BMW E46 - Radios

None

Simply no radio at all. I believe that some enthusiasts with CSL opted for this option to further reduce weight on their already lightweight M3 version.

Part number: 65128229147

BMW Traffic Pro

Radio unit is well-known among E31/E36 owners, where it was offered as an option. However, the crucial aspect here is not the radio unit itself but rather the OEM panel designed to accommodate this standard 1-DIN device.

Part number: 65900393718

Blaupunkt Hamburg MP68

For reasons unknown to me, this radio was the only one not branded as BMW, unlike Becker radios. Its design is generic for its era and does not complement the E46 interior, but it offers rich features and good sound quality.

Part number: 65902156186

BMW Reverse

Basic entry-level unit, commonly found in lower trim specifications such as the 316i, 318i, 318d, etc.

Part number: 65128383148, 65126902658, 65126923843, 65126923842, 65126943426

BMW Business (Tape only)

This option provides slightly better sound quality compared to the BMW Reverse, with improved noise reduction for the cassette player. It is typically found in mid-level trims of pre-facelift models.

Part number: 65128383150, 65126902716, 65128371345, 65126902712

BMW Business (Tape + CD Changer)

Similar to the previous one, but with changes including the replacement of the mini LCD by a SCAN button, which was relocated to accommodate the TAPE/CD switch. Additionally, the buttons next to the tape door were rearranged, though the reasons for these changes are unknown.

Part number: 65128368250, 65126902717, 65128371346, 65126902714

BMW Business CD

Commonly found on higher-level trim specifications in pre-facelift vehicles or mid-level specifications in facelifted vehicles.

Part number: 65128371342, 65126902662, 65126909883

BMW Business MD

Variant identical to the previous CD version but includes a MiniDisc input instead. MiniDiscs were never popular outside of Japan, and their production ceased by 2013.

Part number: 65126902133, 65126922787, 65126915714, 65126919075, 65126927913, 65126941514, 65126943432, 65126961217

BMW Professional

The BMW Professional series was considered top-tier for those seeking the best audio experience until it was later replaced by the BMW Navigation System. The tape version was the last model to feature two separate displays. The smaller display shows current track time or station information, while the larger display, accompanied by 10 unlabeled buttons, allows for variable selection to choose preset stations or adjust the audio output.

Part number: 65128371343

BMW Professional CD

Similar to the previous one but features a single larger display that utilizes two rows to show information more efficiently in one place.

Part number: 07119901179

BMW Navigation System

The first BMW OEM GPS system was initially offered through the BMW Traffic Pro (rebranded Becker) for the E36. Although this option was also available for the new E46, BMW chose Philips to develop their own GPS-capable tape player. Like the Becker system, these navigation units do not display your position on a map or any map visuals, but provide distance estimates and directions using arrows.

Part number: 65128383684, 65126903733

BMW Navigation 4:3

The breakthrough came with the 1994 E38 7 Series and later transitioned into the E46. This true navigation system, equipped with maps as we recognize them today, a color display, and the ability to watch TV in your car, truly brought the E46 into the modern era. While it may not offer the same connectivity and quality as today's car entertainment systems, it still gives the car a more modern appearance than its actual age suggests.

Part number: 65528375869, 65528380951

BMW Navigation 16:9

The final and, in my opinion, best-looking unit is the 16:9 display, which significantly modernizes the interior of a late '90s car. In the latest software version, you can even enable "3D perspective" map rendering. Map data received their last DVD update in 2015.

Part number: 65526907718, 65526987218

Xtrons 7" - OEM replica

Xtrons 8.8" - Widescreen

Xtrons 9" - Modern look

Dynavin 8

AVIN AVANT 4