I have an '01 BMW 3-series and am looking to replace my OEM head unit with something new. Requirements are as follows in somewhat priority order:
0. Sound quality 1. Will play MP3 CD's 2. Bluetooth / A2DP capable 3. Can be controlled from steering wheel 4. Can be integrated into steering wheel phone controls. 5. Will work with an iPod 6. Integrates OK with rest of the car.
I'm thinking the Alpine CDA-9857 fits the bill. The SWI-ALP will let me use it with my steering wheel (will that give me phone control?), and the KCT-100BT should add A2DP support so I can stream MP3 audio from my A2DP MP3 player if necessary.
However, I doubt this unit will look too good with the rest of the car. Maybe in the end that isn't too big of a deal, but any other suggestions some of you out there might have as to a similar unit that might look a little nicer?
I've also heard comments to the effect that the CDA-9855 is actually a better unit (sans the iPod control). I don't know if it will work with the KCD-100BT though and is it really that much better from an audiophile standpoint than the 9857?