BMW E39 5 Series - How to Remove Radio

This tutorial shows how to remove an all-in-one IRIS radio from an E39 5 Series BMW.
The E39 BMW was delivered with a selection of radios, as follows:
1. IRIS radio (one-line screen)
2. MID radio (two-line screen)
3. Navigation unit (4:3 screen)
4. Widescreen Nav unit.

The basic model was the IRIS radio, noted by a one-line screen. This was available with a cassette or CD. The front face and the cassette player were either one single all-in-one unit, or two separate units that blended together.
The MID radio didn't necessarily have better audio quality (the professional DSP sound system was available with any head unit) but it controlled extended features in the car. It could control the high-OBC (enhanced on-board computer) or car phone system. It was standard in late model cars.

To remove the all-in-one IRIS radio as shown in the video, use the following steps:
1. Remove volume knob.
2. Insert flat head screwdriver to the hole at the 12 o'clock position.
3. Turn 90 degrees anticlockwise to release spring-loaded clasp.
4. Pull out the radio (use the tape slot for grip)
5. The reqar connector is difficult to remove and requires a lot of force to lift. Use a screwdriver to wedge it up, perhaps supporting the screwdriver like a lever as shown in the video.
6. Reconnect in reverse.

To remove an MID or a two-part radio, use a similar process.
1. Remove volume knob.
2. Use a #10 hex head and turn 90 degrees anticlockwise to release spring-loaded clasp.
3. The MID unit will spring off.
4. To remove the cassette or cd player, it is held by two screws, underneath the now-removed MID unit. (typically 2mm allen key should do it)
6. Reconnect in reverse.

This radio is connected by round pins, proprietory to BMW. E39 radios after 2002 had flat pin connectors. Most aftermarket radios use the flat pins, so to install an aftermarket in a pre-2002 E39 you will probably need an adapter, available on eBay.

This system for removing radios can also be tried on other 1996-2003 BMW models. The MID radio from the first generation X5 (E53) used the MID or nav unit from an E39, as did the Range Rovers from 2002-2006 (L322), so these instructions apply for these vehicles.

[mchulse]

Good video, a trick with those BMW radio connectors is to pop it half way (as the video shows) then start pulling the connector off the radio while pulling the tab up at the same time. This will keep you from breaking the tab by applying too much pressure.

[c.h.dehundt]

Thank you ferry match greatings cor from the Netherlands

[bohanan]

Good video. Simple and to the point. Make more.

[tamasballa]

Hi I have the same radio but no matter how I try I just can't remove it. Any ideas? When I turn the screw it does looses but can't take it out I guess the previous ovner did lack of job when putting it back and now I'm having hard time and it's frustrating pls help!

[jeff]

Would you happen to know where I can buy the push on/off/volume button for my BMW 2002 530i radio. There are five connectors that fit into a plug.

[catalinpanait]

Very simple... I spend over 3 hours and still can't do it😂

[WaleedVcboy]

Thanks Bro. I love you. it helps me a lot.

[trap]

Is there any link you can recommend for iso adaptor with bluetooth connection e39 520

[sammysubio]

Thanks for the video, off to remove the stereo now I know how to! :oD

[peku]

what when im having same radio but there is black hole, there is no screw in it and I can't take out my radio

[Snorlax-u]

hey is that bmw highline equipment ? meaning it has better leather and trim with chrome addons....any idea where can i get trim with chrom for passanger door on exterior....someone stole my outside trim :)

[maurecara]

Great video, mine has a sound issue, Your video was the only one/thread I've seen that mentions the fuse in the back of the radio.
Its late now but I'll let you know in the morrow if its the problem, good job either way

[WaleedVcboy]

Bro, Can we use New digital Music player in BMW 1997??? I mean is the wiring gonna fix in in the music player or no??


Thanks

[demc]

You can buy a cd player on eBay, search E39 business cd. If the radio is pre-2003 it should have round pins which will fit in your '97 car. If it's post-2003, it will have flat pins (needs an adapter) but it should have an AUX input as a bonus. If your radio is one piece, like mine, you will need to buy the screen also (search for MID) as the cd player and screen are separate. I estimate cd player €50, cd player + aux €120, screen €80.

[jake-roberts]

My radio display is broken. Thanks for tutorial

[tamasballa]

Hi I have the same radio but no matter how I try I just can't remove it. Any ideas? When I turn the screw it does looses but can't take it out I guess the previous ovner did lack of job when putting it back and now I'm having hard time and it's frustrating pls help!