How to Replace a CD Player in a BMW M3


1. Lift the hood and disconnect the grounding cable from the battery. Look for the black cable connecting the negative battery terminal to the frame of the BMW. Loosen the bolt that secures the cable's clamp to the battery terminal with an adjustable wrench. Lift the cable from the battery post and set it away from the battery terminals altogether.
2. Pry the center dash panel from the dashboard with a trim panel removal tool. Start at the left corner and work your way around the perimeter of the panel. Remove the smaller panel surrounding the stereo and climate control knobs with the trim panel tool.
3. Remove the two screws on either side of the factory stereo with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Slide the stock deck from the M3's stereo mounting dock.
4. Disconnect the stereo wiring connectors from the back of the stock stereo. Lift the locking mechanism on the plastic wire binders with a flat screwdriver. The mechanism allows you to pull the connectors from the outlets on the back of the stereo. Unplug the antenna cable from the outlet on the lower left corner of the factory unit.
5. Slide the installation cage into the stereo mounting dock. Feed the stereo wiring and antenna cable through the sleeve (or cage) while pushing the metal collar into the dock. Fold the metal tabs at the entry of the cage outward with a flat screwdriver to secure the sleeve inside the dock.
6. Plug the stereo wiring connectors into the lead connectors of the wiring harness adapter leads. Plug the leads opposite the stereo wiring into the outlets on the rear panel of the new CD player. Plug the antenna cable into the FM antenna outlet on the back side of the new CD player.
7. Slide the CD player into the installation cage until it snaps into place. Replace the trim panel over the stereo dock and climate controls. Press against the panel to snap it back into place. Place the larger trim panel over the center section of the dashboard. Press firmly around the perimeter of the panel to snap it back against the dash. Return to the battery.
8. Place the grounding cable clamp back around the negative battery terminal. Tighten the cable to the clamp with the wrench. Close the BMW's hood.