QuestionMy car: 2001 BMW 325i –
Last 7 digits of Chassis / VIN # FT25871
Car came with Premium Harmon Kardon Sound system. The radio got damaged and I was told to replace it by the local dealer.
Original Radio:
BMW Professional RDS - 65.12-6 902 709
Replacement Radio
I bought a radio on ebay with the following description:
BMW 6512-6 921 963 model AM/FM Radio
This unit is BMW model 6512-6 921 963 AM/FM Radio and CD player. It has 12 fm and 6 am programmable stations and a single disc CD Player. A CD changer can be added. It is an official BMW product from 2003 BMW 325i. No security code is needed to turn it on. Just plug and play.
This radio fits fine in the car, it connects to the factory harness and it works with the steering wheel controls and it works with the CD changer in the trunk just fine.
Problem:
1) There is no antenna connection on this head unit similar to the one on the old head unit, so the ‘radio’ section does not work so well anymore.
2) The “high performance” system does not sound so high performance any more – little to no bass.
Help !!
AnswerThe thing is, you are mixing two different years, and two different premium audio systems. The HK componets usually are incompatible with the other systems. I'm surprised it works at all! You have two choices, get the EXACT replacement BMW headunit, part number and all, or have a stereo shop replace with a nice aftermarket unit, that either integrates with the HK system, or bypasses it.