OEM Radio - Help me swap with another OEM Radio

[dinanm3atl]

The one the car came with is locked in CODE. I have tried everything. I got a known working one.

How do I get this thing in here. Damn Common ground systems...

Wire colors would be helpful... or a DIY...

[strad]

If you have the correct code for the radio, you probably haven't tried the "leave the radio on for an hour" trick yet. I'll just bet.

I've had to use that trick on both of my E30s at one time or another, and it's worked every time. After the power has been on to the radio for an hour (or more, to be safe), enter the correct code and it will be accepted.

If the radio you got is the same model as the one in there already, it's plug and play. Post what model number radio is in the car and what model number radio you'd like to install. Also Bentley probably has wiring schematics for you.

[dinanm3atl]

they both are e30 radios... there is no "plug" There are just wires coming out of the back of the unit. I will try the 1 hour thing tonight again. What key position?

1 or 2?

[strad]

Any key position that provides power to the radio is fine. Radio must be on.

edit: my two E30s have two different oem radios -- one's a premium radio and the other is the standard radio. You're right, there isn't just one plug there are several.

[dinanm3atl]

common ground is GAY

[backtrail69]

Then run 4 new wires and get a cheap CD player. It isn't a big deal.

[dinanm3atl]

Yah I am thinking of doing this. How is AM reception with aftermarket deck?