E39 Stereo Install Kit

[itsmike]

Where can I purchase a stereo install kit for a e39? Are there different kits and what pieces of the dash do they replace?

[CobaltFire]

Check Crutchfield. Also, BavAuto. All it replaces is the stock radio section, and leaves the flip-down door.

[itsmike]

Thanks!
But both crutchfield and bavauto's kits make the radio sit kinda off centered. Are there any other ones?

And I found that both crutchfield and bavauto has kits for single dins, there any kits that allow a double din unit?

[The Beastmaster]

What are you going to do about you MID?

[CobaltFire]

What is a MID? Also, by my measurements (depending on depth availible) double-DIN should fit with room to spare (guages...?). M_Specs is getting ready to attempt this, and I'm waiting to see that first.

[The Beastmaster]

MID is the display for the OBC and clock along with the radio controls.

[itsmike]

MID is the display for the OBC and clock along with the radio controls.

Wouldnt the clock be removed with the stock unit?

But what do others do about the OBC?

[itsmike]

Theres gotta be someone who has successfully changed their stereo....

[itsmike]

Wouldnt the clock be removed with the stock unit?

But what do others do about the OBC?

anyone?

[nybimmer]

i remember my uncle saying something about when he changed his stock unit it messed up all kinds of shit. he had the whole obc thing on the stock unit. he ended up reinstalling the stock unit.

if you just have the basic HU like mine i don't think there would be a problem. i havn't done it but i'm making a guess based on my setero installation knowledge since noone answered you. you gotta make sure none of the other computer in the car uses the clock in the HU. i dought it but these cars are kind difficult.

you should do a seach. go to www.bmwtips.com (http://www.bmwtips.com). thats were i got all my help when i installed the amps in my car.

[John 540i6]

im new here too and it seems like everyone here says that your pretty much screwed if you have an e39 and want an aftermarket headunit. That kind of pissed me off. So ive thought on this subject and have come to realize you have these options.

1. Just buy another stock crappy headunit. On the plus side, its a 5 minute total install.

2. Buy a single din headunit of your choice, a bmw wiring harness adapter, and a sinle din black cover that covers up the rest of the big hole left after removal of the stock unit. Wire it accordingly.

3. Buy a double din in dash headunit that doesnt flip up and block the AC vents. This involves remolding of the AC vents on the lower portion, fabricating some sort of brackets to hold the Double din unit in place and then making a custom surround to fill up the rest of the hole left by the stock radio/On board computer.

But what do i do about my OBC?

It is only a couple of wires (6 maybe) that run the OBC/radio. The radio/obc is long but it isnt deep. Its only a few inches by a few inches. Use your imagination and mount it where you want. As for the wiring, just extend all the wires to the length that it takes to get from the stock wire ends to the OBC/radio.

That gives you full access to your cars OBC while obtaining a radio that is Way better than what bmw gives you.

[MattypNVThs1]

I am in no way an expert on BMW's or car stereo's but I have an aftermarket radio and I am willing to give my 2 cents along with my experience so far. I have an 02 530 sport e39. It had the OBC I guess. I never got a chance to use it and I really don't know what it did aside from calculate gas mileage. Less than 24 hours after getting the car I installed the new Pioneer two din flat panel unit with navigation. This unit comes with navigation, cd, radio (I added I-pod and XM traffic nav to it as well) I can tell you it has been great for me. I have noticed nothing wrong with this set up. I have had it going for 3 weeks now. The Pioneer comes with tons of gauges to track all sorts of stuff (sort of like an OBC perhaps) You do loose steering wheel controls but I was told there is a fix, I just have not looked into it yet. As far as a dash kit. I am lucky to have a friend who does custom work for cars. He is also a manager at Circuit City. They whipped up a two din kit just for my car (and I guess any other e39) in less than 24 hours. They wrapped it in a material that almost matches perfect to my dash. If it wasn't for the fact that the screen sticks out just a smidge from the original radio and it it didn't say Pioneer, I could pass the install off as factory. I don't have any pics as of right now, but send me a message if you would like me to take a few and send them your way. I would prefer to e-mail as I don't have a hosting site or really know how to host. I like these forums to learn and I don't usually talk much on them since I don't have an extensive knowledge on BMW's. Hope this helped and let me know if you want to see some pics.

[itsmike]

Hey MattypNVThs1, I sent you an email. Please send me some pictures of your dash kit. Any idea how much it would cost a dash kit like yours to be made? Or where I can get it done... thanks!