Changing Head Units

[Dzdimi14]

So I just bought my e30 and wanted a stereo upgrade. The Previous owner already installed a shitty aftermarket deck but I wanted to switch it out with the nicer one from my old car. I was wondering since the PO already did all the wiring to install a new deck, can I just splice in the wiring harness from my new deck into the harness of the old one by using something like this http://www.amazon.com/Alpine-Stereo-.../dp/B008A34GXQ and matching up the wires. Forgive me if this is a stupid question, Im a bit of a noob at car wiring.

[rcsoundn1]

Yes you can use something like that. That should be the one that plugs into the back of your HU, and you should already have one. You can buy the one that uses the stock BMW plugs in the car if the PO didnt already cut it out.

[AndrewBird]

All aftermarket HU's come with a plug to fit them. You will need to splice this into the factory harness on the car. An adapter won't work in these cars. Look in the stickies at the top of the page. All the info you need is there.

[StereoInstaller1]

The previous install is likely wrong anyway, most installers can't deal with BMW wiring.

[rcsoundn1]

^ so true

[StereoInstaller1]

^ so true

Yes, it's sad. I have probably worked with over 150 different installers over the last 34 years as a pro, most have zero clue. Once a Roundel shows up in the bay, they all run...LOL...which is why in every shop I have ever worked at, I am always known as "The BMW Guy".

I'm OK with that.

OP, how about you post a pic of the wiring behind your deck? Make it a good clean pic so we can see the wire colors clearly.

Luke