Having a comfortable motor vehicle is already essential, but we’re also used to spending our days surrounded by multimedia content, whether it’s music or video, and we’re getting easier and easier access to this type of content, and it’s just natural that we want to do similar at the wheel of our BMW 3 Series. That’s why today we’re going to find out what is the best head unit for BMW 3 Series . If you want to buy a new car radio to enjoy more functions or play your favourite tracks, you’ve come to the right page. To accomplish this, first we will check out how to choose the head unit for your BMW 3 Series , and secondly, what are the different types of car radios, and finally, what are the best car radios for BMW 3 Series .

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How to choose the head unit for his BMW 3 Series?

So we begin our article with how to choose an head unit for BMW 3 Series , to help you make your choice, we’ll review the different functionality that differentiate the car radios, and thus allow you to privilege certain models according to your desires.

The different characteristics of an head unit for BMW 3 Series

  • The size of the head unit in your BMW 3 Series : The proportions of the car radios is expressed in DIN , 1 DIN is equivalent to a classic car radio slot that will be appropriate for most automobiles, and a 2 DIN car radio is twice as big and generally has a screen, touch or not, which can be up to 7 inches in size . If you want a 2 DIN car radio, you will have to provide an appropriate space to be able to fix the car radio on your BMW 3 Series.

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  • The sound power of your head unit: This is one of the most significant criteria in choosing the right radio for your BMW 3 Series, because a car radio that is too strong can ruin your speakers and a car radio that is too weak can give poor sound reproduction in your motor vehicle. And, when you replace your car radio to have a better sound, look carefully at the instruction manual of your BMW 3 Series , to determine the power of your sound system which depends on the finish of this one.
  • The features of the car radio: Along with power, this is the most essential criterion for the majority of us. In actual fact, all radios will incorporate the simple features that is radio , but on some of them you will locate a USB port , a CD player , the possibility to connect your phone in Bluetooth on your BMW 3 Series, and thus transfer your music on your motor vehicle, or phone in hands free kit . Finally, some car radios such as DIN 2, will allow you to use a GPS or to watch video content .

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  • Connections: The sockets of the head unit of your BMW 3 Series, will be important because based on the year of your motor vehicle, the options it has, it will be necessary to locate a radio suitable for them. The radio antenna socket is compatible with 90% of the BMW 3 Series, otherwise you will need an adapter. If however, you have steering wheel controls , you will need a compatible motor vehicle radio if you still want to be able to use it. Finally, a 3. 5mm jack or auxiliary jack can allow you to transfer the sound from your phone to your speakers with ease.
  • The price: Finally, last criterion, you will have to define a budget for the purchase of the car radio of your BMW 3 Series. You can find private label models in prices around 30/40€ with really simple capabilities, and for the most successful models you can go up to several hundred euros. It’s up to you to locate the right balance according to your preferences and the quality you want to have.

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Choose your head unit according to your needs

In this second section, we will present you the 4 main categories of car radios for BMW 3 Series according to the needs of each one. This will allow you to make an easier selection of head unit for your car.

head unit to listen to music

If you just want to listen to music, a classical car radio will be enough, in budgets between 50 and 80 euros you should be able to locate what you want, some will be designed with a USB port and possibly a jack socket. On the more expensive models you will also have a CD player .

Head unit to listen to music and make phone calls

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If, however, you want to make calls in addition to enjoying the music although driving, you’ll have to switch to models designed with bluetooth to be able to have the sound of your calls on your speakers, furthermore this will allow you to transfer all the audio content from your smartphone to your BMW 3 Series hands-free. Plan a budget between 70 and 120 euros .

Head unit to listen to music, make calls and watch videos

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If you want to be able to enjoy a screen on the car radio of your BMW 3 Series, you will have to switch to a DIN 2 model which will have a screen up to 7 inches. The price is bound to be higher, and you will have to invest between 150 and 300 euros for one of these models.

head unit to play music, make phone calls and watch videos and have GPS

Finally, if you want to have the complete package, with the integrated GPS in addition to the screen, budgets are really going crazy, and we don’t necessarily would suggest this type of product because the GPS of our smartphones now largely do the job. But plan to spend between 200 and 1000 euros .

The best head unit for BMW 3 Series

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We’ll now go to our selection of the best head unit for BMW 3 Series . We’ve decided to segment our choice by budget and functionality.

Best cheap USB head unit for BMW 3 Series

Pioneer MHV-S11UI car stereo.

Pioneer is a well-known company in audio components, this entry-level station has all the features and options you need to enjoy a perfect hearing encounter behind the wheel of your BMW 3 Series. You can remove the front of the unit to prevent theft.
Benefits:

  • Value for money
  • USB port.
  • Auxiliary jack.
  • Power 4 x 50 Watts
  • Android and iPhone compatible.

Inconvenience

  • No Bluetooth.
  • No CD player, no CD player.

Best USB and Bluetooth mid-range head unit for BMW 3 Series

Pioneer DEH-S11UB car stereo

Same range as our previous car radio, it goes however arranged in addition to the one seen higher of a CD player for those who wish to take advantage of this option. You can constantly remove the front of the unit to prevent theft. In our opinion, it is a complete model that deserves the title of best head unit for XX .
Benefits:

  • Value for money
  • USB port
  • Auxiliary jack.
  • Power 4 x 50 Watts
  • Android and iPhone compatible.
  • CD player.

Inconvenience

  • No Bluetooth, no Bluetooth, no Bluetooth.

JVC KD-X351BT car stereo

JVC has been producing car radios for more than 15 years and is one of the leading players in the industry, a guarantee of quality and reliability. Thanks to this car radio you will be able to benefit from Bluetooth on your BMW 3 Series.
Benefits:

  • Value for money
  • USB port.
  • Auxiliary jack.
  • Power 4 x 50 Watts
  • Android and iPhone compatible.
  • Built-in external microphone for making calls.
  • Bluetooth.

Inconvenience

  • No CD player, no CD player.

Best premium Bluetooth head unit for BMW 3 Series

Pioneer DEH-S41BT car stereo

The sound quality of Pioneer remains to be similar, in this car radio you will find Bluetooth, a CD player and other functional features that will allow you to enjoy an optimal sound setting in your BMW 3 Series. It is in our opinion one of the best car radio for BMW 3 Series
Benefits:

  • USB Quick Charge port, which allows you to fairly quickly charge your smartphone.
  • Auxiliary jack.
  • CD player.
  • Application to manage your smartphone’s car radio.
  • Android and iPhone compatible.
  • Built-in external microphone for making calls.
  • Bluetooth.

Inconvenience

  • Pretty costly

A few suggestions for buying the head unit for your BMW 3 Series

And to finish our article, we’ll give you some final suggestions to make certain you choose the best BMW 3 Series radio for your needs and your vehicle.

  • Make sure you verify your manual to verify the power of your sound system before you buy it.
  • Don’t choose the radio set of your BMW 3 Series according to its price but according to your needs.
  • Think about reselling your vehicle when you buy it and try, if your budget allows, to get an audio system that matches your interior.

In the event that you have any further questions about the BMW 3 Series, do not hesitate to consult our BMW 3 Series category.