New headunit connection question

Head units and speakers, MP3 and CD changers, GPS and SatNav, plus PDAs, mobile phones, Bluetooth, TalkAbouts...
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HighSharpe
Joined: Sat 27 Jul, 2013 23:01
Posts: 51

  Z3 roadster 2.0

New headunit connection question

Post by HighSharpe »

Hello all

My Z3 came with an aftermarket Sony unit with a CD player, but sadly no bluetooth/aux/MP3. I bought a non-fancy head unit with the above features, and got around to try fitting it this afternoon. I had read here that you need an adapter to connect and aftermarket unit, but I thought it would be a simple plug n play given that the existing headunit was aftermarket already. But, i find that the old unit is connected to another set of connectors behind the dash, and the connector block at the end of new unit arent the same as that of the old! Not sure what exactly is 'standard' .

Here are some pics to explain

1. Back of NEW unit
Image

2. Back of OLD unit
Image

3. Connector into old unit
Image

4. Connector into old unit has wires leading into this :
Image


So... what do I need to buy to make this work?
a/ an adapter that adapts (4) into (1) ,
or b/ an adapter that sits between (3) and (1)

Thanks !
-HS
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David
Joined: Mon 16 Sep, 2013 18:33
Posts: 439

  Z3 roadster 1.9i

Re: New headunit connection question

Post by David »

I was under the impression that most new stereos came with a wiring harness that connects (as you described) 1 to 4.

Sorry to ask this but... Have you double checked the box for any cables? As I would say that pic 4 is the 'industry standard' connection.
Southernboy wrote:Nipple Cream
HighSharpe
Joined: Sat 27 Jul, 2013 23:01
Posts: 51

  Z3 roadster 2.0

Re: New headunit connection question

Post by HighSharpe »

No, Davidz3, there was no harness that came with the stereo, it was an elcheapo chinese brand.
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akirk
Joined: Fri 20 Apr, 2012 08:11
Posts: 122

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: New headunit connection question

Post by akirk »

Apparently everything is now standard... ...with the right adaptor! So I was told by a specialist store when upgrading a head unit...
I would suggest googling a decent independent car audio company - tell them what you have and I would imagine they will have a convertor which should be quite cheap...

Alasdair
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David
Joined: Mon 16 Sep, 2013 18:33
Posts: 439

  Z3 roadster 1.9i

Re: New headunit connection question

Post by David »

Ok, I've done a little search for you, and this seems to match up with the shape of the holes:

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.vi ... 1484576027

Sending from my phone, so if the link doesn't work just put 181484576027 in the search box and click search.
Southernboy wrote:Nipple Cream
HighSharpe
Joined: Sat 27 Jul, 2013 23:01
Posts: 51

  Z3 roadster 2.0

Re: New headunit connection question

Post by HighSharpe »

Thanks David, found some thing similar.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191206409470

However getting the wires mixed up could result in a toasted head unit or worse, so will have to figure out a way to test non-destructively!
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David
Joined: Mon 16 Sep, 2013 18:33
Posts: 439

  Z3 roadster 1.9i

Re: New headunit connection question

Post by David »

IMHO, you'd be better off with the one I linked, although it's more expensive, the postage (and possible import charge) and having to wait an additional week for the one you suggested, makes the little extra money seem definitely worth it.

...unless you are in the states that is!
Southernboy wrote:Nipple Cream
t-tony
Joined: Sun 21 Feb, 2010 23:17
Posts: 353

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: torksey lock

Re: New headunit connection question

Post by t-tony »

Visit your local Halfords, they keep a range of adaptive stereo cables. There are relatively inexpensive, I've used them before and have one in my 2000 Z3 connecting a Sony unit to the original loom plugs.

Tony.
"Knowledge and experience are not always the same"
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