Hi, after my CD changer stopped working, i figured it's time to put an mp3 unit. However, i'm confused about the installation. I tried looking, but can you point me to a thread or tell me how to:

1. Remove the old unit
2. Get a harness adapter/connect all cables without cutting or soldering
3. Hook up the amp

Your help is much appreciated!

1) On the extreme left and right of the radio are two small doors-if you flip them up (outside) then you will see a small screw underneath. Since you don't have the proper BMW tool for this, you'll want to find the correct size jewelers screwdriver that fits in there w/o stripping. Unscrew, and pull the radio forward.
2) Easiest way is to grab an adapter off the 'Bay - pretty much a standard BMW radio harness/adapter from the same vintage
3) Amp takes speaker-level outputs (not low-level RCA jacks) and if you connect the radio harness properly it will take care of the amp as well.

(I do recommend soldering the new harness to your new HU though)

The wiring harness you need is a Scosche BW01B. Metra also makes the harness. If I recall correctly you will need an antenna adapter as well. It is also available from those sources. Call you local independent car audio shop and they should be able to help you out. The big box guys will probably be clueless. With the adapter, it really is plug and play.

-Douglas

If I recall correctly you will need an antenna adapter as well

yup - http://cgi.ebay.com/ANTENNA-ADAPTER-BMW-VW-AUDI-90-UP-VW-87-01-A16S_W0QQitemZ360113603452QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCar_E lectronics_Installation?hash=item360113603452&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

You guys are great! Seems like an easy job, I just need to find a nice black unit to match the trim. I like this one on eBay (item 400008949487) - simple and has all the functions I need.... The guys have a shop and told me they have all harnesses and antenna adaptors.
I'll prolly buy it and install it in the next few days...

Crutchfield has harness adapters!

For like $17 + shipping

I just did mine earlier this month, comes with a lot of info about your stock setup

Very useful.

So anyone, can you tell me the trick to remove the old HU?

Did you read my reply to your first post? What did you do/try?

There are two little doors -one on each end of the stock HU. There are 5 sided socket headed screws under them. Sometimes a small metric allen wrench will get them out or a jewelers screw driver may be the right size to catch in them. There is a special tool but most of us don't have them lying around:(

There are two little doors -one on each end of the stock HU.
Which was in my original response-
(sorry if that came out snippy-just that when you answer someone's question and then they ask it again you wonder if they listened to the answer or just didn't try what you suggested)

Just installed the new hu with the harness. Now the problem is that the amp doesn't power up because the radio/cd player works, but there's no output to the speakers... Did i get the wrong harness? Do i have to run speaker cables from the hu to the amp?

Duh, the power lead cable for the amp was disconnected... Now works perfectly!

That was pretty quick, Could we see it? Tia!

don't think i have rights to post images or links yet...

You have more than 15 posts so I think you can place links and pictures now.

Danny, upload your pics to Photobucket. It will automatically create IMG code for you to add to a post here. Doesn't use board bandwidth either.

any updates??? im in the same boat

What updates? He got it working - what boat are you in? :)

Installation of the HU is plug and play really, when you get the correct harness adaptor. Just remember to connect the blue wire that powers up the amp, otherwise HU works but you don't hear anything