CD 43 Head unit

[m3f_salty_80d4b8491b]

Looking over my options for the stereo upgrade I would like to make. Initial research says the CD-43 factory unit (In dash cd player) is pretty decent when hooked up to proper amp and speakers. Can anybody confirm this? If so, anyone have one for sale. I am leaning towards this or the nakamichi 400 as a head unit. I want the car to look as stock as possible and I like the weatherband on stock stereos. Thanks.

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Looking over my options for the stereo upgrade I would like to make. Initial research says the CD-43 factory unit (In dash cd player) is pretty decent when hooked up to proper amp and speakers. Can anybody confirm this? If so, anyone have one for sale. I am leaning towards this or the nakamichi 400 as a head unit. I want the car to look as stock as possible and I like the weatherband on stock stereos. Thanks.



You're talking about the 'stock, factory' head right? They arn't bad heads, I mean, they are made by good companies, alpine, blaupunk and pioneer....



They are just... plain... and lack other features, but there is better out there than factory.

[m3f_salty_80d4b8491b]

You're talking about the 'stock, factory' head right? They arn't bad heads, I mean, they are made by good companies, alpine, blaupunk and pioneer....



They are just... plain... and lack other features, but there is better out there than factory.

My car came with a C33 cassette unit, which was the standard issue in M3's. It was replaced by the c43 which is supposed to be better ,with the CD 43 (Cd player) being the best of the factory units. The C33 appears to be most compromised in frequencies above 7000 hz when in radio mode (no high end). I would kinda like a cd player in dash and leave the grunt work up to my Ipod , rather than get a changer in the trunk.

[m3f_Flybry07_aa2e46014a]

Hey speaking about stock head units my 99 with HK has the stock head unit.



And for some reason its loose like I can just pull it right out (must have bought it that way)



I cant just use a metric hex key right?? Doesent it use some special tool?

Is that somthing the dealer will let me borrow for 5 minutes to go outside to tighten it up?





In the past I used a hex key on my old e30's but i was usually just taking it out to put in a aftermarket one.

[m3f_M3AN_5f4dc0ba80]

Yep, 43 is waaaay better than the 33.



Check these links:



http://www.geocities.com/christyler5/BMWSoundUpgradeE34E36E46.html



http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Boulevard/3287/car_audio/stereo_upgrade.html

[m3f_Dakhar_517a2ad3bd]

I thought about going with that CD-43 head unit. I saw them listed on E-Bay a few times, but every time it was listed, they wanted a ton of money for a simple head unit. The problem is, if u go with that head unit, and want XM you will have to run it through a FM modulator, which will then decrease your sound quality.



I eventually replaced the entire system... Had to do it right.... I replaced the deck with an Alpine 7998, which does have the Amber display, which is a very good color match. It is also a "Phantom Face" and when it is in the closed position, it looks like it belongs in your BMW.... Very pleased

[m3f_m3fuz_1da011f372]

Does the CD43 have the weather band function? I didn't think it did.

[m3f_salty_80d4b8491b]

Does the CD43 have the weather band function? I didn't think it did.



Not sure. I just assumed it did, so if it doesn't, that is one strike against it. Aux in for satellite radio seems like something to incorporate.



Bob.