E46 M3 aftermarket radio head unit

[M3LSB.Gab]

Hey everyone, i'm looking to get an aftermarket radio unit that has Navi/bluetooth, maybe Android auto for spotify (google phone) and look like the oem nav radio unit. I don't want the back up camera.
I have a ZCP (so no steering wheel buttons) and just Hi-fi speakers. I've seen many brand but not sure which one to get....

thanks !

[maw1124]

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/main-forum/e46-2001-2006/252913-aftermarket-head-unit

maw

[sc1337]

Avant- is the best imo

[akamin68]

I replaced stock head unit with an Eonon. Inexpensive enough to try out. It installed easy...fits extremely well with dash contours. Sound quality improvement over stock unit. Boots fast, connects via BT everytime. Only "con" is steering wheel volume controls don't work and i have not invested time to figuring it out.

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[genesis]

you might need one of those Maestros to get the steering wheels controls to work

[Jh004]

I have an Eonon and its not bad. The touchscreen is really bad but bluetooth works every time, which is all I really want it to do. Also it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb

[///Marecki]

My $.02 - I wouldn't put an aftermarket nav in a ZCP. Keep that car as original as you possibly can.

If you absolutely must have the modern functions, look up "carphonics uk". This guy will take your stock BMW nav (gotta ship it to him) and will program and retrofit a fully integrated system that has anything you tell him you need, whether it be carplay, anddroid etc etc. He's got videos demo-ing and explaining. I am considering it but it's not exactly a need at this point.

Good luck.

[karter16]

My $.02 - I wouldn't put an aftermarket nav in a ZCP. Keep that car as original as you possibly can.

If you absolutely must have the modern functions, look up "carphonics uk". This guy will take your stock BMW nav (gotta ship it to him) and will program and retrofit a fully integrated system that has anything you tell him you need, whether it be carplay, anddroid etc etc. He's got videos demo-ing and explaining. I am considering it but it's not exactly a need at this point.

Good luck.

I take your point about keeping original but it's pretty easy to swap out an aftermarket head unit and put the original on the shelf. Then you get the modern functions but retain the ability to revert to stock at any point.


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[WOLFN8TR]

My $.02 - I wouldn't put an aftermarket nav in a ZCP. Keep that car as original as you possibly can.

If you absolutely must have the modern functions, look up "carphonics uk". This guy will take your stock BMW nav (gotta ship it to him) and will program and retrofit a fully integrated system that has anything you tell him you need, whether it be carplay, anddroid etc etc. He's got videos demo-ing and explaining. I am considering it but it's not exactly a need at this point.

I went this route for that reason. FYI you only need to send the unit to Baris if you want touch screen. The touch screen adds more glare to the screen. I went with the OEM control option, backup cam and HDMI input. Baris sends the TV unit setup with everything you selected and it's plug and play. It works great.



There's also two different iDrive controllers to choose from if you want to go that route.

[Chas3n]

I went with one of the Amazon giant screen ones.

Years ago I wouldn't have dared, but after having apple car play in the C8 and C55, I can't accept the stock headunit, which has failed.

New units aren't for everyone, but I despise radio buttons now, and I want more screen and open source options for apps.

For what it's worth, I too owns ZCP. Not worth it uno to keep the outdated headunit.


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[Ramps]

Does anyone know what double din name brand head units fit without modifications to the hvac box? I know they are kind of ugly but i am searching for better sound quality than the Chinese units provide and I want carplay.

[Kcalhoun27]

This gives almost no useful info. We need to know your budget, expectations, install abilities, and again, budget.
the reality is, every option has sacrifices and some are bigger than others but all are person specific

ive tried a few at this point and id say that the best compromise is to just remove the old stuff and add new to suit your needs.
the avin is garbage, even al queda doesnt deserve that horseshit. And their “customer service”, youd be better to stop a stranger and ask for help
the older version of a tap in harness for an amp was ok, but a wiring nightmare
a new headunit of your choice with the enfig car stereo harnesses is easy to install, but it doesnt look factory, at all

this doesnt take into account the speakers or amps or subs you might want. The best headunit wont make the old speakers sound good and it wont make 20 year old speakers new

so, decide what you actually want, decide what your real budget is, determine your ability OR go to a reputable shop. For me, im at ~$1500 into my current stereo that is modest, and probably ~$4000 into it all told.

i just installed a kicker solo baric into my ski pass this past week, which required a better amp. So its still a work in progress but im getting closer to my goal

good luck

[Kcalhoun27]

Does anyone know what double din name brand head units fit without modifications to the hvac box? I know they are kind of ugly but i am searching for better sound quality than the Chinese units provide and I want carplay.

I dont know them all, but the big names make a few. I have the alpine ilx-w670 and it fits the bill. It isnt perfect and i miss a volume knob. But it is an answer to your question

[Pklauser]

Does anyone know what double din name brand head units fit without modifications to the hvac box? I know they are kind of ugly but i am searching for better sound quality than the Chinese units provide and I want carplay.

I have a Sony XAV-9000ES. Pricey for what it is imo, but it works well and fits well.

[MathewM3]

I have a Sony XAV-9000ES. Pricey for what it is imo, but it works well and fits well.

Could you by any chance post a picture of your setup (i.e Sony XAV-9000ES)? I am considering various options to replace my Eonon.