Alpine Home Installation?

[brians15]

I have a '93 BMW 525 w/ factory radio that I am looking to replace. I have been looking at the Alpine 9831 is this a good radio and how hard is it to install? Im ok at working on my own stuff but not a guru and what accessories should I get? THX

[da_bull]

Welcome to the forums....

Thats a nice piece. I've installed a few of those and they do a good job, you'll be pleased. Plenty of power, WMA, mp3, full of features. Wherever you get it from, make sure you get the BMW wiring harness/antenna adapter for your car, it'll make the install go SO much easier. Good luck....

[morph]

Originally posted by da_bull@Apr 10 2005, 07:37 PM
Welcome to the forums....

Thats a nice piece. I've installed a few of those and they do a good job, you'll be pleased. Plenty of power, WMA, mp3, full of features. Wherever you get it from, make sure you get the BMW wiring harness/antenna adapter for your car, it'll make the install go SO much easier. Good luck....

[snapback]329709[/snapback]

I recommend Crutchfield, as their technical support is really good. I recommend getting a soldering iron (and tip for wiring electronics) with a rosin core solder. (Alternatively you can just use crimp caps and a crimper) You'll also need a a de-sleever (thingie that you can remove the plastic around the wire...i forget what they are called). Lastly i would say electrical tape and wire shrink wrap. You can get all you need for under $40 at your local Radio Shack. Also you will need a BMW radio removal tool or a really small Alan wrench.

As far as ordering, yes, get the BMW harness. I also got the PAC 2 OEM harness. In short this is how it goes:

BMW factory wiring --> BMW harness (free when i ordered from Crutchfield) -->PAC 2 OEM harness/converter ($29.95 from Crutchfield) --> Alpine harness (comes with new head unit) --> new stereo.

The arrows are where you make connections. It takes about 2-3 hours to do all the soldering. I also recommend calling tech support when you get the unit because there are a few things that may be different from your manual. I had to do something different with my blue wires and i wasn't supposed to use the red/color wires. If you solder it will take you longer (closer to 3 hours) to do the job but, in theory, you get a better connection. If you crimp them it should be closer to 2 hours. Then it takes about 15-20 minutes to unscrew your stereo and put in the new mounting bracket, secure it and then deal with the 48 feet of wire that you have (stuffing it behind stuff in stereo housing compartment etc.) and then pop in the new stereo. Then SHAZAM!! New, bitchin' stereo. Also remember to disconnect your battery's negative connection to prevent shorts.

Hope that helps!!

[brians15]

Originally posted by morph+Apr 10 2005, 09:14 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(morph @ Apr 10 2005, 09:14 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-da_bull@Apr 10 2005, 07:37 PM
Welcome to the forums....

Man I appreciate all the help, will give it a whirl!

Thats a nice piece. I've installed a few of those and they do a good job, you'll be pleased. Plenty of power, WMA, mp3, full of features. Wherever you get it from, make sure you get the BMW wiring harness/antenna adapter for your car, it'll make the install go SO much easier. Good luck....

[snapback]329709[/snapback]

I recommend Crutchfield, as their technical support is really good. I recommend getting a soldering iron (and tip for wiring electronics) with a rosin core solder. (Alternatively you can just use crimp caps and a crimper) You'll also need a a de-sleever (thingie that you can remove the plastic around the wire...i forget what they are called). Lastly i would say electrical tape and wire shrink wrap. You can get all you need for under $40 at your local Radio Shack. Also you will need a BMW radio removal tool or a really small Alan wrench.

As far as ordering, yes, get the BMW harness. I also got the PAC 2 OEM harness. In short this is how it goes:

BMW factory wiring --> BMW harness (free when i ordered from Crutchfield) -->PAC 2 OEM harness/converter ($29.95 from Crutchfield) --> Alpine harness (comes with new head unit) --> new stereo.

The arrows are where you make connections. It takes about 2-3 hours to do all the soldering. I also recommend calling tech support when you get the unit because there are a few things that may be different from your manual. I had to do something different with my blue wires and i wasn't supposed to use the red/color wires. If you solder it will take you longer (closer to 3 hours) to do the job but, in theory, you get a better connection. If you crimp them it should be closer to 2 hours. Then it takes about 15-20 minutes to unscrew your stereo and put in the new mounting bracket, secure it and then deal with the 48 feet of wire that you have (stuffing it behind stuff in stereo housing compartment etc.) and then pop in the new stereo. Then SHAZAM!! New, bitchin' stereo. Also remember to disconnect your battery's negative connection to prevent shorts.

Hope that helps!!

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