DIY: BMW E23 Stereo Removal

Difficulty Level

Tools/Supplies Needed:

• standard/flat screwdriver

Procedure:

• first start by removing the small plastic trim that boarders the face of the stereo
• it is held on with four clips in total
• there are two clips on the bottom and two clips on the top
• this trim needs to be spread, be very gentle so it doesn't break
• on each side of the stereo there is anti theft latches which need to be pushed down while pulling the stereo straight out
• if the stereo is stuck, DO NOT pull on the face because it will come apart
• use a standard screw driver along the sides to assist it out carefully not bending the metal frame
• once it's out, you now need to disconnect the wiring on the back side

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Are aftermarket plug and play wiring hardnesses available to install an aftermarket stereo?

Yes they are. They can be hard to find, but there is a few online retailers who sell them.

Video tutorial on how to remove the stock Alpine cassette player from a BMW E23 body style. This particular video was done on a 1984 BMW 733i, but it also applies to other models such as the E21, E24, and E28.