[EwenMac]

ive searched and read the process, but im not sure how to determine what model number radio i have

a best as i can tell

BMW "Professional" it has a CD player ( no stacker) 4 speakers no tweeters

i believe i have the base model E92 ( but then Base model equipment levels seem to vary based on the market they are sold in)

im in Australia, a local supplier says its a "S663 Radio BMW Professional"
\based on VIN, but when i go searching for the replacement pixel assembly i don't see that as an option.
any pointers welcomed

[lowrydr310]

I went through this last year. Searched and saw a lot of instructions documenting the repair but couldn't find the part. I ended up buying a new CD73 head unit.

[ctuna]

Most of the info is on the Stereo sub forum for this.
As the last guy said getting the part is the problem.

[gbalthrop]

Originally Posted by EwenMac

I've searched and read the process, but im not sure how to determine what model number radio i have... BMW "Professional" it has a CD player ( no stacker) 4 speakers no tweeters... when i go searching for the replacement pixel assembly i don't see that as an option...

I have NOT replaced mine yet (3/2007 build E91 with Alpine Radio). However, the information I have seen suggests there was a change, sometime in 2007, from Alpine radio made in Hungary, to unit made in Czech Republic. The Ribbon Connector size is MUCH wider on the early Alpine made in Hungary. The LABEL on the radio unit should tell the story.

See this link, particularly the THIRD (3rd) photo on top-left, which shows the differences in detail, including plastic legs (instead of aluminum):

https://www.amazon.com/display-Coope...BoCrlEQAvD_BwE

Here is a link to source for EARLY Alpine, Made in Hungary, LCD Display:
https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesa...20221118031611

Here is a link related to installation:
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=635672

That DIY link does NOT show a label on the head unit, but the replacement Display appears to the the OLD, wide ribbon type.

I have no information on what is available in AU. Please let us know what you find.
George

[Ohio Enthusiast]

Agreed about reading the label and part number on your existing radio and display. It's a pain to have to disassemble the dash twice, but this way you'll be sure exactly what you have and what you need to replace it with.

[gbalthrop]

Originally Posted by Ohio Enthusiast

Agreed about reading the label and part number on your existing radio and display. It's a pain to have to disassemble the dash twice, but this way you'll be sure exactly what you have and what you need to replace it with.

As I look at the photos in the links in my post above, ALL you have to do is pry out the "heater/IHKA control panel" as shown in 1st photo of DIY link. THEN, just look to see whether the "legs" are aluminum or plastic. Those are shown in the 2nd photo of DIY link, in red circles with screws.

You should NOT have to remove the radio to determine which model it is. The label appears to be on the bottom of radio head unit. After noting leg material (aluminum vs. plastic), you could confirm by reading label with light & mechanic's mirror (2" mirror on gooseneck).

Since mine (2/26/2007 mfr Alpine per INPA) needs replacement, I'll try the method above in the next few days & post back.
George

[lookalikehuuh]

Fixing the panel on the Alpine CD73 is a losing battle nowadays with the parts cost becoming much more expensive and much more difficult to find.

After having multiple failures with CD73 head units on my non-idrive car I ended up just going to the salvage yard and pulling the newer headunit from an LCI car.

I just coded the headunit and everything worked perfectly, even my XM/Sirius radio.

Everything works as expected, but there is a slight difference in audio quality. I did have to change my EQ settings to get it to sound close to the original sound quality of the CD73, but now the display is perfect and won't fail like the Alpine unit has.

The bad news... you still can't see the damn screen with polarized sunglasseses on unless you turn your head. I would have thought BMW would fix that on the new model, but nope still shitty.

In theory the new headunit also supports the USB Aux which my car didn't originally, but I didn't get the cable/usb header so I may try to get that next time I run to the salvage yards.

[GoRomeo]

I gave yo on mine like 10yrs ago. I really dont need the display. hehe. As long as my sound it st the same I am OK.

When I first start the car and is cold outside, the display works great for like 10min then fades out again . 🙄😂

I actually took a picture a few days ago to remember how my Stereo used to look like. 😂

[lookalikehuuh]

Originally Posted by GoRomeo

I gave yo on mine like 10yrs ago. I really dont need the display. hehe. As long as my sound it st the same I am OK.

When I first start the car and is cold outside, the display works great for like 10min then fades out again . 🙄😂

I actually took a picture a few days ago to remember how my Stereo used to look like. 😂

The sound isn't exactly the same between the Alpine unit vs the newer model. But, you can get it to be extremely close by modifying the Equalizer a bit more. I did notice I had to boost the treble a bit more as compared to the Alpine.

My car has the Hifi Professional (S677) with the higher end speakers/amp etc. People are always fairly impressed that its a fully stock sound system in the car.

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by lookalikehuuh

The sound isn't exactly the same between the Alpine unit vs the newer model. But, you can get it to be extremely close by modifying the Equalizer a bit more. I did notice I had to boost the treble a bit more as compared to the Alpine.

My car has the Hifi Professional (S677) with the higher end speakers/amp etc. People are always fairly impressed that its a fully stock sound system in the car.

Yeh exactly. Mine too. I really like this in my E90. My E88 does not come close. Which I think it got a decent system too . Cheers 🍻

[lowrydr310]

Originally Posted by lookalikehuuh

Fixing the panel on the Alpine CD73 is a losing battle nowadays with the parts cost becoming much more expensive and much more difficult to find.

After having multiple failures with CD73 head units on my non-idrive car I ended up just going to the salvage yard and pulling the newer headunit from an LCI car.

I just coded the headunit and everything worked perfectly, even my XM/Sirius radio.

Everything works as expected, but there is a slight difference in audio quality. I did have to change my EQ settings to get it to sound close to the original sound quality of the CD73, but now the display is perfect and won't fail like the Alpine unit has.

The bad news... you still can't see the damn screen with polarized sunglasseses on unless you turn your head. I would have thought BMW would fix that on the new model, but nope still shitty.

In theory the new headunit also supports the USB Aux which my car didn't originally, but I didn't get the cable/usb header so I may try to get that next time I run to the salvage yards.

That's the route I went. I posted on this forum asking where I could find a replacement display and a local forum member messaged me with a LCI headunit for a great price.

An added benefit is the updated chime sound. I really don't like that pre-LCI sound; the CCC/CIC and later CD73 gong is much more pleasant on the ears and more modern sounding.

[EwenMac]

Update: I’ve owned this car just over 2 months and view it as a project, since originally posting I’ve had the AC fixed, and one of the upside other than the obvious is that there is a small duct which seems to be there to cool the radio, anyway that’s what’s happening and I now have about 90% display back, and so right at the moment I’m leaving it alone and will concentrate on other areas of the vehicle, I’m thinking of getting a Bluetooth ear piece to tie me over for phone hands free,

Thanks for the replies I really appreciated the comment of where the unit is manafactured and how some have plastic mounting and some alloy, mines alloy