Switchin My Radio - BMW Forum

bpb05 · 04-07-2005, 06:59 PM

ghead if someone could just tell me what kind of parts i need i have a kenwood and am tryin to put in in my 318i. what parts do i need or is even able to fit
thanks

vmelikRUS · 04-07-2005, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bpb05@Apr 7 2005, 05:59 PM
ghead if someone could just tell me what kind of parts i need i have a kenwood and am tryin to put in in my 318i. what parts do i need or is even able to fit
thanks

[snapback]327881[/snapback]

You need a special connector to plug into the bmw stereo connector, and an antenna connector as well. All aftermarket stereos seem to fit in perfectle into E36s, so you should be good. Just make sure you have a bra on your kenwood. I think you just need some little hex range to take out the BMW stereo.

bpb05 · 04-07-2005, 07:35 PM

where would i get those pieces best buy or circuit city doesnt have anything but the harness

vmelikRUS · 04-07-2005, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bpb05@Apr 7 2005, 06:35 PM
where would i get those pieces best buy or circuit city doesnt have anything but the harness

[snapback]327897[/snapback]

Yeah you have to find a special shop. I couldn't find them at BESTBUY either. I found them in a special car audio store. Usually the people working at BESTBUY know a place or two specializing in foreign autos. Use the yellow pages.

bpb05 · 04-07-2005, 07:43 PM

alright thanks bro

Fredkaz · 04-07-2005, 07:58 PM

I was able to get both the radio and antenna connectors (for my Sony uunit) at Tweeter. I think you can also order them from Crutchfield.

jshearer · 04-07-2005, 11:10 PM

Best Buy and circuit city will have both of these parts actually. You just need to know what to ask for. I went to the stores and they had them both.

Wiring Harness and European to American Antenna adapter.
Both should be less than $15. I got my harness from crutchfield when i ordered my stereo and bought the antenna adapter from the store(crutchfield was on backorder and I didn't want to wait another week). It was $12.

Also you can install it yourself, but if you don't want to do not take it to bestbuy or circuit city. Find a local steoe specialist. They have more experience with different cars like ours. The guy at bestbuy was talking about having to completely rewire my car. You don't have to, he did not know what he was talking about.

You can check the audio forum for alot more information too.

kyle_baker · 04-07-2005, 11:24 PM

well you can get the connector or if you (or a friend) is decent at wiring you can just match the wires and wire them straight, i have done this before, but the connectors are a clean install, if you decide to wire them all you have to wire is the speakers seperatly, the power, ground and key hot wire, thats basically it, maybe 12-14 wires but 10 of them are obvious to anyone. just my 2 cents, good luck

kyle_baker · 04-07-2005, 11:25 PM

oh, jshearer has already suggested this, i personally would isntall it myself by wiring it, but thats just me, i'm pretty good with wiring and electronics so that is the only reason i'd skip the connectors and save a buck.

Cruzin 323is · 04-07-2005, 11:29 PM

this is why i bought my cd player from crutchfield... they sent free harness and antena!

kyle_baker · 04-07-2005, 11:35 PM

cool, i will try them when i upgrade mine.

maxslomoff · 04-30-2005, 01:40 AM

jshearer or kyle,
can you guys tell me how to trouble shoot wiring my new stereo straight to my e36.
if 10 wires are obvious and i just have to try 2-4 thats great, but...
is there any danger of blowing out my stereo/car?

thanks,
max

jshearer · 04-30-2005, 10:42 AM

Yes there is a danger of shorting out the stereo. If you bought it from crutchfield then you can call them and they will walk you through it. If not then look at the paperwork that came with the stereo and you should find a wiring diagram that tells what each wire does and what to connect it to.

maxslomoff · 04-30-2005, 10:32 PM

thanks for the reply jshearer,
i do have a diagram explaining which wires are which for the stereo,
but i'm looking for information explaining which is which on the bmw end without having to trace them.

but, now that i think of it (i have never opened up my glovebox or taken out the radio) the power cabels be easily identifiable compared to the stereo cables and so i'll probably be able to power the radio without a chance of shorting it, and as for the speakers, i can just troubleshoot the wires till i get it right.

i thought of another project that i'd like any advice on. my passenger seat does not recline any more. i can hear the motor running but it doesn't move the seat. this ever happen to anyone?
i guess i'm going to try taking my seat off and making sure the motor is properly connected the gears or whatever it is that makes the seat move.