93 325i Stereo Replacement Problems

[stoi2m1]

Im working on replacing the head unit in a 93 325i. I purchased a universal wiring adapter and have connected everything up. The audio works fine when the stereo is in Tuner Mode, but if I try to use the cd player or the auxilary input I get no audio out of the speakers.

I have tested the back of the deck for audio and there is audio present on the output of the deck and throughout the universal adapter. So now Im at a loss for ideas, except to run all new wiring for all of the speakers directly from the new stereo. However, Im not quite ready to give up completely on the factory wiring.

I have found pinouts for the factory deck connector and the Amp connector. The universal adapter does seem to match the factory connector, but I am unable to locate the factory AMP. Can someone tell me where it is? I have also noticed the the color on the wires dont match, there is one color at the deck connector, but I cant find those colors at the speakers. Are there 2 connectors on the AMP? Does anyone have a wiring diagram for the audio system? Any and all info/feedback is welcome.

Thanks,
Jesse

[Mouglie]

i had a similar problem on a different car... don't know if it'll help you but my car had an amp powering the speakers. when i installed my HU i would get no audio whatsoever... so what i did was i hooked up a (acc)power to the only wire in the car's harness that wasn't connected... eventually my speakers worked... but if i were you i'd try it with a tester first. My car took positive to it but yours could be either + or -...

happy camping.. and post pics if you can...

[stoi2m1]

The one thing that leads me astray is I do get audio from the head unit when its in FM Mode, out of the speakers. The problem is when it in CD or AUX Mode, there is no audio present, at the speakers. I have tested speakers right off the back of the deck and there is audio present at the Head Unit.

What I can use most from this forum is some info about the location of the amp or amps. I dont have the slightest idea where it is. Once I locate it I can determine if the audio is getting there as well. Then I can determine if there is a problem with the ground(s). One of them might be a floating ground and this could be the problem.

Thanks,
Jesse

[stoi2m1]

After finding out some info on the universal wire adparter for aftermarket Head Units. I found out that there are some problems with some BMW adapters, the antenna remote wire and the amp remote wires are crossed.

After that I tested to see if this situation was in fact the problem. First I connect my volt meter to the ground and the solid blue wire (what I think is remote amp) and I find that power is only present when the radio is in Tuner Mode). So then I test the blue/white stripe wire and I find is has power in Tuner Mode and CD Mode (this should be the antenna remote). So now I know these wires are in fact crossed. I then remove the wires from the connector and swap them. I connect everything back up and it all works now.

The technician at my local radio shop deserves a 6 pack for that information, he saved me the $60 they would have charged to fix it.