E39 BMW 528i Audio system upgrade

[mightydeepu]

Hi Everybody...

I drive a BMW 528i 1997 model and have 10 speaker system with 6 stack CD player in the boot. Unfortunately the system does not read MP3.

Can somebody advice me of some upgrade advice to this issue..

Thanks
Mightydeepu

[Scotty89]

To read mp3's you'll need a new head unit/receiver.

The rest of the components in your stereo only get an audio signal from the head unit. If you think it sounds fine, just swap out the head unit for a new aftermarket one which is capable of reading mp3's.

[mightydeepu]

Hi Scotty,

Thank you for the advice. What is this head unit or the receiver and where is it located. Is it the one inside the car in the dashboard. It all looks like its a built in set. A guy in JB hifi said if i have to do this it would cost me a lot and they have to pull out the complete wiring and reinstall. Secondly if i install new systems with DVd player screens and such hings then all the 10 speakers might not work. Is this all true.

Kindly advice me more inn this area in normal layman terms at your own free time.

Thanks
Mightydeepu

Originally Posted by Scotty89

To read mp3's you'll need a new head unit/receiver.

The rest of the components in your stereo only get an audio signal from the head unit. If you think it sounds fine, just swap out the head unit for a new aftermarket one which is capable of reading mp3's.

[bmw528i]

I think the guy at the audio shop is either full of shit or is just plain lazy. I say that because I have an Alpine IVA D106 in my E39 and it didn't require any rewiring or anything. They make harness adapters for this kind of install and it allows you to use the headunit along with the factory stereo in the car...

For example, this is a common one through Crutchfield. Click Here

That factory harness adapter will pretty much allow you to use any headunit you want and keep your factory stereo.