Will a newer, CD capable OEM radio fit in my 89?

[CharlesAFerg]

If so, is there anything I must install to make the CD function work? What if I don't care about the CD function, will the radio and tape functions work...?

[attack eagle]

don't quit understand.
are you asking about a cd changer capable head unit?

I thought they already were set up that way, you'd need at least the CD changer (and cable if yours isn't prewired)

If asking about a CD head, there would be no tape deck. Not enough room in a din chassis for both mechanisms

[pgrindstaff]

Could use a CD43 (in dash cd) or C33 (tape). Both are compatible with a trunk mounted cd changer, but you'd need to run a new harness get get that functionality. Then of course you should be able to use your current head unit with a cd changer as attack_eagle pointed out.

Check out this page (http://www.cardomain.com/ride/433594/17) for a little more information.

[CharlesAFerg]

I have an 89, and all of the sources point to a 91+ car, tha's my main question. Will at least the tape function work with any of these? It's hard to find the old style tape player.

[myles]

I have an 89, and all of the sources point to a 91+ car, tha's my main question. Will at least the tape function work with any of these? It's hard to find the old style tape player.


The cars earlier than 91 have a different plug connector in the wiring harness to connect to the head unit. If you are good with wiring you can fit the later type of connector into the wiring harness of your older car. I did that with both of mine. You then end up with the 91-200? connector which gives you many more options for factory head units and you can also use premanufactured wiring adapter to go to after market head units.

[Paul in NZ]

mine is a 12/89 man cr and it came with a sony tape deck and in boot cd player the cable was(is) about a 12 pin round connector

[CharlesAFerg]

I'll tear it open tomorrow and take some pics, i need to replace some stuff in my dash and vacuum out the trunk anyways.


mine is a 12/89 man cr and it came with a sony tape deck and in boot cd player the cable was(is) about a 12 pin round connector

Thing is, I don't even have a CD player at all, nor do I have connections in the back.

Does anybody have any sources for an old style cassette deck?

[zmuff]

I'm not sure if this will help you out much or not, but my 1989 535im came equipped with a Pioneer KE83zbm AM/FM, cassette, weather band, and a CDX-M30 6-disc stacker. I've seen a few KE83's on ebay, but not many...mine eats cassettes for lunch and spits out ribbons, so I've been looking.

I also have some radio harness pin-out info for 89-95 models in MS Word and PDF you may be able use. It has part numbers, model numbers and wire colors. Shoot me a PM and I can email it you.

Mike

[CharlesAFerg]

don't quit understand.
are you asking about a cd changer capable head unit?

I thought they already were set up that way, you'd need at least the CD changer (and cable if yours isn't prewired)

If asking about a CD head, there would be no tape deck. Not enough room in a din chassis for both mechanisms


There are no wires, nothing. I have the old style radio - here's a picture of it...

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h9/CharlesAFerg/IMG_2675.jpg

All I need to work is the radio and tape, I don't care if the CD player doesn't work.
I need to know if this style radio will fit...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-RADIO-STEREO-CASSETTE-E36-318-325-E34-525-540-740_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ38639QQihZ008QQitem Z180286158605QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[pmlmotorsports]

I'll tear it open tomorrow and take some pics, i need to replace some stuff in my dash and vacuum out the trunk anyways.



Thing is, I don't even have a CD player at all, nor do I have connections in the back.

Does anybody have any sources for an old style cassette deck?

I have an older radio if you are interested. When removed from my 90 535 everything worked (radio and cassette) If ya want it, I'll ship it to ya for $40....and you can pay AFTER you try it. Fair enough?

[CharlesAFerg]

i Have An Older Radio If You Are Interested. When Removed From My 90 535 Everything Worked (radio And Cassette) If Ya Want It, I'll Ship It To Ya For $40....and You Can Pay After You Try It. Fair Enough?

Pm Sent

[attack eagle]

That is your best bet if it is an early Common ground head. Stay with the common ground head units.

[Sixdown]

All I need to work is the radio and tape, I don't care if the CD player doesn't work.
I need to know if this style radio will fit...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-RADIO-STEREO-CASSETTE-E36-318-325-E34-525-540-740_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ38639QQihZ008QQitem Z180286158605QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
Some newer headunits have a common ground post. My Blaupunkt did. As for a stock unit, it is possible to solder for a newer headunit, but getting another older pre-91 is a better idea, as said above.

[CharlesAFerg]

Does anybody else have an early headunit? PMLMOTORSPORTS disappeared, and I doubt he sent the radio considering the silence. I'd really, really like to replace it...

[Doug's E34 525 5spd]

I have an 89, and all of the sources point to a 91+ car, tha's my main question. Will at least the tape function work with any of these? It's hard to find the old style tape player.
I just pulled one out if your keen. its in good nic too

[Doug's E34 525 5spd]

Does anybody else have an early headunit? PMLMOTORSPORTS disappeared, and I doubt he sent the radio considering the silence. I'd really, really like to replace it...
its from the 89 model i have. standard tape deck. i live in australia, im not sure if there will be a difference.
let me know coz im happy to let go of it.