[Macatron]

Well, after ogling over the incredible interior pictures of the Coupe for the last few months I started thinking about a few things. Mainly I'm curious, and maybe even a little bit concerned, as to what our options are going to be for aftermarket CD players and/or Navigation setups. Judging from the looks of the center console, the only way that you're going to be able to change anything out will be to completely replace the center console with some kind of aftermarket equivalent. Then, you would be able to simply mount your aftermarket unit of choice into the newly created space.

I'm mainly concerned because I have never really liked any factory stereo for very long because they never seem to have all of the options that I would like to have. Also, from what I've read, the Coupe will only come with the option of XM satellite radio. This presents a problem for me because I have been a happy subscriber of Sirius satellite radio for over 2 years and I really don't want to switch over to XM. Now, I am aware of the Sirius/XM merger, but so far they haven't started offering a personal selection of favorites from each provider. All I've seen so far is a "Best of Sirius/XM" (depending of which service you currently have) that really only gives you about 4 or 5 channels (not of your choosing) from the other provider. So now we are back to my first issue...the factory stereo, and how to change it out. :3_frusty:

So, with that said, what's everyone else's thoughts regarding this?

 

[Sabbasaun]

Well, after ogling over the incredible interior pictures of the Coupe for the last few months I started thinking about a few things. Mainly I'm curious, and maybe even a little bit concerned, as to what our options are going to be for aftermarket CD players and/or Navigation setups. Judging from the looks of the center console, the only way that you're going to be able to change anything out will be to completely replace the center console with some kind of aftermarket equivalent. Then, you would be able to simply mount your aftermarket unit of choice into the newly created space.

I'm mainly concerned because I have never really liked any factory stereo for very long because they never seem to have all of the options that I would like to have. Also, from what I've read, the Coupe will only come with the option of XM satellite radio. This presents a problem for me because I have been a happy subscriber of Sirius satellite radio for over 2 years and I really don't want to switch over to XM. Now, I am aware of the Sirius/XM merger, but so far they haven't started offering a personal selection of favorites from each provider. All I've seen so far is a "Best of Sirius/XM" (depending of which service you currently have) that really only gives you about 4 or 5 channels (not of your choosing) from the other provider. So now we are back to my first issue...the factory stereo, and how to change it out. :3_frusty:

So, with that said, what's everyone else's thoughts regarding this?

I would have to agree usually the factory stereos have much to be desired. I've seen the Coupe stereo and it is nice but no "bling". A problem I see is that the stereo is integrated with the center information display... So if there is a solution I'm having a hard time seeing it working with the center info display. Also the steering wheel stereo controls may also not integrate with an aftermarket unit.

 

[Tufast]

I persoanlly do not like factory stereos either, except maybe the Geneis sedan tech pak, but aside from that I usually replace the entire stereo system in a car 1st & then go on to other things. But I've never owned a brand new car in my entire life & the GenCoupe will be my 1st new purchase. I don't have a problem w/XM, since I hardly listen to it anymore, as long as there is ipod connectivity I'll be happy. But back to the point, I have to agree with sabbasaun, in that you will lose your steering wheel controls & may run into interface problems with the display. But for enough money & knowing the right after market people anything can be done...
P.S. my bimmer's radio is part of the computer & display, can't be replaced too esaily & does not have ipod hook-up, so I'm pissed, all I can listen to is CD's, which I don't have may of (remember the ex-girlfriend that took me for $20 large, well she got all my CD's & DVD's as well).

 

[GenesisFan]

I persoanlly do not like factory stereos either, except maybe the Geneis sedan tech pak, but aside from that I usually replace the entire stereo system in a car 1st & then go on to other things. But I've never owned a brand new car in my entire life & the GenCoupe will be my 1st new purchase. I don't have a problem w/XM, since I hardly listen to it anymore, as long as there is ipod connectivity I'll be happy. But back to the point, I have to agree with sabbasaun, in that you will lose your steering wheel controls & may run into interface problems with the display. But for enough money & knowing the right after market people anything can be done...
P.S. my bimmer's radio is part of the computer & display, can't be replaced too esaily & does not have ipod hook-up, so I'm pissed, all I can listen to is CD's, which I don't have may of (remember the ex-girlfriend that took me for $20 large, well she got all my CD's & DVD's as well).

that sucks about the ex and I feel your pain. I had a similar experience a few years ago except my ex was able to get me fired from my job cause she cheated on me with my supervisor. Doi! Needless to say I didn't see that one coming. oh well what are you gonna do.

 

[GenesisFan]

that sucks about the ex and I feel your pain. I had a similar experience a few years ago except my ex was able to get me fired from my job cause she cheated on me with my supervisor. Doi! Needless to say I didn't see that one coming. oh well what are you gonna do.

Dude that is F'd up!

 

[Tufast]

that sucks about the ex and I feel your pain. I had a similar experience a few years ago except my ex was able to get me fired from my job cause she cheated on me with my supervisor. Doi! Needless to say I didn't see that one coming. oh well what are you gonna do.

Damn, I was hoping this kinda of s**t didn't happen to many people because I'll never be the same person I was after that experience. Hope you're able to let it go easier than me. I just feel sorry for the next guy who ended up with her because she's a wolf in sheep's clothing, maybe even the anti-christ.

 

[Tufast]

Hey guys, did some research & found a product Dice-Silverdine for my bimmer that allows me to connect my ipod directly to my stereo system at a plug in the trunk near the amp wiring, only $159.00, but due to my car is digital & not analog, I have to also purchase an $80.00 adapter. But at least I can get crystal clear playback of my ipod, along with the read out on my display, not to mention use of my steering wheel controls. Yep, I ordered it. I let ya'll know how it turns out once I've installed it.
P.S. ordered a bunch of stuff for the 540i since I've decided to keep it. I'll dedicate a thread to it later once it's all complete, including a sound bite of the new exaust.