The model BMW E39 is deservedly considered one of the best in the history of the German automobile industry, but its standard multimedia is irrevocably outdated. Cassette recorders and the first CD changers are no longer able to satisfy the needs of the modern driver, accustomed to online navigation, YouTube and high-quality sound. The only reasonable solution is to replace the head unit with a modern one, which retains the classic appearance of the panel. Android system, which preserves the classic look of the panel.
The process of introducing new multimedia requires not only technical skills, but also an understanding of the electrical circuit of the car. Connection errors can lead to problems with the CAN bus or drain the battery. In this material we will analyze all stages of the upgrade, from choosing equipment to final sound calibration.
You have to choose between universal solutions and specialized head units. The right approach will allow you to enjoy modern technologies without disturbing the aesthetics of the Five's interior. Let's look at what exactly is required for the successful implementation of the project.
Selecting a suitable head unit for the E39
The first step will be the selection of compatible equipment. The market offers many options, but not all of them fit perfectly BMW E39. There are special models that follow the contours of the standard place for a radio and climate control. They can be either with a screen instead of climate buttons, or retractable, hiding under the standard panel.
The key parameter is the screen size and matrix resolution. For comfortable use of navigation and multimedia, it is recommended to choose displays with a diagonal of at least 9 inches. It is important to pay attention to the type of processor and the amount of RAM, since the speed of the interface depends on this Android.
- 📱 Installation type: built-in panel or replacing climate buttons.
- 💾 Memory volume: minimum 2 GB RAM and 32 GB ROM for stable operation.
- 🔌 Support CAN buses: required for the operation of the steering wheel and on-board computer.
- 📡 Communication module: presence of a built-in 4G modem or support for an external one.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a device, make sure that the kit includes the correct adapter for BMW connectors (Quadlock or a specific BMW connector), otherwise you will have to resolder wires.
You should not skimp on the processor. Budget models on older chips will take a long time to load and slow down when switching tracks. The optimal choice would be devices based on chips Rockchip or Unisoc with support for 4G networks.
Necessary tools and preparation for work
Before you start disassembling the interior, you need to prepare all the tools. Working with car electronics requires care and precision. You will need special pullers for plastic panels so as not to leave scratches on the soft plastic of the dashboard.
You will also need a set of screwdrivers, pliers and high quality electrical tape. To work with wires, it is better to use a soldering iron or special crimping pliers, since twisting in a car is a risk of oxidation and loss of contact. Don't forget about a multimeter to check the power circuits.
☑️ Preparation for installation
Be sure to remove the negative terminal from the battery before starting any work. This will protect the electronics from short circuits and prevent accidental deployment of the airbags. Working under voltage in the cabin BMW is extremely undesirable.
Removing the standard panel and radio
The disassembly process begins with the central tunnel. In the model BMW E39 it is necessary to carefully remove the decorative trims around the gearshift lever and the climate control unit. The plastic here is quite fragile over time, so proceed without sudden jerks.
After removing the front panels, access to the mounting bolts opens. Unscrew them and remove the climate control unit if the selected radio model requires replacing it with a screen. The standard radio is removed either through special holes with keys, or after dismantling the entire unit.
When disconnecting the wires, label each connector with a marker or take a photo on your phone. This will help avoid confusion when reassembling. Pay special attention to the antenna cable; it must be carefully pulled out from the depths of the torpedo.
Nuances of removing the climate control
When removing the climate unit, be careful with the damper cables. They may be soured, and a sharp tug will lead to breakage or breakage of the plastic levers inside the unit. It is better to lubricate the axles first or act extremely slowly.
Connecting the electrical and CAN bus
The most critical stage is connecting the power and signal wires. Modern Android radios for BMW often have two power wires: a permanent positive wire and a positive wire from the ignition switch. This is necessary to properly turn on and off the device along with the car.
To maintain the functionality of the buttons on the steering wheel and display information about the car on the screen, CAN-Boxis required. This module decodes the on-board computer signals and transmits them to the head unit. It is connected to the gap in the standard wiring according to the color scheme.
| Wire color | Purpose | Where to connect |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Constant plus (+12V) | Battery or fuse |
| Red | Ignition (ACC) | Cardio ignition circuit |
| Black | Ground (GND) | Car body |
| Blue/White | Amplifier control | Remote amplifier input |
If the car has a standard amplifier in the trunk, it also needs to be properly powered and signaled management. Often this requires activating the output to the menu of the new head unit. Without this there will be no sound.
Use heat shrink on all wire connections. Vibrations in the BMW E39 can over time loosen conventional electrical tape, which will lead to a short circuit.
Setting up the system and interface
After the physical connection and the first performance check, the software setup stage begins. In the menu Factory settings (Factory Settings) you must enter a password (usually 8888, 1234 or 0000) to access advanced functionality.
Here you select the type of car, screen size and, most importantly, the CAN bus protocol. For BMW E39 protocols BMW E39 or universal HiWorldare often suitable. After selecting the correct protocol, the steering wheel buttons and display of open doors should work.
- 🔊 Equalizer: setting frequencies for standard acoustics.
- 📍 GPS: checking the operation of the antenna and satellites.
- 📺 Video: activating playback in motion (if necessary).
- 📶 Wi-Fi: Connect to your home network for updates.
Don't forget to calibrate the touch screen. In some Chinese models, the accuracy of hitting with a finger may “float”, and the calibration procedure will correct this shortcoming. Also check the operation of the Bluetooth module for connecting your phone.
Sound problems and solutions
Owners BMW E39 often face the fact that after installing a new radio, the sound becomes quiet or extraneous noise appears. This is due to the fact that the standard amplifier does not receive the correct signal or voltage level.
In the radio settings, find the section Audio and try changing the output type. Switching between modes High Level and Low Level can radically change the volume. Also check the settings (Gain) in the factory menu.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a hum or whistle when the engine is running, there may be a problem with poor grounding of the head unit. Check the contact of the black wire with the body.
Sometimes it is necessary to install an additional level converter if the built-in Android radio cannot cope with matching the signals. This is especially true for cars with a premium audio system Harman Kardon.
The sound quality depends 80% on the correct connection of the amplifier and setting the signal levels in the factory menu, and not on the speakers.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the standard amplifier be retained when installing Android?
Yes, in most cases the standard amplifier BMW is retained. To do this, you need to correctly connect the control wire (Remote) and make sure that the radio gives a power-on signal. In the sound settings, you may need to disable the built-in amplifier of the head unit.
Will parking sensors work through the Android screen?
It depends on the specific model of the radio. Many devices have a video input for a rear view camera, but outputting data from the standard parking sensors (stripes on the screen) requires support for the PDC protocol in the CAN-Box. It is often easier to install a new camera with parking sensors included in the kit.
How to update the firmware on a Chinese radio?
The update is done through the menu About the device -> Software update. The firmware file is downloaded from the manufacturer’s website (usually using the QR code in the instructions) and written to a flash drive. It is important not to turn off the power during the process, otherwise the device may stop booting.
Is it possible to return everything back?
Yes, if you did not cut the standard wires, but used adapters. All changes are reversible. However, if soldering or wiring was changed, to return it you will need to restore the original circuit.