bmwe21.net forums

Hello, I have a 1981 316 E21.
It was never fitted with a stereo/speakers, I find that's the only thing that annoys me.
Does anyone know if it's possible to have one fitted and how to go about it?
I know your have to get the dash part for mounting the stereo etc but wiring I'm not so good with.
If there's any previous discussion about this topic could someone please link me in the reply or just give as much knowledge as you can as to who's done it before.
Thanks Paul

So you also have the short center console without the radio cutout? Don't see that often but they're easy to swap.

What you need to do depends on what you want. Base wiring should be in there I believe (power: permanent + , switched +, negative), right behind the console. If you need to place new wires, make sure they are fused correctly. But there's more, you need an antenna and wiring for 2 or 4 loudspeakers. It's no rocket science but if you've never installed a radio I'd leave it to someone who has. Perhaps there's an E21 or BMW nutter near you? Won't have to be more than a few hours work.

I'd be able to get it sorted without a radio though wouldn't I? I don't care for the radio part, just as long as I could play CD's and through the AUXillary.

Paul

This is probably one of the easiest jobs you can do. Run a 12v fused+switched feed from the battery, make an earth, and then wire up your speakers and antennae!