[EnlightenedOne]

Trying to see the best option for adding either a whole new CarPlay unit or just a way to get music into the stock system via Bluetooth. If the CarPlay route is super complicated or expensive I’m okay just clipping my phone to the dash as long as I can get the audio into the car somehow. I was looking at new units on Crutchfield and all the notes seemed to indicate that the factory wring has to be cut and some new wiring added in addition to modifying things behind the dash to let the new unit fit. Not sure if I’m up for all that.

[ctuna]

Which Head unit are you talking about the Pro Radio or the Idrive/navigation?
Mr 12 volt is the only one that does not degrade the audio but it does require
the CD changer option be enabled. Also does not require Logic amp adapter.
(Only the more expensive version designed to work with Idrive Nav adds Carplay I believe)

There are two different types on head unit in the US and three different audio systems.
(two types of idrive/nav over the years the e9x was produced)

As far as I know everything that has been discussed here including aftermarket
head units comes supplied with adapters to plug stuff in .

If you replace an entire head unit there are a host of problems as the head unit is integrated into the whole car .
If you have the Logic Sound system there is and additional problem in that no aftermarket Head Unit will interface
with that amplifier without and adapter . (The Logic 7 sound system is the Speaker and Amplifier not the head unit . )

New Head Units are big can of worms for this system and the Chinese ones mentioned on here often have no support.