nickr 3 Report post Posted August 19, 2007 I have just bought a 1996 E39 525i - in fact I am yet to pick it up. Never owned a Beamer before so am a stranger here. The car has a factory radio/cassette head unit. The cassette bit is behind a foldaway panel above the radio bit. The lower bit also seems to be connected to the car computer etc. There is an amplifier looking thing in the boot, and some leads for a cd stacker. Question is, what stackers are compatible? Does it have to be a BMW factory stacker, or can you use other brands? Sorry I know very little about stackers and the protocols they use. Also, can anyone tell me if the radio is reprogrammable to NZ frequencies? I have read a howto on here, but it referred to post 2000 models I think (can't find the post again right now.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rogan 1 Report post Posted August 19, 2007 From my limited knowledge of the E39 audio system, the stacker is an Alpine model but with a different plug (Alpine is usually Ainet). The BMW ibus is used extensively on BMWs (and Mini, Range Rover, Rolls Royce etc), but not on any other brand car The ibus is NOT the same as Alpine ainet. If you're in Auckland, ring Top of the Range in Albany (415 8148) speak to Brett. They're a Land/Rangerover specialist and are wrecking a few; might have something that can fit and they're usually pretty good on pricing. Other thing to check is that the h/u has CD shuttle control (I presume it does but best be certain before shelling out any coin) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nickr 3 Report post Posted August 19, 2007 Thank you for that. I am hoping that the dealer will actually source one (I suspect he will just rip one out of the next BMW in his yard). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hotwire 352 Report post Posted August 19, 2007 Thank you for that. I am hoping that the dealer will actually source one (I suspect he will just rip one out of the next BMW in his yard). Re stacker - yes Apine but BMW specific & yes in the boot L/H side by the amplifier. Re Tuner: To early to reprogramme (2000 onwards) PM Jochen - he usually has or can get the replacement Euro tuner to fit in place of Jap unit to match our frequency. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nickr 3 Report post Posted August 20, 2007 OK the dealer found one and sold it to me for $200.00 (as part of the deal on buying the car) so that seems OK to me. Sounds nice too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
