Replacement Head Unit

As JSP said - there should be an amp behind the LH back panel - if you have the standard mid display - and a centre speaker in the dash. The base model didn't run an amp - or the centre speaker, and the system with the sat nav has a different amp in the back. All the speakers run back to here. There is no reason you can't put an aftermarket head unit/speakers/amp if you don't mind running some more wires between the head unit and the back amp. You can then do whatever you like. Intergration to the steering controls can be done - but I'm not sure of the exact science of this at the moment - maybe one day I will have a play, but the standard system isn't too bad, so it is low on my list.

Hope this helps
My car is an HSE with the CD stacker in the glove box (No big navigaton screen). I also removed my CD stacker to give more space in the gb.
To reset the clock I plug the module back in as I only need to change it for daylight saving and battery disconnection.
Under the dash top speaker I cut out a hole and put the plug there and pull it out when needed. The speaker grill covers this at other times. I have heard of owners putting the display unit in the gb which I might look into in future but will probably need to extend the cable which is no problem.
The following was simply plug and play. My stereo is a Pioneer. Repco and Supercheap sell stereo to ISO adaptor plugs.

Interface unit
Car Audio :: Search Car Audio Products

I also got the necessary bits for my particular stereo like the Iso plug adaptor and stereo patch lead which links the interface unit to my stereo. They do not list for Range Rover but do for BMW which the L322 electrics is based on.

The single din fascia came from PowerfulUK
Range Rover L322 Stereo Fascia Panel - Single Din Type

And it looks identical to that except I don't have wood trim.

Adrian

Sorry to be so painful but i am just trying to ensure i have the correct shopping list prior to committing my hard earned... ;) I am looking to buy the following unit as it will allow me to do all the required things such as ipod use and play dvds for my head rest monitors (as the dvd player in the boot has given up the ghost) and will cost $350 to replace anyways. This unit is also only single din which will allow me a far easier swap.

Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. (i will be buying this from a local JB-HI-FI) not importing

As this is an Alpine unit to my understanding i then purchase the following Interface Adapter along with the Alpine patch lead?

BMW 3 5 Series X3 X5 Mini Steering Wheel Control Stalk Interface Adaptor

I then will also purchase the single din Fascia panel from Powerful UK.

Range Rover L322 Stereo Fascia Panel - Single Din Type

Would i then be required to buy a Alpine ISO cable? Do i just go to any place which sells car audio gear and ask for an Alpine ISO cable? sorry this part has be confused... :(

A very embarrassed James.

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Originally Posted by Grover-98

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Would i then be required to buy a Alpine ISO cable? Do i just go to any place which sells car audio gear and ask for an Alpine ISO cable? sorry this part has be confused... :(

A very embarrassed James.

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In theory yes. Repco or Supercheap will have them as well just make sure the stereo socket matches your stereo plug exactly. The Pioneer unit I fitted has a reversed socket to the standard one so I had to hunt through there stock to find the correct one.
Then again you might be lucky and it comes with the ISO plug. I took photos and my old stereo in with me when I went to get the new adaptor to make sure it all fitted.

Good luck

Adrian

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ahebron

In theory yes. Repco or Supercheap will have them as well just make sure the stereo socket matches your stereo plug exactly. The Pioneer unit I fitted has a reversed socket to the standard one so I had to hunt through there stock to find the correct one.
Then again you might be lucky and it comes with the ISO plug. I took photos and my old stereo in with me when I went to get the new adaptor to make sure it all fitted.

Good luck

Adrian

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After speaking to two local Audio suppliers i have been informed that for models with screens they don't supply an Adapter and that the old style self wiring approach is required...

James.

Will a flip up single din unit work? I would have thought the dash would get in the way.

Camo

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Camo

Will a flip up single din unit work? I would have thought the dash would get in the way.

Camo

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I have put this into consideration myself, and from what i have measured up in the shop there is enough clearance (only JUST) :o

James.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Grover-98

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2. Does ANYBODY know of a DOUBLE DIN aftermarket fascia panel for the L322 or an equivalent? Will the 2005 onward Sports version fit?
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I can confirm no, the sport D3 kit does not fit, despite the claims of one manufacturer.

The single din plate mentioned above is available from pretty much all retailers here (Northfield, Autobahn ect), they have no listing for a L322 but it is listed for the BMW X5 E53 (1999-2004) and BMW 5 series E39 - exactly the same item. Part number CT24BM02 in connects2 catalog

I'm going down the 2 din route - custom fascia, there's actually not much to it. Maybe I should make one and use it to plug a mold to reproduce in fiberglass?

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Originally Posted by RangieBit

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I defy anyone, even those who know where all the tabs, screws, and panel links are, to take apart the dash for proper access, without damaging the wood panel trim on the dash ends, in ten minutes.
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Sorry, I did underestimate it a bit. I took my dash apart on the weekend to have a good look, (planning ect), with a cordless driver it took 12 mins to have the head unit & MID module out of the car. There's no way its a 90 min job, but then again someone was claiming 1hr to change the battery in another thread - if the operator doesn't know the tricks it's going to take time to figure out.

put a little thought into this today.


due to another project I wish to be able to keep record and track speed, location, altitude and time. Quite easy with a number of GPS programs on PC.

after going the whole hog on a custom P38 Range Rover install, I just cant be bothered with too much hasle.

I might just fab up a new panel to keep the exsisting mid unit, but put a nice hole in it to put in a single din unit where on my car a sinlge cd player is above the mid unit, and have a motorised pop out tousch screen connected to a modified netbook running a GPS app, also having my cheapo diagnostics software and maybe even an OBD2 app as well. Would have to bolt the single din cd player somewhere behind the dash and leave it connected as I believe it actually has the am/fm radio in it also.

I can use bluetooth etc for phone integration if I want to get really fancy, and splice in the audio from the pc to the mid unit quite easily either by picking the mid units low level output to the amp, or by hijacking the stacker or single cd players audio in. A DAB usb stick would give nice radio as well.

I am more than happy with the mid's stereo functions, trip computer funtions and ease of use for others in the car, and can then fairly easily add unlimited mp3 playback etc with a cheap pc.

Just an idea at this stage.

Down the track I could get more fancy taking on the the ibus a bit more to display trip computer stuff and use the steering wheel controls etc using a dongle from IBUS Interface for BMW cars, then with a fair bit of mucking about one can integrate steering wheel controls, cd stacker control, and write messages to the instrument cluster, as well as pick up all the clock and trip computer functions.

There's a few youtube vids about of people doing this.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by harlie

I'm going down the 2 din route - custom fascia, there's actually not much to it.

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Can you fit a full double din in there? I haven't looked into it that much. EDIT: I just had a look at the youtube of replacing the headunit with the chinese aftermarket unit and it looks like theres plenty of space, might have to fab one up.

This is interesting; it is expensive but gives everything needed for a Pioneer double din conversion.

Double Din kit 5 series

What I don’t like is the fascia. Like the single din fascia mention above from powerfullUK (connects2 product) it is shaped to fit the BMW E39 which has a slightly different profile to the L322. IMHO these plates don’t fit the L322 very well; the profile doesn’t match the wood trim beside the new plate