How to install a car radio on BMW E46?
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Installation and connection of the BMW E46 car radio
The original BMW E46 car radio does not have the performance that one might imagine, nor a multi-option. So if you want a device that guides you, relaxes you and helps you while driving, we advise you to change it. In this guide we will show you how to connect your car radio for BMW E46.
In addition, our site offers accessories such as wireless rear view cameras. Indeed, we offer high-performance and durable accessories.
It should be noted that the possession of a dismantling kit is strongly recommended for any intervention related to the dismantling or replacement of the GPS car radio. In addition, this accessory only costs a few euros. The kit includes, among other things, a flat extraction tool, a screwdriver and a Torx key.
Regarding the safety of the installation of the BMW E46 car radio, it is also recommended to remove the ground wire from the battery. This will prevent short circuits in the event of a wiring problem.
Also read: How to disassemble BMW E90 car radio ?
Remove the original car radio
The first step to secure the connection of the BMW E46 car radio to the 3 Series car radio is to remove the original:
1- Using a flat extraction tool, remove the dashboard cover located on the passenger side. The plastic cover is located between the airbag component and the glove box. Slide the end of the extraction tool into the junction between the different parts and release the lid retainer.
2- By removing this cover, you can now remove the other cover located above the car radio and extending towards the steering wheel. It can also be removed using the extraction tool.
3- The fixing screws are now visible. You just need to use the torx key to remove it.
4- Then simply remove the car radio from its housing. Disconnect all cables attached to it (antenna cables, power cords, etc.).
5- If you plan to connect a 1 DIN car radio with a remote screen, then you can connect the new BMW E46 car radio directly to it. If you plan to install a new BMW E46 2 DIN GPS car radio, you will also need to remove the air conditioning console. It can be removed with a little force, as dust sticks firmly to the A/C control block over time. When you are done, you can simply undo all the cables connected to it.
6- If you are wondering where to put after the heating and air conditioning console, know that you can perfectly accommodate it under its old location. In fact, there are 2 dedicated slots for storage. To clear the space, you must unlock the fixing system by sliding your hand into the dashboard from the former location of the air conditioning control unit.
7- You now have a 2 DIN slot capable of accommodating the new BMW E46 Android car radio. It is still necessary to remove the screws holding the separation bracket between the old car radio and the A/C unit.
Also discover our wide range of affordable Skoda car radios here. You will also be able to see the connection mode of the car radio component
BMW E46 radio connection steps
Now that the space is clear, you can proceed with the installation of the BMW E46 car radio gps. Note that again, some manipulation is necessary here to perfectly integrate the new location.
- To be able to insert the new car radio, first remove the air conditioning vent located above. First remove the set screw. Pass the extraction tool through the top and bottom of the venting system outlet and release the retaining clips.
- After dismantling all the components, group the cables together to avoid losing them later when connecting the BMW E46 car radio.
- But before installing the BMW E46 car radio, you still need to install all the accessories you want to connect to the radio. While some car radios are already equipped with a front microphone, others are associated with an external microphone. It is therefore preferable to choose this last location and to wire it with all the other cables of the car radio before connecting everything. Also route the rear view camera cable and the GPS antenna cable through the dashboard.
Now everything is ready for installation of the car radio. This connection will allow you to test the validity of the assembly. Then connect all cables to the car radio and reconnect the battery negative. Turn the ignition key and switch on the car radio. Test each button and function to see if the connections match. In fact, a BMW extension cord (17 or 40 pin) may be required.
- When everything is in order, the BMW E46 car radio should be installed. Once all cables are inserted into the kit, use conduit to bind the connections together. Plug in the car radio in its place.
Reinstall the air outlets of the heating and air conditioning system. Since the screw entries between the car radio and the socket overlap, you can use a screw on each side to hold everything together.
- After this step, refit the covers which were removed previously to complete the installation of the car radio. Similarly, the air conditioning control unit is installed in the storage space previously arranged under the car radio.
The connection of the BMW E46 car radio is complete and you can now use all its functions. Pay special attention to the Canbus settings to recover the steering wheel controls. Also, don't forget to configure the station with various relevant BMW Bluetooth accessories, such as a rear view camera, Bluetooth, GPS and even Mirrorlink.
This article on How to install a car radio on BMW E46 is now finished. We hope it has you more. Do not hesitate to let us know in the comments.
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