Alpine CDE-9881 install in a '86 325e

[deutschman]

I know that this has been covered a few times but i just can not seam to find enough info by searching. What do I need to do to get this head unit to work in the car? I get that I need to rewire the system, but what parts do I need to rewire. I have little to no experience do this kind of wiring, but need to do it myself because I have no money. I am good at this kind of thing so if some one can kind of walk me through what needs to be rewired I can do the rest.
The car has a premium sound system in it and all the speakers are still good so I want to use them. I am not installing an amp or sub, just the head unit. What needs to be rewired, and what wires need to be added?
Thanks so much!

[deutschman]

which of the original wires do i need to rewire and which ones can i reuse? thats what i need to know... thanks a lot!

[kronus]

Off the top of my head, you will want to bypass the fader. Then, you need to use switched 12v, constant 12v, ground, the illumination wire, remote (for antenna), and the speaker wires. It would probably benefit you to run new, fatter wire to the speakers instead of reusing the stock wire.

[deutschman]

ok i am going to ask a lot of dumb questions because i am very new to wiring and stereo install so hang with me here. how do i bypass the fader? it is cut out right now, its not even in the dash. if i rewire the speakers thats all i need to do to bypass the fader right? do you know the color codes for the switched 12v, constant 12v, ground (i think it is solid brown right?), illumination wire, and the antenna wire? or maybe you know where i can find the color codes for them? i have been looking and can not find anything good...

[kronus]

An ETM for your car can be found here.

[deutschman]

cool thanks!
what sort of wire should i use for the speakers? just everyday house hold speaker wire?

[AndrewBird]

All you really need to rewire is the speaker wire. Just run new wire from the headunit to the speakers. 16ga or so should do it. I got a 100ft. roll of 14ga from Lowe's for ~$25. Nice stuff too, made by Phillips.

Here is a wiring chart that should work for you:

http://www.the12volt.com/installbay/stereodetail/2311.html

You might consider getting a test light. Very handy for finding power wires. You can pick up a cheap one for a couple bucks. Like this:

[deutschman]

All you really need to rewire is the speaker wire. Just run new wire from the headunit to the speakers. 16ga or so should do it. I got a 100ft. roll of 14ga from Lowe's for ~$25. Nice stuff too, made by Phillips.

Here is a wiring chart that should work for you:

http://www.the12volt.com/installbay/stereodetail/2311.html

You might consider getting a test light. Very handy for finding power wires. You can pick up a cheap one for a couple bucks. Like this:

thanks man ;)! i got a test light. ill be using it.