BMW E30 Radio flush mounting adapter

[D.Martijn]

So as some of you might have noticed the radio on the E30 is sticking out ~7mm from the heater control trim panel.

I found a picture on Instagram that showed the radio sitting flush with the heater control panel, turned out it's possible to mount the radio flush by using a 3D printed adapter
So I went ahead and measured the heater control panel and my radio and began designing an adapter piece.

Couple hours later and I have a first prototype. I made some small adjustments on the model after fitting it the first time.
Test fitted the switches and OBC and it all looks good.

Originally my original radio (Bavaria C Business) is clamped on the ridge of the heater control panel. However for the radio to fit deeper this must be removed. I used a flush cutting plier to remove the bulk of material and a file to clean it up further.
A Dremel should also do the job.


3D print fitted, using the upper screw of the heater control knob and both OBC screws. (I had to use a longer M3 bolt)




At this time I didn't fit the OBC yet (prototype pictured) but it's possible to use the original screws for the OBC.




How everything turned out


Picture of how it looked before

[E30Bastard]

Bravo. Looks nice and period correct. HiFi for me, tho! I was actually looking at this to replace my kenwood and achieve the same look but with the ability to keep my amp and use new media.

https://www.ebay.com/p/12034909144

[D.Martijn]

Bravo. Looks nice and period correct. HiFi for me, tho! I was actually looking at this to replace my kenwood and achieve the same look but with the ability to keep my amp and use new media.

https://www.ebay.com/p/12034909144

Thanks! It's the original radio according to the options list.
I actually don't listen a lot to the radio, I prefer the engine noise :)

[E30Bastard]

100% AGREED, but I'm a multi-pronged audiophoile. :P Well done, thanks for the pics.

[Panici]

This looks great! Nice work.

Will you be selling these? Or if not, sharing the 3D printing file?

[D.Martijn]

This looks great! Nice work.

Will you be selling these? Or if not, sharing the 3D printing file?

Thank you!
I found out about this mod from a guy on Instagram that was selling these for 45€ but apparently lower his price to 30€.

His models does has the (what I think are) 1DIN cut out's to mount other radios as well. I tried searching for a 3D file with these kind of cut outs so I can add them in my model as well but so far no luck.
I have no problem with sharing the file once completed with said cut outs.

[reelizmpro]

Someone finally solved one of the biggest pet peeves of mine. That looks MUCH better.

[D.Martijn]

Someone finally solved one of the biggest pet peeves of mine. That looks MUCH better.

Thanks! It didn't bother me that much but seeing a picture of the radio that's sitting flush I was immediately convinced!

[D.Martijn]

I posted my model up on Printables, if some of you want to download it.. go a head :)

I do want to add, if someone has a 3D model with the 1DIN cut out's please send it to me, i'd like to add them into my model to accepts more models.
thanks!

https://www.printables.com/model/722227-bmw-e30-adapter-to-flush-mount-the-radio

[sna77]

This is fantastic. I just downloaded the template and will try to get it to work with my Porsche class radio... This has been bothering me. :)

[sna77]

Thank you!
I found out about this mod from a guy on Instagram that was selling these for 45€ but apparently lower his price to 30€.

His models does has the (what I think are) 1DIN cut out's to mount other radios as well. I tried searching for a 3D file with these kind of cut outs so I can add them in my model as well but so far no luck.
I have no problem with sharing the file once completed with said cut outs.

Thanks again!!! I downloaded the files and printed them on Xometry

For others, this is the site that sells some other goodies (takes original radios and adds Bluetooth which is great): https://bmw-radios.com/ . Really cool for those looking to keep the original radio and add Bluetooth to it. Their microphone that fits into one of the blanks above the radio is perfect too.

[sna77]

Thanks! It didn't bother me that much but seeing a picture of the radio that's sitting flush I was immediately convinced!

And I've got it in with the Porsche classic radio. MUCH better look.

[BSAmarc]

I posted my model up on Printables, if some of you want to download it.. go a head :)

I do want to add, if someone has a 3D model with the 1DIN cut out's please send it to me, i'd like to add them into my model to accepts more models.
thanks!

https://www.printables.com/model/722...ount-the-radio

So will the E30 Radio Adapter _BMW 65121375737 file work with a single DIN aftermarket sleeve? I'll give it a try and report back if you think it will work.

[D.Martijn]

So will the E30 Radio Adapter _BMW 65121375737 file work with a single DIN aftermarket sleeve? I'll give it a try and report back if you think it will work.

I'm not sure as I haven't had a lot of feedback yet regarding the aftermarket fit. Would be great if you're willing to test this out! thanks