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Do you know what you're getting into??? (archive)
[ Follow Ups ] [ 5-series (E34) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]
Posted by R Kieffer on March 11, 2000 at 23:42:19:

In Reply to: 90 535 stereo install tips/help posted by Tyler on March 11, 2000 at 20:40:16:

Hey Tyler,

Do you know much about the stock sound system in the E34? It gets pretty tricky using the stock head unit with aftermarket amps and speakers. If you don't have a wiring diagram to help you determine which wires to plug into your amp(s), I wouldn't touch a thing yet. The stock amp has two plugs going into it with about 20-25 different wires. Some of them are for the signal from the head unit and the others are the actual wires going to the speakers. If you don't have a wiring diagram, I can guarantee about a zero percent chance of success.

I did an amp and speaker upgrade in my 1991 535i a few months ago. It took a couple of days of looking over the wiring diagrams and planning before I was confident enough to start the job. Even then, it took about a day to get everything right. With the stock system, the crossovers are built into the amp, which is behind the trim panel on the driver's side of the trunk. Since the crossovers are in the amp, there is actually a different set of wires for each individual speaker component. I used the factory wires for my system, but like I mentioned before, if you don't have a wiring diagram, it will be a nightmare. It also gets pretty tricky figuring out which wires from the headunit go into the inputs of the amp.

Fortunately, Bob Hazelwood, our resident E34 message board audio guru, faxed me a list of the wires and their functions. I still have this list and could fax it to you at work on Monday. If you are interested, send an e-mail to my personal address by clicking on the link at the top of this page. If you wanted to discuss the swap, I should be home some of the time tomorrow. If you'd want to do that also, let me know and I'll e-mail my phone number to you.

I'm not trying to discourage you from the swap. Just trying to make you aware that it's pretty involved and you need to be prepared before you start. However, I am happy to report that the sound I now have was well worth the hassle.

Regards,

Robert J. Kieffer
1991 535i

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