From dale_at_unofficialbmw.com Fri Feb 6 13:00:56 1998
Fri, 6 Feb 1998 13:00:49 -0800
From: Dale Beuning <dale_at_unofficialbmw.com>
Fri, 6 Feb 1998 13:00:34 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: <E36> CD Changer installation ('92 318i)
To: tbrewste_at_sedona.intel.com (Troy D. Brewster)
Date: Fri, 6 Feb 1998 13:00:28 -0800 (PST)
Cc: dale_at_unofficialbmw.com

Hi Troy,
I've taken some of the panels off, but not all.

To pull the radio:

1. use a small allen wrench to loosen screws behind doors on either

   side of the radio, or buy the correct 5sided driver from BMW for $15.

2. pull out, I stick my fingers in the cassette deck
3. be sure you have the radio code before you start (the dealer

   can supply if if you don't have it)

4. to remove the connector, pull up on the slide surrounding the

   connector, you may want to use a wide scraper, not a small screwdriver to pry this up, as the slide comes up, the connector comes off.

If you have a seperate (less than 1" square) connector on the back of the radio, you have a CD cable installed, you just have to find the other end of it! Else you'll need to buy a cable for around $100!!! If you figure $300-$500 for a good deal on an 014 factory changer, plus $100 for the cable, you may want to consider an aftermarket solution.

I installed a factory Pioneer4 deck from an M5 in my '88 325is with the cable from the M5($175) and a changer out of a '94 325i ($300?). I ran the cable down the middle of the car, under the console and under the rear seat. I got a totally factory look and all factory parts for about what an aftermarket system would have cost. It wired up nicely to the factory premium sound system and I'm happy with the sound.

I know that all-european auto parts over on 40th street(N of I-10) in phoenix has a E36 325i that is probably pre-wired, maybe you could get the cable out of that car for $25, it would be a pain though. You may want to try some of the used parts places listed on my parts pages for the cable. May be a good source for brackets though, as the damage is in the front, not the rear.

hope this helps,
Dale

> On Fri, 06 Feb 1998 12:02:38 -0800 Dale Beuning said:
> >
> > Hi Troy,
> > Did you get an answer to this?
> > The early E36s were not pre-wired. Or sometimes the cable is not in
> > the usual place.
> >
> > Dale
>
> I received several answers and it appears that my car is not pre-wired nor are
> they any brackets to be used for mounting. None that are obvious anyway. Any
> input you have on removing the radio and panels/trim pieces so that I can run
> the CD and power cable from the head unit to the trunk I'd appreciate it.
>
> /troyb
> --
> Intel Corporation "Quote from a not so famous person"
> 5000 W. Chandler Blvd.
> Chandler, AZ 85226
> (602) 554-9093
>
>
>

--

                       |            Dale Beuning           |
                       |       email: dale_at_unofficialbmw.com     |
                       | web: http://www.unofficialbmw.com |
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