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Frequently asked questions about cars and motorcycles

Removing the Car Radio and Various Dashboard Parts, and Installing the GPS Navigator

Model: BMW Serie 3 E46 - Years 1998-2006
Part: Car stereo

Using a medium-sized flathead screwdriver, pry off the dashboard trim.
Unscrew the fastening screw of the side air duct and remove it.
Take off the frame around the car radio and pull out the radio itself. Then, pull out the climate control display by pulling it forward and disconnect the connectors attached to it. Next, remove the glove compartment. Unscrew the fastening screws of the radio support frame and the display, and remove it from its location to later install the GPS navigator. Detach the center air duct, pull it out, and place it on the dashboard.
Now, with a very small flathead screwdriver, detach the cover at the center of the windshield pillar trim: once the cover is removed, three screws will be visible that need to be unscrewed, allowing you to detach the trim from the pillar and slide it out from the edge of the dashboard using a lever.
Detach the courtesy light fixture from the headliner and route the microphone cables for the Bluetooth system and the GPS antenna so that the microphone is positioned near the light fixture and the antenna is on the windshield, just at the exit of the pillar, and converge all the connection jacks inside the radio compartment.
Make all connections following the provided wiring diagram, and securely fasten the wiring, placing the navigator in its location: the climate control display should be positioned in place of the glove compartment. Finally, complete the installation by reassembling everything that was previously removed.

Updated on 3 February 2026 by ScegliAuto

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