From digest.v7.n1018 Mon Jan 26 02:54:50 1998
From: Phil Marx <BMW_at_rlc.net>
Date: Sun, 25 Jan 1998 20:39:48 -0500
Subject: <E36> CD Changer installation ('92 318i)

Troy Brewster wrote:
>I think I have got around the problem of getting the changer mounted
>into my trunk even though I concerned about it's stability. However, I
>have yet to locate the data and power cables needed to connect the head
>unit to the CD Changer. I was under the impression that all E36s were
>pre-wired for a CD Changer but it seems that mine is not. If these wires
>exist some where there are certainly not in my trunk. Is my thinking
>that all these cars are pre-wired for a CD Changer incorrect? What
>would it entail if I purchased the necessary cables (assuming I can) and
>wired the car myself. If anyone have done this or have any suggestions
>I'd appreciate hearing from you.
>
>Also, my car doesn't seem to have that mounting holes to fit the bracket
>they are selling to install an Alpine CD Changer in the E36. Was there a
>different bracket available in '92? The head unit in my car is a
>Pioneer, does this make a difference? I'm just trying to explore all
>the possibilities.

Troy,

Early '92 E36 cars were not prewired, although I would have thought that by the time the 318i came out that at least the 325i's were pre-wired. Easiest way is to check behind the radio. Some early cars that were pre-wired didn't have the data cable plugged in but it would be up there somewhere. If it's plugged in, you just need to find the other end. In '92 a lot of data cables were routed to the left taillight, for what reason, I couldn't say. On some we re-routed them back around the back of the trunk to the right side. Others were long enough to be routed under the plastic panel by the trunk latch over to the right rear after removing the panel by drilling and pulling out the rivet pins with small screws. For your installation without the mounting studs in the right rear, you're better off hanging the unit from under the rear shelf and routing the data cable appropriately. Often the power lead is wrapped up in the harness behind the r/r speaker housing which is best removed to find the cable/plug. On some, primarily 2dr models, the power leads are left under the back seat and never made it through the rear firewall. If you don't have the data cable, bend over at your nearest dealer, it was about $100.

Good Luck

• -Phil Marx BMWCCA #6021