What the heck am i looking at here?

[Blackthorn]

So iv got an aftermarket pioneer stereo that im going to temporarily use until i find a nice OEM looking one that isnt $200+. Unfortunately when i purchased the car the PO said he had some sort of system in it before ripping it out after it had an issue. Iv taken a few pics of what hes left me and i was wondering if any of the E30 wiring Gurus could help me identify what bones are left and how to get this new head unit pumping out some tunes.

Links below to the pics, unfortunately the file size was to big to upload. I need to stop taking 4k pictures it seems.

http://i.imgur.com/It93A2X.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/MpaMqEf.jpg

thanks!

[DirtyTh3rty]

That black connector is just an adaptor for the other stereo the original wires will be connected to that. You want to scrap that connector completely and get one that matches your stereo if you don't have one already. Then splice that into the original wires. just pull each speaker and match the wires up front all those yellow and blue ones twisted together are your speaker wires. Then obviously brown is your ground then the few others will be your constant 12v, switched 12v, etc.. it's pretty easy to find wiring diagrams. Your rear speaker wires may not match up front if you still have the original amp in the car. You will have to go into the trunk and find the amp on the drivers side near antenna then match them. I recommend bypassing the amp on if it hasn't been done already it sounds a lot better with aftermarket stereos. But if you will be going back to stock then maybe leave it alone.

[george graves]

Good post DirtyTh3rty. Not much to add other then you'll be able to tell what is factory and what is aftermarket once you get your hands dirty.

Some people like to reuse the factory wiring (it can save a buck or two) - but sometimes it's less complicated to run new stuff. The choose is yours.

[Blackthorn]

That black connector is just an adaptor for the other stereo the original wires will be connected to that. You want to scrap that connector completely and get one that matches your stereo if you don't have one already. Then splice that into the original wires. just pull each speaker and match the wires up front all those yellow and blue ones twisted together are your speaker wires. Then obviously brown is your ground then the few others will be your constant 12v, switched 12v, etc.. it's pretty easy to find wiring diagrams. Your rear speaker wires may not match up front if you still have the original amp in the car. You will have to go into the trunk and find the amp on the drivers side near antenna then match them. I recommend bypassing the amp on if it hasn't been done already it sounds a lot better with aftermarket stereos. But if you will be going back to stock then maybe leave it alone.

thanks for this. working on it now

[Blackthorn]

Hey just wanted to follow up. After doing some research apparently there isnt an adapter for the E30. Is this true?

[Blackthorn]

Bump

[StereoInstaller1]

Hey just wanted to follow up. After doing some research apparently there isnt an adapter for the E30. Is this true?

Yes, this is true, hardwire only

[Blackthorn]

SteroInstaller1 iv been hoping you would chime in. Iv read a bunch of your posts and know your the guy for these types of questions. Iv been recently looking at the continental tr7412ub-or for the e30. I know its been done before but is there a way to mount it flush with the console or is this just a pipe dream? Also since im trying to get a modern unit in a older car should i put the time and energy into the continental or should i hold out for a RMT 200 and just go all out?

Im going for OE stockish look and would prefer the RMT 200 that CurrusDei did with the amber back lighting but they are next to impossible to find without having to trade my first born. However it looks like the continental might be loads easier to install and not shorten my life by years.

[StereoInstaller1]

As far as what deck, I hate all of them...but to flush mount them, there's a post somewhere on here where I told a dude my trick of ABS DIN spacers and glue, he did it and posted pics (I have not) of the process he used on his CD43

[Blackthorn]

As far as what deck, I hate all of them...but to flush mount them, there's a post somewhere on here where I told a dude my trick of ABS DIN spacers and glue, he did it and posted pics (I have not) of the process he used on his CD43

Lol, Is anything that catches your eye as far as stock looking with bluetooth or aux compatibility? I need my jams man.

[StereoInstaller1]

I really don't...ain't much out there stock looking

[Blackthorn]

Damnit Luke quit crushing my dreams! Btw ima need one of your spiffy boxes once i get this all sorted out. However i saw your tag, are you still making them?