e46 nav retrofit - do i or do i not need BM53/54?

kloper · #1 03-13-2008, 12:12 AM

Hi. I'm a long time reader on this forum and finally decided to do a navigation retrofit on my 2003 e46.

I keep reading inconsistent information as to the radio module. Right now my car (without the nav) has a BM24 radio. Can I reuse this with a new MKIV + 16:9 screen (with CD player), or must I also purchase a BM53/54 radio to go with it?

Does anyone have experience/insights on doing this retrofit? Any help would be greately appreciated. Thanks!

Bimmer360 · #2 03-13-2008, 02:05 AM

i have done it on my E46 and 2 more cars. Yes you would need either BM54 or BM53. The retrofit instruction is in DIY section of e46fanatics.com. You might see my posts in there as well.

kloper · #3 03-13-2008, 02:19 AM

If I choose not to get the BM54/BM53, will the entire system not work? Will I have limited functionality? Also quick question, where did you get your retrofit parts from and how much did you pay?

Thanks!

saft6luck · #4 03-13-2008, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kloper

If I choose not to get the BM54/BM53, will the entire system not work? Will I have limited functionality?

It will work without radio. Limitation: You will have no sound at all (even from navi).
The BM24 has round pins while the e46 retrofit harness uses flat pins. If you can reuse your BM24 just depends on your wiring harness.

Quote:

Also quick question, where did you get your retrofit parts from and how much did you pay?

Of course you can go to your dealer and order the parts or you try ebay

Why do you have a radio in the trunk? Did/do you have TV? Then you would only need the harness to the TV module and for the vehicle signals to the navi.

kloper · #5 03-13-2008, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saft6luck

It will work without radio. Limitation: You will have no sound at all (even from navi).
The BM24 has round pins while the e46 retrofit harness uses flat pins. If you can reuse your BM24 just depends on your wiring harness.

Are there any adapters available for flat to round pins? That way I can save on the BM53?

ambishop · #6 03-13-2008, 03:33 PM

BM53 US/Canada/ Asia Pacific
BM54 Europe/rest of world

you must have one or the other

More info on this page
http://www.bimmernav.com/store/catal...-item-174.html

Bimmer360 · #7 03-14-2008, 02:46 AM

well since its an e46 car, i would recommended going to e46fanatics.com website. By running search you should find all the answers you need although some of the folks here was good enough to provide you the basics.

saft6luck · #8 03-14-2008, 02:22 AM

AFAIK there is no 'round pin radio' to 'flat pin connector' adapter available (only the opposite).

If you can explain your current set up it might be possible to find an other solution. I still wonder why you have a radio in the trunk ...