How to Wire a Radio in a 1990 BMW 535
The factory radio in a 1990 BMW 535 is an AM/FM receiver with a cassette player. For owners who want to install an updated radio, the factory radio has to be removed first. The wiring and housing have to be adapted for the new radio to fit. Here are some steps on removing the factory radio and installing a new radio.
Items Needed:
- Adjustable wrench
- Flat head screwdriver
- Wiring harness adaptor
- BMW radio installation kit
- Allen wrench key set
- Raise the hood on the car. The negative side of the battery has to be disconnected using an adjustable wrench.
- Using a small screwdriver pull open one of the small doors on either side of the radio. In the small door, there are allen screws. Using an allen wrench, turn the screws three or four times counter clockwise to release the radio from its locking tabs. Take the radio out.
- Disconnect the wiring harness and pull out the radio antenna cable.
- Attach the radio installation sleeve to the installation kit faceplate. The faceplate is provided in the installation kit. There are tabs on the installation sleeve. Bend the tabs into the slots on the faceplate. This will secure the faceplate. Slide the new radio into the installation sleeve. It will click into place.
- Connect the wire harness adaptor to the BMW wiring harness. The other end of the wire harness adaptor will be connected to the wiring harness of the new radio. The connections will snap into place. Plug the antenna cable into the back of the new radio.
- Put the connected assembly into the slot that the factory radio came out of. Be sure none of the wires are trapped or hung on anything. Push in until the radio clicks into place.
- Reconnect the battery. Try out your new updated radio.