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      05-09-2007, 06:28 PM   #1
preilly44
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how do you remove the vents to remove the stereo?

I'm trying to install a new stereo and I'm not sure how to remove the current stereo. I know you have to remove the vents above the stereo....but I'm not sure how to do that. Anybody have any advice?
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      05-16-2007, 11:50 PM   #2
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Try this
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      12-11-2007, 05:31 PM   #3
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I need a link to something like this now, above link no longer working. I'm looking for instructions on how to remove both the vents and stock HU. Thanks.
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      12-11-2007, 05:32 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Reach View Post
I need a link to something like this now, above link no longer working. I'm looking for instructions on how to remove both the vents and stock HU. Thanks.

What are you replacing it with?
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      12-11-2007, 11:43 PM   #5
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u have to play around with the flat head but anyway

just cut them damn clips off...vents won't come off
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      12-28-2007, 01:32 PM   #6
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I'm in the same boat as 'REACH'... looking for suggestions/advice in removing the air vents to access the stereo head unit.

If anyone has suggestions as to how to remove the vents, it would be greatly appreciated!!!!!! Thanks in advance!
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      12-28-2007, 01:40 PM   #7
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I've found this link showing a pdf. diagram of the removal instructions.
http://www.metraonline.com/downloads...NST99-9303.pdf
However, I can't seem to get a good grasp on unhooking the metal clips.
Suggestions please!
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      12-29-2007, 11:30 AM   #8
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I got mine out. I used a flashlight to look upward. At first I was trying to push down clips back in the vent, that were more toward the middle. WRONG!

The clips are right under the surface trim, and you don't need much force. Just get a small flat object (I used a very small flat screwdriver) and press downward. No need to pry or use much force. Wiggling the vents out takes some force and effort, but the clips themselves are not the issue. Just try again, it will come out.
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      01-03-2008, 08:42 PM   #9
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thanks Reach. I'll give that a try once the weather rises above freezing. It was -1f the other nite.
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      01-17-2008, 02:41 PM   #10
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Here is the thread in DIY with the info: http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105298
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      01-17-2008, 02:43 PM   #11
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And here's what I did with that info:





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      01-17-2008, 03:43 PM   #12
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      01-17-2008, 04:45 PM   #13
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Damn, nice job with the new headunit. If it was a pure swap for the OEM radio and the new headunit besides the single DIN bezel what else did you need? How hard was radio install by itself? How much was the Pioneer with flip screen?
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      01-17-2008, 05:13 PM   #14
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Got the Pioneer for a little under a grand. These are still pretty new and hard to get a good discount on right now, but Pioneer stuff gets cheaper over time.

You need a wire harness, antenna adapter, dash kit, new amplifier (mandatory for all but basic systems, the hifi amps are digital and can't work with aftermarket HUs) and a lot of time and patience.

Here is my full research and buildout thread, sorry its on another forum, they have a bit more active A/V area. The "finished" post is near the top of page 2 and has these pics and a bunch more info on how I actually did it. http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=896817
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      01-17-2008, 05:33 PM   #15
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Dang I was looking at a few around the 300$ range that seem to be getting pretty good reviews. Can you get a plug-n-play wiring harness or do you have to cut and solder/tap the original wiring harness? My cars a lease so I'd like to be able to revert it back to OEM at the end of the lease. So in order to get an aftermarket head unit I'd have to get an amplifier as well? The main reason I looked into an aftermarket head unit is because most offer iPod integration for a little more then an iPod integration kit itself such as DICE I get both a new HU and integration. But if I need a new amp as well, then it wouldn't be as convenient. Thanks, sorry for all the questions, never done aftermarket stereo before.
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      01-17-2008, 05:44 PM   #16
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You can get some older technology like the N1 or N2 for $300, but the new stuff is light years better. Just stick with Dice if you're concerned about reversibility and your lease.

Just so you know, what you do with an adapter harness is solder it to the pioneer while its still off the car. This way its plug-n-play with the car and totally reversible.
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      01-18-2008, 04:18 AM   #17
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Oh okay, the Crutchfield guide was midleading for the wiring harness install guide. I thought you had to solder it to the car wiring. In that case I might be throwing on a head-unit in the very near future. How bout the AMP question? Do I have to replace the AMP? I have the "Premium Sound w/ DSP HiFi" stuff
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      01-18-2008, 11:58 AM   #18
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Yeah you have to replace the AMP. Also, with the AVIC series you can mix and match brains and head units, e.g. N2 brain with N3 head, etc.
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      01-18-2008, 02:52 PM   #19
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Oh, so i cant simply just get a new headunit. Even if its one without a 7" touch screen? Just a simple CD deck
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      01-18-2008, 03:28 PM   #20
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I don't think any head unit would work with the amp but my research on the issue was limited to head+brain units.
Also, I just remembered that BMW has a brushed aluminum bezel (I forgot the part number) if you want to go with something more stock looking than the plastic dash kits. I think it was $50-ish last year when I was looking for the parts.
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      01-18-2008, 04:12 PM   #21
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The OEM radio is a big flat black piece of plastic so the single DIN bezel for like under 20$ would be fine. Aw that's a bummer that no aftermarket head unit will work with the OEM amp. Bummer, how easy would it be to swap out the OEM amp?
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      01-18-2008, 04:32 PM   #22
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It must be easy. It's in the trunk next to the battery. From my understanding the normal amp would work but not the hifi.
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