E30 Stereo Wiring for Dummies

[graffeedy5]

I used the diy I found on here, but my car only has 4 speaker wires, apparently I'm supposed to have 8 in the dash. I can't locate the amp or the wires that are supposed to be in the trunk.

http://www.unitedbimmer.com/forums/car-audio-electronics/7945-e30-stock-headunit-stereo-aftermarket.html

that tut actually.

[MaxBell]

Hey everyone;

I've been reading and using the search function on here for a few weeks, but havn't posted yet. However, I've hit some pretty huge walls and so I think it's time to seek help.

My lastest project is I'm trying to wire up a new stereo into my new (old) 1987 325i E30 (Premium Sound, with the fader in the dash and the amp in the trunk) Guess what? IT'S SUPER NOT EASY! I'm wiring in a Alpine CDE-100 headunit, I'm keeping the stock speakers for now. I can't use a wiring harness as they don't exist for that old car.

If anyone knows of a good DIY or wants to start giving me some info, I'd be very glad. I can't handle "Teenage Dream" and the rest of the shitty Top 40 radio listening any more.

This post was one I found, but I am wondering if it would work out for premium sound? (i have the two speakers in the back, amp, fader):

OK, stop right there.

If you have a non premium sound car, you do not need (nor would I recommend) to run new wires...everything you need is already in the dash.

That diagram you made in the OP is WRONG, and will smoke your deck after a while, plus it will sound really shitty.

Ask "Danny" what a difference it made, I did his in 15 minutes while we were at the Picnic.

Here is what to do:
1. Remove deck

2. remove fader

3. unwrap wires to the fader, about 8 to 10 inches before the plug.

You will find 2 sets of 3 wires, all brown, or like brown/orange.
These are your speaker negatives.



Now, use yellow/red for the left front positive and the wire it is twisted with is the ground for that speaker.
Yellow/black will be the left rear positive, the twisted wire is the ground for that speaker.
Blue/red is right front, again with the twisted wire thing...bet you see the pattern now, dont'cha?

Seriously, if this takes you half an hour, I would be amazed.

You will also see how the 2 blue wires feed into the fader, and the chassis ground.

If you see a grey/red wire, that is the dash light circuit. Cap it off, you won't need it.

BTW, the stock 20 year old BMW wire is excellent, use it in good faith.

Cheers.