False information from every site about stereo harness for 1990 E34 535i

[Deihmlehr]

So I bought the Metra stereo harness for my 1990 E34 535i, and it is not even close. I even checked my Bentley service manual and it says that harness/connector is only for 1991 and onward for the E34 generation. I did some more online research and the American International says it's for 1989-2002, and every website selling it says it will fit; which they are wrong. I tried searching for a 1989 adapter but I could not find anything. Is there a way I can connect to these connectors without cutting wires? I really want to avoid that if possible.

I'm really frustrated about this because I had to order it online and I have been really looking forward to doing this. I guess I should've checked the connections beforehand though, but still. This is a warning to anybody with a 1989-1990 E34: do NOT buy that stereo harness if you're looking to swap from the stock radio!

I have below provided what my connectors and wires look like, it's not even really a harness.

[zubbie]

Yes. Early E34's have common ground setup. (And different trunk amps and poorer quality speakers than later E34's) There are lots of threads here on how to wire up aftermarket head units. I don't believe there is a metra kit for us. You have to make your own connections.

GL

[Deihmlehr]

Okay, thanks.

[moroza]

To get it to work without having to fade the sound all the way forward or back, you'll also have to isolate the crossover board from the amplifier and run individual grounds from the headunit. I did that - also on a 90 535 - as one of my first wiring projects, and it wasn't difficult, just tedious. If you're anywhere near Portland, PM me and I can do it for you (and teach you, if you want to learn), essentially converting the older BMW-specific system to a modern universal type that can use generic DIN headunits.

http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Upgrade/Stereo.htm
http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Upgrade/Stereo_radio.htm

[Deihmlehr]

Incredibly late reply lol

No, I live in Southern Oregon, about 250 miles from Portland. But thanks for the info and links. I still haven't gotten around to it yet, as I've been quite busy for the last few months with school and work.

[So Live]

Search around on here, lots of info on those things. I think for mine, granted its a 91 535, i just didn't hook the "ground" wires from the aftermarket head unit to the car wiring. I think the car side grounds might be all jumpered together. I think it was Stereo Installer on here who had some pretty good posts on how to run an aftermarket head unit with the factory amp with no mods. The Pioneer DEH-80PRS i put in made a HUGE difference in sound quality and i'm running the stock wiring/speakers/amp with no mods. Also bluetooth is nice as is the (almost) infinitely adjustable colors for the buttons and screen.