Guest0001

It has finally come to a point where I am just DISGUSTED with the the Bose system. I rarely even listen to music anymore in my car because of this.

I remember I made a thread about replacing the audio but I think it was deleted by the downtime.

I guess I should start by looking at some HUs? Alpine or Pioneer would be the brands of choice.

How much of a difference Can I hear? I Dont have a fortune to spend I am willing sacrifice some money

I just want some QUALITY, clear, music with some Good Bass! Is this too much to ask?

bajaiman

Have you got Audio10 CD right now??...if not maybe that should be your next step. If you already have Audio10 CD then replace the factory speakers, add a sub or two along with the amp(s). This way you still can use the buttons on your steering wheel.

Buellwinkle

The factory Alpine made Audio 30 cassette radio is pretty flat sounding. Come by and listen to my MB Audio 10 CD, it's made by Becker, you can get it for about $250 and sounds much better, so much bass you will likely not want to keep it at the full bass setting like you probably do with your current radio. Check my website for a link to the Audio 10 manuls and install instructions.

MJ50

noble,
get audio10.
someone was selling it in classifieds.
the only bad thing about it is i can't listen to KLAC.

Guest0001

So Audio 10 would be a BIG improvement?

Even better than aftermarket alpine or pioneer stuff?

I dont mind losing steering wheel controls or the aftermarket look.

Just the best improvment in sound.

LorinserCClass

It depends on your budget man. You want the BEST sounds fork over the cheddah for the top of the line alpine decks, mc intosh amps etc. Or for a modest amount Mbquartz components alpine deck and some PG amps. Best thing you can do also is hear other peoples set ups...

Guest0001

Not really THE BEST, but something damn good. Bose is just wayyyyy Below averege.

I am not buying the subs, amps etc for now. Maybe later on.

What I am basically asking is if the standard HU is replaced by an Alpine HU then would It improve alot or am I just wasting my money?

Thanks alot everyone

MJ50

noble,
if u intend to get aftermarket HU, then u should get an amp also.
since u have bose, i'm sure it'll sound better than stock speakers after HU (and amp) upgrade.

Guest0001

mj: that is the ultimate goal... To eventually strip the Bose, but as of now the $$$ is not available.

Just a Question... Are there specific HUs that are incompatible with the our Cs? Or incombatible with the bose speakers...

I don't care about the lose of steering wheel controls btw.

MJ50

almost all HUs should be compatible with our C.
not sure about Bose, but i'm sure that won't be a problem.
i wanted aftermarket also, but i want to keep everything look as "stock" as possible.

Guest0001

Cool! I will ask around a bit more just to make sure.

I thought about the Stock look thing. I dont think it will look bad. It will sure look cool at night.

Now to decide on a model. How much is a good price for a good HU?

amdeutsch

With BOSE the signal is transmitted thru the fiberoptic link to the amp.

Please use as this has been discussed so many times.

Guest0001

Thank you for your useless post

oggle

Go listen to Lorinsercclass's setup. It's good, except his Comand doesn't work lol.

amdeutsch

You're welcome. As always it points you to a wealth of information.

schell

I don't think the bose speakers will work with a aftermarket hu, I think the bose speakers are 2.2 ohms, and most standard hu's run 4 ohm speakers ,I replaced everything I could not stand the factory system from day one.

Guest0001

Well thats just GREAT!

You had the bose too? How much did you spend in all stripping it and getting all the new stuff if you dont mind?

FrankW

I think we need two 9 inch sub like the Harman Kardon system on my old 2000 328Ci (it's an option on all 3-series). That thing had MAD BASS and you can turn off the sub individually too.

we only get one sub because stupid MB designer had to put the medkit on the rear deck. The medkit for my old 328Ci was in the trunk.

amdeutsch

For MY03 the kit moved to the trunk as well.

I thought that the subs were 6 x 9 in those BMWs. I know that they are a lot deeper than that MB sub which is wedged in back there. Clue me in if you don't mind.

Buellwinkle

Listen to an Audio 10 before you spend the $1,500 it's going to cost to pull out all the Bose components (speakers included as they won't work with aftermarket HUs) and replace them with something that may reduce the value of your car at resale time. The current opening is convex and trapezoidal, it does not look good with a $15 bezel kit and a flat din size radio. The texture doesn't really match up well. The display will not match the color and light intensity of the surrounding components so it will stick out and be an obvious intrution. I can see doing this for something really special but not for a $300 HU. If you are going to do it, go to a top rate shop and be prepared to do it right ($$$).

Guest0001

You're right man. I'd rather spend $1500 on a Home Theater system!

All right Audio 10 it is! So Audio 10 along with the Bose will be a significant difference??? I really don't like the look of the Audio 10. It looks extremely bland IMO. But I will go ahead email Steve if it’s really worth it...

FrankW

yeah, they are 9x6 oval subs

Buellwinkle

Listen to it first. Where in LA are you, I'm up in Monterey Park most of the week.

mctwin2kman

The diference is that the Audio 10 has a bass range of +-12db instead of the +-10 that the Audio 30 has. Not to Mention an apparant better/cleaner signal output. Yeah it does not look good but all your Bose equipment still works then. With an Aftermarket Head Unit you would need to replace all speakers and wire into the door for those speakers. Or tap into the wires going to the doors, still a pain in the ***. Not fun. Try to find someone with an Audio 10 to compare if you can. It will make you decision a lot more easy.

avlis

No.
You'll get more volume and maybe more bass from the doors.
IMHO, the stock Bose sounds better than the Audio-10. Speed sensitive volume and audio-pilot don't play well with the Audio-10 either. It works, but is more erratic.