Rewiring questions.

[Staticpulse]

Before I get started I want everyone to know that I have tried searching the forums for my answers before writing this post. I'm not very knowledgeable about wiring in the first place. It can't be that hard and I pick things up pretty quickly.

Basically, I plan on pulling out the old head unit/speaker wiring all together. Whatever the PO had just looks like a cluster fuck. So basically, if your car had no wiring for the stereo what so ever, how would you wire it all together? Also, besides wire crimps, a crimping tool and some electrical tape, and speaker wire (obviously having a HU and speakers, no amp) what do I need and how do I do it?

I dont have anything too fancy, just something to get me by seeing as how I purchased the car with nothing. =P

If this seems like a pretty repetitive question, feel free to flame but add a link as well.

thanks in advance! :bow:

*Edit* I guess to really clarify what I'm looking for, besides two wires to each speaker, what else do I need? What is the best place to ground to? What path is the easiest way to run speaker wire from front to back?

[PiercedE30]

I ran all new speaker wire when I had my interior out. If you get a roll of like 50 feet, you will have plenty of speaker wire. You will need to find a switched power, use a test light, and run a ground somewhere. Pretty much it really.

[Staticpulse]

I ran all new speaker wire when I had my interior out. If you get a roll of like 50 feet, you will have plenty of speaker wire. You will need to find a switched power, use a test light, and run a ground somewhere. Pretty much it really.

I can use extra speaker wire as a ground wire, correct?

Also I figured it would probably be easier to pull out the interior so that was really in the plans. Is it hard to put the carpet back in?

Thanks for the input.

[atomic]

I can use extra speaker wire as a ground wire, correct?

Also I figured it would probably be easier to pull out the interior so that was really in the plans. Is it hard to put the carpet back in?

Thanks for the input.

The carpet is a major PITA to take out and put back in. I wouldn't take it out but rather run your wires for the rears down the center hump of the car. You should be able to reach the front through the dash and into the kick panels.

You can use some speaker wire for a ground wire as well. Or I like to get a small roll of black 16ga wire. That way you know a black wire is more than likely a ground when looking at it later in life ...

[StereoInstaller1]

Do NOT run wires down the center hump!!

Always follow factory routing of wire in ANY car...ALWAYS!

If you feel some kind of desperate need to run new wire everywhere (BMW wire is fucking excellent...20 years old and rarely oxidized) simply follow the factory routing. Use the left side for signal whether speaker or RCA.

Luke

[atomic]

Do NOT run wires down the center hump!!

Always follow factory routing of wire in ANY car...ALWAYS!

If you feel some kind of desperate need to run new wire everywhere (BMW wire is fucking excellent...20 years old and rarely oxidized) simply follow the factory routing. Use the left side for signal whether speaker or RCA.

Luke

My bad !! I have yet to rewire mine and was told by several others thats were to run the new at...

Glad you pointed me in the right direction before I did the wrong thing.

[DaveSmed]

Think about unloading and loading passengers. How many people step on that hump?

[atomic]

Think about unloading and loading passengers. How many people step on that hump?

In that case... in my car that would be 0 passengers loading and unloading in the back seat. :up:

But I understand where you are coming from too.

[Staticpulse]

Hey I appreciate the input. Yeah, I don't intend to have many rear passengers in my car but you never know when you need to. I'll stick to the left side. If I run into any kinks along the way I'll throw up a new post.

[StereoInstaller1]

Dave, some E30s have a 4 pin connector near the left front speaker. 2 blue wires, 2 yellow wires...these are the rear speaker wires. If you have them, I recommend you use them. Some E30s have the common L/R ground point in the rear seat area. You can simply cut and run forward from there if you wish...just remember, BMW wire is excellent stuff, so you can feel 100% about using it if it works out like that.

Get it done!
Luke

[Staticpulse]

Dave, some E30s have a 4 pin connector near the left front speaker. 2 blue wires, 2 yellow wires...these are the rear speaker wires. If you have them, I recommend you use them. Some E30s have the common L/R ground point in the rear seat area. You can simply cut and run forward from there if you wish...just remember, BMW wire is excellent stuff, so you can feel 100% about using it if it works out like that.

Get it done!
Luke

Sounds good Luke. I just have to wait for the HU to arrive. I appreciate your advice and will definitely take it. Once I get a system worth a damn, I'll be ordering a box from you if you still feel up to making them. (It will be a while.) Thanks again man!