Radio replacement for a Z3

[Trevj]

I want to replace the radio in my Z3 2001 1.9L. It has the standard OEM Business radio and a cd changer. The radio is crap and the cd changer does not appear to work. I already have a new Pioneer MVH-180UI which has not been used. Will the Pioneer fit the Z3, if not, what would be a suitable replacement?

Regards, Trev.

 

[Olliebeak]

Replaced mine with a Sony MEX-N4200BT radio/cd player with aux,bluetooth, usb etc. I bought it new from ebay came with an adaptor kit for the Z3. The adaptor kit was just a piece of wiring which connected the new radio with the existing wiring. Easy to fit the new radio just slotted straight in no new fascia,s etc. Cannot remember where I got it from, was over a year now. I think I just searched for radio/cd for a BMW Z3.

 

[Althulas]

You will need a adapter harness like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172457630402 unless you got one with your stereo. Halfords should have one if your in a hurry at a higher price.

 

[137699]

I found aftermarket stereos just look gash and out of place in the dash.
I fitted a BMW Business CD headunit & added a bluteooth module for it.
I now stream music from my phone which is mounted on a brodit mount which also then allows it to double-up as my sat nav.

Sounds really good (I've heard the cd headunit has better quality audio than the cassette version)

All looks period - no risk of theft of the radio & lights up the right colour alongside the dials unlike most aftermarket systems

 

[Trevj]

I found aftermarket stereos just look gash and out of place in the dash.
I fitted a BMW Business CD headunit & added a bluteooth module for it.
I now stream music from my phone which is mounted on a brodit mount which also then allows it to double-up as my sat nav.

Sounds really good (I've heard the cd headunit has better quality audio than the cassette version)

All looks period - no risk of theft of the radio & lights up the right colour alongside the dials unlike most aftermarket systems

 

[137699]

Did you mean to type something here @Trevj?

 

[Richardrix]

I've just put in a Kenwood to my Z3 https://www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk/car/rec/alexa/KDC-BT740DAB/
This has Spotify integration, DAB+ and Alexa. Sounds great and lots of features.

 

[Trevj]

137699 That looks really cool !!!

 

[Richardrix]

I've just put in a Kenwood to my Z3 https://www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk/car/rec/alexa/KDC-BT740DAB/
This has Spotify integration, DAB+ and Alexa. Sounds great and lots of features.

This unit also allows you to set the colour of the display. You can specify the RGB value of the colour you want or select from pre-defined colours, or you can have it in a demo mode where it cycles through the pre-defined colours.

 

[137699]

That Kenwood unit looks about 20 years too new for the Z3 interior though... And must be a magnet to the thieving scum when they're walking past your car.
I can do Spotify, DAB & Siri all from my iPhone with my setup.

 

[Richardrix]

That Kenwood unit looks about 20 years too new for the Z3 interior though... And must be a magnet to the thieving scum when they're walking past your car.
I can do Spotify, DAB & Siri all from my iPhone with my setup.

It looks great in the Z3 and the front comes off so no, it won't be an issue for thieves.Being able to operate Spotify, DBA from the stereo is easier than trying to man handle a phone whilst driving. Also, handling a phone whilst driving is illegal.

 

[137699]

"Holding" a phone is illegal.
Using a phone in a cradle is perfectly legal.
Look again at my setup - no "manhandling" needed there and the phone screen is way superior to the little strip of LEDs on the front of the Kenwood unit - far more useful for navigating, using audio controls etc.

 

[Trevj]

I very much appreciate your advice and assistance. However, the matter has been taken out of my hands. My wife has bought me a Pioneer MVH-180UI, It seems to have everything I need. God bless her.

 

[Trevj]

Just in case you missed it, its the same radio I had in the first place. At least I have spares.

 

[Ian Clarke]

I found aftermarket stereos just look gash and out of place in the dash.
I fitted a BMW Business CD headunit & added a bluteooth module for it.
I now stream music from my phone which is mounted on a brodit mount which also then allows it to double-up as my sat nav.

Sounds really good (I've heard the cd headunit has better quality audio than the cassette version)

All looks period - no risk of theft of the radio & lights up the right colour alongside the dials unlike most aftermarket systems

 

[Ian Clarke]

That looks awesome, I need to so same as mine has a Pioneer CD unit. Really interested to know you can fit a Bluetooth module to these Business CD/Tuners - do I need a special model? Also, where did you get your Bluetooth module?

 

[137699]

That looks awesome, I need to so same as mine has a Pioneer CD unit. Really interested to know you can fit a Bluetooth module to these Business CD/Tuners - do I need a special model? Also, where did you get your Bluetooth module?

This is the Bluetooth module I used - works with the "Business CD" unit:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bluetoot...317902?hash=item19fa49b90e:g:1fUAAOSwDk5UHabx

 

[Ian Clarke]

That’s really helpful, thanks! I just need to find a head unit sub £350 lol

 

[137699]

The same radio (CD43) was used in various Land Rovers, MGs and Rovers.
If you buy one without the BMW logo then they're a LOT cheaper.

LR badged ones light up green - these go for about £80 on fleabay.
MG ones usually light up amber but some light up red (depending on which model they came from) - these go for about £110 on fleabay.
Rover ones light up red - same as BMW - these go for about £130 on fleabay.

You can then stick a BMW or "M" badge over the logo and it becomes a BMW unit.

Those prices are when they come up from genuine punters just selling a radio out of their car. There are some traders who buy them up cheap and then try to flog them on again for a lot more money as "BMW" units (often with "M" badges stuck over the old logo) but if you keep a watching brief on ebay you will get them cheap.

The one I have is a Rover unit - I paid £105 for it - plus £2 for the M badge (came as a pack of 4 so I have 3 spare now).

 

[Ian Clarke]

That’s amazing - thank you, knowing it’s a cd43 makes the search easier and I’ll get the one that fits! As you say seeing bmw cd43s for around 230 on fleabag. Then just get the Bluetooth unit you mentioned - done and will look original! Thanks again - great detail and so useful