[toddkageals]

Guys,
When installing the 9450B in a car with HK and factory nav, is the original BM54 radio used for anything? I think I have a bad channel in that module. I won't bother to replace it if it won't be used once I get a 9450 in there. If it must be used WITH the 9450B, I guess I will have to replace it first.

Thanks,

Todd

 

[toddkageals]

I have installed the Eonon GA9450B into my 2002 E46 330 Coupe with Harman Kardon, without nav today.

Delivery time took 6 days, pretty decent.
The packaging is alright, you get a box with the headunit, 2 bags with cables, some manuals, and a warranty card.

The installation was pretty easy because i made sure what i needed to do before installing. In my case, no additional accessoires, cables or connectors needed.

I plugged in most of the wires except for the external mic before installation. I used the picture in the guide that came with it, all cables are also labeled. What i would not have known without the internet is that you need to plugin the AMP-CON coming from the supplied harness into the ANT (supplied bundle of cables).

I removed the dashboard trims with the included prier tool.
I pulled the radio forward and unplugged the harness and antenna cable.

I removed the AC, had some trouble removing the small black connector that doesn’t have a pushpin. There’s a tiny tab on the side, I pushed this in with a small screwdriver and pushed the connector out with another screwdriver.

I removed the bracket that holds the radio and the AC, you might need to remove the upper vents for this, I did not have to do this.

I then removed the console storage underneath the AC by pushing from behind, relocated the AC without the proper bracket you could buy.

Plugged in the antenna cable into the new headunit and plugged in the harness.
It comes with 2 harnesses, A and B. I plugged the harness that’s in the car from the old unit into the ‘BMW E46/E39 B’ harness. Make sure to switch over the CanBus to the right harness.

I put they key in position 2, the headunit booted up and I tested the sound and Carplay.

After that I trimmed the side pieces of the dashboard with a cutting tool and a knife until the headunit had a tight fitment.

I routed 2 USB cables and the GPS and WiFi antenna through the corner of the AC unit into the glovebox since i have some wiring to do for the backup camera and OBD.

Screwed in 2 screws in the 2 holes at the top to secure the headunit and put the dashtrims back

What I noticed the first time when I used CarPlay is that I couldn’t change the volume. After backing out and reconnecting my phone I was able to change the CarPlay volume, but it happened a second time later tonight.

Now about the static noise when connected to a phone.
As soon as I connected my phone to the CarPlay adapter, I could hear some crackling and static noise. It’s not obnoxiously loud and not noticable when driving or playing music.

I will be testing this further this weekend and will give an update on this.

Conclusion so far:
I love it! It’s a pretty big and bright screen and it responds fairly quick.
There’s an equalizer built in that is actually more useful than I expected it to be.
CarPlay, sound and steering wheel controls work, which are most important for me.
I can live with the boot time, about half a minute.
Overall it really improves the look and functionality of my E46.
I’ve shown the headunit to a few people and they were all like; ‘wow, that’s nice’.

Thanks for posting all of this. I really want one! How's the sound quality? What about Android Auto? I see you have an apple, but I want to know how AA works with it. What external mic. are you using? I heard the included mic. needs some "help".

 

[toddkageals]

I swear I had this issue in a BMW a LONG time ago. I only remember that the antenna amplifier was not being turned on by the radio. I don't remember how I solved it. That's a ridiculous suggestion for you to have to install a separate signal amplifier. That setup is supposed to be plug and play. There's no way your car requires a separate signal amp. I assume you checked the antenna connections? The next step would be to locate the signal amp (I believe it was in the C pillar on my BMW MANY years ago) and check for power when you switch on the radio. I believe I had a 330i with the H/K system at the time.

 

[toddkageals]

I believe the antenna amplifier might be on the underside of the cover that flips up when you retract the convertible top. It's a box about 2 inches square. There's a single wire going into the box and I believe it's powered through the antenna wire itself.

 

[toddkageals]

Also, has anybody found out how to move apps on the home screen?

If I'm in the app folder I can touch/hold an app and it will let me drop it on the home screen but says 'home screen is full' and I don't see a way to edit the items on the home screen to make room for things?

Just finished my install (well....it's not "finished", but it's working). I want to know this as well.