Write up for a CD43 install?

[DaRvDrUmS]

Does anyone happen to have a detailed write up for a CD43 install? (yes, I have tried the search function). I just got it in the mail today as an upgrade from my E30 tape deck. It's freaking beautiful! All of the wires hanging off of the updated harness that the seller included are making me a little nervous though (I've never had to install a head unit before...)

Thanks guys!

[DeansBimmer]

I kinda touched on the major points of installing a CD43 in my audio build here:
http://r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=143170

Starting on post #9

[DaRvDrUmS]

Whoa, that looks a lot harder than I thought! I had no idea that the CD43 didn't fit flush in an E30 dash. Does that mean I need to cut the head unit column like you did? Your thread looked like a lot of fun though!

[DeansBimmer]

To fit it flush you have to cut the Hvac panel as shown, yes. Its worth the extra time to do it right though!

[KimoSabe]

Are you selling your old OEM e30 radio? Interested if you are. PM sent

[NHskibm]

Whoa, that looks a lot harder than I thought! I had no idea that the CD43 didn't fit flush in an E30 dash. Does that mean I need to cut the head unit column like you did? Your thread looked like a lot of fun though!

if you want it flush you need to dremel.. however if you don't mind a stick out like that it does fit and SECURELY too...

I dremeled one, then I replace my HVAC panel and didn't dremel again and then on a third install I also did not dremel... search through the thread on my sig to see...

also, go to www.installer.com and you can grab a 92-96 harness for like $25... then you just need to match wires... all in all it really isn't that hard...

[DaRvDrUmS]

Thanks guys!

[E30Nova]

Damn, that CD43 is clean.

Matt

[straight6pwr]

Damn, that CD43 is clean.

Matt

its too bad they ruined its clean styling with an ///m badge slapped on all willy-nilly and sideways.

[DaRvDrUmS]

its too bad they ruined its clean styling with an ///m badge slapped on all willy-nilly and sideways.

awww...I kinda liked it. I thought it'd be cool when I eventually drop a new engine in it to match! lol

[ciz28]

its too bad they ruined its clean styling with an ///m badge slapped on all willy-nilly and sideways.

That's because the CD43 the OP bought isn't actually from a BMW. A genuine BMW CD43 will say "BMW BUSINESS CD" on it where that M logo has been placed. There is an identical unit - I believe it's made for Land Rover - that a lot of sellers rebadge as BMW by covering up the original logo.

edit: Here is what the original BMW CD43 looks like:

[DaRvDrUmS]

That's because the CD43 the OP bought isn't actually from a BMW. A genuine BMW CD43 will say "BMW BUSINESS CD" on it where that M logo has been placed. There is an identical unit - I believe it's made for Land Rover - that a lot of sellers rebadge as BMW by covering up the original logo.

edit: Here is what the original BMW CD43 looks like:

Yeah, I saw this kind for sale too. I kinda like the one that I got better...