535i head unit depth & other audio questions (archive)

I am planning on replacing the stock head unit with a CD/MP3 player. From the archives I saw recommendations for the Kenwood Z919. But now the Kenwood KDC-MP8017 is out. I checked on Crutchfield and for the 535i it said that only the Z919 would fit. The only difference I saw between the two is that the depth of the Z919 is 6 1/8 and the MP8017 is 6 3/4. Has anyone installed either in an E34? Will the extra eights of an inch make that much of a difference when installed?

From the archives I also saw that it would be best to also replace the stock amp and to use the head unit to drive the back 4 four speakers and use an amp to drive the front six.
Any good recommendations on amp to use to drive the front six channels?

How difficult on an installation would all of this be? I've installed head units before (actually just twice) that were just plug and play with the harness from Crutchfield and replaced speakers. Is this a job for professionals or could I muddle through it myself?

Also I have a set of 6x9 speakers, is it possible to install those in the back without chopping up the car too much?

Well I think I used up my allotment of questions for a first time poster so thats it for now.

This board looks to be a good source of info.

TIA

jbw - 89 535i

Follow Ups:

Plenty of room... about 2" more space behind head Tiger 18:09 8/01/2001 (0)

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