Basic stereo wiring diagram (head unit)

asylum · 11-08-2017, 05:48 AM

I am trying to install an amplifier and a woofer in my E91. I was looking for the stock amp at the rear when I realised I only have the basic stereo. So I will have to take the speaker signal from the front unit.

Do you have the wiring diagram of the connector I will find behind the stock head unit ?

Ali-E90 · 11-08-2017, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asylum

I am trying to install an amplifier and a woofer in my E91. I was looking for the stock amp at the rear when I realised I only have the basic stereo. So I will have to take the speaker signal from the front unit.

Do you have the wiring diagram of the connector I will find behind the stock head unit ?

Lots of threads on this.

Pull your "source" signal from the underseat woofers. Apparently those are full ranged signals going in (front and rear speakers are high passed).

I could be wrong, but the info exists in this forum so just look it up first.

david in germany · 11-08-2017, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ali-323i

Lots of threads on this.

Pull your "source" signal from the underseat woofers. Apparently those are full ranged signals going in (front and rear speakers are high passed).

I could be wrong, but the info exists in this forum so just look it up first.

Part correct. Pull signal from the woofers. Front and rear are full range signals with capacitors for filtering located in the front speakers. Factory stereo will have treble and bass bumped up a bit. If you have the professional radio, have it recoded to HiFi to flatten the response prior to amping the over boosted signal.

asylum · 11-08-2017, 08:28 AM

Great. I will try to access the wiring of the woofers under the seats ! Where can I find a remote signal in the trunk ?

Ali-E90 · 11-08-2017, 08:51 AM

A couple of comments:

a) I don't know of a remote wire in trunk, my installer initially used a tap into the lighter fuse to get a remote signal when the car is on... but I wanted something that would send a signal as soon as the key is in the slot. I found (on this forum) a thread that pointed me to a wire in the driver footwell that does just that.

b) David is correct in that the base audio has a factory EQ to boost high and low frequencies, BUT if you recode to hifi, you will flatten the EQ but also lose any ability to power your "inside" (i.e. non-sub) speakers directly from your head unit. So IF you are ONLY adding an amp to power a sub, do NOT recode.

c) I too came from the base audio, and my ultimate opinion is this: the lack of amp, plus the poor speakers, BOTH need to be addressed. I would suggest recoding the deck, and adding an amplifier (or two) to power your new sub, AND the existing speaker locations. Further, the base speakers really suck, so you may want to also look into replacing those. Of course the more you replace, the higher the cost. There are some good drop in kits available that replace the full front stage (front doors, including the addition of tweeters, and woofers under the seat), and unless you want "serious" bass, that may be enough (powered by an amp of course).

Hope I didn't confuse you, but you can ask me to clarify.

In my case, rather than recode the stock deck, I replaced it altogether so that I could get better sound quality, but also add features like bluetooth, iPod, and navigation.

TL/DR: Base system sucks bad, so it can get expensive to make it sound good because there are a number of pieces you'll want to add (amp all speakers, not just sub, and replace stock speakers).

ctuna · 11-08-2017, 10:50 AM

bimmerfest stereo
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=ctuna
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=audio
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=audio
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=audio

smosh · 09-01-2018, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ali-323i

...
In my case, rather than recode the stock deck, I replaced it altogether so that I could get better sound quality, but also add features like bluetooth, iPod, and navigation.

TL/DR: Base system sucks bad, so it can get expensive to make it sound good because there are a number of pieces you'll want to add (amp all speakers, not just sub, and replace stock speakers).

Hey Ali - what did you end up replacing your stock head unit with? Did you end up replacing the entire system? (since the rest of it is weak anyway, and people seem to really resist replacing the HU...)

Ali-E90 · 09-01-2018, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smosh

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ali-323i

...
In my case, rather than recode the stock deck, I replaced it altogether so that I could get better sound quality, but also add features like bluetooth, iPod, and navigation.

TL/DR: Base system sucks bad, so it can get expensive to make it sound good because there are a number of pieces you'll want to add (amp all speakers, not just sub, and replace stock speakers).

Hey Ali - what did you end up replacing your stock head unit with? Did you end up replacing the entire system? (since the rest of it is weak anyway, and people seem to really resist replacing the HU...)

Yup. Went with a pioneer avic double din (which I already had), then added a JL amp, a full drop in front stage which added tweeters and upgraded under seat woofers from 6" to 8".

Then added a sub in boot for the deeper lows.

smosh · 10-10-2018, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ali-323i

Yup. Went with a pioneer avic double din (which I already had), then added a JL amp, a full drop in front stage which added tweeters and upgraded under seat woofers from 6" to 8".

Then added a sub in boot for the deeper lows.

when you replaced the deck, did you use some sort of converter module to interface the new deck with the car's systems? Alerts, that sort of thing.

My head unit (business?) is losing the LCDs anyway, it must go, along with the weird crossover setup. Forklift upgrade, if possible.

ctuna · 10-10-2018, 10:19 PM

If you have a US 06 you will have either the Hi Fi system or a Logic 7 sound system
system. Both of which have amps in the trunk . The logic 7 system uses
a fiberoptic link which also connects to bluetooth and sat modules if you
have them for this reason its hard to modify.
The above is about the sound system not the Head Unit you can have either an Idrive or pro radio with either.

identify your system first

bimmerfest stereo
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=ctuna
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho....php?t=1157793
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=audio
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=audio
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=audio

easy to change the LCD in a pro Radio replacement kit is
about 100 bucks.
Radio's are programmed for the Sound System and options
your car has so popping another one in may cause problems see the links above for more details.

Ali-E90 · 10-11-2018, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smosh

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ali-323i

Yup. Went with a pioneer avic double din (which I already had), then added a JL amp, a full drop in front stage which added tweeters and upgraded under seat woofers from 6" to 8".

Then added a sub in boot for the deeper lows.

when you replaced the deck, did you use some sort of converter module to interface the new deck with the car's systems? Alerts, that sort of thing.

My head unit (business?) is losing the LCDs anyway, it must go, along with the weird crossover setup. Forklift upgrade, if possible.

Ctuna has posted some helpful info above (as always).

To answer your question though, because I started with base audio, I didn't have to worry about any interface. Since base audio didn't come with an amp, the factory chimes don't run through the car speakers, but an independent speaker. This remained unchanged for me when I swapped out my HU.

If you don't have base audio, then refer to info posted above.

Good luck.

smosh · 10-24-2018, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

If you have a US 06 you will have either the Hi Fi system or a Logic 7 sound system
system. Both of which have amps in the trunk . The logic 7 system uses
a fiberoptic link which also connects to bluetooth and sat modules if you
have them for this reason its hard to modify.
The above is about the sound system not the Head Unit you can have either an Idrive or pro radio with either.

identify your system first

bimmerfest stereo
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=ctuna
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho....php?t=1157793
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=audio
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=audio
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=audio

easy to change the LCD in a pro Radio replacement kit is
about 100 bucks.
Radio's are programmed for the Sound System and options
your car has so popping another one in may cause problems see the links above for more details.

thanks, ctuna. I do have the Hifi system...unfortunately. On top of the LCD issue, i now have a problem where the input keeps switching from AUX to CD randomly, it seems to trigger loading even though there's no CD in the player.

i'd rather not replace the whole hifi head unit. I came across this video:

which uses this product:

https://www.amazon.com/PAC-RP4-2-BM2...8cbc29afdb6531

This interface from PAC SEEMS like it would work, but i see no discussion about it on this board, so i'm a little leery.

My thought is if i can just replace the head unit with a standard non-BMW, i can just put install my own amp and wire new speakers, bypassing/removing all the funky capacitors/bypasses.

At least i have a bluetooth interface plugged into the aux and USB in the center console, so i have some modernity. (and the bluetooth/phone interface works just fine) I just want it to sound better and have the features of a good CarPlay unit.

Thoughts?

ctuna · 10-24-2018, 01:01 PM

There can be side effects with aftermarket head units.
Read the links especially the ones under the head unit title.
Know where you are starting from .
Know the options your car has related to the head unit
and sound system.
You may have to program out the SOS error.

Use a harness.

Nice video

bluewater328 · 10-24-2018, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smosh

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

If you have a US 06 you will have either the Hi Fi system or a Logic 7 sound system
system. Both of which have amps in the trunk . The logic 7 system uses
a fiberoptic link which also connects to bluetooth and sat modules if you
have them for this reason its hard to modify.
The above is about the sound system not the Head Unit you can have either an Idrive or pro radio with either.

identify your system first

bimmerfest stereo
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=ctuna
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho....php?t=1157793
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=audio
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=audio
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=audio

easy to change the LCD in a pro Radio replacement kit is
about 100 bucks.
Radio's are programmed for the Sound System and options
your car has so popping another one in may cause problems see the links above for more details.

thanks, ctuna. I do have the Hifi system...unfortunately. On top of the LCD issue, i now have a problem where the input keeps switching from AUX to CD randomly, it seems to trigger loading even though there's no CD in the player.

i'd rather not replace the whole hifi head unit. I came across this video:

which uses this product:

https://www.amazon.com/PAC-RP4-2-BM2...8cbc29afdb6531

This interface from PAC SEEMS like it would work, but i see no discussion about it on this board, so i'm a little leery.

My thought is if i can just replace the head unit with a standard non-BMW, i can just put install my own amp and wire new speakers, bypassing/removing all the funky capacitors/bypasses.

At least i have a bluetooth interface plugged into the aux and USB in the center console, so i have some modernity. (and the bluetooth/phone interface works just fine) I just want it to sound better and have the features of a good CarPlay unit.

Thoughts?

Nice referral links for a 3-poster....

Stubbie Blue · 10-25-2018, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smosh

thanks, ctuna. I do have the Hifi system...unfortunately. On top of the LCD issue, i now have a problem where the input keeps switching from AUX to CD randomly, it seems to trigger loading even though there's no CD in the player.

i'd rather not replace the whole hifi head unit. I came across this video: which uses this product:

This interface from PAC SEEMS like it would work, but i see no discussion about it on this board, so i'm a little leery.

My thought is if i can just replace the head unit with a standard non-BMW, i can just put install my own amp and wire new speakers, bypassing/removing all the funky capacitors/bypasses.

At least i have a bluetooth interface plugged into the aux and USB in the center console, so i have some modernity. (and the bluetooth/phone interface works just fine) I just want it to sound better and have the features of a good CarPlay unit.

Thoughts?

I have a 2012 135i E82 with the Hi-Fi stereo, amp and no iDrive, and I replaced the headunit, amp, speakers, and added a backup cam. The headunit is a Chinese Android 8.0 unit with all the modern features like CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, etc. I did use that PAC RadioPro to retain warning chimes, steering wheel controls, PDC and no SOS error.

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1510420
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1534261

bydoniek · 04-10-2019, 04:30 AM

Hi guys,

I have Bmw 325i 2007 with base stero and CCC which is pretty sad.
I have jl xd400/4d amp and set of focals ks100 with twitters. I have bought LOC, RCA’s and all the stuff to connect the amp. My only problem is that I have went through a lot of posts and still cant find it. I want to hook up my LOC to the HU but I cant find the wiring diagram to connect the right speakers! Can someone help me and post the diagram for that radio, I do not want to mess up and connect everything as it should be. cheers!

ctuna · 04-10-2019, 01:05 PM

11-08-2017, 05:48 AM	#1
asylum New Member 6 Rep 9 Posts Drives: E91 335 iX Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Switzerland iTrader: (0)	Basic stereo wiring diagram (head unit) I am trying to install an amplifier and a woofer in my E91. I was looking for the stock amp at the rear when I realised I only have the basic stereo. So I will have to take the speaker signal from the front unit. Do you have the wiring diagram of the connector I will find behind the stock head unit ?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-08-2017, 08:28 AM	#4
asylum New Member 6 Rep 9 Posts Drives: E91 335 iX Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Switzerland iTrader: (0)	Great. I will try to access the wiring of the woofers under the seats ! Where can I find a remote signal in the trunk ?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-08-2017, 08:51 AM	#5
Ali-E90 Colonel 379 Rep 2,365 Posts Drives: 2007 E90 323i (Cdn) Join Date: May 2013 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [8.00] 2007 BMW 323i [8.50]	A couple of comments: a) I don't know of a remote wire in trunk, my installer initially used a tap into the lighter fuse to get a remote signal when the car is on... but I wanted something that would send a signal as soon as the key is in the slot. I found (on this forum) a thread that pointed me to a wire in the driver footwell that does just that. b) David is correct in that the base audio has a factory EQ to boost high and low frequencies, BUT if you recode to hifi, you will flatten the EQ but also lose any ability to power your "inside" (i.e. non-sub) speakers directly from your head unit. So IF you are ONLY adding an amp to power a sub, do NOT recode. c) I too came from the base audio, and my ultimate opinion is this: the lack of amp, plus the poor speakers, BOTH need to be addressed. I would suggest recoding the deck, and adding an amplifier (or two) to power your new sub, AND the existing speaker locations. Further, the base speakers really suck, so you may want to also look into replacing those. Of course the more you replace, the higher the cost. There are some good drop in kits available that replace the full front stage (front doors, including the addition of tweeters, and woofers under the seat), and unless you want "serious" bass, that may be enough (powered by an amp of course). Hope I didn't confuse you, but you can ask me to clarify. In my case, rather than recode the stock deck, I replaced it altogether so that I could get better sound quality, but also add features like bluetooth, iPod, and navigation. TL/DR: Base system sucks bad, so it can get expensive to make it sound good because there are a number of pieces you'll want to add (amp all speakers, not just sub, and replace stock speakers). __________________ Check out my Mod Thread Here
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11-08-2017, 10:50 AM	#6
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,101 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	bimmerfest stereo http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=ctuna http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=audio http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=audio http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=audio
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10-10-2018, 10:19 PM	#10
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,101 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	If you have a US 06 you will have either the Hi Fi system or a Logic 7 sound system system. Both of which have amps in the trunk . The logic 7 system uses a fiberoptic link which also connects to bluetooth and sat modules if you have them for this reason its hard to modify. The above is about the sound system not the Head Unit you can have either an Idrive or pro radio with either. identify your system first bimmerfest stereo http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=ctuna http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho....php?t=1157793 http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=audio http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=audio http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=audio easy to change the LCD in a pro Radio replacement kit is about 100 bucks. Radio's are programmed for the Sound System and options your car has so popping another one in may cause problems see the links above for more details. Last edited by ctuna; 10-10-2018 at 10:27 PM..
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10-24-2018, 01:01 PM	#13
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,101 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	There can be side effects with aftermarket head units. Read the links especially the ones under the head unit title. Know where you are starting from . Know the options your car has related to the head unit and sound system. You may have to program out the SOS error. Use a harness. Nice video Last edited by ctuna; 10-24-2018 at 01:12 PM..
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04-10-2019, 04:30 AM	#16
bydoniek Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: BMW e93, 325i N53 Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Uk iTrader: (0)	Hi guys, I have Bmw 325i 2007 with base stero and CCC which is pretty sad. I have jl xd400/4d amp and set of focals ks100 with twitters. I have bought LOC, RCA’s and all the stuff to connect the amp. My only problem is that I have went through a lot of posts and still cant find it. I want to hook up my LOC to the HU but I cant find the wiring diagram to connect the right speakers! Can someone help me and post the diagram for that radio, I do not want to mess up and connect everything as it should be. cheers!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-10-2019, 01:05 PM	#17
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,101 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	BMW stereo types http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=352586 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1260829447 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343673 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=138949 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780605 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780865 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323 http://bmwcoders.com/forum/3-er-8/bm...1-e92-e93-291/ http://technicpnp.com/menuDiagrams/d...e90_92_93.html http://www.musicarnw.com/page-2/ http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...3&d=1169133185 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...4&d=1278871872 The front two channels are wired in parallel between the floors and front doors. On the early cars the parallel connection is made at the door sills on the later cars at the Underseat speaker connectors indicated by 4 wires two going back to the doors. The rear speakers are just a straight run to the head unit. Details of the wiring can be deduced by reading the Alpine retrofit guide. 2nd link after pre post wiring header. Base System Upgrades http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=445266 http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=634957 http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1003810 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=822366 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=581379 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=451941 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=540954 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ghlight=Dotech http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=495855 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=494299 http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/...morel-jbl.html http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=amp+upgrade http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=550771 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...1#post16679904 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1411521234 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1378833 base system wiring pre/post 3/09 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1411521234 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...tDpLJPcGkw_ui_ http://www.monsteraudiodesign.co.uk/ http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...1#post16679904 Last edited by ctuna; 04-10-2019 at 01:12 PM..
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