upgrade stereo

[pryboyz1962]

My existing stereo buisness edition will go out and come back with errors today,tomorrow may work fine. I would like to go with a stereo with screen and use my factory amp.Ive read where its possible and not possible. I talked to audio installer and said he had adapters where amp will work with aftermarket stereo.Pros or cons ? If it can be done could you advise me where to get adapters.Thanks and have a great day!!!!

[gigtime]

When I drove a Z3, I replaced the entire system and it was a huge upgrade. In the Z4, the factory system sounds pretty good as is but the biggest challenge in putting in a new head unit is it's unique shape. I've seen very few head replacements in our cars and the few I saw didn't look good.

I'd scour the classifieds here, on Craigslist, salvage yards and eBay to find a replacement. One modification I did make was to add a media bridge and spec dock to play my Ipod through the system.

[psygnosis]

Maybe just replace the headunit with a different one, 2005 and up will play mp3's. You can swap the faceplates so that it'll still match the rest of the gray plastic. While you have the radio out you can add the AUX input. You can get the one with the ashtray or just get the cable and put it in the panel under the A/C controls like it comes stock on 2007+ cars.

[jjdrivesajazz]

can you add aux to the base model radio from a 2003 2.5i?

[Spaceman Spiff]

Originally Posted by jjdrivesajazz

can you add aux to the base model radio from a 2003 2.5i?

Yes. http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63039

[Spaceman Spiff]

Also if you don't have DSP, changing the head unit is pretty much plug-and-play with some wire adapters and the plastic surround piece. DSP should be possible too but I don't know about it.
Here's a video that shows the process:

[pryboyz1962]

Thanks for info

[psygnosis]

Originally Posted by jjdrivesajazz

can you add aux to the base model radio from a 2003 2.5i?

There are really only two radios for the Z4. Nav and non-nav. The highest trim level and the lowest trim level use the same headunit. Only major changes over the years were the change to black plastic and MP3 playback in 2005 and then later HD Radio as an option.

[-c-]

i have a 2006 headunit i can sell you, 150 bucks!

works great and plays MP3

let me know if you want it.