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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BMW E90/E92/E93 3-series General Forums > Regional Forums > UK > UK Technical Forum > after market radio any good??



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      12-11-2013, 04:16 PM   #23
adamroutley
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kayfaz View Post
What else would you need with these to fit an Alpine double din, harness, heated seat buttons etc?
In a nutshell the Janus is simply a fascia.

You would still need to buy a headunit, and relocate the original elsewhere.
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      12-11-2013, 07:43 PM   #24
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Here is another option for the dash kit. It seems like the install is easier with this than the Janus kit.
http://www.mybimmer.net/E9x_doubledintrim.htm
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      12-11-2013, 08:12 PM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmw325i View Post
Here is another option for the dash kit. It seems like the install is easier with this than the Janus kit.
http://www.mybimmer.net/E9x_doubledintrim.htm
The screen ends up very low with that setup.
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      12-11-2013, 10:03 PM   #26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kerr View Post
The screen ends up very low with that setup.
The only way to install a double din is with the screen on the bottom. The Metra kit sticks out at the bottom and looks horrible. Even the dynavin and similar headunits stick out at the bottom.
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      12-12-2013, 03:13 AM   #27
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmw325i View Post
It depends on what system and what options you have.

To do this properly you'll need to relocate the head unit, but if you don't have anything on the most bus it's not necessary to do this, and wont give you any errors. It is a good idea to save the headunit though if you aren't going to relocate it. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=319976

If you have logic 7 you'll also need an aftermarket amp and Technic's logic 7 harness. The stock amp works off the most bus and there is no way to use it.

For hifi you need RCA to speaker wire adapters if you are still using the stock amp. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=809490

You'll need the connects2 harness. There are a few different ones depending on whether or not you have pdc, and if you want the phone button to work. The connects2 harness also has the adapter for the steering wheel controls. You do have to run a constant 12 volt to the battery, but other than that it has all the connections.

Chimes are no problem on the base or hifi system using the pdc version of the connects2 harness. On logic 7 it is more work to keep the chimes, since you have to use RCA's to connect to the new amp. It can be done using a separate speaker if its that important, but my opinion is to just not worry about the chimes if you have logic 7. Earlier models already have a separate speaker for chimes so you dont have to worry about this.

As far as the heated seat buttons you could get the newer climate control with the heated seat buttons built in. You could also move them to the ashtray. The Janus kit includes the parts to do this. The new climate control is the cleaner/easier way of doing it.

I'd also reccomend a brake bypass from http://www.microbypass.com The connects2 harness has the handbrake wire, but most Alpine's need to be connected to the foot brake as well. Its just more convenient to use the bypass.

Antenna adapter Metra 40-EU10

http://www.janus-design.net/english/...edin/index.php

http://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/steer...47_87_184.html
Many thanks for the detailed info!

I believe I have the base unit (2 front speakers, 2 under seat 8"s and 2 rear speakers) with Professional HU and only Aux (no USB or iPod)

Will I still have to relocate my original head unit?
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      12-12-2013, 07:28 AM   #28
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Yes. So that you can still access the menu options for your trip computer and to adjust your clock.
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      12-12-2013, 01:34 PM   #29
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kayfaz View Post
Many thanks for the detailed info!

I believe I have the base unit (2 front speakers, 2 under seat 8"s and 2 rear speakers) with Professional HU and only Aux (no USB or iPod)

Will I still have to relocate my original head unit?
No BMW Assist?

If you don't have any of those options you don't really need to relocate the head unit. I would just save it in case the dealer needs to do any updates in the future you can switch it out.

Base is the easiest system to change the headunit on. You just need to wire the Connects2 harness to the Alpine harness no extra parts needed. If you can find an ISO harness for your headunit there is almost no wiring invlolved. I couldn't find the right harness for my headunit, so I just cut the ISO connectors off and soldered/heatshrinked the 2 harnesses together. I recommend solder and heat shrink if you can't find the right harness. You don't want any loose connections later, so you might as well do it right the first time.

Here is an example of an ISO harness. It has a standardized connector on it that will plug right into the Connects2 harness. IMO it's more effort than it's worth trying to find the right one for your headunit and your better off just cutting and soldering.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PIONEER-ISO-...3cad73&vxp=mtr
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      12-17-2013, 06:29 AM   #30
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Hi guys, thanks for your reply. Actually, i did some investigation these days, and here is my answer for your reference.

1.Why need to trim?



As you can see, pic 1 is the factory radio, and PIC 2 is the after factory Eonon
And you can see clearly that the height 1 is shorter than the height 2, height 2 part is much bigger cuz we have to insert a 7 inch screen there. THEREFORE, the air conditional control panel has to be moved lower to the bottom, and since the whole dash is a inverted trapezoidal, so when you install the factory the air conditional control panel in a lower position, the width is not enough, surely, you need to trim it’s width to fit into it.
So, the structure of the factory BMW dash determines what happen, right? As long as you’re installing an after factory radio which has a 7 inch or 6.2 inch screen, it surely have to trim the the air conditional control panel.


2.Are there any brands which don’t require any modification, just plug & play?

There is NO other brands which comes with a 6.2 or 7 inch screen don’t need any trim or modification!
Alp***, Pio****, Ken*****: Don’t have specification models for E90 for this reason!
Some other brands: 6.2” screen, but surely, you need to trim without doubt!
Eonon: Also need trimming without exception but with a larger 7” screen!!!

Thanks a lot!

Last edited by EononCarDVD; 12-24-2013 at 10:39 PM..
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      12-17-2013, 08:20 AM   #31
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It's just a shame that the sound quality of the Eonon is poor when compared to Alpine, Pioneer and/or Kenwood.

But you get what you pay for, and you can't expect great sound quality from a device that is often cheaper than the competition for the integration it offers.

Another point to make is that the graphics of any aftermarket option can be questionable - proven by the Eonon picture above. Blue and White text ????
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      12-17-2013, 10:01 AM   #32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EononCarDVD View Post
Hi guys, thanks for your reply. Actually, i did some investigation these days, and here is my answer for your reference.

1.Why need to trim?



As you can see, pic 1 is the factory radio, and PIC 1 is the after factory Eonon
And you can see clearly that the height 1 is shorter than the height 2, height 2 part is much bigger cuz we have to insert a 7 inch screen there. THEREFORE, the thermostap has to be moved lower to the bottom, and since the whole dash is a inverted trapezoidal, so when you install the factory theromostab in a lower position, the width is not enough, surely, you need to trim it’s width to fit into it.
So, the structure of the factory BMW dash determines what happen, right? As long as you’re installing an after factory radio which has a 7 inch or 6.2 inch screen, it surely have to trim the thermostab.


2.Are there any brands which don’t require any modification, just plug & play?

There is NO other brands which comes with a 6.2 or 7 inch screen don’t need any trim or modification!
Alp***, Pio****, Ken*****: Don’t have specification models for E90 for this reason!
Some other brands: 6.2” screen, but surely, you need to trim without doubt!
Eonon: Also need trimming without exception but with a larger 7” screen!!!

Thanks a lot!
This one fits flush with no trimming. http://www.mybimmer.net/E9x_doubledintrim.htm
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      12-17-2013, 01:47 PM   #33
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What I don't get with this unit (and others like it) is why it's too long and sticks out at the bottom.

Why don't the manufactures fit a smaller screen so it actually fits properly? If they did, I would be very interested ...

Last edited by TheBlondeFella; 12-17-2013 at 01:57 PM..
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      12-18-2013, 06:27 AM   #34
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheBlondeFella View Post
What I don't get with this unit (and others like it) is why it's too long and sticks out at the bottom.

Why don't the manufactures fit a smaller screen so it actually fits properly? If they did, I would be very interested ...
EXACTLY!

Quote:
Originally Posted by EononCarDVD View Post
Hi guys, thanks for your reply. Actually, i did some investigation these days, and here is my answer for your reference.

1.Why need to trim?



As you can see, pic 1 is the factory radio, and PIC 1 is the after factory Eonon
And you can see clearly that the height 1 is shorter than the height 2, height 2 part is much bigger cuz we have to insert a 7 inch screen there. THEREFORE, the thermostap has to be moved lower to the bottom, and since the whole dash is a inverted trapezoidal, so when you install the factory theromostab in a lower position, the width is not enough, surely, you need to trim it’s width to fit into it.
So, the structure of the factory BMW dash determines what happen, right? As long as you’re installing an after factory radio which has a 7 inch or 6.2 inch screen, it surely have to trim the thermostab.


2.Are there any brands which don’t require any modification, just plug & play?

There is NO other brands which comes with a 6.2 or 7 inch screen don’t need any trim or modification!
Alp***, Pio****, Ken*****: Don’t have specification models for E90 for this reason!
Some other brands: 6.2” screen, but surely, you need to trim without doubt!
Eonon: Also need trimming without exception but with a larger 7” screen!!!

Thanks a lot!
You're not getting the point pal. It may be the language barrier as I believe you are based in east-asia? But the trimming would be at the bottom of the dash.

You can fit an Alpine, Pioneer etc..with a fascia..still have the climate control and not have to cut anything, which..may I add, mostly have 7" screens.
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      12-18-2013, 02:08 PM   #35
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So why do you have to keep the OE HU if you replace it with an aftermarket alpine or pioneer one?
I can access and reset the clock and mpg etc from the steering stalk, the only thing I can think you won't be able to adjust would be the bong and PDC volume. Would these still work even though adjusting them wouldn't ?
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      12-18-2013, 04:54 PM   #36
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheBlondeFella View Post
So why do you have to keep the OE HU if you replace it with an aftermarket alpine or pioneer one?
I can access and reset the clock and mpg etc from the steering stalk, the only thing I can think you won't be able to adjust would be the bong and PDC volume. Would these still work even though adjusting them wouldn't ?
If you have BMW assist you need to relocate the headunit. Otherwise I would just save it. There's not an easy way to keep the chimes or pdc with an amplified system. It can be done, but not as easily as with the base system.
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      12-19-2013, 03:45 AM   #37
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Haha, I ever seen this, but this just a kit adding a pioneer unit, so is not in my list, my list are referring to the whole unit which you don’t need to buy parts separately.
Besides, Pioneer will never release an unit like this, the screen at the bottom which you can neither watch clearly nor use conveniently, plus, look terrible, right?


Hi, TheBlondeFella, in fact the unit will not stick out and look long for some models, look awesome. True that some bmw models need trim the plastic frame at the bottom a little to make it look fit. We have installed it ourselves, shame that we forgot to take pics at that time, for we just focus on testing the function and compatibility. Anyway, I will figure out a way to get you some photos.

Why don’t manufacture a very small screen to fit the dash? In my point, the cost decides. 7 or 6.2 and 6.95 inch are the general screen size in the industry, it can be easily purchase and assembled directly. But a smaller screen need customizing, will be very expensive to cover the sales. But this is a good idea, I will report to the company to see there is possibility for us to make it! Thank you
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      02-23-2014, 10:59 PM   #38
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A few questions:
1) I agree that the bottom sticking out is unsightly. Interestingly, in some published photos it appears much better (from darren0311) than in all others. Why is it so?
2) If Eonon removed the DVD drive, they could probably shift everything a little higher and provide a perfect fit. I think Zenec did it that way, however, they added the heated seats/PDC control bar at the bottom, which makes theirs stick out below again Personally, to keep the unit fit flush I would rather use USB or SD cards than a CD/DVD.
3) Could we have external microphone support?
4) Is the Screen Mirroring function coming to the D5165?
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      06-19-2014, 01:16 PM   #39
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hi I am very interested in this item what is needed to get my heated seats working on this unit is a canbus needed and do you sell them??

do the phone controls on the steering wheel work with this unit without any modifactions??

do the steering volume controls work without any wire cutting ??

what is the max size of sd card that this unit can read ??
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