Would a USA spec Alpine head unit work in a UK car????

Bealo · Post by **Bealo** » Sat May 23, 2009 5:34 am

I'm going to change my cars headunit and i've found that the same Alpine headunit is well over 50% cheaper if i buy it in the States. I'm here already so i can hand carry it back.

My question is will the US spec unit work in my UK car?????

Any help/advice is appreciated.....

woody · Post by **woody** » Sat May 23, 2009 7:19 am

It will work but as they use slightly different radio frequencies so the tuner won't be brilliant in this country. I used to have a U.S spec kenwood in my car and although it would pick up the biggest national stations all the time only sometimes would you get local stations.

Bealo · Post by **Bealo** » Sat May 23, 2009 7:28 am

That would be ok with me as i don't really use the radio.

So the plug/wires on the back should all be the same?????

Post by **Ben** » Sat May 23, 2009 8:06 am

you would need an Apline to BMW loom - an off the shelf part.

RX7 · Post by **RX7** » Sat May 23, 2009 8:11 am

I'd guess its like Jap radios where you buy a radio band expander and this gives you access to UK radio stations. Had one on mine when I first got my car.

Heres a link where they seem to think yes:
http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive ... 00785.html

Bealo · Post by **Bealo** » Sat May 23, 2009 8:56 am

Thanks for your help.

V8_EATR · Post by **V8_EATR** » Sat May 23, 2009 2:12 pm

I have a US Pioneer head unit in my Wife's car and it works great! As Ben said, you'll need a Alpine BMW loom. If you're in the states, find a Best Buy and they will help you out.

Bealo · Post by **Bealo** » Sat May 23, 2009 11:57 pm

Thanks Bryan, lol it's best buy where i've found the cheap headunit. i love that place.....

V8_EATR · Post by **V8_EATR** » Sun May 24, 2009 1:23 pm

:lol: Best Buy is the greatest place on Earth!

drifter · Post by **drifter** » Mon May 25, 2009 7:36 pm

I bought my Alpine head unit from the US, it has an option from memory to set which range of FM you want to use

Mine works fine, but like you I never listen to the radio anyway