Unofficialbmw.com

[Dathaeus]

An audio novice here...

My stereo is badly handicapped now. The display doesnt work most of the time, the volume knob finicky, and my speakers seem to be going as well, ie, when the volume goes up, you get that nasty fizzle that makes you cringe.

I am by no means an audiophile, I just need my music/whatever to play normally, reliably. I guess the only thing I want is a USB port so I can easily just add some music to a flash drive and plug in... I do not use i-anything (I'm Android) and no mpw3 players either.

I saw this thing on sale, and someone told me its a POS, although it looked cool:

http://1saleaday.com/flash/pyle-plr38i/

If it does suck, then I guess you cant go wrong with Crutchfield, is that correct? Something like

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1303300UB/Pioneer-DEH-3300UB.html?tp=5684&nvpair=FFUSB_Input|Front#customer-reviews-tab

That even includes all the accessories and the super duper "manual."

My main concern was, for any stereo you buy, how do you KNOW it is compatible with your car? Are stereos that universal, where a simple adapter pretty much makes an stereo compatible with any car?

Thanks!

1997 328i, 4dr, Sports package, 5-speed manual
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1997 328i w/Sports Package
5 speed manual
140,000 miles
Front: 17" (225)
Rear: 17" (245)

Answerway.com

[idanity]

crutchfield sucks,
i guess their speakers are ok, but i have never been really impressed with their goods.

the link to the deck doesn't work..well, i have to login, and im not about to create a membership just to look at it...if youcan copy its specs here i could give my opinion.

seems like they only carry the low end, and reman models or known defect model stuff. and while i should not critisize without a better example, i have heard of a lot of friends complain about having to resend things back to them...i do note that they do honor their returns. but i would always prefer local shops to crutchfield (or newegg if i had to buy online)..even though i buy way too much stuff online, and its always a crapshoot. most places are good if not great.

i too am an anti - i user (andriod does it all so much better...been rooted since the original g1) and its not relevant to anything 'i' related as bluetooth is key if at all.
and
1 disc with MP3's has over 100 songs. all in custom folders or however you write its filetree...very easy to do.

be sure to note the size limitation of any USB decks (some are very low, but even 1g is a ton)

do outside reviews..google the unit and add review to it. never trust insite reviews. (or at least be skeptical, as many sites will NOT publish bad reviews)

im running sony cdx-fw570
alpine 1000w bridged to the sub
15" dvc phoenix gold (original pg- quality..new pg is junk)
rockford fosgate punch 200 4channel amp (old school still kicks ass)
orion 4" rears
stock front kick panel speakers
orion tweets in the door pods
system is awesome. but i do wish to convert to digital amps soon (at least bass)

you state you prefer a USB connection (which is easy and slightly popular) but my preference was always at least an MP3 disc player.

i currently use a sony detatchable mp3 player which changes colors (the red on dim mode matches the interior lights perfectly) and i can switch it to green to match my 88 yota 4x4 (same deck in both vehicles makes my life easier, 1 faceplate to rule them all) and even though i bought these from the sony store, they were both reman- and on sale.

as far as bad speakers, they do wear out.
they are easy to replace, but 1st you must know a few things.

remove your current speakers and note the ohm value
note the size and depth
*replace with similar specs and its done.

*wires could be grounding or shorting, and are best replaced. tape new wire to the ends of the old and as you pull out the old, the new will fallow the same path.

hope that helps.
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[killerbeem]