Question about max head unit depth

[2025Z3]

Hi all,

I ordered a new head unit for my 1998 Z3, mainly looking to add bluetooth but keep a somewhat period correct look. I went with the Blaupunkt Milano 200 BT, but one video I saw after purchasing it shows that some components are in the dash behind the head unit, and could cause issues when trying to install a deeper head unit (like one with a cd player), as opposed to one that just does bluetooth and radio.

Has anyone had any experiences with installing a cd player head unit, or know the maximum depth of head unit the dash will accept?

Thanks!

 

[shera25]

Hi all,

I ordered a new head unit for my 1998 Z3, mainly looking to add bluetooth but keep a somewhat period correct look. I went with the Blaupunkt Milano 200 BT, but one video I saw after purchasing it shows that some components are in the dash behind the head unit, and could cause issues when trying to install a deeper head unit (like one with a cd player), as opposed to one that just does bluetooth and radio.

Has anyone had any experiences with installing a cd player head unit, or know the maximum depth of head unit the dash will accept?

Thanks!

Hi, good choice on the Blaupunkt, it suits the Z3 really well. The dash can be a bit tight behind the head unit, especially with CD players. Some people have managed it, but cable routing can be fiddly. It usually helps to push the wiring to one side or down behind the climate controls. Hopefully someone can confirm the max depth, but you’re not alone with this concern. Good luck with the install!

 

[Duncodin]

My Sony CD player has a stud on the back.

That stud anchors into the bracket at the back. Where the end of the tape measure is you see the hole. Also the distance to the hole.

The idea is that bracket at the back stops the weight of the radio bouncing.up and down.

If your new head unit is a full sized 1 Din unit then it'll likely have a stud on the back and would usually fit in there.

 

[2025Z3]

Thanks guys. I ended up fitting the Blaupunkt Milano 200BT. The alignment post in the back it did not come with but I was able to remove it from my OEM head unit. It was a tight fit, but I was also using a wiring adapter rather than splicing wires. What ended up working for me was I got a bit of string, looped it around the wiring harness and through the OBD2 access port in the passenger foot well and used that to pull the wires down and out of the way so I could push the head unit in. Not an easy fit but it was eventually possible. Very happy with the install and keeps a somewhat factory look.

 

[DomiMik]

Good choice. You can improve the look of the Blaupunkt by applying a red/orange tinting film on the display, it will give the radio a more OEM-ish look.