Here is the deal BMW (E90) with amps are not simple to make a aftermarket radio work. This is why the radio only sends a signal and does not amplify.
Installing Aftermarket Radio in BMW (E90)
•When you install an aftermarket head unit it sends the wrong signal to the factory amp which eventually shorts it out.
•The solution is a new four channel amp. A lot of people try to sell you new component speakers this is not necessary in a BMW(E90) the way the speakers are designed make them sound crisp.
•With that said I recommend a good quality aftermarket amp. There is a way to bypass the amp, but you lose amount of sound you can put out. The best solution is simply a new amp.
•First pick out a aftermarket head unit I wanted a double din tv with touch screen. This way I could interface my iPod, and have the controls on the screen.
•Second you will need a wire harness although you will not use the in tire harness. You need RCA cables TWO of them. Speaker wire some type of connector. and some tools.
•You will also need a aftermarket radio trey for your new cd player. I made mine because of the double din although you can find them. You will also need a antenna adapter.
•From here you will be able to do most of your wiring in the trunk because that is where the battery is, and your factory wires to the amp. you will have to some wiring for the cd player.
•Also the only wires you will have to run is the rca, and remote wire. The remote is in the trunk, but I prefer to use the cd player.
•If you are going to add subs and another amp you will want to run your remote from the starter.
•Now with the cd player follow the wire diagram that comes with the aftermarket wire harness, but do not wire in the speakers cap them off.
•The best way to run your rca is to take the dash out and remove the back seat and the driver side year shoulder rest where the back passenger sits the factory wiring harness is there.
•Run you remote wire and the rca under the carpet and through the should rest. A great tool for this is a coat hanger, and tape. Works better that anything else. It is not easy though because the carpet is tight.
•Next it is time to get to work in the trunk. First figure out where you are going to mount your new amp. Remove the old amp put in a box to restore to factory or sell on eBay. They go fast.
•Next you can get your wire guide out of your service manual or wait for me to post wire guide on here. You are going to slice into the wire harness to the speaker wires going out.
•Use you speaker wire to do this. I take some tape and label each wire as I do this.
•Once you complete this you will plug your RCA and remote into the amp. Next you will run your battery wire, and ground wire. Make sure you put the inline fuse in place about 12 in from the battery.
•Note: when doing your install in the trunk remove all the carpet.
Now it is time to hook your speaker wire in the appropriate terminals on your amp, and connect your battery backup.
•Now test your system and make adjustments.
Note: if your amp does not have base block built in you will need to purchase base blockers for all speakers expect the large door speakers, and year speakers.
Testing & updating features for Your BMW (E90):
•Base will blow the others up, and then you will be buying new speakers. You can purchase these at circuit city or best buy. Basically anywhere that sells car audio.
•Once you no the system works put everything back together and clean up your work to make it look professional.
•If you want to put it back to factory, keep the factory amp harness in tact this way you can simply cut the wires you spliced in, and cap them off. it is covered up so no one will ever see it.
•It was originally designed by EControls to provide a CAN interface for OEM customers to communicate with our ECUs now we are offering it to anyone for custom software development.
•The OEM retrofit is a complete integration of the USB port with all the audio components in the car (radio, Nav, TCU) as equipped.
•Player users report spending more time listening to over the air radio. ? Although awareness of podcasting has not changed, usage of audio podcasting is up.
•In my opinion this is the best way to set up your stereo if you decide to switch it up. I did it to get a better quality sound out of my subs, and also to have the touch screen for my IPod.
A word about the radio installation kit you are about to install. There are many manufacturers of radio installation kits for this vehicle. Each manufacturer produces slightly different variations of the same kit, and a few make individual kits for specific vehicles. The pictured installation kit shown in the illustrations below is a standard kit used for many. Radio installation kits change with the model and years of production of the vehicle. When selecting a kit for this vehicle, make sure the kit you purchase states on the package the installation kit will work with your vehicle model and year. Some kits may require additional setup. Certain kits may be multi function kits designed to work with multiple vehicles and may require the installer to remove break away screw mounting tabs attached to the kit that are not required for your particular vehicle.
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If you are looking for a good quality audio visit, http://www.powernetshop.at/bmw/ for more information about car stereo products, and find the right accessories for your car.
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