E39 Radio Removal

[mdimbler]

I am trying to remove the radio/MID in my 97 540 and I cannot get it. I have read all the posts here as well as other bmw web sites pertaining to radio removal. When I remove the volume knob, I see the silver slotted screw that the knob goes on, a hexagonal nut around the egde of the knob screw, and a small slot at about the 6 o'clock position underneath the knob screw. It is my understanding that there is a torx screw in that slot. I bought a few different torx screwdrivers (size 5, 7.5 and 10), but when I put them in the slot underneath the knob, they just move all the way in up to the hilt of the screwdriver. It is as if there is no screw in there. Am I going about this all wrong, missing a step? Any help is appreciated.

[beaker]

Originally posted by mdimbler@Jun 9 2005, 09:13 PM
I am trying to remove the radio/MID in my 97 540 and I cannot get it. I have read all the posts here as well as other bmw web sites pertaining to radio removal. When I remove the volume knob, I see the silver slotted screw that the knob goes on, a hexagonal nut around the egde of the knob screw, and a small slot at about the 6 o'clock position underneath the knob screw. It is my understanding that there is a torx screw in that slot. I bought a few different torx screwdrivers (size 5, 7.5 and 10), but when I put them in the slot underneath the knob, they just move all the way in up to the hilt of the screwdriver. It is as if there is no screw in there. Am I going about this all wrong, missing a step? Any help is appreciated.

[snapback]352094[/snapback]

I believe there are two different methods that BMW used for holding the radio in, one uses the torx screw method and the other uses a spring loaded catch (like mine). There should be a vertical slot just to the right (3 O'Clock pos'n) of the volume control shaft. Put a flat bladed screwdriver into this and push it to the right. You should feel the catch move against the spring pressure. While keeping the sideways pressure on pull the screwdriver towards you slowly and the left hand side of the radio should hinge out. Take out the screwdriver and you should now be able to remove the radio quite easily.

Hope this works for you

[j2552513]

Hi guys,
I've followed the instructions though the left hand side of the radio is hinged out but the right hand side is not coming out.
Anyone to help, please.
Thanks

[MrClem08]

I am trying to remove the factory speakers from my 540 any help out there for me?

[SOL_540iA]

Originally Posted by mdimbler

I am trying to remove the radio/MID in my 97 540 and I cannot get it. I have read all the posts here as well as other bmw web sites pertaining to radio removal. When I remove the volume knob, I see the silver slotted screw that the knob goes on, a hexagonal nut around the egde of the knob screw, and a small slot at about the 6 o'clock position underneath the knob screw. It is my understanding that there is a torx screw in that slot. I bought a few different torx screwdrivers (size 5, 7.5 and 10), but when I put them in the slot underneath the knob, they just move all the way in up to the hilt of the screwdriver. It is as if there is no screw in there. Am I going about this all wrong, missing a step? Any help is appreciated.

If you have still not been sucessfull in removing the radio, you may try the following:
(1) Remove the radio power/volume knob (you have already done that)
(2) A small hole will be revealed at 6 O'clock position. Use a bright light to locate a 2mm allen screw inside the hole.
(3) Engage a 2mm allen key and turn about 90 degrees. This will retract spring loaded tabs holding the MID.
(4) While still holding the allen key twisted, gently pull out the MID

Hope this helps

Sol.

[SOL_540iA]

Originally Posted by MrClem08

I am trying to remove the factory speakers from my 540 any help out there for me?

If your car is like mine, there are 10 speakers installed. 4 in the front doors, 2 in the rear doors and 4 in the rear parcell shelf. You didn't say which ones you were trying to remove.

Sol

[dluckie1]

Hi guys,
Trying to install the Dice 1500 multimedia bride in my 2002 530i. The car install shop mentioned when they tried to remove the radio, the hex screw in the 6 o'clock position behind the Volume Knob is stripped (rounded out). They said they cannot remove the radio without ripping it out and forcing me to purchase another from them. Any suggestions or should I return my Dice Multimedia Bridge and call defeat? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks kindly
dluckie1

[SOL_540iA]

Well if you are going to discard the factory radio (MID) then I would suggest to place a drop of super glue on the tip of a 2mm allen wrench. Gently inset the allen wrench into the small hole at 6' O'clock. Ensure that the allen wrench has embedded itself in the rounded allen screw. Allow the superglue to set. Then turn the allen wrench through 90 degrees pulling the MID at the same time.

Hope that helps.

Sol

[darrylgough]

You do realise that BMW audio is already top grade components made by Alpine. That is all I have to say.

[ozx5]

I have the factory sat nav small screen system and want to remove the timber facia.
Can anyone give me a heads up on how that sucka pulls off.