Radio replacement

[sfcl]

Well, I checked the radio is my X (no sound suddenly) and the internal amplifier is burnt/worn. This is the model with the old tape reader and no amplifier in the trunk (picture), european type.
Question is, can I replace this whole radio by the business one which has the CD reader instead of the tape reader? Does this last one will work as I have no external amplifier?
Or are there some stores where I can find direct replacement?
Thanks.

[CharlieHustleX5]

Cant switch out to the business CD version easily as I dont recall BMW offering one with an internal amp.

Best bet would be to just replace it with an aftermarket unit of some kind with a trim bezel suited for the x5 dash opening.

[sfcl]

Originally Posted by CharlieHustleX5

Cant switch out to the business CD version easily as I dont recall BMW offering one with an internal amp.

Best bet would be to just replace it with an aftermarket unit of some kind with a trim bezel suited for the x5 dash opening.

Thanks for the reply!
In the case I use an aftermarket unit, do you think that there is a way to keep the steering wheel control buttons active?

[1stE53]

I don't have a cd player in mine either. I just purchased a cd changer for the trunk. It will arrive on Friday. I would replace your radio with a refurb one from BMW. Then get a cd changer. Combo still may be less expensive than an aftermarket one good enough for a BMW. Don't know about the steering wheel mounted controls working with aftermarket though.

[sfcl]

Originally Posted by 1stE53

I don't have a cd player in mine either. I just purchased a cd changer for the trunk. It will arrive on Friday. I would replace your radio with a refurb one from BMW. Then get a cd changer. Combo still may be less expensive than an aftermarket one good enough for a BMW. Don't know about the steering wheel mounted controls working with aftermarket though.

Sorry, I forgot to mention that I already have the optional CD changer in the trunk. It was just that if I could get the combo radio/CD reader and just plug and play it, I would have remove the CD changer and kept only the combo. Exchange from BMW is incredibly expensive around here and BSW cannot do anything for me as they don't have the european system, so I'm looking now for some good double din replacement option, I have still to do some searches on the web for the radio and the bezel.

[1stE53]

I found a place on ebay that fixes BMW (and other) radios. They also do pixels as well. It was in California, but I can't remember the name, sorry. Pioneer has a radio that will fit, I saw it on this forum a few weeks ago. It was over a $1k though.

[sfcl]

Thanks!

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by sfcl

Thanks for the reply!
In the case I use an aftermarket unit, do you think that there is a way to keep the steering wheel control buttons active?

Pac-Audio.com Product Details | iPod Integration for your car and More by Pac-Audio - Connecting you to the future

Check out that link. I've sucessfully installed aftermarket stereos into BMW's and retained the steering wheel controls using this accessory. Im sure there is a similar device in your neck of the woods if this one isn't attainable.

[sfcl]

Excellent! Many thanks.

[1stE53]

Originally Posted by CharlieHustleX5

Pac-Audio.com Product Details | iPod Integration for your car and More by Pac-Audio - Connecting you to the future

Check out that link. I've sucessfully installed aftermarket stereos into BMW's and retained the steering wheel controls using this accessory. Im sure there is a similar device in your neck of the woods if this one isn't attainable.

Thank you!!!!