How to Remove the Factory Car Stereo From a 1993 BMW 535i

The BMW 5-series debuted in the 1972 model year with the release of the 520. The 535i name began in Europe in 1979 with the release of the high-performance M535i, which was also the first ever use of the now notorious M label -- indicating motorsport -- on a BMW. In 1985, the 535i finally made its debut in the U.S. market. The 1993 model year was a phase-out year for the 535i; BMW was set to launch its new 530i in 1994. The 1993 535i came standard with a 10-speaker AM-FM cassette player but also had available a downgraded business radio that featured just AM-FM. Replacing both radios is a straightforward task.

Instructions

Standard Radio Removal

1

Insert the two radio removal hooks -- two U-shaped metal rods -- about an inch into the "locator" holes on both sides of the radios faceplate.

2

Press the curved ends of the radio removal hooks away from each other to disengage the radios retaining tabs. While holding this outward pressure, pull the ends of the hooks rearward to slide the radio from the chassis.

3

Pull the radio from the chassis just enough to access the wiring on its rear. Pull downward on the retaining clip on the wiring harness to unlock it and unplug the wiring harness. Pull the antenna cable from its receptacle.

Standard Radio Installation

4

Plug the wiring harness into its receptacle on the rear of the radio and press its retaining clip upward to lock it into place. Plug the antenna wire into its receptacle.

5

Insert the radio into its chassis in the dashboard.

6

Press the radio into its chassis until you hear the radios retaining clips snap into place.

Business Radio Removal

7

Pry the faceplate from the radio using a small flathead screwdriver, exposing the two radio-retaining screws. Remove the radio-retaining screws with an Allen key.

8

Pull the radio out from the dashboard just far enough to access the wiring on its rear.

9

Slide the wiring harness retaining clip downward to unlock it and unplug the wiring harness from the radio. Pull the antenna wire from the antenna input on the rear of the radio.

Business Radio Installation

10

Plug the antenna lead into its input on the rear of the radio and plug the wiring harness into its receptacle. Press the wiring harness retaining clip up to lock it into place.

11

Slide the radio into its chassis in the dashboard and tighten its two retaining screws with an Allen key.

12

Press the faceplate back into place on the radio.

Anti-Theft Resetting

13

Find the card containing the five-digit anti-theft code for your radio. If you do not have the card, see a local BMW dealership to obtain the code. Turn the ignition to the On position and turn the radio on.

14

Observe as the radio displays Code on its screen.

15

Enter the anti-theft code using the corresponding preset buttons for each number of the code. Press the right arrow key to confirm the code if the radio does not immediately start operating as normal after code entry.

16

Turn the ignition to the Off position.