C33 AUX input and Installation Megathread

[StereoInstaller1]

I do not know how to tell with car a particular deck came in, except the output voltage is huge on the 4 banger radios vs normal on the others.

Well, here is the deal: if you use the very old school method of connecting the amps (speaker positive to center pin, chassis ground on shield) it doesn't matter anyway, as the deck becomes low output anyway.

[nmlss2006]

So you're saying, connect an oscilloscope, look at the voltages. Ugh, I was hoping for something easier.
I wonder why the very old school amp connection method changes the voltages? And : you only connect chassis ground on shield on one side (radio side I assume) correct?

[StereoInstaller1]

So you're saying, connect an oscilloscope, look at the voltages. Ugh, I was hoping for something easier.
I wonder why the very old school amp connection method changes the voltages? And : you only connect chassis ground on shield on one side (radio side I assume) correct?

No, screw that, just hook a speaker up to it. If it plays loud, like over 90db, it is the high output deck.

BTW, CD43 high output decks weren't common. I have only seen 1 ever.

[nmlss2006]

OK, thanks. Will try and report back.

[moatilliatta]

I got my amp in and bought a install kit too, Im pumped!

[digital_cowboy]

Are we sure that ALL 318, c33 decks are high level outputs? I just ran the part number from the c33 out of my 1997 318i and it came back as the same part as in all 97+ e36s. The 318 also has a factory amp and 10 speaker setup, so I suspect that it is a low output deck, however I would like to know a good method for testing output voltage.

I also have a c33 from a 328i and both decks play directly to a speaker pretty loudly.

Will a DMM (digital multi meter) set to AC voltage and run across the speaker output give a good indication of voltage? Do I need to play a specific sound though the deck? White noise for example?

[deutschman]

wow this is really cool stuff!

[digital_cowboy]

Any input on testing deck output voltage?

[kronus]

Any input on testing deck output voltage?

Do you have photos of the inside of your deck? I suspect the internal amp's power sections will be vastly different between high and low-output decks...

[digital_cowboy]

I did not notice any difference between the 328 c33 and the 318 c33 when I had them open.
I think I might have just answered my own question by looking up my 318's vin on real oem.
It lists a hi-fi amp as part of the stero system. Also, the 328 deck has been working flawlessly for the last month in the my 318, so I think that both my decks are low output. I suspect that any e36 that has 6 speakers in the front (including the 318i ) has an amp and low output deck. Further more, I would conclude that the hi/low output decks differ only by audio package, as opposed to by model.
I would still like to know how to test the output of the deck though.

[StereoInstaller1]

So if you have a 4 banger with the amp, that would be the same.

Apparently, all I see is the shitty ones that have high output.

[digital_cowboy]

But still... can I measure voltage output with only a DDM, or do I need an oscilloscope?

[isocuda]

About the C33 DIN

Heres a quesiton about the install, i have the same radio in my E36 328is, and the motor failed, so i Get tape error, and before i went around tweaking it, do you know how to bypass the sensor so it works?

[moatilliatta]

I trimmed my HVAC panel perfect for the cd43 to slide in, but now the tabs that adjust out on the side do not grab anything. What did you guys do to keep the head unit in place?

[digital_cowboy]

Heres a quesiton about the install, i have the same radio in my E36 328is, and the motor failed, so i Get tape error, and before i went around tweaking it, do you know how to bypass the sensor so it works?

It might still work with the mp3 mod.

I trimmed my HVAC panel perfect for the cd43 to slide in, but now the tabs that adjust out on the side do not grab anything. What did you guys do to keep the head unit in place?

I was planning to trim the bezel on the tape deck. So I don't know.