Question about max head unit depth

2025Z3

Newbie
American Zeds
Joined
Nov 20, 2025
Points
3
Location
Rhode Island
Model of Z
98 Z3 1.9
Hi all,

I ordered a new head unit for my 1998 Z3, mainly looking to add bluetooth but keep a somewhat period correct look. I went with the Blaupunkt Milano 200 BT, but one video I saw after purchasing it shows that some components are in the dash behind the head unit, and could cause issues when trying to install a deeper head unit (like one with a cd player), as opposed to one that just does bluetooth and radio.

Has anyone had any experiences with installing a cd player head unit, or know the maximum depth of head unit the dash will accept?

Thanks!
 

shera25

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2025
Points
13
Hi all,

I ordered a new head unit for my 1998 Z3, mainly looking to add bluetooth but keep a somewhat period correct look. I went with the Blaupunkt Milano 200 BT, but one video I saw after purchasing it shows that some components are in the dash behind the head unit, and could cause issues when trying to install a deeper head unit (like one with a cd player), as opposed to one that just does bluetooth and radio.

Has anyone had any experiences with installing a cd player head unit, or know the maximum depth of head unit the dash will accept?

Thanks!
Hi, good choice on the Blaupunkt, it suits the Z3 really well. The dash can be a bit tight behind the head unit, especially with CD players. Some people have managed it, but cable routing can be fiddly. It usually helps to push the wiring to one side or down behind the climate controls. Hopefully someone can confirm the max depth, but you’re not alone with this concern. Good luck with the install!
 

Duncodin

Zorg Guru (IV)
Supporter
Joined
Sep 8, 2021
Points
163
Location
Pontrhydyrun - in Crow Valley
Model of Z
M44 FrankenZed
My Sony CD player has a stud on the back.

20251215_120936.jpg


That stud anchors into the bracket at the back. Where the end of the tape measure is you see the hole. Also the distance to the hole.

Screenshot_20251215-121958_Chrome.jpg


The idea is that bracket at the back stops the weight of the radio bouncing.up and down.

If your new head unit is a full sized 1 Din unit then it'll likely have a stud on the back and would usually fit in there.
 
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