How to Install a CD Player in a BMW E32

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. Grasp the front of the passenger's side rear seat and lift it up. Slide the seat forward to reveal the battery.
2. Loosen the bolt that secures the negative battery cable clamp to the negative battery terminal with a 10 mm wrench. Lift the cable from the terminal and set it aside.
3. Open the glove compartment. Reach under the front edge of the compartment and locate the four screws that span the length of the compartment's opening. Remove the screws with a Phillips head screwdriver. Remove the dash trim panel on the front of the dash, just above the glove compartment.
4. Pull the small trim panel next to the stereo away from the dash by hand.
5. Remove the two screws on either side of the stereo (at the top two corners) with a Phillips head screwdriver.
6. Slide the factory stereo from the BMW's stereo dock.
7. Disconnect the stereo wiring and antenna cable from the back of the factory stereo unit.
8. Insert the installation sleeve into the stereo dock. Feed the stereo wiring and antenna cable through the back of the sleeve.
9. Bend the metal tabs at the opening of the sleeve downward with a flat head screwdriver to secure it inside the dock.
10. Plug the stereo wiring connectors into the leads of the wiring harness adapter.
11. Plug the wiring harness adapter lead connectors into the outlets on the back of the new CD player. Plug the antenna cable into the FM antenna outlet located on the bottom left corner of the CD player's rear panel.
12. Slide the CD player into the stereo installation sleeve until it snaps into place.
13. Secure the two screws (one on either side of the stereo) using the Phillips head screwdriver.
14. Position the small dash panel against the dashboard on the right side of the stereo and press it back into place.
15. Place the trim panel above the glove compartment and replace the four screws on the other side of the glove compartment opening to secure the panel to the dash. Close the glove compartment. Return to the rear seat.
16. Place the negative battery cable clamp back around the negative battery terminal. Tighten the cable's clamp to the battery post with the 10 mm wrench.
17. Slide the rear seat back onto the rear seat bench and press down to snap it back into place.