Change stereo on BMW 318i (yr 2000) estate?

Selik

I'm on the hunt for one of these cars and test drove a very nice model today, however I noticed that the standard BMW stereo tape-deck wasn't the standard size. The guy showing me the car said it can't be changed, as the size isn't standard (unlike earlier models), however I'm hoping he's wrong as it would be the on stumbling block to me buying the car as I want to install a head unit with a usb slot and line-in so I can play music off music player and/or a USB key.

The standard head unit in the actual car itself was a little wider and slimmer than normal, although this could be disguised by the fascia. This is what initially prompted my query to the salesman, not to mention slight alarm!

If in fact the head unit cannot be changed as it's not standard size - it seems like a strange thing for a car manufacturer to do, especially BMW!

Could any BMW owners (with models post 2000 obviously) shed any light on this? I'd love to buy this car but I don't think I could go ahead if I don't have the ability to install my own head unit of choice at the very least! I don't mind if it involves a slight mod and can be done by a specialist for a small fee, as long as it can be done and at not too much expense!

Thanks in advance for any help/advice on this.

DublinDilbert

Don't believe a word the seller says, he clearly hasn't a clue.

The stereo is a standard din size, just the platic surounds is bigger. You can get an oem cd player from eBay. Or you can get a facia adapter + wiring adapter to allow you slide any din stereo in.

PS the seller doesn't know anything about e46s, so don't listen about other things.

mickdw

Here is the bmw stereo with adaptor for generic stereo shown under.

I dont know how good it will look but for the seller to say it cannot be swapped is crazy.

Selik

That's good news, cheers guys!

Could I pick up one of those adaptors on Ebay or somewhere like that then?

Will most likely buy the car now (although torn between that and a Golf GTI!) as it's in great nice and drives very well.

The engine was running when I arrived for the test drive though, should that be of any concern? Comes with a 3 month warranty but only for engine and gearbox I think...

Mr Benevolent

318i vs a Golf GTI is looks vs performance. If the engine was running when you got there I'd run a mile. If you're going for a GTI be careful, they can have some really nasty oil blockage problems.

Selik

Confab wrote: »

318i vs a Golf GTI is looks vs performance. If the engine was running when you got there I'd run a mile. If you're going for a GTI be careful, they can have some really nasty oil blockage problems.

The GTI I'm interested in has 66k on the clock and is going from a dealer for 4k asking price. Will be checking it out on Wednesday all being well.

I'll call the car salesman and ask him whey the engine was running on the BMW, I think he said something about it at the time but I wasn't really paying attention.... what kind of questions should I ask him do you think?

He will more than likely saytwas running as the battery had good flat due to being sat over the holiday, which may or may not be the case. NOt much point asking him anything really as he seems a right tard. A dealer worth dealing with would know all too well about the blank plates available for BMW, Fords etc, especially a guy selling old ish stuff.

Eoin

Does it have steering wheel controls for the stereo? You can change the stereo as has been pointed out, but aftermarket head-units often look shìte in cars that have custom head-units.

BMW have an official iPod connector for the 3 series, or you could look at something else like the XCarLink. If you do really want to change the headunit, then try and get one that blends in as much as possible with the instrument lights. The Becker Grand Prix is pretty popular.

Or you could spend €5 and just use a tape adapter.

Selik

That X-link thing could be an option, although a nice aftermarket head unit with decent sound output would still be preferable.

I'll be able to figure something out I'm sure if I go with the Beemer anyways.