What is the design and purpose of car radios?

Car radios are electronic devices mounted in the center console, designed to handle sound sources in a car. A typical unit consists of a control panel, housing, installation connectors, a tuner module, and circuits responsible for reading media or communicating with other vehicle systems. Depending on the version, they may work with an antenna, central display, steering wheel controls, and an additional amplifier.

What are car radios used for?

Car radios are used to receive radio signals, play music from various media, and manage basic audio functions in the vehicle. Beyond the sound itself, they affect interior usability, as they often integrate source selection, sound adjustment, and communication with other modules. Without a properly selected unit, some sound system functions or factory steering wheel controls may not work.

What is the design and function of the audio installation connector?

The audio installation connector is an intermediary element between the car radio and the vehicle's electrical system. It represents a set of pins and sockets responsible for power, ground, speaker signals, and sometimes communication with the display, amplifier, or steering wheel controls. Its compatibility determines correct installation and whether the device will work with the equipment of a specific car version.

How to select a car radio for a specific vehicle version?

It is best to compare the OEM number, front panel type, plug type, and pin layout. It is also worth checking the body version, model year, pre-facelift or facelift variant, and whether the car has an additional screen, amplifier, or steering wheel controls. When replacing with a different unit, the installation depth and mounting method in the console also matter.

What symptoms indicate a problem with the car radio or its accessories?

Typical symptoms include no sound, power loss, non-responsive buttons, media reading issues, or lack of communication with the display. The cause may be the device itself, but also a damaged plug, antenna, wiring harness, or a connected module. Therefore, before purchasing a replacement, it is worth verifying not only the radio but also the components connected to the audio installation.

What data should be considered when buying a used car radio?

The most important factors are the OEM part number, interchangeable numbers, brand, condition, and compatibility with the vehicle's equipment version. It is also good to compare the button layout, panel appearance, connector type, and any module markings. Such information makes it easier to match parts without guesswork and helps avoid mounting discrepancies.

Car Stereos & Head Units

Make

Genuine Sendai CD789 CD MP3 WMA Stereo Audio Player Head Unit

£28.95

Free delivery: Aug 11

If paid before 14:00

Part no. KD-AVX20

Genuine JVC KD-AVX20 Head Unit CD DVD MP3 Audio Video Player LCD Screen

£161.95

Free delivery: Aug 11

If paid before 14:00

Part no. XTA372C-1

Audi A3 8P Junsun XTA372C Multimedia Car Audio Radio Android Touchscreen 7"

£189.95

Free delivery: Aug 12 – 19

If paid before 14:00

Part no. A3-8P-ATOTO

Audi A3 8P ATOTO Android Multimedia Car Audio Radio Touchscreen 7"

£94.95

Free delivery: Aug 12 – 19

If paid before 14:00

Part no. XT891C

Mercedes R171 Junsun XT891C Multimedia Car Audio Radio Android Touch Screen 9"

£142.95

Free delivery: Aug 12 – 19

If paid before 14:00

Part no. AVIC-F310BT

Pioneer AVIC-F310BT CD Player Navigation GPS Sat Nav Head Unit TFT Screen 4,3"

£94.95

Free delivery: Aug 12 – 19

If paid before 14:00

Part no. KD-DB52

Genuine JVC KD-DB52 Car Radio Stereo MP3 Audio Player Bluetooth Head Unit

£47.95

Free delivery: Aug 11

If paid before 14:00

Part no. DMH-A240BT

Pioneer DMH-A240BT CD DVD iPhone Bluetooth Audio Player Head Unit Touchscreen

£237.95

Free delivery: Aug 11

If paid before 14:00

Part no. P9775

ESSGOO AR9002 9" Multimedia Player Sat Nav Volkswagen Head Unit Touchscreen

£113.95

Free delivery: Aug 11

If paid before 14:00

Part no. 7023B-1

Head Unit Sat Nav iMars Infotainment Navigation 7" Touchscreen Bluetooth 7023B

£142.95

Free delivery: Aug 12 – 19

If paid before 14:00

Part no. DMX125DAB-1

BMW F20 Kenwood DMX125DAB Car Head Unit Player Touchscreen 6,8" Display 2 DIN

£142.95

Free delivery: Aug 11

If paid before 14:00

Part no. AVIC-HRV002G

Pioneer Carrozzeria AVIC-HRV002G DVD Player GPS Navigation Sat Nav HDD TV Tuner

£474.95

Free delivery: Aug 11

If paid before 14:00

Part no. MP5 Player

MP5 Player Head Unit Stereo Audio DVR Rear View Player 5,1" IPS Screen

£47.95

Free delivery: Aug 11

If paid before 14:00

Part no. LINK24874

Seat Ibiza Mk4 Erisin Car Radio Head Unit GPS Android CarPlay 7" LINK24874

£189.95

Free delivery: Aug 12 – 19

If paid before 14:00

Part no. DSX-A410BT-1

Genuine Sony DSX-A410BT Bluetooth USB Stereo Audio Player Head Unit Frame

Product currently unavailable

Part no. MEX-N4100BT

Genuine Sony MEX-N4100BT Bluetooth USB Stereo Audio Player Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. D5165-1

Eonon 7" GPS Sat Nav Navigation BMW E92 Head Unit Touchscreen DVD Bluetooth

Product currently unavailable

Part no. KDC-BT720DAB

Kenwood KDC-BT720DAB Car Radio Stereo MP3 USB FM DAB Spotify Audio Player

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DMX5020DABS

Kenwood DMX5020DABS Car Radio Stereo MP3 FM AUX Bluetooth Audio Player Screen

Product currently unavailable

Part no. KD-R302

Genuine JVC KD-R302 Car Radio Stereo CD MP3 Audio Player Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DSX-A400BT

Genuine Sony DSX-A400BT Bluetooth USB Stereo Audio Player Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. SPH-DA160DAB

Genuine Pioneer SPH-DA160DAB Radio Player 6,8" Bluetooth DAB USB AUX Audio 2 DIN

Product currently unavailable

Part no. MEX-N4300BT

Genuine Sony MEX-N4300BT Bluetooth USB Stereo Audio Player Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DMX125DAB

Kenwood DMX125DAB Car Head Unit Audio Video Player Touchscreen 6,8" 2 DIN

Product currently unavailable

Part no. KDC-264U

Kenwood KDC-264U Car Radio Stereo MP3 FM AUX USB Audio Player

Product currently unavailable

Part no. XAV-AX1000

Sony Radio Media Player Receiver Head Unit 6.2" Apple CarPlay Unit XAV-AX1000

Product currently unavailable

Part no. D5165

Eonon 7" GPS Sat Nav Navigation BMW E92 Head Unit Touchscreen DVD Bluetooth

Product currently unavailable

Part no. KDC-BT73DAB

Kenwood KDC-BT73DAB Car Radio Stereo MP3 USB FM DAB Audio Player

Product currently unavailable

Part no. MVH-330DAB

Genuine Pioneer MVH-330DAB Bluetooth USB AUX Audio Player DAB Radio

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DEH-4700BT

Genuine Pioneer DEH-4700BT Bluetooth USB AUX Audio Player 1 DIN

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DSX-A40UI

Genuine Sony DSX-A40UI USB AUX Stereo Audio Radio Player Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. MVH-S100UBG

Pioneer MVH-S100UBG USB AUX MP3 FLAC Stereo Audio Player 1 DIN

Product currently unavailable

Part no. AVH-X3500DAB

Genuine Pioneer AVH-X3500DAB CD DVD Bluetooth Upgrade Head Unit Player Stereo

Product currently unavailable

Part no. CDE-113BT

Genuine Alpine CDE-113BT CD MP3 USB AUX Car Radio Stereo Audio Media Player

Product currently unavailable

Part no. E90-ANDROID-2

BMW E84 E90 Infotainment Media System Unit 9" Screen GPS Android CarPlay

Product currently unavailable

Part no. KDC-4057U

Kenwood KDC-4057U Car Radio Stereo MP3 USB AUX iPod iPhone Audio Player

Product currently unavailable

Part no. CDX-G1000U

Genuine Sony CDX-G1000U CD Compact Disc Stereo Audio Player Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. MEX-N4000BT

Genuine Sony MEX-N4000BT Bluetooth USB Stereo Audio Player Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DEH-4800BT

Genuine Pioneer DEH-4800BT Bluetooth USB AUX Audio Player 1 DIN

Product currently unavailable

Part no. SPH-10BT

Genuine Pioneer SPH-10BT USB Bluetooth iPhone Android Stereo Audio Player 1 DIN

Product currently unavailable

Part no. Eonon Q65PRO

BMW E90 Eonon Q65PRO Infotainment Media System 9" Screen GPS Android 11 CarPlay

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DEH-S720DAB

Genuine Pioneer DEH-S720DAB Radio Player DAB CD Bluetooth USB AUX Audio

Product currently unavailable

Part no. KD-R891BT

Genuine JVC KD-R891BT Car Radio Stereo Audio Player Bluetooth USB Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. F9770DAB

Genuine Pioneer AVIC-F9770DAB CD DVD Sat Nav iPhone Bluetooth Head Unit Player

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DSX-A410BT-2

Genuine Sony DSX-A410BT Bluetooth USB Stereo Audio Player Head Unit Frame

Product currently unavailable

Part no. KD-R891BT-1

Genuine JVC KD-R891BT Car Radio Stereo Audio Player Bluetooth USB Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. FH-X700BT

Genuine Pioneer FH-X700BT Radio Player CD Bluetooth USB AUX Audio

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DEH-S320BT

Genuine Pioneer DEH-S320BT Bluetooth USB AUX CD Audio Player 1 DIN

Product currently unavailable

Part no. MVH-A210BT

Genuine Pioneer MVH-A210BT Bluetooth USB AUX Spotify Audio Player 2 DIN

Product currently unavailable

Part no. MEX-N4200BT

Genuine Sony Xplod MEX-N4200BT Bluetooth USB Stereo Audio Player Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DEH-3900BT

Genuine Pioneer DEH-3900BT Bluetooth USB AUX Audio Player 1 DIN

Product currently unavailable

Part no. XAV-AX3005DB

Sony XAV-AX3005DB Bluetooth DAB USB MP3 Stereo Audio Player Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. CDX-GT530UI

Genuine Sony CDX-GT530UI CD MP3 AUX Stereo Audio Radio Player Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. CDE-196DAB

Genuine Alpine CDE-196DAB CD MP3 USB iPod Car Radio Stereo Audio Media Player

Product currently unavailable

Part no. CDE-9850RI

Genuine Alpine CDE-9850Ri CD MP3 USB AUX Car Radio Stereo Audio Media Player

Product currently unavailable

Part no. CDX-R6550

Genuine Sony CDX-R6550 Xplod CD MP3 Stereo Audio Radio Player Head Unit 6506252

Product currently unavailable

Part no. CDE-112Ri

Genuine Alpine CDE-112Ri CD MP3 USB iPod Car Radio Stereo Audio Media Player

Product currently unavailable

Part no. KEH-P6020R

Genuine Pioneer KEH-P6020R Radio Cassette AUX Audio Player 4x50W

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DEH-3300UB

Genuine Pioneer DEH-3300UB USB AUX iPhone iPod Stereo Audio Player 1 DIN

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DEH-S420BT

Genuine Pioneer DEH-S420BT Radio Player CD Bluetooth USB AUX Audio

Product currently unavailable

Part no. KMM-BT504DAB

Kenwood KMM-BT504DAB Car Radio Stereo MP3 FM AUX USB Audio Player

Product currently unavailable

Part no. CDX-GT121

Genuine Sony CDX-GT121 Xplod CD Compact Disc Stereo Audio Player Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. SPH-DA130DAB

Genuine Pioneer SPH-DA130DAB Radio Player 6,8" Touchscreen Bluetooth DAB 2 DIN

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DEH-X9600BT

Genuine Pioneer DEH-X9600BT Bluetooth USB AUX CD Audio Player 1 DIN BMW E93

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DEH-X7800DAB

Genuine Pioneer DEH-X7800DAB Radio Player CD Bluetooth DAB USB AUX Audio

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DEH-2600UI

Genuine Pioneer DEH-2600UI USB AUX Autoradio Audio Player 1 DIN

Product currently unavailable

Part no. CDX-GT111

Genuine Sony CDX-GT111 Xplod CD Compact Disc Stereo Audio Player Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DEH-X3600UI

Genuine Pioneer DEH-X3600UI USB AUX iPhone iPod Stereo Audio Player 1 DIN

Product currently unavailable

Part no. MVH-S310BT

Genuine Pioneer MVH-S310BT Bluetooth USB AUX Spotify Audio Player 1 DIN

Product currently unavailable

Part no. CDX-G1200U

Genuine Sony CDX-G1200U CD MP3 USB Stereo Audio Radio Player Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. AVH-X2600BT

Pioneer AVH-X2600BT CD DVD iPhone Bluetooth Audio Player Head Unit Touchscreen

Product currently unavailable

Part no. KD-X272BT

Genuine JVC KD-X272BT Car Radio Stereo MP3 USB Audio Player Bluetooth Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. AVH-A240DAB

Genuine Pioneer AVH-A240DAB CD DVD Bluetooth Upgrade Head Unit Player Stereo

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DEH-1320MP

Genuine Pioneer DEH-1320MP Radio Player CD AUX FM AM Autoradio

Product currently unavailable

Part no. XAV-AX3005DB-1

Sony XAV-AX3005DB Bluetooth DAB USB MP3 Stereo Audio Player Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DMX8020DABS

Kenwood DMX8020DABS Car Radio Stereo 7" Screen iPod iPhone Bluetooth Player

Product currently unavailable

Part no. HL-8798GB

Head Unit Sat Nav BMW E90 GPS 7" Navigation Touchscreen DVD Bluetooth HL-8798GB

Product currently unavailable

Part no. KD-R331

JVC KD-R331 Car Radio Stereo CD MP3 AUX Bluetooth Audio Player Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. KD-R992BT

Genuine JVC KD-R992BT Car Radio Stereo CD MP3 Audio Player Bluetooth Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. KD-R801

Genuine JVC KD-R801 Car Radio Stereo MP3 Audio Player Bluetooth Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DEH-150MP

Genuine Pioneer DEH-150MP CD AUX Car Audio Player 1 DIN

Product currently unavailable

Part no. CDX-CA680X

Genuine Sony CDX-CA680X Xplod CD Compact Disc Stereo Audio Player Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. KDC-3054U

Kenwood KDC-3054U Car Radio Stereo MP3 FM AUX USB Audio Player

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DSX-B41D

Genuine Sony DSX-B41D Bluetooth USB DAB Stereo Audio Player Head Unit Frame

Product currently unavailable

Part no. KD-X382BT

Genuine JVC KD-X382BT Car Radio Stereo MP3 Audio Player Bluetooth Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DEH-1800UB

Genuine Pioneer DEH-1800UB CD AUX USB Car Audio Player 1 DIN Autoradio

Product currently unavailable

Part no. KD-R461

JVC KD-R461 Car Radio Stereo CD MP3 AUX Audio Player Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Part no. AVH-X7800BT

Genuine Pioneer AVH-X7800BT CD DVD AUX iPhone Bluetooth Stereo Audio Player

Product currently unavailable

Part no. KDC-241SA

Kenwood KDC-241SA Car Radio Stereo MP3 FM AUX Audio Player

Product currently unavailable

Part no. MVH-X580DAB

Genuine Pioneer MVH-X580DAB Bluetooth USB AUX Audio Player Front Face Panel

Product currently unavailable

Part no. EONON-Q65PRO-1

BMW E90 Eonon Q65PRO Infotainment Media System 9" Screen GPS Android 11 CarPlay

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DMX7017DABS

Kenwood DMX7017DABS CarPlay Android 7" Auto Bluetooth DAB Car Stereo 4x50W

Product currently unavailable

Part no. KCA-BT200

Kenwood KCA-BT200 Bluetooth Hands-free Interface Control Unit Module

Product currently unavailable

Part no. VDV-103

VST Technologies VDV-103 DVD Car Ultra Silm Multimedia Video Player 1 DIN

Product currently unavailable

Part no. AVH-X5500BT

Genuine Pioneer AVH-X5500BT CD DVD AUX iPhone Bluetooth Stereo Audio Player

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 611UAB

Genuine Boss Audio 611UAB Car Stereo Audio Player USB AUX Bluetooth 1 DIN

Product currently unavailable

Part no. DDX318BT

Kenwood DDX318BT Car Radio Stereo MP3 FM AUX USB Audio Player Screen

Product currently unavailable

Part no. KNA-G421

Kenwood KNA-G421 Garmin Hideaway GPS Navigation Control Unit Module

Product currently unavailable

Part no. KD-X241

Genuine JVC KD-X241 Car Radio Stereo USB MP3 WMA WAV FLAC Audio Player Head Unit

Product currently unavailable

Showing 1-99 of 126 products

Car Stereos & Head Units

In the Global Parts automotive store, you will find a wide selection of used car parts, compatible with brands such as Unbranded, BMW, Mercedes, and others. Car radios are interior equipment components mounted in the vehicle's center console, responsible for audio playback and integration with the audio system and selected onboard functions. Depending on the vehicle version, they may support FM radio, CD players, AUX inputs, Bluetooth, steering wheel controls, or integration with a central display.

Design and purpose of car radios

Car radios are electronic devices integrated with a front panel, mounting housing, power and speaker connectors, and modules responsible for signal reception and media handling. A typical unit is installed in the dashboard and works with the antenna, speakers, vehicle wiring, and sometimes a cockpit display. When selecting a part, it is recommended to base your choice on the OEM number, pin layout, plug type, and equipment version.

Comparison of car radio variants

Radio type	Characteristics	What to check before purchase
Factory basic	A simple audio module designed for radio operation and basic sound sources, usually without extensive screen integration.	OEM number, connector type, button layout, console panel compatibility.
Factory advanced	A version compatible with more vehicle functions, often featuring a display, steering wheel controls, or additional audio modules.	Pre-facelift/facelift version, coding requirements, compatibility with vehicle wiring and equipment.
Aftermarket unit	A device with a wider range of functions, installed in place of the factory radio, depending on the car using adapters or mounting frames.	Mounting format, adapter harness, button support, and audio system compatibility.

Functions and components in the audio system

The car radio is used to control the sound source and transmit the signal to the speakers or other audio path components. In practice, this involves working with components such as Speakers, Amplifiers, or Subwoofers, if the specific vehicle version uses a more advanced sound system. When choosing a component like an eonon radio, it is important to compare the mounting method, power connectors, audio outputs, and compatibility with the equipment already installed in the car.

Selecting a car radio for vehicle version and equipment

The audio installation connector is a set of pins and sockets responsible for powering the device, transmitting the signal to the speakers, and communicating with additional modules. Differences in plugs, pin arrangements, and coding methods are significant when swapping between equipment versions, so you should compare the OEM number, interchangeable numbers, and front panel layout. For parts such as a VW Passat B6 navigation CD drive, you must additionally check the media compatibility with the device generation and software region. When completing a repair for a specific model, e.g., eonon e39, it is worth verifying the frame shape, installation depth, and the type of wiring present in the center console. Product pages in this category may contain information such as Brand, Condition, OEM part number, and Interchangeable numbers. This data is useful for comparing parts with vehicle equipment, especially when the car radio was available in several versions differing in media support, display communication, or connection method. The system can also be supplemented with Multimedia players if you are looking for a solution with broader functionality than a classic radio. If you want to better care for electronics and other dismantled components, it is worth checking out the guide How to extend the life of used car parts?, which describes practical rules for operation and maintenance.

FAQ

Question	Answer
What is the design and purpose of car radios?	Car radios are electronic devices mounted in the center console, designed to handle sound sources in a car. A typical unit consists of a control panel, housing, installation connectors, a tuner module, and circuits responsible for reading media or communicating with other vehicle systems. Depending on the version, they may work with an antenna, central display, steering wheel controls, and an additional amplifier.
What are car radios used for?	Car radios are used to receive radio signals, play music from various media, and manage basic audio functions in the vehicle. Beyond the sound itself, they affect interior usability, as they often integrate source selection, sound adjustment, and communication with other modules. Without a properly selected unit, some sound system functions or factory steering wheel controls may not work.
What is the design and function of the audio installation connector?	The audio installation connector is an intermediary element between the car radio and the vehicle's electrical system. It represents a set of pins and sockets responsible for power, ground, speaker signals, and sometimes communication with the display, amplifier, or steering wheel controls. Its compatibility determines correct installation and whether the device will work with the equipment of a specific car version.
How to select a car radio for a specific vehicle version?	It is best to compare the OEM number, front panel type, plug type, and pin layout. It is also worth checking the body version, model year, pre-facelift or facelift variant, and whether the car has an additional screen, amplifier, or steering wheel controls. When replacing with a different unit, the installation depth and mounting method in the console also matter.
What symptoms indicate a problem with the car radio or its accessories?	Typical symptoms include no sound, power loss, non-responsive buttons, media reading issues, or lack of communication with the display. The cause may be the device itself, but also a damaged plug, antenna, wiring harness, or a connected module. Therefore, before purchasing a replacement, it is worth verifying not only the radio but also the components connected to the audio installation.
What data should be considered when buying a used car radio?	The most important factors are the OEM part number, interchangeable numbers, brand, condition, and compatibility with the vehicle's equipment version. It is also good to compare the button layout, panel appearance, connector type, and any module markings. Such information makes it easier to match parts without guesswork and helps avoid mounting discrepancies.

Summary: car radios at the Global Parts automotive store

The Global Parts offer includes car radios for many equipment configurations and many vehicle models, including parts compatible with brands such as Unbranded, BMW, Mercedes, and others. When choosing, it is worth comparing the OEM number, connectors, panel version, and components interacting with the audio installation to maintain compatibility with the vehicle's equipment. We invite you to contact us – we are here to help! For more information and interesting facts, we also invite you to visit our automotive blog.