Does anyone have any suggestions on a good MP3 hard drive system to install in my 99 E55? I would remove the factory radio and CD Changer.

 

Just curious . . . why gut your audio system to listen to MP3s? Have you considered an MP3 capable CD front end that can also use your changer or a head unit that can accept aux in from a nomad jukebox or iPod?

 

I had considered those as well, but the cost did not make sense. First, the ipod costs about $400. Add to that the cost of a front end unit to accept the audio input (say $200). That is a total cost of $600 and I still have to deal with lugging the ipod around with me in the car and using its controls to change songs.

Sony makes a 10GB hard drive head unit that costs about $700. Kenwood makes a 10-20GB hard drive that mounts in the trunk like a CD changer and is controlled by a Kenwood head unit with a single disk player (total cost about $700).

The other option is to go with a RF MP3 unit mounted in the trunk, but I dont like to use RF systems if I can get a hard wired system.

I was just wondering if anyone on here has installed something similar to the Sony or Kenwood system.

 

Check these two out . First one has 20GB hard drive and FM transmitter, so it can be very helpful if you do not have AUX In. Bad thing is that it has only USB 1.1. COMPUSA is getting pre-orders for it. Second one has less disk size (5GB) and no FM transmitter, however it has USB 2.0. When it will be available unknown.

 

Anyone have good success with those fm transmitters? I would imagine some quality lost would be evident.

 

I've tried these FM modulators and IMHO they suck. Search the W203 forum for ipod and audio 30 .. someone figured out how to use the cassette head board to input aux. Perhaps this can be applied to your current head.

You will lose the cassette function, but the iPod sounds GREAT!...

btw, get the $300 for closer to $200 soon. Apple's about to release new models. The 5GB will crash through the floor in price.

Peet