Stereo for E46

GT3

GT3

GT3

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
9,205
Location
Chesterfield
Are there any ways to upgrade the stereo on these without having an aftermarket head unit in it? Quite like the fact its all built in.

Just got the standard business cd player in at the mo. Failing that has anyone seen an aftermarket one in that will match the std orange dash lighting?

Also on an unrelated note are the parking sensors on mine broke? It makes an audiable noise when selecting reverse but doesn't seem to do anything else no matter how close I get to a wall.
 
Yup, that means a dud parking sensor. Diagnostic machines will be able to tell you which one.
 
Lucky I got a friend who's a mechanic in the beemer dealer, I'll take it in at the weekend :)

Any ideas on the stereo front?
 
P1010744Medium.jpg


It was the only thing I liked the look of in the e46 dash.


Regarding the parking sensor, put the key into ignition position one (don't start it) and select the reverse gear.

Walk to the back of the car and listen to each of the sensors. The one that isn't ticking is the dud. I bought a new sensor off eBay for £20 and fitted it in about 5 min (no tools needed).
 
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Cheers Nick, will try that in a bit.

Yeah that unit does look awesome but just want to improve the sound really, not that bothered about a screen plus the car only cost £4k so think I'd be daft to spend that much on the stereo for it.
 
GT3 said:
Cheers Nick, will try that in a bit.

Yeah that unit does look awesome but just want to improve the sound really, not that bothered about a screen plus the car only cost £4k so think I'd be daft to spend that much on the stereo for it.
Click to expand...

Ahh - best thing to do is go for a Sony 'sound-on-top' amp for around £35 off ebay. Simply plugs into the back of the HU and really makes a difference.
 
Not many stereos will look good in an e46 I'm afraid. The plastics and the lighting will all look wrong. Sorry :(
 
what you need is an imprint or cleansweep system. These use the factory headunit but add a digital processing system which vastly improves the sound quality.
 
Joe T said:
Yup, that means a dud parking sensor. Diagnostic machines will be able to tell you which one.
Click to expand...

What the hell is wrong with your ear! Just go round each sensor until you find the one thats not clicking. Pull it out, clean it, (the connections) and try again. If not, pull it out and swap it with a new one for £8.96

Edit: Dam you Nick!
 
I picked up a sony one for mine when I got the car in feb, seems to look alright and the red colour doesn't look out of place :)

headunit.jpg
 
I'm still trying to find a way to make use of the empty area on the right, phone holder?
 
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