's something better. I don't know car audio.

I was looking at the Naks, namely the CD300 and CD400 but it doesn't look like there's a way to play my iPod. I like the Blaupunkt Bremen but it's very expensive.

What am I missing? I want something with amber lighting that's very low-key. If a thief looked into my car I'd want him to think I have a stock or cheap HU. If I can buy the HU from Best Buy then I don't want it.

Also, where is a good online store? There isn't much revealed by Google, or maybe I'm not looking in the right places. Just need some links...

Nakamichi CD40z / CD45z ....or CD40 / CD45. All have a AUX input ...the '45' version has CD changer controllers. The 'z' version means it has a rotary volume knob. Excellent SQ too. I have one in my E34 Touring. These HU's came with either green or amber lighting ...it is not changable. OTOH the faceplates are interchangable. Avoid the CD300 ...there were problems with them. I have ran Nakamichi and McIntosh HU's exclusively for years. I love the low key looks ....FWIW ...my Miata has been broken into twice and neither time was the HU touched. I have a CD45z in it.

>^..^<

Thanks Catman, I've read your other posts and you've sold me.

Do you have any links? Would you recommend the Naks over the CD43?

If you want a factory look, then the CD43 is your best bet. With the DICE it would work great with your ipod and show the text on the display.

We have brand new CD43's in stock at www.12velectronics.com (http://www.12velectronics.com) and offer a $15 discount for forum members. To get the discount, enter bmwe36 in the promotion code at checkout.

Not many links ...the CD40/45(z) models are a few years old. I have bought several on Ebay for ~$150. I will try to get a few pix in the next day or two. I don't have much experience with the CD43 ...but I avoid OEM HU's at all cost. With the Nak you have the best of both worlds ....OEM looks and excellent SQ. I know you will have some that talk about how great the CD43 is ....but if they were that great everyone would be using them in competitions. The one complaint about the Nak is that the FM reception is weak. I have a XM Commander that connects directly to the Aux input that does great. Hope that helps.

>^..^<

FWIW ....the CD400 has an AUX input.

http://www.nakamichi.com/pdf/Naka%20-%20CD400%20FA.pdf

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Not many links ...the CD40/45(z) models are a few years old. I have bought several on Ebay for ~$150. I will try to get a few pix in the next day or two. I don't have much experience with the CD43 ...but I avoid OEM HU's at all cost. I know you will have some that talk about how great they are ....but if they were that great everyone would be using them in competitions. The one complaint about the Nak is that the FM reception is weak. I have a XM Commander that connects directly to the Aux input that does great. Hope that helps.

>^..^<

The CD43 is not a competition head unit. For competitions a total system makeover is due.

The CD43 is a great unit for people wanting to make a good upgrade to their stock system without adding all aftermarket speakers, amps and other items. It will give you a great improvement over the current stock system and can add seamless ipod and aux-input ability to the vehicle.

Although I would not knock the Nakamichi's quality a bit, it may not be for someone who just wants to upgrade the stock sound system and have the ability to add future upgrades.

The other thing that the OP wants is to listen to his/her ipod. The Nak unit will do an auxillary input, but will not be able to control the ipod from the head unit. This is the beauty of the CD43 with the DICE ipod controller.

The CD43 is not a competition head unit. For competitions a total system makeover is due.

The CD43 is a great unit for people wanting to make a good upgrade to their stock system without adding all aftermarket speakers, amps and other items. It will give you a great improvement over the current stock system and can add seamless ipod and aux-input ability to the vehicle.

Although I would not knock the Nakamichi's quality a bit, it may not be for someone who just wants to upgrade the stock sound system and have the ability to add future upgrades.

The other thing that the OP wants is to listen to his/her ipod. The Nak unit will do an auxillary input, but will not be able to control the ipod from the head unit. This is the beauty of the CD43 with the DICE ipod controller.

I know you're a vendor and probably sell these things, but people seem to overrate the DICE unit and CD43. The CD43 is very overpriced for what it is, especially since it is OEM (no real preouts without a LOC or no AUX), and DICE is not as good as a proper iPod solution such as an iPod specific connection, or just a USB browse mode. It's actually fairly awkward. To be honest, I'd prefer an AUX in over DICE.

I hate to say it, but I'm with Catman on this one, although you have to be careful, because some of the Nak units have the Mercedes amber color (more yellowish).

The CD400 does have an AUX in, but it has black text on an orange background. Everything else BMW is orange text on a black background. The older units that Catman talked about have the correct backlighting, get one of those. The main complaints with them breaking deal with the CD drive, so if you are just using AUX, it should be fine.

I know you're a vendor and probably sell these things, but people seem to overrate the DICE unit and CD43. The CD43 is very overpriced for what it is, especially since it is OEM (no real preouts without a LOC or no AUX), and DICE is not as good as a proper iPod solution such as an iPod specific connection, or just a USB browse mode. It's actually fairly awkward. To be honest, I'd prefer an AUX in over DICE.

I hate to say it, but I'm with Catman on this one, although you have to be careful, because some of the Nak units have the Mercedes amber color (more yellowish).

Just to let you know, the DICE unit is as just as good as any other ipod specific solution available for aftermarket units. If you are interested in just a simple aux input device, there are plenty available in the $30 range for the CD43.

If you like the Nakamichi, go for it. It is a great unit and has excellent sound quality.

Good luck in your decision.

Just to let you know, the DICE unit is as just as good as any other ipod specific solution available for aftermarket units. If you are interested in just a simple aux input device, there are plenty available in the $30 range for the CD43.

If you like the Nakamichi, go for it. It is a great unit and has excellent sound quality.

Good luck in your decision.

I've used one, and it doesn't really compare to a dedicated solution like Alpine's iDA-X100 or Eclipse's 7200II. The whole thing feels a little hacked together since the buttons aren't really supposed to be for the iPod. Just my $0.02.