How to Install a Custom BMW Stereo


1. Lift the hood of the BMW to access the battery terminals. Use a 10 mm wrench to loosen the bolt that secures the negative battery cable clamp to the negative battery terminal. Move the cable away from the battery. Move to the inside of the vehicle.
2. Open the vents at the center of the dashboard. Use a flat screwdriver to pry the retaining clip inside the vent downward to release the vent assembly. Remove the vents from the dashboard.
3. Remove the two screws above the stereo unit with the Phillips-head screwdriver.
4. Slide the factory stereo from the dashboard stereo dock and unplug the stereo wiring and antenna cable from the back of the stock unit.
5. Place the BMW stereo installation kit faceplate into the empty dock in the center of the dashboard. Slide the faceplate into the opening until it snaps into place on both sides.
6. Pull the stereo wiring and antenna cable through the front of the newly installed kit.
7. Connect the stereo wiring to the wiring harness adapter. The stereo wiring may be compatible with the new stereo. If not, use a wiring harness adapter to bridge the compatibility gap between the BMW and the aftermarket stereo.
8. Plug the wiring harness adapter leads into the outlets on the back of the new stereo. The stereo wiring outlets are commonly found stacked vertically on the right side of the stereo's rear panel.
9. Plug the BMW's antenna cable into the outlet on the opposite side of the stereo's rear panel.
10. Slide the new stereo into the opening provided by the installation kit. Push the stereo into the faceplate until it locks firmly into place.
11. Screw in the two screws that were removed from the factory stereo mount at the top of the new faceplate adapter.
12. Align the vents above the stereo on the dashboard. Press firmly against the outer edges of the vent assembly to snap it back into place within the dash. Return to the battery.
13. Replace the negative battery cable clamp around the negative battery terminal lead. Use the 10 mm wrench to tighten the cable's clamp to the BMW's negative battery lead post. Close the hood.