89 325 Radio upgrade

[Steve Corbett]

I have a set of premium speakers, front and back that I would like to use for now. I am installing a Kenwood KDC-BT555U head unit. I will be upgrading to a Luke Box sometime next year. My car does not have premium speakers or a fader switch. I found a few write ups but my wiring seems off. I have a disconnect that have eight wires, seems good but 2 are smaller diameter, one is brown the other I think was grey/blue. So that leaves me with 6 speaker wires, shouldn't I have 8?

[StereoInstaller1]

Your car at some point had a radio failure and was upgraded.

That black plug there is an adapter sold by BMW to convert a fader car to the newer radio.

If you unwrap that harness another foot or so, you should see a couple of junctions (look for green caps) for your speaker grounds, that is where you would disconnect the splices and connect the Kenwood's wires.

LMK if you get stuck, got you covered.

Luke

[ncsubowen]

Luke, you're the man. I didn't post anywhere specifically, but I pulled together your guides and am switching out the stock (broken) stereo in my '87 325 this weekend. Awesome detail and thanks for all the effort, I'll be in the market for a Luke box sometime after Christmas.

[dillera]

I have a set of premium speakers, front and back that I would like to use for now. I am installing a Kenwood KDC-BT555U head unit. I will be upgrading to a Luke Box sometime next year. My car does not have premium speakers or a fader switch. I found a few write ups but my wiring seems off. I have a disconnect that have eight wires, seems good but 2 are smaller diameter, one is brown the other I think was grey/blue. So that leaves me with 6 speaker wires, shouldn't I have 8?

Those connections look like they are exactly what I need for my radio.

Is there any way you can get a better picture, or let me know exactly what color the wires are on the SMALL black connector there? The one on the top left of your photo - that supplies the main Power and Ground to the radio. I'd like to see what color your chassis ground wire is, I can't find one on my 87 325i. I'm trying to re-install an OEM radio after years of junk in there.

And you have the exact same speaker caps/plugs that my radio needs, I see now how they are just wired in to bypass that fader.

[Steve Corbett]

I will look tomorrow as I am at work tonight. I can let the adapter go cheap as I will no longer need it.

[Steve Corbett]

[quote=dillera;3935902]Those connections look like they are exactly what I need for my radio.

Is there any way you can get a better picture, or let me know exactly what color the wires are on the SMALL black connector there?


It is a small snap apart connector, with a violet w/white stripe(hot) and brown wires, 90 degree female spade terminals.

[StereoInstaller1]

Luke, you're the man. I didn't post anywhere specifically, but I pulled together your guides and am switching out the stock (broken) stereo in my '87 325 this weekend. Awesome detail and thanks for all the effort, I'll be in the market for a Luke box sometime after Christmas.

Thanks! Will look forward to it and good to hear of your success!

Luke

[Steve Corbett]

Luke, Got my stereo hooked up and it sounds great! Thanks.

[StereoInstaller1]

Luke, Got my stereo hooked up and it sounds great! Thanks.

HOORAY! Yet another E30 stereo brought to life..congrats!

Luke