E36 Experts, I Have a Question

"Logansteno: Bought a VW?" (logansteno)
03/11/2015 at 14:06 • Filed to: None

So my M3 has the optional Harman/Kardon Hi-Fi system, and I currently don't have a radio since I'm wanting to replace the disgusting aftermarket one that was in there with an OEM one. The thing is, I don't know if mine having the HK system changes what head unit I had or not. I've tried googling and researching and nothing has came up really.

As far as I know, above is what all E36s came equipped with. Of course, I've only even been in one other E36 that doesn't have the HK system so I don't exactly have a strong pool of information to pull from. I know there's a common upgrade to a BMW Business system out of an E46 or something, but I already have a 6-disc changer in the trunk and kinda want the tape deck for a adapter for my phone.

It's a stretch, but does anyone know if what's above it what I need? Or is it some ridiculous, hard to find head unit?

DISCUSSION (19)

Jonathan Harper > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
03/11/2015 at 14:10

Generally upgraded speakers do not affect the head unit.

I think all you'd need to do to know for sure is find the wires and confirm that the OEM head unit has inputs for them. I can't imagine it would be anything other than standard speaker outs...

Rico > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
03/11/2015 at 14:13

I don't have any info regarding this but wanted to touch on the tape adapter for your phone, since you've got the old aftermarket unit out already why not just take it to any car radio shop and have them wire an auxiliary adapter for you, you'll get much better sound quality than the cassette and not have to worry about the cassette fucking up over time or anything.

It should be cheap and take less than an hour for any shop to do. Most people avoid this because they don't want to take out their head unit to get to the audio wiring but you're already at that point so why not.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Jonathan Harper
03/11/2015 at 14:16

I'm pretty sure the amplifier adds a few more wires to the wiring harness that goes into the back of the head unit. I don't know if all E36 head units had the plugs for the amp and some wiring harnesses had these plug holes omitted from them, or if the amp needs a special unit that has these plugs on them.

wabbalosthiskey > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
03/11/2015 at 14:17

I might have an extra one of these you could have for the cost of getting it there, I'll look tonight.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Rico
03/11/2015 at 14:18

Shit, this is a good idea. I even have a spot down in my row of switches for them to put the plug in.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
03/11/2015 at 14:19

inb4 did you change your water pump yet.

Now for the real answer, I don't think there's a difference but I'm not an electronics expert by a long shot so I'm not sure.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
03/11/2015 at 14:20

/dead

I don't think there is either, but knowing BMW it will come down to like a difference in the amount of little metal tabs on the back of the head unit for the wiring harness to plug into or something stupid like that.

Rico > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
03/11/2015 at 14:20

Do it! Then if you want you can get a longer female to male cord if you got someone in the backseat who wants to plug in their phone/ipod and play music. Get the most out of that HK system!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > wabbalosthiskey
03/11/2015 at 14:21

That would be totally awesome.

Mattbob > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
03/11/2015 at 14:21

I wish I could help you, but my head unit is an aftermarket job that was hacked into the wiring harness with a dull knife, hammer, and a poor understanding of what wires do. I would also love to replace it with an oem unit, but alas, the budget is non-existant.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Mattbob
03/11/2015 at 14:23

Wow, were our cars owned by the same person? This idiot hacked, twisted, and taped every. single. wire. back there. I have to find the end of the wiring harness that plugs into the head unit for the speakers so we can replace that too.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
03/11/2015 at 14:24

Sorry, I had to.

I'd like to think it isn't that way, but again, knowing BMW, it probably is haha.

Mattbob > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
03/11/2015 at 14:29

same here. You can just buy an adapter for it, but no, the PO was too cheap for that and had to cut all the wires. They didnt even connect the speakers correctly! I was about to offer you the electrical troubleshooting manual, but the one I have is for '93 which is OBD1 so there might be differences. My car is a '93 325i. Having the manuals is super helpful.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Mattbob
03/11/2015 at 14:31

Oh trust me, my dad has already bought not only a computer manual, but also a Bentley manual and downloaded multiple wiring diagrams from online. The manuals have been insanely helpful and probably cut the times it's taken to do things in half compared to if we didn't have them.

5-Speed Gangsta > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
03/11/2015 at 14:34

The one in the picture you posted is a c33 used in 96 on e36s. I don't think there is a difference between the hk system head unit and any another so that one should work. I would go with the c43 though. C43: deletes weather band, adds PTY to display program sound type, RDS for radio station ID, and increases voltage output for slightly louder sound.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > 5-Speed Gangsta
03/11/2015 at 14:38

Sounds like I'll be looking for a C43 then.

jkm7680 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
03/11/2015 at 20:57

My A4 has a factory Bose system and the only thing you can't do is swap out the speakers. You probably should be fine with that.

wabbalosthiskey > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
03/11/2015 at 22:15

Well, I looked... I can't find it, may have tossed :-/ ... I'll keep a look out and if I come across it i'll let you know. Definitely had an extra one of that exact unit from my E36 years ago.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > wabbalosthiskey
03/11/2015 at 22:37

Hey, if you do awesome, if you don't oh well. Either way you're awesome for the offer.