A Radio that looks 'right' in the dash - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

CSGardner · 19th July 2001, 09:53

My M5 currently has a modern, fully featured, good sounding, PLUG-UGLY radio sitting in the dash (a Panasonic DFX777 CD/RDS with CD Autochanger etc.).

The problem is that the radio is silver with bright blue display (it gets worse - the whole thing lights up at night in electric blue). Would look great in a 'lowered Vauxhall Nova' - not so good in a otherwise subdued M5 dash.

So - I would like to replace with something black, with orange display, etc. to blend in with the dash.

What are my options ? ... who OEM's the radios for BMW ? (Blaupunkt ?). Any recommended sources in the UK (possible for just supply - or fitting too).

Any ideas/info would be greatfully received.

Chas

kiwistu · 23rd July 2001, 14:55

Agreed, I've got the same problem, I've got a "Max Power" sony fitted currently.

In NZ in the early nineties all BMW's were supplied new with Sonys, but as you say they were orange and blended in nicely (buttons very similar etc).

However, I am looking for an old Blaupunt also, hey I just need a CD and a radio that sounds OK with as few buttons as possible, not Mega Bass, Boom Sounds or any of that other stuff....

stu

ydelta · 23rd July 2001, 18:21

I have currently a Pioneer with CD changer. It is black and fits perfectly in the dashboard of the M5. Moreover, you can choose either orange or green display colour . Lot of advanced features but I particularly love the retracting front (it turns over when you take off your key) so that the panel is invisible from the outside when the car is parked (less temptation for potential stealers).

Morten · 24th July 2001, 01:24

I've been looking at Clarion's new cd-player that can play MP3 cds.... The player in the brouchure is silverplated, but I've been checking around and there will be a black version available (along with other colours)... I have a Clarion player in my other car, and I can choose between green or orange whenever I want to....

I will go for the MP3 player when it's available...

Another thing... Clarion players are in my opinion the best car audio player u can get ;o)

Take a look at it (silver grey): http://www.clarion.com/Products/Sour.../dxz815mp.html

Richard I · 24th July 2001, 20:24

Nakamichi. I had one and it blended perfectly. Even the display
looked factory. Not cheap and don't have bells and whistles, just high quality.

Could try Blaupunkt, they were Orig eq. Blended really well but not so sharp on sound.

/R

Mmm-Five · 26th July 2001, 13:36

I'm putting a Kenwood KRC-7090 in to replace the Sony set-up I had. This matches the charcoal trim on the fascia and the Kenwood Mask system spins the fascia around to hide the display when not in use. It also features a switchable orange/green display to match the dials. Not bad for £250.