[Brian Hsu]

First of all, the "Pioneer AVS-2330NEX" link in your pointer #1 is linked to Sony XAV-AX5000, instead. I just so happened to have the same XAV-AX5000 in my 2001 330Ci a few years back. It will fit right in since it is a single-DIN unit. The Pioneer AVS-2330NEX is a double-DIN unit. So, it will not clear the vent system box which is in the way. FYI.

 

[Brian Hsu]

Thanks. To clarify, the link references the Sony, but indicates it is a suggested replacement unit. If you look closely, there is a link for the Pioneer as well. Note, the Pioneer is a recent enough discontinued unit. As discussed in the intro post, the Pioneer is a double din DVD, non-shallow unit. Hence, I bought the comprehensive Metra installation kit, and understand that I will have to cut the top air box shelf using the template that is included in the kit, to make room to fit the Pioneer. Not worried about this. If I do it right, I will not lose any heater functionality through the front floor vents.

Minor Update: I will go without the LOC converter initially as no information I have suggests one is needed for a non HK, HiFi system. I have ordered another Scosche vehicle harness plug to salvage a missing SWC pin on the harness adapter I will use.

There will be a lot of wiring and adapters to contend with as far as stuffing everything behind the dash goes. Planning to tackle this project next week. I’ll update.

My 330Ci has the HK system. So, there is a HK amp in the trunk that drives all the speakers. I do not think non-HK vehicle has an amp. The speakers are, therefore, driven by the internal amp of the head unit. In that case, you do not need the LOC.

On the side note and for those with HK system, my previous Sony XAV-AX5000 has the 2-volt pre-amp outputs. That is not enough to drive the HK amp. I remember reading somewhere the HK amp takes 3-volt pre-amp input. So, when I upgrade to Pioneer DMH-WT7600NEX with 4-volt pre-amp output, the system just sounds so perfect.