help needed installing a cd player in my 1987 bmw 635 csi

[e24 shark]

hi everyone i'm new here to the BMW forum, i have just recently purchased my BMW, i'm tired of the tape deck in the car and needed some help installing a new deck , i have absolutely no idea what i'm doing any help would be appreciated.

[M6ermike]

Welcome to the madness. My car had the stock tape deck radio with a 6 CD changer mounted in the trunk (by a PO). The control unit was mounted just below the shift lever (see photo below) and was activated with a remote through the radio tuned to a low FM station. There is a lot more information and probably instructions on Bimmerforums, just use the search feature. You'll certainly enjoy this upgrade.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=480895&d=1383070867

[SharkTanks]

I had a CD43 unit installed in my '88 that was originally from an E36 M3. It has an input for a CD changer which can also be used by aftermarket bluetooth pairing devices (GROM, etc.). My recommendation is that you take it to a professional for installation. There are fade controls that make it exponentially harder to install on your own. I'm very handy and I'm pretty good with electronics, and I wouldn't trust my skill. You also need to know that these have external amplifiers mounted in the trunk. If you send too much voltage from a conventional head unit to the amp, you could fry it. A pro will test the voltage and impedence while installing. I went to cartunes and the guy did it for $100. No issues to date. I went further and installed a new amp and speakers (myself) with minimal issues. If you'd like to know more, let me know and I'll tell you what you can use for this and possible best practices.

[EuroGeorge]

hi everyone i'm new here to the BMW forum, i have just recently purchased my BMW, i'm tired of the tape deck in the car and needed some help installing a new deck , i have absolutely no idea what i'm doing any help would be appreciated.

Try these guys. They do all the thinking and provide everything you need for an install. www.crutchfield.com

[bkats]

I can second Crutchfield. Use their vehicle selector to find a head unit in your price range that you like. Apparently, they will also get on the phone with you and help you through your install.

One thing to keep in mind is that the stock head unit (bmw/pioneer KE-83) has wiring that comes out of a cut-out corner, so the harnesses point up. This is important because there is NO extra room for a rearward-facing harness (i.e. what all new head units come with now) in cars equipped with AC. SO, while the crutchfield website will say a head unit will fit, it is considering only the hard dimensions of the HU compared to stock. I would recommend a HU that is 1/2 to 1" shorter (depth) than stock. I did not do this and basically had to smash the unit in there. I dread the day if/when I have to take it out.

Removing the factory unit is kind of a weird deal. There are 5-sided screws on either side under plastic tabs. You can use a hex key if you are careful and the screws are not too tight. If you get desperate, you can buy a 5-sided removal tool from BavAuto. Regardless, do NOT strip these screws. Once these screws are loosened, the "wings" holding the radio in will be flush and you can just slide it out.

Here are some links to help you out after that:

http://carstereohelp.net/wireharness_BMW1.htm

http://www.normgrills.net/bcg/ (helpful site in general. look under electrical for the radio stuff)