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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > AUDIO/VIDEO + BLUETOOTH + Electronics/Alarm/Software > Aftermarket head unit.



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      01-02-2014, 11:37 AM   #1
Dominic3262
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Aftermarket head unit.

I'm trying to install my pioneer head unit with metra harness 70-9003 but can't get it to turn on at all. I took my car to an installation shop, they looked at it and said the reason the head unit wasn't turning on is that I need to replace factory amplifier with an aftermarket amplifier in order to get the radio to work.

However, I read in another forum that if I don't have a L7 system then I don't need to replace the amp. I have no speaker in the middle of my dash and no rear door speakers so I'm assuming I don't have L7.

Do I need to replace the amp or not, will that solve my problem if I do?
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      01-02-2014, 06:41 PM   #2
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That doesn't seem right. The fact that the head unit won't power up sounds more like either a constant 12V or ignition 12V source isn't correct. You should not have to replace the hifi amp.
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      01-02-2014, 07:13 PM   #3
JerryK73
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You don't need to replace the amp. If you do a search on here you should be able to find a diy or you could download the install guide for the dynavin head units.

Last edited by JerryK73; 01-02-2014 at 08:10 PM.. Reason: Posted incorrect link
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      01-02-2014, 08:05 PM   #4
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Double check the wiring of your harness. I've read a post that says sometimes the harness isn't wired the way the documentation suggests it is.

I know I've seen a thread that discusses this and shows what wires are correct, so you can ensure it is wired correctly.

Agree that this must be an issue with either the 12V power, or Acc/Ignition wires.

Good luck!
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      01-02-2014, 08:15 PM   #5
JerryK73
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Found a thread with a wiring diagram on it.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=809490
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      01-03-2014, 08:28 AM   #6
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I don't understand why every time this comes up nobody has the answer to this? It should be pretty common knowledge here by now that the harness is useless. There is no true constant or switched power source. You have to tap fuses from the fuse box to get your power sources.

I had issues installing my head unit as well, because from what I read I thought I only needed constant power tapped from somewhere else. Unit still didn't work and I ended up having to tap both power sources from fuse box. Search around and you will find what you need.
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      01-03-2014, 10:54 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Viktimize View Post
I don't understand why every time this comes up nobody has the answer to this? It should be pretty common knowledge here by now that the harness is useless. There is no true constant or switched power source. You have to tap fuses from the fuse box to get your power sources.

I had issues installing my head unit as well, because from what I read I thought I only needed constant power tapped from somewhere else. Unit still didn't work and I ended up having to tap both power sources from fuse box. Search around and you will find what you need.
The connects2 harness has a switched 12 volt wire. You just have to run a wire to the battery for the constant. It also has the adapter for the steering wheel controls built in.
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      01-03-2014, 05:45 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmw325i View Post
The connects2 harness has a switched 12 volt wire. You just have to run a wire to the battery for the constant. It also has the adapter for the steering wheel controls built in.
Yes I have read up on that one. Tempted to tear out my Metra and Axxess harness' and switch to that just for the simplicity. I don't like having things tapped off other fuses to begin with.

But if OP does not want to buy a whole other much more expensive harness, he will have to tap his power sources from somewhere other than the Metra harness.
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      01-03-2014, 06:02 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Viktimize View Post
Yes I have read up on that one. Tempted to tear out my Metra and Axxess harness' and switch to that just for the simplicity. I don't like having things tapped off other fuses to begin with.

But if OP does not want to buy a whole other much more expensive harness, he will have to tap his power sources from somewhere other than the Metra harness.
+1 I feel the same way about fuse taps, but it is necessary with the metra harness.

The other reason I went with the connects2 harness is because it has the reverse signal wire, speed pulse, and handbrake wires which are useful when installing a double din with navigation.
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      01-04-2014, 09:13 AM   #10
Dominic3262
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I am going to keep the metra harness and do a fuse tap.
I saw that one wiring diagram before but thought I could still wire the radio straight to the wiring harness. Should have read the whole forum on that one.
Thanks
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