After market Head Unit/Stereo installation---original unit wired for disk changer?
 

I found the new head unit, bought and paid for, brought it home and realize I really needed 1. an antenna adapter, and 2. have to get a BMW harness.

The thing I'm really wondering about is does ANYONE else have a stereo that's pre-wired for a trunk disk-changer & cellphone? I ask because besides the standard factory connections, there's a small female connector that plugs under the factory connection and directly into the stock head unit.

I don't want to cause MORE conflict when I wire the new unit. I noticed when I reconnected the battery that to make the stock unit work, I need a code. :frown: I'm hoping to not run into safety/anti-theft "features" when I go to try and connect the new unit in.

I think all ti's are prewired for CD changers

I've heard that the headunit is tied into the anti-theft system, and if you mess it up the car won't start, I'd recommend a professional install

the security code is printed on a couple cards in the owners manual but of course the lowlife at the dealer stole it so you might be stuck without a radio until you get the new unit in. the BMW dealer can get it for you but it will cost you money

*snivels*

WHY---do they make it look 'easy' on the internet. Esh, I've installed dozens of head units, but this is the first that's really stumped me.

So, would you agree that the additional harness is for the 'pre-wired' disk changer?

As for the alarm/safety features. I've looked at a few sites that list what the wiring relates to, and haven't yet seen anything about the anti-theft/car starting. I'm going to continue to search the internet.

THANKS!

Edit:: I looked at "modifedlife" and "the12volt" neither referenced connection to the alarm system. So I don't know how removing and installing a new unit will disconnect the engine.

Can anyone confirm installing a new unit actually killing the engine?

I'm worried, but also want to have some sort of sound back---ugh. fffffffffffffff those !@$#$#@#$!!!

yes, that should be what the harness goes to

WAT?!

The small white female connection under the "factory standard plug" that the harness connects to is the "BWM pre-wired trunk disk changer"? Is that what you're talking about?

"So, would you agree that the additional harness is for the 'pre-wired' disk changer?"

sorry lol, this was the question I was referring too :lol:

I figured...:biggrin:

So you also don't know if doing the wiring will actually cause the car to take a crap on me. You know saying that is freakin' terrifying, right? As much crap as I've already run through---DAMMIT I JUST WANT SOME FREAKIN' MUSIC...and GOOD music, not this ridiculous junk which comes on the radio practically 5 times back to back with some other crapola before I'm even half way thru the commute.... :mad:

I did hear that the wire which runs to the amp is sometimes misleadingly labeled. I'm such a fish out of water with this BMW...

I'm pretty sure you can if you don't know what you're doing, I've seen it happen

I hear you, even with my iPod playing through a cassette adapter the sound quality was pretty poor between the already sucky speakers and the hissing feedback from the tape

You've seen someone miswire their stereo and kill there car!:eek:

Tomorrow is gonna suck.

they didn't kill it permanently, just messed with the anti-theft so the car won't start, had to go to the dealer but it got back on the road

What did they do to make the anti-theft kick off? I haven't found any instances where anyone on any board has said that after installing a new head unit their car wouldn't start. Did they run new speakers--amp--woofer? Bypass the factory present wiring harness? From what I've managed to call up on the internet, the radio anti-theft has lead me to the "enter your code" prompt, which I have now, and can't bypass because---the freakin' crooks took my owner's manual. :mad: I know that the car is wired for an alarm---it has the tell tale signs, light by the cigarette lighter, that bundle/horn by the passenger side headlight...but I'm still confused, because none of the wiring diagrams show that there's a wire which runs to the alarm system.

Aftermarket Head Unit
 

The only anti-theft feature of the stock radio is the code. You have three tries to enter the code or the head unit locks. The only item disabled will be the head unit not the car. The EWS key is what disables the car.

Thank you Peter...so basically the only anti-theft feature is already happening...and I can't do anything about it really...W00t---now to wait for Bestbuy to open and take my money...freakin' weird wiring harness.

let me know how this goes because i just bought a new headunit and speakers too(might get an amp) but i need it installed asap but have a feeling this car is going to do some weird ish when i take the original headunit out.

I will try and document everything when I do this installation (98' 318TI) this afternoon. I am not installing new speakers, so I'll be running to the factory wiring. I know speakers aren't usually too bad---especially with my door interiors being loose and constantly coming up or out. The problems generally come with wiring a new sub, or amp. BMW has a factory amp---supposedly, so the new head unit wiring harness needs the Blue/white (remote output---power antenna/amp/eq) wire to connect with the factory wire lead (which I read is the Solid Blue wire)

BTW the new Head Unit is a HD JVC Unit...ridiculously inexpensive, I remember when something like this would run you $300. LOL.

Remember to disconnect the battery (which will kill the factory radio---asking you to input code---I don't have it) It has really really small hex-key screws/bolts to remove the factory radio, one each side. You'll need a wiring harness and an antenna adapter.