[moz335d]

I've done some research into potentially retrofitting a Harmon Kardon / L7 setup & CIC I-drive from a complete donor car.

The 11' 335d is a base-base model, no idrive, base audio, beige interior peasant spec. I have a complete 11' 335i M-sport I picked up for parts with CIC I-drive, full HK audio system, black/saddle interior.

The intent is to full interior swap (carpet, dash, headliner, pillars, etc.) at some point, quite busy at the moment so this will be a long term project for sure.

I came across a full audio system retrofit which would be basically what I am after since everything, including the carpet, and door panels, would be removed already to make things easier.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UFkK638FFo

Also VickyK's DIY: https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1847099

And his reference DIY: https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1175122

As far as the Idrive retrofit, that has been covered extensively and I don't think it would be a problem.

For audio, it is well established that a DSP + technic PnP harness w/aftermarket speakers is best, but that costs thousands of dollars compared to free.

The goal is NOT to achieve that level of audio, but to have CIC iDrive and literally anything better than the base audio in place at the same time as doing all the interior swap work.

The Fischer DSP with Morel & Gladen speakers is night and day compared to HK, and base system isn't even comparable. (the Morel underseats are freaking amazing).

Cheers.

[oVeRdOsE.]

I did one few weeks ago.

I've indeed followed the video you've posted to understand want is the project extend.

I managed to almost cut no wire to complete this , but the 12v+ for the amp and the coax to the diversity antenna since I have a wagon I didnt feel like to fish the wire in the hatch loom.
Seriously dont waste your time to fish out the 12v, cut it, and pull each side out, and resolder it. both ends are too big to get through the small spaces.

This is not difficult, but wow it takes time. Doors loom and card swap is a good 4-6h.
Simply removing the main harness without breaking stuff is a good 3-4 hours.

No need to identified the all the plugs, but speakers wire I found easier to trace if you label them.

Getting the junction box out is an other challenge if you want to plug the amp 12v+ OEM like. You can use the car battery, but I wanted OEM.

My car was CCC+HIFI , and swapped CIC+Individual. So the setup was similar, I did not have any issue, no coding on my side.

Only difference in the wiring was one of the harness had a extra plug, which I think was for the CD changer. Leave it unplugged, no issue.


Is it worth it?

Well for the CIC yes for sure, you can have full androidauto or carplay with a module.

Sound wise, depends, if you're not audiophile and like OEM yes. Options 2 is a complete aftermarket sound system, amp and speakers. HK or individual is pretty weak for the option msrp price.

[moz335d]

Originally Posted by oVeRdOsE.

I did one few weeks ago.

I've indeed followed the video you've posted to understand want is the project extend.

I managed to almost cut no wire to complete this , but the 12v+ for the amp and the coax to the diversity antenna since I have a wagon I didnt feel like to fish the wire in the hatch loom.
Seriously dont waste your time to fish out the 12v, cut it, and pull each side out, and resolder it. both ends are too big to get through the small spaces.

This is not difficult, but wow it takes time. Doors loom and card swap is a good 4-6h.
Simply removing the main harness without breaking stuff is a good 3-4 hours.

No need to identified the all the plugs, but speakers wire I found easier to trace if you label them.

Getting the junction box out is an other challenge if you want to plug the amp 12v+ OEM like. You can use the car battery, but I wanted OEM.

My car was CCC+HIFI , and swapped CIC+Individual. So the setup was similar, I did not have any issue, no coding on my side.

Only difference in the wiring was one of the harness had a extra plug, which I think was for the CD changer. Leave it unplugged, no issue.


Is it worth it?

Well for the CIC yes for sure, you can have full androidauto or carplay with a module.

Sound wise, depends, if you're not audiophile and like OEM yes. Options 2 is a complete aftermarket sound system, amp and speakers. HK or individual is pretty weak for the option msrp price.

Good to know, I have unfortunately become a bit picky with audio, but as this car is not for me, the only feature I really am trying to retrofit for them is the beige delete and CIC.

Since I have the interiors completely apart anyways (incl the dash) I think it is a little easier to justify. Even more justified if its Individual audio.

Yea I am planning on getting a Mr12volt system (or similar MOST interface), tired of dealing with horrible aux inputs.

Thank you for sharing your experience!

[ctuna]

If you are serious about sound quality go aftermarket .

[moz335d]

Originally Posted by ctuna

If you are serious about sound quality go aftermarket .

Hey Ctuna!

Yea the DSP setup in my other 335d is phenomenal. I'm still waiting for a morel component system for the front doors to go on sale.

As I mentioned, the goal is to do 3 things at once:

1. Swap Beige base interior to Black + Saddle Sport.
2. Retrofit I-drive (CIC).
3. As a bonus, plop the L7/HK system along with.

As I said initially: "The goal is NOT to achieve that level of audio, but to have CIC iDrive and literally anything better than the base audio in place at the same time as doing all the interior swap work."

The person that will be driving this car will not really care for a $4k DSP + Morel setup, but they will be downgrading their current audio setup going to the BMW base audio setup haha.