Wiring diagrams for BMW radios
BMW 17 round pin radio connector – it first appeared in 1990 with the start of the E31 and E36 production and in 1991 made it also to all of the other BMW models (including E30). It is locked in place with the sliding mechanism. For unlocking, use big flat head screwdriver and lift the slider up. It is advised to do it from both corners small bits at a time, not at the center as then it will break quite easily.
BMW E36 radio wiring diagrams (without and with hi-fi amplifier)
BL – blue
BR – brown
GE – yellow
GN – green
GR – gray
RT – red
SW – black
VI – violet
WS – white
Fader switch adjusts music balance between the front and the rear speakers. Most radios before 1991 had only 2 speaker channel outputs (L & R) and if the car was equipped with more than 2 speakers, then it was used. Inside fader control both signals are divided between front and rear speakers (LF, LR & RF, RR). With flat pins came from 1981 and with round pins (with smaller adjustment wheel) from 1986. Only the later version has illumination. If installing any aftermarket head unit or my radio the fader switch should be bypassed + this feature is already built in the newer radios anyway.
For example BMW E32 fader switch delete – 4 outgoing speaker channels from the fader switch are now connected directly to the radios corresponding positive speaker outputs (pins 1, 2, 3, 6). Negative speaker outputs from the radio (8, 11, 12, 14) can be left disconnected and isolated as such old setups used common ground meaning the radios ground is the same as the speakers ground. Similar connecting principle can also be used with other BMW models that have fader switch, more examples below.
BMW E30 radio wiring diagrams, more info here
Radio adapters from old to new style (cars with fader switch have 2 channel audio wiring and this adapter is only compatible with round pin fader switch). Also antenna adapter is needed as E30, E28 and others before 1991 used older DIN standard connector instead of ISO.
BMW E24, E28, E30 and early E32 & E34 radio connectors until 1991
BMW E28 radio wiring diagrams
Aftermarket adapters for BMW
