How-To: E86 CD changer cables for BlueMusic Bluetooth

[Calps]

Hi,

Im about to attempt to install a Grom USB into the back of my E86 via trunk install. Im using this install as a guide as it also connects via the CD changer prep cables (I have nav head unit, non DSP).



Ive seen a different install method which requires removal of a ton of trim pieces in order to reveal the trunk back wall where the amp etc is. This method above seems much more straight forward.. however, forgive me for being a n00b, but how do you remove the plastic 'screws' or 'buttons' that hold the carpet down? Ive been trying to lever them up with a trim removal tool but they wont pop so readily and Im worried im going to shear their heads off. Any clues?



Cheers

Hey there,

They should pull straight out. They're not screwed in or anything, just help in place with pressure. Apply more force with the trim removal tools, from various angles (top, bottom, left, right) until it comes loose.

 

[Jamesgofast]

Hey there,

They should pull straight out. They're not screwed in or anything, just help in place with pressure. Apply more force with the trim removal tools, from various angles (top, bottom, left, right) until it comes loose.

So its just a case of me being nervous n00b.
Got it. Cheers.

 

[Jamesgofast]

Well would you believe it, this method really did work and in no time at all.

Hardest part was firstly popping the trim buttons at the step - These are certainly meant for one time use, the plastic ribs are deformed now. Still holds fast but I imagine if you intend to pop them numerous times they will be gonners and need replacing.

Second hardest part, fubbling around blind for the 3 and 6 pin connectors. Eventually found them, connected the GROM and away we go. Worked first time.

Fixed the GROM unit to the back wall with 3M picture hanging strips, similar to velcro. Couldnt see what I was doing so I first attached the strips to the back of the GROM and then the opposing strips to the GROMS strips. Waited for the adhesive to set, then removed the covers of the opposing strips adhesive, found a flat spot on the back wall and jammed it hard until the adhesive took. Shoved the remaining unwound bundle of wire in the hollow where the CD changer wires came out from.



I seem to have the BMWTL connector set... the T for Trunk and the L im guessing for LONG. Dont know why they gave me such a long wire, perhaps if people want it stretching to the cabin. Im quite happy with the USB stick in the boot personally.

Anyway, cheers for the initial guide. It worked and was sooo much easier than stripping the entire rear trim out entirely. Great. Now I can NEVER EVER listen to the radio again :headbang: .

 

[Simiewimie]

Am I being an idiot?
.
.
.
.
Don’t answer that.

Getting ready for the delivery of my BT music adapter and I can’t seem to get the 3 pin out. 6 pin was a doddle. What is the trick to it that I can’t figure out?

 

[Simiewimie]

Sorted.
Pliers and some gentle persuasion sorted it.

 

[chanlon1]

Had bought a bluemusic device off another forum member and installed it in my coupe today.
I tried to lift just the panels in the boot and wedge them with blocks, but just couldn’t get the space I needed. Ended up stripping all the panels and carpets in the boot. Having done it now, I’d imagine it would only take minutes to do it again, but was very straightforward.

 

[inkey$]

Had bought a bluemusic device off another forum member and installed it in my coupe today.
I tried to lift just the panels in the boot and wedge them with blocks, but just couldn’t get the space I needed. Ended up stripping all the panels and carpets in the boot. Having done it now, I’d imagine it would only take minutes to do it again, but was very straightforward.

it gets pretty tight back there, but glad you managed to sort it even if that meant stripping it all out.

 

[chanlon1]

it gets pretty tight back there, but glad you managed to sort it even if that meant stripping it all out.

Once you know how it’s attached, it’s simples taking it apart again.
I did find a torx screw, a pencil and some unused cable ties all under the carpets. Makes me wonder what was going on when the iPod kit was installed!!

 

[inkey$]

:rofl:

 

[mattimus]

Started the job of finding the cd changer connectors in my E86 today… instructions of how to get to into the hole in the bulkhead were spot on… but for the life of me I can not find the cables!
There are cables in there but even with decent tugs they’re not coming free and they’re not the same colours as those shown on this thread.
Has anybody found that these cables just aren’t there in their E86? Any other tips or advice?
Cheers, Matt

 

[chanlon1]

Started the job of finding the cd changer connectors in my E86 today… instructions of how to get to into the hole in the bulkhead were spot on… but for the life of me I can not find the cables!
There are cables in there but even with decent tugs they’re not coming free and they’re not the same colours as those shown on this thread.
Has anybody found that these cables just aren’t there in their E86? Any other tips or advice?
Cheers, Matt

I’ll ask the obvious. Does your car definitively have the CD prep option when you check the VIN details?

 

[mattimus]

Sensible question - yes I think so… mdecoder.com gave me this -

 

[chanlon1]

Sensible question - yes I think so… mdecoder.com gave me this -

Looks like you have it okay. Did you remove the boot linings and carpets to access the little compartment where the cables should be, or did you cheat and just lift the vertical piece of carpet a couple of inches?

I’d suggest removing all as it will allow a better view. Doesn’t take too long and is a pretty simple job.

 

[mattimus]

I cheated and propped up the linings a few inches… high enough to have a fairly decent rummage around… nervous that I won’t be able to reach much further even with the lining right out of the way.
Also nervous about removing trim, breaking clips etc!

 

[inkey$]

If you have the changer prep then they should be in there somewhere. Try seeing if they are flat or taped against the metal of the bulkhead. Or if you can, get a phone camera up in there so you can see whats going on. Otherwise you might need the trim removing fully.

 

[chanlon1]

Also nervous about removing trim, breaking clips etc!

It’s not as bad as you think.
There are a few clips involved, but nothing great.
When you start to remove them you can only do it in a certain order. One piece of plastic I removed had a clip missing and it wasn’t obvious.
However, once it’s all removed it gives great access.
As above, shove your camera in there and take some photos or video to see what you have.

 

[inkey$]

As above, above your camera in there and take some photos or video to see what you have.

….and post the photos on here if you can, in case it helps others

 

[mattimus]

Yep not that bad… I didn’t bother completely removing the side and back panels as I had acres of space and the connectors practically jumped out and smacked me in the face - no idea how I didn’t find these before, they were right there!
Took a few images including just poking the camera around inside the hole in the bulkhead just in case it’s useful for anyone - they appear in reverse order.

 

[mattimus]

Just bought the 3,000th one of these!

 

[chanlon1]

Just bought the 3,000th one of these!

Great that you found it.....however your boot looks an absolute site with the carpets/trims half pulled out!
I bought one of those BlueMusic toys off a forum member bout a month ago....excellent piece of kit.