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#1. Re: WTB: Harmon-Kardon deck from 98 M3/Black motorized seats - from Don Eilenberger
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Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2005 10:23:29 -0500 From: Don Eilenberger <deilenberger@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: WTB: Harmon-Kardon deck from 98 M3/Black motorized seats At 09:51 AM 11/10/2005, you wrote: >From: Peter <JPWheelr@dakarm3.com> >Subject: Re: WTB: Harmon-Kardon deck from 98 M3/Black motorized seats > >that deck is terrible. It's the C33, doesn't matter if the car is >Harmon Kardon or standard. > >You're best off saving grief and time and just buying a new cd deck >that you do like (I'd recommend Alpine 9833, 9835, 9855, 9853 or 04 >model clarion) > >Harmon Kardon is terrible, and that radio has many issues they all >get over time including the display going out, the volume knob >ceasing to work, and the power supply going bad. > >IMHO YMMV Mike, you may also want to consider the BMW CD43 "Business Radio" - was used on the S54 series Z-M's and perhaps some late Z3's. Built-in CD player and *far* superior radio both in reception and audio quality to the C33/C34 series of radios. The HK audio system is actually quite good when fed with the signal from the CD43. Surprised me how good it is. In addition - it will control the factory 6-disk changer just fine (a big plus over aftermarket..) giving you 7 CD's to listen to without changing them. These are frequently available on Ebay autos.. prices they sell for range from $230 (mine) to around $400. They are plug-and-play and match the interior perfectly. If you're going to bid - use Esnipe so you don't overpay or run the bidding up (how I snagged one for $230..) Takes a total of less than 5 minutes to install. Only downside (and I can live with it) - no weather band. CD43 is made by Blaupunk, not Alpine (C33/34 series) which might explain the difference. It's surprising that Alpine COULD make such a crappy radio as the C33/34 - it's almost as if they went out of their way to do it. I'm hanging onto my C34 in case I get rid of the M3, I'll put that POS back in. :) _______D_o_n__________S_p_r_i_n_g__L_a_k_e__H_t_s____________©1946________ Don Eilenberger, Spring Lk Hts, NJ - http://www.njsbmwr.org/ '98 M3c/5, '03 525iT, '87 K75S
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#2. Re: radios - from Peter
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Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2005 11:09:41 -0600 From: Peter <JPWheelr@dakarm3.com> Subject: Re: radios No aftermarket radio can control the stock changer. Your choices are C33, C43, CD43 for stock units that control the changer, C33 and C43 are junque, and the CD43 still commands $400 just about everywhere, and for less than or equal to it, you can get solid, new alpine units (9835 is my recommended buy) that will match colors and looks and have far more features and quality. Peter Owned em all (c33, cd43, 9835)
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#3. Radio removal tool - from Weston-Lewis, Graeme
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Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2005 10:14:53 -0700 From: "Weston-Lewis, Graeme" <GWESTON@lsil.com> Subject: Radio removal tool Anyone have a spare radio removal tool they are willing to sell or can suggest a cheap source? Dealer wants $26 and Ebay is not much cheaper once you factor in shipping. TIA, Graeme
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#4. RE: [E36M3] Radio removal tool - from twisty M3
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Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2005 09:27:11 -0800 From: "twisty M3" <twistym3@hotmail.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Radio removal tool I can't remember what the exact size is, but in my '99 M3, I'm able to just use a hex key with no issues at all. Jonathan L. << Anyone have a spare radio removal tool they are willing to sell or can suggest a cheap source? Dealer wants $26 and Ebay is not much cheaper once you factor in shipping. >>
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#5. Re: [E36M3] Radio removal tool - from Rex Tener
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Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2005 09:31:34 -0800 From: Rex Tener <rex_tener@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Radio removal tool At 12:21 PM 11/10/2005 -0500, Weston-Lewis, Graeme wrote: >Anyone have a spare radio removal tool they are willing to sell or can >suggest a cheap source? Hi Graeme, On one of Ron Stygar's pages there is a low cost one: <http://www.unofficialbmw.com/all/stereo/radio_removal_tool.html> Rex
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#6. RE: [E36M3] Radio removal tool - from Rex Tener
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Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2005 09:37:55 -0800 From: Rex Tener <rex_tener@yahoo.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Radio removal tool At 12:31 PM 11/10/2005 -0500, twisty M3 wrote: >I can't remember what the exact size is, but in my '99 M3, I'm able to >just use a hex key with no issues at all. The newer radios use a 2.5 mm hex key, the older ones used the five-sided radio tool. Rex
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#7. RE: [E36M3] Re: WTB: Harmon-Kardon deck from 98 M3/Black - from Rex Tener
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Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2005 09:45:33 -0800 From: Rex Tener <rex_tener@yahoo.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Re: WTB: Harmon-Kardon deck from 98 M3/Black motorized At 09:41 AM 11/10/2005 -0500, Patrick Goss - PA wrote: >I can confirm all Bob's comments on the business CD43. Yep, I took the one out of my 2001 M Coupe and put it in my 1996 M3. Nice upgrade for "free". :-) When the CD43 first came out, a friend got one for $150, but I am not sure I would pay the current going rate for one. >Another choice is the Becker HK traffic pro navigation head unit which I >currently have now. Its of equal quality to the CD43 with the addition of >navi to ruin your >self reliance on finding your own way, but I've found the normal >stereo/radio controls aren't as friendly for new passengers as when I >had the CD43. I have the BMW TrafficPro (same as the Becker) in the 2001 M Coupe and it is a very nice unit. Perfect match for the lighting and the ability to control a factory CD changer. I think it has better sound than the CD43. I also purchased a TomTom Go portable navigation unit this year to move between the vehicles that I drive and it is also a very nice unit. Rex
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#8. RE: [E36M3] Radio removal tool - from Weston-Lewis, Graeme
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Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2005 10:49:07 -0700 From: "Weston-Lewis, Graeme" <GWESTON@lsil.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Radio removal tool Perfect! Thanks Rex -----Original Message----- From: Rex Tener [mailto:rex_tener@yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, November 10, 2005 10:42 AM To: E36M3 Subject: Re: [E36M3] Radio removal tool Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2005 09:31:34 -0800 From: Rex Tener <rex_tener@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Radio removal tool At 12:21 PM 11/10/2005 -0500, Weston-Lewis, Graeme wrote: >Anyone have a spare radio removal tool they are willing to sell or can >suggest a cheap source? Hi Graeme, On one of Ron Stygar's pages there is a low cost one: <http://www.unofficialbmw.com/all/stereo/radio_removal_tool.html> Rex ************************************************* Please help support the E36M3 list by visiting our sponsors: Bimmerworld http://www.bimmerworld.com Turner Motorsport http://www.turnermotorsport.com Eurosport High Performance http://www.eurosporthighperformance.com Rogue Engineering http://www.rogueengineering.com Treehouse Racing http://www.treehouseracing.com Elephant Motorsports Inc. http://www.elephantmotorsports.com DIGEST INFORMATION: http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm *************************************************
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#9. AM radio reception - from Reed Nicholson
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Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2005 09:54:13 -0800 From: "Reed Nicholson" <reedthis@comcast.net> Subject: AM radio reception I have the CD43 deck in my 98 M3. A few weeks ago, the AM reception suddenly got really weak--lots of static and popping when another electrical device gets used, like when I step on the brake or use the turn signals. I was thinking a bad ground somewhere but I haven't been able to find anything. Any ideas? Could the tuner itself just be shot, or is it just an antenna problem? Reed/Seattle
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#10. Re: [E36M3] Re: WTB: Harmon-Kardon deck from 98 M3/Black motorized - from Raza Uddin
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Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2005 10:29:57 -0800 From: Raza Uddin <raza.uddin@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re: WTB: Harmon-Kardon deck from 98 M3/Black motorized On 11/10/05, Patrick Goss - PA <Patrick_Goss@gmacm.com> wrote: > > Another choice is the beckerHK traffic pro navigation head unit which I > currently have now. I'll second the Traffic Pro. I was able to get one an authentic BMW TP from Becker and absolutely love mine. Not only is sound quality improved at least a 100% over the C33, the addition of navigation really puts it over the edge for me. Personally, it is a much better value than the CD43 as they usually run around $400, while the TP is around $600-$650. Drive Safely, Raza