BMW Z3 Aftermarket Radio Install

[@johnquarto]

I'm not super-mechanical, but your video is so clear I'm going to attempt this myself. Thanks

[@RaymondUrias]

John Quarto-vonTivadar THANKS! remember to take your time, you got this

[@johnquarto]

at 13:37 what is that white thing by your thumb? I bought all the parts you mentioned but the cable that plugged into the white has no corresponding piece on the car deck? And how do the car speakers get connected to the unit?

[@RaymondUrias]

John Quarto-vonTivadar that white plug is part of the Factory harnesses (power....not needed with your aftermarket radio). The factory harness is how your factory radio hooks up to all your speakers. I'm sliding on the harness adapter, which is what I wired up in the beginning of the video. So a schematic would be something like this: New Radio wires(comes with your new Radio)----->Adapter------>Factory plug I hope this makes sense :)

[@johnquarto]

following up a bit, as things went well except I had no sound at the end -- does the Z3 have a factory amp ? and if so how did you get it hooked up to the harness ? Was it through the power antenna ?

[@RaymondUrias]

The car does have a factory amp. The connection is the Blue (power antenna) to Blue (remote signal) like the video shows in the beginning 02:06 Does your radio turn on? If so then you may have one of your connections loose or not connected. Also try switching the mode to radio on the head unit and increase the volume (Maybe its on demo mode). I feel if the radio ( head unit) powers on successfully then it must be a miss connection.

[@michaelpalmisano7010]

Illumination is for dimming the head unit when the headlights are turned on. The solid blue wire is power antenna but some vehicles have an amplified antenna , it’s not just for a power antenna . This wire also only has 12v when the FM radio is on. The blue. White wire is for amplifier turn on if your car has a factory amp or if your using an aftermarket amp.. this wire has 12v anytime the radio unit is turned on.

[@alifmahmoud164]

Great video. Saved my ass today. Couldn’t figure out why it wasn’t working. Ended up being the blue wire.

[@davidsutton8473]

Your video guided me right through the process. The only thing I found was that to get the plug off the back of the original stereo, there is a plastic retaining cover that needs to slide up and out of the way first. Then it pried off fairly easily. Nice complete explanation.

[@RaymondUrias]

+David Sutton You are correct, I don't know why I didn't include that in the video. But I'm happy you were able to get your new radio in

[@djroboscope]

Hilarious how in every one of these videos, the guys are too embarrassed to show how they actually removed the connector cables from the factory radio. Instead mmm, they show a great montage of them struggling with it for a year. This is the 4th video in a row. And yet, I still sit here.. struggling to remove mine

[@richardvargas3308]

I don't have a Beamer but the wiring you showed worked perfectly for my civic especially with the blue & blue/wires!

[@RaymondUrias]

Richard Vargas THAT'S AWESOME! You made my weekend!

[@davekuhar6070]

Thanks for this great video! First time I've replaced a radio and it went very smoothly with big thanks to you. The blue-blue/white tip made all the difference. Without that I'd have never gotten it to work. You rock!

[@RaymondUrias]

+Dave Kuhar Great to hear!

[@gipnor]

Thanks for making this video. In case you want to add it to the description, my OEM radio required a size 2.5 metric allen wrench for the screws. Easy Peasy!

[@travishouzenga1133]

1998 BMW Z3 aftermarket Pioneer installation successful. Thank you.

[@tim1749]

With the antenna wire length. With some of the nicer radios you can use the microphone to do some of the time alignment stuff with the speakers. You get into a Burban or some kind of bus, you will need that length. Also, with installing some of those in larger cars. You have to go down the a pillar, through all kinds of crap behind the dash, etc.etc..Not to mention if this is an executives car. Where they are riding in back, but still want to use hands free while riding.

[@ncopeman]

Thanks for this video Raymond!! I've just fitted the Pioneer MVH-S300BT to my Z3 after watching this. Very clear instructions. I had a bit of a fight with the mic cable (I'm uk and drive on the wrong side lol) and couldn't figure out how to get it into the head unit (even dropped my phone inside, but managed to fish it out) but got there in the end. It's a great radio, Paired my phone easily and and have my full iTunes library at the shout of 'Hey Siri'. Awesome!

[@RaymondUrias]

ncopeman Happy to hear that

[@davej8746]

Nice job! You made it look fairly easy for DIYers. Thanks!

[@pierbrah]

On my Z3 the radio connector was modified by the previous owner and half the wiring was directly to an old kenwood wiring harness. Literally made the job hell :(

[@davegee669]

Awesome. I am all thumbs and this was great! Thanks

[@tgmcnaughton]

Connecting the "power antenna" wire to the "remote control wire" solved my no audio out problem. Thx.

[@murkinstock]

I think on today's head units, the "illumination" wire is used to dim the unit when you turn on the headlights. That's what my Sony did anyways.

[@RaymondUrias]

+murkinstock it's supposed to do that but I find that in alot of cars it doesn't work. I have even run it to the light switch... nothing. Could be a pioneer thing lol

[@jorgemonserrate7070]

I like the wheels on your Bimmer!

[@alfredorodriguez3935]

thank you really helpful i'm going to be replacing my radio too..

[@bradleyhenderson7722]

Dude sweet thanks for this vid👌🏻

[@RaymondUrias]

+Brad Henderson I'm glad it helped you!

[@Kysgramma]

I just installed a Pioneer SPH 10-BT in my '97 BMW Z3, but can't figure out how to get the wire to the back of the radio. Your video has helped tremendously, but it is very hard to see where you actually put the wire thru to the back of the radio. Can you update the video (sorry, I've never posted a video to KZbin so this may not be possible) to show exactly where you loosened a screw and put the wire through? Thank you!

[@x1tekja]

Good video did the upgrade and stereo works fine but alarm won't engage. Hmm

[@ElliutN]

Im assuming that if you dont disconnect the radio while on and it goes into security mode, no power will be available if you try to connect the radio in as a security feature?

[@RaymondUrias]

The factory radio has a security pin. If it loses power for more then 5 mins you will need the pin to use the factory radio

[@ElliutN]

@@RaymondUrias yeah I used an app to get the code thanks

[@frankmurray9172]

Regarding the security code, do you have to punch this in to the new head unit? Am I right in understanding the power has to be on for the whole of the procedure?

[@RaymondUrias]

Security code is for the factory radio. You can and should disconnect the negative when working on car stereo

[@robinsimond6080]

Hello, I would like to change my radio on my Z3 but is it compatible on a 1999 as well ?

[@likits1999]

Could you please explain why the factory alarm will no longer work after messing with the factory radio? My factory alarm doesnt work but I wasnt the one who removed the factory radio.

[@RaymondUrias]

The alarm is not connected to the radio in anyway shape or form that I am aware of. Possible that the alarm has gone bad and needs to be replaced.

[@richardhernandez6765]

Hey raymond, hows the audio quality on the bluetooth feature?

[@RaymondUrias]

richard hernandez surprisingly good, Real good actually

[@keyroncampbell]

Raymond Urias mine not working.. I don't know why

[@superlazyorg]

Hi Raymond, Thanks for the video! This will be very useful as a reference when I replace mine. One thing I've been struggling with is that I don't like the look of the bezels of most after-market stereos. They are seem to have curved edges and leave large gaps around the sides; whereas the BMW factory stereo fits tight and flush with the rest of the panel. Did you come across any units that have a better fit? The Sony RSX-GS9 might fit, but it's pretty expensive. Sony RSX-GS9Sony RSX-GS9

[@RaymondUrias]

superlazyorg I am familiar with that head unit and it does not sit flush it sinks in. Most head units including McIntosh do not sit flush. If you want a 100% flush look you will have to fabricate a whole new bezel. Factory radios look flat because the bezel was made that way from the factory. Don't let this discourage you! If you want that look it will require more work but it can be done....with fiberglass or Bondo.

[@superlazyorg]

I was afraid of that answer. I might look into using G10 sheets and design somehting that I can cut on a CNC machine. The outer shape is just a rectangle to match the car, but the inner part needs to match the new head unit and may be more difficult.

[@RaymondUrias]

superlazyorg Yeah that sounds like a good start. Take the filler piece that comes with your new radio to trace the dimensions for your CNC machine. OR if you are lucky see if a dash kit is available for your car, then you can cut it up and use fiberglass to make it flush. Worst case go to a junkyard, buy a replacement dash kit from the scraped car and play with that so you don't Fudge up your cars.

[@superlazyorg]

I'll let you know if I find any good solutions. Wish me luck!

[@RaymondUrias]

+superlazyorg you got this....but your username gives me little hope lol

[@RuvimAbaras]

Thanks !

[@alpeena]

so I need some help........just removed a super old non working aftermarket blaupunt from my z3....it worked fine for like 13 yrs...then slowly died.......and I just instlld a new Pio mvh x390BT......seemed ez pz.....BUT I have like ZERO FM recep?.....mainly static...maybe lie 1 station comes in and quite poorly........what did I overlook?..I re checked all my quik connects.....bummed......all other functions w/ the radio are fine......am recep is terrible as well.

[@RaymondUrias]

+alpeena seems like your antenna adapter is not plugged in or not seated correctly. Make sure it's plugged in correctly and also check your antenna connection in trunk.

[@issakdib7559]

hey man great video, would the antenna converter work on a 2000 z3, on amazon it says it incompatible.

[@RaymondUrias]

+Issa Dib The one that is in my description will work on a 2000 Z3. Enjoy your collector's car 😀 (Z3's are gaining value now)

[@issakdib7559]

thanks man.

[@kylecuevas4076]

Why would you put the camera at the worst angle at the most important part -.- THATS ALL I HAVE TO SAY

[@string2155]

Did you need an adapter for the antenna?

[@TheEzeFamily]

I have installed radios before and I just installed a radio in my z3 however i am not getting any sound. Is there something I am forgetting?

[@RaymondUrias]

Chyke Eze make sure the blue wire is connected or it won't work. While you are at it recheck the connections . If it all seems good then make sure the new head unit works. If thats good too then I would check the speakers.

[@camerond]

Was the power on the whole time, or can I turn it off after I remove the factory radio?

[@RaymondUrias]

I left it on, it's just plug and play

[@papaidolatrine2499]

I wish you would have said the function of each wire instead of only the color

[@egiles]

What did you do with the BMW CD43 radio that you removed?

[@RaymondUrias]

+Eric Giles I somewhere around here...Don't remember exactly where I put it. Haha

[@egiles]

Raymond Urias interested in selling it?

[@RaymondUrias]

Eric Giles I would probably give it away lol. I just have to find it.

[@egiles]

Raymond I'm very interested in the BMW head unit for my E30. Not sure how to contact you via email so send me your address please.

[@RaymondUrias]

Eric Giles OK I saved it. I'll look next time I'm in there. Hopefully it's not where the roof leaked, I'll be optimistic.

[@TamDeLong-kf3rs]

Link for the radio??

[@brianrobinson2715]

HiI have a 2001 BMW Z3. Replace head unit with a sony after market. It seems like the radio is killing the battery when the car sits for a couple days. Any suggestion on this? I took out the radio fuse and battery was good after a week, so that's how I came to it might be the radio. Please help if anyone has experience this. Thanks. Great video

[@RaymondUrias]

If I had to guess I would say its one of 3 things. Assuming the radio was the only thing touched I would say the Remote (Blue wire), or Ground (Black wire)or Amp Turn On (Blue w White Stripe) are loose and causing it to drain out. I would run a multi-meter test on battery also to see the speed of the drain. If its fast then its your radio.

[@brianrobinson2715]

Raymond Urias what type of multimeter and how does a multimeter work ?

[@RaymondUrias]

Any Multi-meter from any auto part store will do. Im sure the problem is in the wiring of your radio tho. First start by pulling it out and re checking all your connections make sure they are tight! give them a little pull where you connected them and see if any of the wires are loose.

[@RaymondUrias]

+Brian Robinson Side note check your wiring too, make sure it's wired correctly. Here is another KZbinrs explaining how to use a multimeter kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnilZ417n6ygbbM

[@travistouchdown6391]

How to take them off? because I need to access my aircon panel. I need to rewire it.

[@RaymondUrias]

Travis Touchdown I have this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2bKapaamNKakLM it shows how to remove an aftermarket radio.

[@eyedunno8462]

Harmon Kardon audio system?

[@williamjazonsr9074]

were did you get or buy the connectors ?

[@RaymondUrias]

+William Jazon Sr www.amazon.com/Posi-Products-Posi-Twist-Connectors-18-26-gauge/dp/B00I1PFD4Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1475461183&sr=8-1&keywords=669PP500

[@yellowdoghnut45]

I didn’t splice the blue amp wire because I’m going to install an aftermarket amp, go to test before closing up and I have No sound. What gives?

[@RaymondUrias]

Have sound or don't have sound? What headunit are you using

[@yellowdoghnut45]

Raymond Urias no sound** whoops. I’m using a pioneer. Forget which model tho

[@RaymondUrias]

@@yellowdoghnut45 does the unit power on? Are all connections on? Are the speaker blown (you can take the + and - of each speaker and rub them or use 9v battery)? If all of this is correct then you need to wire the blue wire to a 12v trigger or amp

[@yellowdoghnut45]

Raymond Urias unit comes on and lights flash and all that jazz but no sound. I’m just gonna wire the blue to the stock amp and see what happens now

[@RaymondUrias]

@@yellowdoghnut45 that should do the trick

[@tito2146]

how good is the radio?

[@RaymondUrias]

Nelson Morales my dad actually really likes it. I played around with it and it good not amazing and not bad...I dislike the animations it makes when I change my source. Overall it's good.

[@محمودالمجالي-ت6ظ]

How to connect wires in a BMW e46 ,I want a detailed explanation

[@RaymondUrias]

+محمود المجالي I need more information sine E46 spans from 1996 to 2006 and and they had a wide variety of radio with Navigation and Harmon kar

[@محمودالمجالي-ت6ظ]

1999

[@RaymondUrias]

+محمود المجالي ok it's actually almost the same ... Almost exactly the same as the Z3. Unfortunately I don't have an E46 near me to show you BUT check out this website www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=462847

[@robertguthrie6407]

And you can disconnect also

[@TheRafelito19]

The instructions are the same for the Bmw e46 3 serries add the keyword to the tittle so people looking for those find your video

[@RaymondUrias]

Will do!

[@JavierMartinez-bg5sm]

Why does the radio come if you try to take out the aux cord?

[@RaymondUrias]

Javier Martinez Your radio is not in all the way. Make sure it's probably seated. It will click when it's in position. Either that or you didn't lock the housing (Silver metal frame) make sure you push the pins in all the way.

[@JavierMartinez-bg5sm]

Thank you! You're video really did help!

[@JavierMartinez-bg5sm]

Maybe I push in some pins I wasn't supposed to push in

[@RaymondUrias]

Javier Martinez the metal pins should be pushed in to create a tight grip. Pull the radio out and check out the metal trim piece

[@YaBoyMari_]

Will this work on the BMW 330xi.?

[@YaBoyMari_]

2004

[@RaymondUrias]

Thats a whole different mongoose. and gets more technical if you have the HK sound with navigation. But its not hard overall same procedure as above. You can get all the parts you need from crutchfield.com :)

[@YaBoyMari_]

+Raymond Urias right right , thanks for the heads up because I have the 2010 Mercedes Benz c300 I love how you installed the Star Light & interior lighting save a lot with DIY , the thing is I found a 2004 BMW 330xi 161,234 miles 2,800 asking price for a second car but radio is missing , spark plugs need new ones & oil change , this first time looking into BMW I just need advice or pro experience on what to look for when buying because I could prolly get it for a lot less, I would like to send pics of it through Instagram..

[@RaymondUrias]

+Mari Stith STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM IT! LOL

[@RaymondUrias]

+Mari Stith send it to my Instagram Raymonduriasjr BUT I would stay away any Mercedes or BMW over 150k miles. You are buying a boat, and it will consume alot of money and time with gaskets, seals, timing chain etc. Unless you just want a fun car to mess around with be careful. Anything over 100k miles I would do a full blown inspection and work my price down. Another KZbinr Chrisfix did an EXCELLENT write up for buying used cars.

[@tr888unruly7]

Which 1 power wire

[@RaymondUrias]

+tr888 unruly Red wire is the 12V

[@coachjones9640]

show us your z3 in a tour video

[@RaymondUrias]

Coach Jones Sounds like a good video. I'll make it just in time for Christmas

[@coachjones9640]

Raymond Urias ayyyyy cool I have a 96 it's my first car

[@RaymondUrias]

Coach Jones They are definitely sick cars! Stay tuned for the video and future mods.

[@coachjones9640]

Raymond Urias will do

[@luchixx1216]

You Have replaced a random autoradio by a collectors radio, nowadays. I hope you sold the BMW CD for a good price. They are expensive now.

[@nazimgokcezade1651]

POOR SOUND

[@joebatres2313]

Your video sucks I only needed to know how to unplug the radio and you fast forward it to you that cuz you had the same problem

[@RaymondUrias]

It's easy you lazy ass! Just lift the tab up like a lever and unplug it. Put some effort in it go to the gym and work out!