Where is the Hi Fi Amp

[ss2115]

Hi. Often in this forum its mentioned that the dash radio is a header unit and elswhere is the amplifier. The Bently Manual also shows this.
However, I think I've been over most of my 1993 525i touring and cannot find a seperate amplifer unit.

My car has the standard BMW radio/cassette Player.
I'd like to change it to a CD/DVD player with Bluetooth.

Also - is the standard BMW radio and the opening a DIN I standard? So will any DIN I unit I purchase fit the opening neatly?

[bimmernut]

Not sure on the touring, but on all other sedans, the amp is in the trunk, driver’s side (LH side). Remove or pull back the gray liner as you would to access the tail lights. Amp id bolted to a support bracket toward next to outer rear quarter panel.
Hope this helps.
Richard V

[ss2115]

Thanks Richard V.

But thats what throwing me. I have read that the amp is always in the trunk of the sedans, but on the Touring, we can actually open these side panels (they are hinged) to get at tool kits and the rear globes and use them for storage, and there's no amp there!
There's no amp under the backseat either.
I've had the back LH rear seat/wheel arch trim all off to get to the antenna amplifier in the past, and I could not see an amp.
I've had both front footwell side covers off and only found a small box (too small to be an amp) behind the LH footwall speaker.

Is there any chance I don't have one?
Was it only fitted where CD's were installed? (They were also in the boot weren't they?).
Perhaps my radio outputs to the speakers direct and there is no seperate amp?
Can anyone enlighten me please.

[kev535i]

my e34 has/ had no amp and only had the basic stereo fitted -6 speakers (no tweeters in door pillars)

[ss2115]

Thanks Kev535i.

Mine only has 6 x speakers also - 2 at dash ends, 2 in front footwells and 2 in the roof of the load area.
So maybe thats the trick - amps in 10 speaker systems only / straight from the unit for 6 speaker systems?

Means I should be okay to swap in something different - just need to sort out the plug connections.

Anyone on the DIN question?

[shogun]

get a DIN BMW adapter
Auto-Radio-Adapter - BMW / ROVER 75 - STÜCK (http://www.carhifidirekt.de/index.php/pName/autoradioadapter--bmw--rover-75--stueck/link/preisroboter/,0,AIV-510956#)
Audi BMW VW Double DIN Vehicle Harness Adapter 70-9003 - eBay (item 160511692949 end time Feb-24-11 20:30:11 PST) (http://cgi.ebay.com/Audi-BMW-VW-Double-DIN-Vehicle-Harness-Adapter-70-9003-/160511692949?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item255f3e1095)
Metra 70-9003 BMW 5Series/Audi/ VW 2002 2-Din Harness - eBay (item 330497329186 end time Feb-14-11 07:58:47 PST) (http://cgi.ebay.com/Metra-70-9003-BMW-5Series-Audi-VW-2002-2-Din-Harness-/330497329186?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cf32d0822)

[ScottyWM]

I don't know... I have the 10 speaker system in my touring but I've never noticed an amp either. I replaced the stock radio years ago.

[ss2115]

Thanks ScottyWM.
Do you (did you) have the CD stacker?
Perhaps the amp goes hand-in-hand with the CD (for the better quality sound it offered).

Shogun - thanks heaps for the point to the plug adaptors - I didn't know they existed. Makes it all heaps easier.

Anyone confirming yet that the OEM radio/opening conforms to DIN?
For anyone who has swapped out the OEM for an aftermarket, did it slot straight in and fill the opening correctly?

[ScottyWM]

Yeah I have the 6 CD changer - not being used since the new radio has aux input. The old and new radios have different mounting. The new one should come with a bracket that you attach in the opening. Then the new radio slides into and locks in the bracket. The faceplate bezel covers the void. See attached pics.

7288

[ss2115]

Wonderful - thank you.
It looks great and nice finish to the edges. Must be to DIN standard then.
Much appreciated. Now I can buy with confidence.