Aftermarket stereo

mas123 · Post by **mas123** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 7:20 pm

Hi,

I have a 2003 X5 and I would to replace my mid radio for a aftermarket Alpine double din stereo. Does anyone know what is the maxium depth of stereo that I can fit in?

Thanks.

Sanj · Post by **Sanj** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 7:53 pm

Enough for a double DIN as long as you cut the plastic bracket out...

mas123 · Post by **mas123** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 8:03 pm

Sanj,

I am planning on fitting in a Alpine IXA-W407BT which a a depth of 150mm so that should fit right?

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 8:30 pm

You could always pull your current head out and check....unless someone already has a head out and can measure theirs.

Remember that you need to include any plugs and/or wiring harness clearances. These are often not included in manufacturers dimension data.

Sanj · Post by **Sanj** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 9:04 pm

Consider X5Sport's advice on the rear plugs but yes, it will easily fit and then some.

Just remember the plastic bracket must be cut to size, hardest part!

And I won't help anymore unless you promise loads of pics of the install!!!!

stevox5 · Post by **stevox5** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 9:20 pm

Hi mate

I have fitted a pioneer f900bt double din in mine a while ago and am very happy with it.loads of room to fit the unit just bear in mind you will need a fitting kit to house it in the dash space.
i looked at loads,all different prices and designs and settled for a connects 2 fitting kit and used their steering wheel interface leads so i can controll the unit via the steering wheel controlls.The bracket was very easy to fit and fitted very well also needed very little cutting of the origenal cage in the dash unlike some on the market.on first look if veiwing via an internet catalogue it looks cheap but once fitted i think it looks good and is a very good fit.I think it cost me about Â£80 including the steering wheel interface.

Sanj · Post by **Sanj** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 9:22 pm

[quote=""stevox5""]i looked at loads,all different prices and designs and settled for a connects 2 fitting kit and used their steering wheel interface leads so i can controll the unit via the steering wheel controlls.The bracket was very easy to fit and fitted very well also needed very little cutting of the origenal cage in the dash unlike some on the market.on first look if veiwing via an internet catalogue it looks cheap but once fitted i think it looks good and is a very good fit.I think it cost me about Â£80 including the steering wheel interface.[/quote]

stevox5 · Post by **stevox5** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 9:24 pm

Sanj I will take some photos tomorrow if poss and try to post them , have not put pics up before but will give it a go,

cheers

Sanj · Post by **Sanj** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 9:28 pm

[quote=""stevox5""]Sanj I will take some photos tomorrow if poss and try to post them , have not put pics up before but will give it a go,

cheers[/quote]

Good man!

Some help if you need it, here:

viewtopic.php?f=28&t=400

mas123 · Post by **mas123** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 6:11 pm

Hi,

Do you know where I can get a extension harness for the MID radio so that I can put it in my glove compartment?

stevox5 · Post by **stevox5** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 6:56 pm

There is not an extension harness available to buy ready made you need to extend the original harness by lengthening the wires which is very easy or buy the male and female block connectors and pins from BMW and make a lead up.
Easiest way is to splice the loom and extend the wires.

mas123 · Post by **mas123** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 7:10 pm

Hi,

Thanks for the advice.

Is it easy to cut the orginal BMW cage that holds the MID radio?

stevox5 · Post by **stevox5** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 9:17 pm

If you use the fitting kit I recommended in my earlier post it's very simple and comes with instructions. How much you remove depends on the fitting kit you use.
Did mine in 10 mins with a hacksaw blade and it will still accept the original units back in the dash if need be.

mas123 · Post by **mas123** » Sat Nov 19, 2011 8:08 am

Thanks, I will give it go when I have ordered all the parts.

I will post the pictures once its done.

mas123 · Post by **mas123** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 6:38 pm

Hi,

I purchased the Connect 2 fixing kit. Looking at the measurements and the area that I need to cut is basically the plastic bar that holds the top unit up, but if cut that out then I won't be able to put the top unit back if I need to in the future.

By top unit I mean the CD player unit.

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