98 323i coupe radio wiring diagram anyone? - United Bimmer Community

**krustysgs** · 02-04-2012, 01:23 PM

Hi guys, I'm a newby & already have a problem. My new pride & joy has the old cassette deck which I would like to replace with an aftermarket deck. Any 323i radio wiring diagrams about? All the diagrams I've come across have orange wires(orange/black, orange/brown), but my radio harness hasn't got any orange wires. Help anyone...oh and thanx in advance

My ride is a GB model 1998 323i coupe....I've heard there are about 16 different wiring diagrams for the E36...lawda mercy!

DEATH2000 · 02-05-2012, 01:45 AM

Im sure this will help you:
http://www.unitedbimmer.com/forums/e...-download.html

The Bentley manual contains some wiring diagrams, but if that doesnt help the electrical trouble shooting guide is their as well.

Do you have the 6 Disc CD changer in the trunk? If so, it is not compatible with an aftermarket system and will no longer be useable if you replace the factory radio.

**krustysgs** · 02-05-2012, 08:24 AM

Thanx a bunch for the manuals dude, they'll be invaluable in my projects and maintanance as I'm a student and can't afford to splash out on garages. Unfortunately the wiring in these diagrams just does'nt correspond to mine. The car doesn't have a cd changer, but none of my wiring has any orange/brown, orange/black or any orange wires in it and I stupidly removed the bmw connecter to splice on the new stereo....oh heck.

DEATH2000 · 02-05-2012, 08:39 AM

Your welcome. Glad they can help. In your situation you might be best to talk to a proffessional installer. They would know more about how to figure it out then I would.

Let us know what happens

**krustysgs** · 02-08-2012, 03:28 PM

Finally got it using the wiring diagram of a an E34, they are an exact match...I'm starting to wonder about my ride....loving the sound!

DEATH2000 · 02-08-2012, 03:38 PM

That's great. Good to ear it worked out. Do you have the Harmon Kardon system?

**krustysgs** · 02-08-2012, 06:22 PM

I do but the changer does'nt work...never use it anyway. The head I've got now takes usb,sd, ipod connecter & aux in, so i won't need it. Next project debaffling the airbox...any tips and cautions?

DEATH2000 · 02-09-2012, 06:43 AM

I just replaced mine with a CAI instead. I find a good CAI is better performance and appearance wise.

**krustysgs** · 02-09-2012, 10:50 AM

I would consider a cheap CAI, and it makes the most mechanical sense but don't feel confident enough to tackle a diy jobie, especially the heat shield. All the write ups make it look quite fiddly. All I want is a slightly freer revving engine and a deeper note in the engine sound....my ride already has loads of torque for a 2.5l

DEATH2000 · 02-09-2012, 02:09 PM

Cheap and CAI usually don't go together well. A good CAI has a heat shield to protect it from the hot engine air or places te filter way down low in the bumper. The Jim Conforti one (which is what I have) is one with a heat sheiks an I did it works surprisingly well. Has a really nice sound at WOT. The Dinan one is the one that goes down into the bumper. Both work well. As for DIY it's like a 1 1/2 hour install. Nothing to complicated.