The good news is that original head units for BMW vehicles, especially for the E46, are awash in the aftermarket parts market. Your greatest option for finding original or refurbished head units that fit your vehicle is without a doubt eBay. Or, there are literally hundreds of “direct fit” BMW E46 aftermarket radios to install if you want to update your head unit to use current technology like Bluetooth, Spotify, and Pandora (see our parts list below for some great options). We advise keeping the original head unit if you are replacing your functional factory unit with an aftermarket one. Many prospective purchasers would like to have a factory sound unit in the car if you ever decide to sell the vehicle in the future.
Includes thorough part diagrams, part numbers, and links to buy all necessary parts to do this repair.
includes a unique orange display. VDO (Continental) head units are brimming with contemporary features and have an OE appearance that blends in with your interior. includes front auxiliary and USB connections, MP3 compatibility, Bluetooth audio streaming functionality, and hands-free phone communication. AC1111/330 VDO head unit wire harness is necessary (see our parts list for link).
includes a contemporary blue show. VDO (Continental) head units are brimming with contemporary features and have an OE appearance that blends in with your interior. includes front auxiliary and USB connections, MP3 compatibility, Bluetooth audio streaming functionality, and hands-free phone communication. AC1111/330 VDO head unit wire harness is necessary (see our parts list for link).
- Disconnect the negative cable from your car’s battery using a 10 mm socket wrench. Never work on your car’s electronics while the battery is still attached; this is solid advice.
- To remove the dashboard trim above the BMW E46 radio and above the glove box, use a plastic trim removal tool. The radio trim may simply be slid out from under the glove box trim by slightly loosening it on the left side.
- The two screws holding the radio head unit on can be removed using a phillips head screwdriver.
- To reach the cables behind the BMW E46 radio head unit, grab it and pull it away from the dash board.
- The antenna cable just pulls straight out when you release it from the unit’s rear.
- Remove the BMW E46 radio’s main wiring harness from the back. First, slide the plastic fitting as high as it will go using your fingers. Next, insert a screwdriver under the fitting and raise it the remaining distance until the fitting separates from the rear of the radio.
- To connect your replacement stereo, simply carry out the aforementioned steps in reverse. Don’t forget to reconnect your battery!
BMW E46 NAVIGATION WIDE SCREEN MONITOR RADIO Special REMOVAL TOOLS KEYS SET
$ 1250$ 12.50
This is your chance to buy a set of (2) brand-new removal tools and keys for the factory-installed 16:9 BMW navigation radio. Special tools composed of sturdy metal with a specific design to liberate factory radio are available. They fit into the left and right slots located close to the stock navigation unit’s bottom corners.
Compatibility*:
How to Apply:
1) Remove the Left and Right screws keeping the monitor in place.
2) To tilt the screen, press the EJECT button.
3) Insert these tools into the bottom left and right corners of the mounting brackets holding device in the dash to depress and release it (see picture of clip being released below)