Author Topic: Aftermarket Head Unit Install Questions (Read 4089 times)

BlueBMW · « **on:** January 23, 2010, 09:36:43 PM »

I'm installing a new head unit into my E30 and while I've been able to figure out what all the wires are for, I am concerned that the 12V+ wires seem a bit small. Are they adequate for an average aftermarket radio head unit? The unit I will be using is this one here...

Also, how highly recommended is it to run new speaker wires? I'd rather not if its not totally necessary. The front speakers are still stock while the rears have been replaced with something better. I hope to be replacing the fronts soon after this HU install.

Also, I picked that unit because... A. it was cheap and B. it can change to a nice orange backlight to match everything and C. It has a good Aux in.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** January 23, 2010, 09:58:30 PM »

I had to tap another 12v wire. Some of the Japanese units use far too much power on the memory wire (yellow, IIRC). The switched power was adequate.

I was looking around in there for a hot 12v+ source...pulled 12v+ off red wire in the hazard light switch harness. It's always powered and I'm guessing it's 12 gauge. I've tested it with my Blaupunkt cranked & the lights blinking, no problems at all.

My next unit is going to dump the CD altogether. I'll be running SD cards & USB drives.

BlueBMW · « **Reply #2 on:** January 23, 2010, 10:40:07 PM »

That was my suspicion. Thanks for the tip on the 12V+ wire. It seemed like the 12V+ wire on the new head harness was a lot thicker gauge than the wire I was supposed to connect it to

I'll try the hazard light wire as you suggested. And I agree with you, I'll probably never use the CD player itself, all I want is the AUX in for an MP3 player. Now a head unit with direct SD card and usb drive access would be pretty nice....

The guy at the store kept trying to point me towards "nicer" more fully featured units, but I kept talking about the way it looked and how it had to match the interior of the car. He thought I was crazy. This unit seemed to have a minimum of chrome and the infinitely changeable backlight color feature looks like it'll match perfect. I thought maybe making a custom sized roundel sticker to put on the volume knob for an added touch.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #3 on:** January 24, 2010, 08:19:39 AM »

One more trouble I had was routing wires. I originally grabbed the 12v+ off the switch. I'd advise against that...the wires were too short. Trace it back into the harness & tap off the back somewhere. No need to be blowing fuses & having intermittent power to the stereo like I did.

I agree 100% with your purchase. Big box stores usually annoy me, I try to avoid them as much as possible. I've often met friendly & helpful staffers that rarely know what they're doing. And they never have our best interests in mind. On occasion I've helped people out when the salesperson walks away.

No need for a pachinko machine in my BMW, just some good sound thank you very much. At this point the only extra I'm looking forward to is Bluetooth integration. I have yet to wire mine up. The menu options on the Blau are a PITA, I hope your JVC is easy to use.

BlueBMW · « **Reply #4 on:** January 24, 2010, 11:26:58 AM »

Exactly! I'm not looking for competition level sound, just decent quality without an obnoxious head unit. I wouldn't have replaced the stock head unit except for it behaving a bit flaky at times. I still use the original in my 530i and its been plenty good for me.

BlueBMW · « **Reply #5 on:** January 26, 2010, 10:10:57 PM »

Got it done! I ended up using the small wire and so far no problems. I don't exactly blast the system though... Its a bad picture, but the lighting seems to match up almost perfect!