New deck?

[John318ti]

Ok so pretty simple question(s)... has anyone replaced their tape decks themselves, and if so how difficult is it, and where do i get a wiring harness?
Any comments or just guesses will be helpful...
Would you recommend just having it professionally done?

[cooljess76]

It's pretty straight forward as long as you have a manual with an electrical schematic that deplicts what each wire is for. I actually cut mine which I regret because I've found harness adapters on ebay for dirt cheap after I hacked mine up. Either way, it really doesn't matter I guess. You might run into trouble stuffing the new deck back in due to the limited space and gigantic wire bundle. There's two tabs, one on each side of the factory deck that need to be pried open to access the two tiny allen head bolts. Loosen those to screws and the radio will slide right out. It may help if you remove the vent above the radio prior to reinstalling. Also, VERY IMPORTANTLY, make sure that the grey/red wire going to the back of the radio doesn't touch ANYTHING!!! It's the instrument illumination wire and if it grounds out on anything at all, it'll blow your headlight switch(PITA!!!). I'd also recommend disconnecting your battery prior to messing with things, just to be safe. Good luck.

[jdamthree]

The two screws require a special BMW tool p/n 82 11 1 469 971. I usually just grind down a wire coat hanger with a grinder wheel. Shapen it like a pencil with 5 sides. Works every time. I spent 20 bucks at best buy and got a connector harness. It worked great. The factory connector is in tact. It is color coded and oh so easy to do.

[cooljess76]

really? I took mine out with a bicycle multi tool. It had a combination of various metric hex wrenches.

[minicoop900]

yep, bmw uses a 5-sided bolt, but if you get the right sized hex key, it works just the same, you risk the possibility of stripping it though

[cooljess76]

Hey you know what, now that i think about it, the previous owner included it with the sale because he had just reinstalled the factory radio prior to me taking the car. Now I remember it was a tiny hex-driver that looked like a little screwdriver. I used that and I've also used the bicycle tool. I guess I didn't know it was an actual BMW tool, lol. Learn something new everyday.

[minicoop900]

haha yeah, it looks exactly like a hex driver until you look closely at it and count them

[jdamthree]

I nearly had an accident in my shorts when I saw the price. That little gem is like 22 bucks from BMW. I guess that is why so many people just get creative and find ways around it.

[John318ti]

ok so would it be smart to maybe wrap that orange wire in some tape until i get ready to put it in? maybe i should just spend a few extra bucks and get it done professionally...

[jdamthree]

I haven't looked at the electrical manual. I would think removing the radio fuse would kill all power back there? I could be wrong. I generally hate dealing with wiring harni. The radio is simple enough though. I would save my money and try it myself.

[minicoop900]

easiest way is definitly a adapter but if you do cut and splice, i recomend putting something on that wire so it doesnt ground out

[jdamthree]

I don't know why I was hoping this thread was about skateboarding!

The adapter harness is definatly the way to roll.

[John318ti]

haha sorry to disappoint!
ok i'll definatly give it a shot guys now i just need to find a deck that fits!!!

Anyone have a deck that fit pretty good they have installed?

[cooljess76]

I agree on the adapter. Unfortunately I didn't find out about it until I chopped my harness. I used wire nuts which worked just fine. As for the grey/red wire, tape it off until you're ready to hook it up. Pulling the fuse won't help as it's on the dimmer circuit. I think it'll only ground out if you have your lights on, but if your job runs into the dark hours and there's a chance you might need your lights, definitely tape it off. I used a BS Haynes manual to read the wires. It was pretty easy and definitely a DIYer. I wouldn't bother paying a shop to do it and any radio should fit fine as they're all pretty much a standard size unless of course you go with a double DIN DVD or navigation system. As far as brands go, I'm old school and prefer Blaupunkt.

[John318ti]

ok thanks Cooljess, i really like Blaupunkt too! ok, so cosidering that it is a 10 speaker system (and i have already replaced stock Nokia speakers with Infinity reference series speakers) how many watts would someone recommend as far as the deck's power?