Hope you didn't spend your own money on this(long) (archive)

IMNSHO, I can understand the desire to upgrade the sound, but you really messed up that car...that head unit makes it look like a CIVIC! Didn't you do any research first? Again, I hope you didn't spend your own money on this...

1. Does the Eclipse screen have higher resolution than the 2001 BMW head unit, with its 6.5" screen? Haven't priced that unit, but I can't see it being more than the $3k you spent on those Eclipse pieces. AND, you'd keep your center vents, nav, stock look, etc.

2. A couple of months ago, someone posted the instructions and [BMW OEM] parts to activate the TV module, as well as include line inputs to the dash and to a secondary (backseat) display. That would've gotten you the DVD/PS2 video input method. I don't see where your set-up really utilizes any DSP capabilities much beyond what BMW provides (e.g., no center front channel), so I don't understand the need for a separate DVD player and outboard DSP. The parts/labor cost for the OEM solution was estimated at $700. And, you get TV, as well as the aforementioned center vents, nav, etc.

In any case...

3. Couldn't you just bypass the OEM amps with your (granted, much-improved) amps? That part of your install, along with the speakers, is the only value-add that I can see (though I would've stuck w/free-air subs).

Finally, you didn't stealth mount your V1?!?!?!?! For the dough you dropped, that would've been worthwhile. My buddy spent ~$3k for his install, which moved the power/volume control and speaker to a custom mount beside his ashtray, the counter/arrow display to the rearview (underneath a reglazed mirror), and the detector to a custom-built enclosure mounted in the ceiling.

Oh, well, to each his own. I'm sure it sounds great - I just would've gone with a more stealth/stock look.

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