E39 radio problem
Discussion
My standard radio/cassette has died. I have an 2001 E39. I am hoping its something minor but how easy is it to remove the unit as I want to check the connections. It doesn't appear obvious how to remove it. Also if I pickup another unit is it just a simple job of swapping over? Thanks in advance.
Hi there,
To remove the unit
1. Pull off the volume knob
2. You'll need a small flat head screwdriver and if you look closely in the aperture, you'll see which size and direction to slot it into.
3. Give the screw half a turn and just a little past the resistance.
4. Whilst doing that, pull gentley via the cassette door flap and you should feel the unit start to slide out
I 'think' on earlier units, there was a slightly different approach, as your car is 2001, I'm pretty sure its the above procedure.
If when the unit is out and it is faulty, then you need to make a descision onto getting another 8+ year old replacement unit or perhaps going aftermarket. If you do go for the replacement older unit, be sure you get the version with the pin arrangement as the one you have. Commonly, the older units had 'Round Pins' connections, and the later ones had 'Flat pin' connections. When looking at ebay ensure you buy the correct one. If you do end up with the wrong connector one, you can buy a converter for around £20 (I think!)
Hope this helps, Cheers, Dennis, West London & Slough UK!
To remove the unit
1. Pull off the volume knob
2. You'll need a small flat head screwdriver and if you look closely in the aperture, you'll see which size and direction to slot it into.
3. Give the screw half a turn and just a little past the resistance.
4. Whilst doing that, pull gentley via the cassette door flap and you should feel the unit start to slide out
I 'think' on earlier units, there was a slightly different approach, as your car is 2001, I'm pretty sure its the above procedure.
If when the unit is out and it is faulty, then you need to make a descision onto getting another 8+ year old replacement unit or perhaps going aftermarket. If you do go for the replacement older unit, be sure you get the version with the pin arrangement as the one you have. Commonly, the older units had 'Round Pins' connections, and the later ones had 'Flat pin' connections. When looking at ebay ensure you buy the correct one. If you do end up with the wrong connector one, you can buy a converter for around £20 (I think!)
Hope this helps, Cheers, Dennis, West London & Slough UK!
It's dead - this is very common.
Unfortunately the later flat pin style radios are, despite being utterly crap tape players, worth a small fortune. I've sold several now on Ebay for over £200.
Best to take the time to upgrade. I changed to the BMW Business CD unit with Multi Info Display for less than it cost me to sell my old tape player (Though the retrofit is a bit more involved as you need to run a new wire into the cars main loom for the MID).
Unfortunately the later flat pin style radios are, despite being utterly crap tape players, worth a small fortune. I've sold several now on Ebay for over £200.
Best to take the time to upgrade. I changed to the BMW Business CD unit with Multi Info Display for less than it cost me to sell my old tape player (Though the retrofit is a bit more involved as you need to run a new wire into the cars main loom for the MID).
Also - if you have 5 mins, then a quick read here might help (just in case): http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
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