How to Remove a Radio From a 2002 BMW 330xi

The history of Bayerische Motoren Werke most easily recognizable as BMW stretches back to the founding of an aircraft engine company, Rapp-Motorenwerke, which, after several mergers and a name change, became what it is today. An interesting tie-in to its roots is that some BMW enthusiasts believe the BMW emblem is actually based on the shape of a spinning airplane propeller. In 2001, BMW added a 3.0-liter engine and all-wheel drive to its popular 3-Series, bringing about the 330xi. The 2002 330xi came standard with an AM-FM stereo with a CD player. Removing this radio is surprisingly simple, considering the complex nature of this vehicle.

Instructions

Removal

1

Wrap the blade of a flat-head screwdriver with a thin coat of duct tape to protect the wood-grain trim in the 330xi.

2

Insert the blade of the flat-head screwdriver under the wood-grain trim on the passengers side of the dashboard. Pry outward along the entire length of the trim to release its retaining clips, and set the trim in a secure area. Repeat this step to remove the trim on the drivers side of the dashboard and above the radio.

3

Remove the two screws securing the radio to the dashboard with a Phillips screwdriver. Grab the radio, and slide it from the dashboard far enough so you can access the wiring on the rear of the radio.

4

Press and hold the unlocking button on the radios wiring harness, and pull the harness from the rear of the radio with a slight wiggling motion. Pull the antenna cable from the right-rear of the radio. Remove the radio from the BMW.

Installation

5

Plug the wiring harness and the antenna cable into the rear of the radio.

6

Slide the radio and its wiring into the dashboard chassis, and secure the radio with its two screws.

7

Line up the wood-grain trim that goes above the radio with the slots in the dashboard. Press the trim onto the dashboard until its retaining clips snap into place. Repeat this step for the two remaining wood-grain trim pieces that go on the left and right of the dashboard.