3 ms·

I have a 1988 BMW 325i with the original stereo + cassette deck. I don't want to replace the stereo because I'd like to keep it in original condition, so I've b

I have a 1988 BMW 325i with the original stereo + cassette deck. I don't want to replace the stereo because I'd like to keep it in original condition, so I've been in the market for cassettes! There are a surprising number of older cars -- and some not that old -- where cassette decks were the base model option unless you paid for a CD changer.

mikeash 11y ago
Those fake cassette tapes that have a headphone plug work pretty well, though. Then you can use the audio source of your choice. The real problem is cars made in the few years after CDs completely took over but before the iPod did. A lot of those only do CD and radio and there's nothing good to hook in to for other audio sources, besides using an FM transmitter, or jacking directly into the FM antenna. I owned a car like this and I wished it had tape player!
- semi-extrinsic 11y ago
  If your car has a stereo with just CD and radio, but with a CD changer option, you can get aftermarket kits that let you hook up your ipod/phone/mp3 and play music. Some can even pass the steering wheel next/back/pause etc. commands to your device.
- kw71 11y ago
  A lot of those cars have a changer option on the factory stereo which means an emulator can provide an aux input. There are some adapters on the commercial market for this and lots of arduino-style projects published on the web. So far this year I built two such adapters for family and friends.
kw71 11y ago
I think you are smart to not have hacked one of those aftermarket stereos that kids buy into such an awesome car. You aren't stuck with cassettes - you can upgrade without looking like a retard. The radios that came in e32 and e34 match the colors and legend typefaces. Then you can make or buy an aux input adapter that emulates alpine mbus.
- eastbayjake 11y ago
  I ended up buying a cassette adapter from Rite Aid and the sound quality is good enough that I don't see the need right now for something more elaborate!

mikeash 11y ago

Those fake cassette tapes that have a headphone plug work pretty well, though. Then you can use the audio source of your choice. The real problem is cars made in the few years after CDs completely took over but before the iPod did. A lot of those only do CD and radio and there's nothing good to hook in to for other audio sources, besides using an FM transmitter, or jacking directly into the FM antenna. I owned a car like this and I wished it had tape player!

semi-extrinsic 11y ago
If your car has a stereo with just CD and radio, but with a CD changer option, you can get aftermarket kits that let you hook up your ipod/phone/mp3 and play music. Some can even pass the steering wheel next/back/pause etc. commands to your device.
kw71 11y ago
A lot of those cars have a changer option on the factory stereo which means an emulator can provide an aux input. There are some adapters on the commercial market for this and lots of arduino-style projects published on the web. So far this year I built two such adapters for family and friends.

kw71 11y ago

I think you are smart to not have hacked one of those aftermarket stereos that kids buy into such an awesome car. You aren't stuck with cassettes - you can upgrade without looking like a retard. The radios that came in e32 and e34 match the colors and legend typefaces. Then you can make or buy an aux input adapter that emulates alpine mbus.

eastbayjake 11y ago
I ended up buying a cassette adapter from Rite Aid and the sound quality is good enough that I don't see the need right now for something more elaborate!