Lol, the amount of wiring you had to pull out to find the stock harness had me laughing. At least the PO didn't screw you with hacking up the OE wiring!
I bought this radio and your Plug & play harness and installed it today. Don't forget to bend the four tabs on the frame to lock it in place before inserting the radio. I was replacing the OEM radio and the main connector was a bit stubborn, but was able to open it without breaking it using a plastic tire lever for bicycles.
Super simple installation when using the harness solution you offered. Took about 5 minutes total & looks great in my E36. Glad you used this as an example in your video!
I just ordered this exact one off ebay from a reseller I guess, wish I could've gotten it from your site. Im waiting to see if includes the harness you guys offer, if it doesn't, I'll get it off your site. Great stuff!!
Thank You. Got a lot going on right now but one day hope to remove the ridiculous contraption my Wife had a shop install in the E30. When that happens I'm going to drive over it with the Truck!
Hello Race German. Thank you for responding to my question 3 weeks ago about if the Continental could also hook up to my factory 6 cd player in the trunk of my 97 328i convertible. Since that time, I sent my Alpine to GermanAudioTech in Long Beach, Ca. for repair. A few days ago, they messaged me that they could not repair my C43 Alpine. During this time, assuming a fully repaired C43 from GermanAudioTech, I invested in the oem BMW trunk mounted new antenna head unit, the angled rubber hole mount and antenna mast from Turner, all near $200. Add GermanAudioTech $99 and change, plus shipping costs, so far, I have over $325 dollars invested. I watched your video for installation for the Continental CD-FM with orange back lighting, and with correct adaptors, the one I want, but you did not show or demonstrate antenna hook-up in your video. So my next question is about compatibility with my new factory specked BMW antenna I just replaced, will the Continental work with it? My last question, how much money delivered? I'm assuming you are selling these radios, if not please connect me to the source that does. The C33 and C43 Alpines seem to give up the ghost 20 years down the line, nothing lives for ever. I do not want to buy a used one that still may work, but for how long?
It buggs me that the orange light does not match the bmw orange. The best thing i found is to modify the original cd player and use the am funktion as bluetooth and aux
Glad I found this video. I need a CD/USB/Radio replacement deck just like this for my 1995 325i. What should I do with the stocked CD changer in the back trunk?
What do you mean what difference do you get? No difference from ordering from VDO, we are a retailer. We do include a free ISO adapter though, usually cost $10 on other sites.
@@RaceGerman OHH okay sorry I'm new and this is my first time swapping radios so I'll check your site and order from there if I it's less of a hassle for my e36
Some people say the PnP harness works on an 88 E28, but your web site says 1992-01. Is it for certain I couldn't use this? The VDO harness is ES#3619860 , which is nowhere to be found, at least in the US
That ES harness you are talking about is not the plug and play harness. That is the VDO pigtail for the radio (which sadly does not come stock with the radio) that being said, we offer that harness free with the purchase of any of our VDO radios. If you want to just purchase that harness email us at info@racegerman.com. We have over 30 in stock.
The ISO harness is the harness that plugs in back of the radio and just has pigtails for you to splice into the harness yourself. The plug and play harness is what’s in the video. No wiring involved just plug and play. This only works on some BMWs. The product page gives a list of what vehicles it works on. Thanks
Do either of the 2 radios you described at the beginning of the video fit in a 2001 Z3M and are both radios superior to the BMW radio installed from Factory. thanks.
It still does not look flush. Its sticking out and has the useless bezel that makes it look aftermarket. Could they have not gone the flush flat (no Bezel) route like the Blaupunkt Bremen 400? Also the ultra shiny chrome finish on the buttons and glossy black adds to the aftermarket (cheap) feeling. Ideally matt black would have worked better.
i bought one of these installed it correct even with plug and play harness and my radio turned on for split second then turned off and won’t turn back on do you know what the problem may be?
Hard to say. Do you have any electrical troubleshooting knowledge? Could be a blown fuse. If you have a multimeter you can start checking grounds and power. Did the previous radio ever work? The pin out of the radio is in the manual that came with the radio.
Have the same radio for my nonBMW car and just a short question, is the screen only thing that should illuminate on the headunit? It is the case on mine and much I can see, on this one on the video too, but official pictures from Conti show then lighting up the buttons aswell.. Can you shed some light on that? (Pun non intended)
Do you happen to know if the CD version/ model is limited in anyway in terms of a maximum USB stick capacity? Some audio equipment won't take any media above a certain GB capacity.
Richard, great question. I found this in the manual: Maximum number of MP3 files FAT 32 format supported is 65535 files. (Maximum number of MP3 files NTFS supported is 1000 files.) Maximum number of folders is 999. Maximum USB capacity support is cap at 8 GB and best performance with songs not more than 500, and not exceeding 30 folders.
Hi great video I try to purchase on your website but it seem to be out of stock question those little two metal clips used to uninstall that cage are they included in the package or do they have to be purchased separately also what’s the reason for removing the cage before you insert the head unit does it not slide in on its own with the cage on? Thanks
If you want the plug and play adapter, yes you have to order this separately. If you don’t we include a iso pigtail so you can do the wiring yourself for free. The plug and play only works on certain year BMWs. All the info is on the product pages. Hope that helps.
Hi! I have the CD version in my 944 turbo and for some reason when i play the first track through Bluetooth it always cuts off a lot and it doesn’t flow perfectly. I have no idea what it is. Did you have a similar problem or know what i can do?😅
We have never had that issue. Sounds like something with your phone connecting to it or maybe the Bluetooth module in the unit. I would call continental customer support. It may be under warranty.
Will the CD version work for an 84 e30? I don’t mind doing the wiring it’s just I’m not sure my primitive harness has all the necessary components to convert. Or does the product come with instructions for each model trying to swap?
Yes it will work with a 84 E30. We include the wiring pigtail for free. You just need to look up the wiring your car, power, radio wires etc and it will all work fine.
@@RaceGerman I finally bought one but I'm having some trouble wiring is there a way you could assist me? I think I have it figured out but I'm no expert and don't want to break anything.
I haven't seen anyone here question about weather a new unit installed can connect and work with the optional BMW 6 cd player installed in the trunk in my 1997 e36 convertible?
hi! this radio came with my e30 and it doesnt work, so im trying to take a look at the rear connections, but i dont have any keys to pull it out. what can i use instead?
@@RaceGerman ok so im doing that and one side is free but the other isnt and im not sure how to get it out, its a perfect fit and i can go back really far is that supposed to happen?
What do you mean by impossible? The harness has a locking design, where you need to slide up on the plastic piece to release it. What issues are you having?
Lol, the amount of wiring you had to pull out to find the stock harness had me laughing. At least the PO didn't screw you with hacking up the OE wiring!
Lol. No kidding. Not sure I could of even stuffed all that back in
I bought this radio and your Plug & play harness and installed it today. Don't forget to bend the four tabs on the frame to lock it in place before inserting the radio. I was replacing the OEM radio and the main connector was a bit stubborn, but was able to open it without breaking it using a plastic tire lever for bicycles.
Super simple installation when using the harness solution you offered. Took about 5 minutes total & looks great in my E36. Glad you used this as an example in your video!
Thank you! Glad everything worked out for you!
Just bought a VDO for my 1990 E34. Looks like an easy install! Great video!
Thanks! 👍
After a decade with a CD43 and an aux-in adapter, finally caved and got one of these today. Excited to modernize my e36 a bit
Awesome! It should of shipped today. Check your email for tracking
I just ordered this exact one off ebay from a reseller I guess, wish I could've gotten it from your site. Im waiting to see if includes the harness you guys offer, if it doesn't, I'll get it off your site. Great stuff!!
Thank You. Got a lot going on right now but one day hope to remove the ridiculous contraption my Wife had a shop install in the E30. When that happens I'm going to drive over it with the Truck!
haha, I hear ya! Come to us when you need one
Just placed an order. I just hope my factory cd changer in the trunk still work also. I ordered the unit without cd
The radio will not work with the stock cd changer in trunk
Hello Race German. Thank you for responding to my question 3 weeks ago about if the Continental could also hook up to my factory 6 cd player in the trunk of my 97 328i convertible. Since that time, I sent my Alpine to GermanAudioTech in Long Beach, Ca. for repair. A few days ago, they messaged me that they could not repair my C43 Alpine. During this time, assuming a fully repaired C43 from GermanAudioTech, I invested in the oem BMW trunk mounted new antenna head unit, the angled rubber hole mount and antenna mast from Turner, all near $200. Add GermanAudioTech $99 and change, plus shipping costs, so far, I have over $325 dollars invested. I watched your video for installation for the Continental CD-FM with orange back lighting, and with correct adaptors, the one I want, but you did not show or demonstrate antenna hook-up in your video. So my next question is about compatibility with my new factory specked BMW antenna I just replaced, will the Continental work with it? My last question, how much money delivered? I'm assuming you are selling these radios, if not please connect me to the source that does. The C33 and C43 Alpines seem to give up the ghost 20 years down the line, nothing lives for ever. I do not want to buy a used one that still may work, but for how long?
It buggs me that the orange light does not match the bmw orange. The best thing i found is to modify the original cd player and use the am funktion as bluetooth and aux
Glad I found this video. I need a CD/USB/Radio replacement deck just like this for my 1995 325i. What should I do with the stocked CD changer in the back trunk?
I don't understand.... What difference do I get from ordering from your website??
What do you mean what difference do you get? No difference from ordering from VDO, we are a retailer. We do include a free ISO adapter though, usually cost $10 on other sites.
@@RaceGerman OHH okay sorry I'm new and this is my first time swapping radios so I'll check your site and order from there if I it's less of a hassle for my e36
@@RaceGerman I'm going to be patiently be waiting for those new radios to be restocked. So happy to get rid of my old one
Some people say the PnP harness works on an 88 E28, but your web site says 1992-01. Is it for certain I couldn't use this? The VDO harness is ES#3619860 , which is nowhere to be found, at least in the US
That ES harness you are talking about is not the plug and play harness. That is the VDO pigtail for the radio (which sadly does not come stock with the radio) that being said, we offer that harness free with the purchase of any of our VDO radios. If you want to just purchase that harness email us at info@racegerman.com. We have over 30 in stock.
Took out my old head unit and put in a Blaupunkt Bremen sqr 46, steps are pretty much the same
Love it man!!!
Thanks!
Ordered this got it in the mail with a broken display and the Bluetooth wouldn’t work
I'm thinking about buying one for my e36!!
Do it!
What is the harness for and do I need one?
What’s the difference between the ISO harness and the plug and play harness?
The ISO harness is the harness that plugs in back of the radio and just has pigtails for you to splice into the harness yourself. The plug and play harness is what’s in the video. No wiring involved just plug and play. This only works on some BMWs. The product page gives a list of what vehicles it works on. Thanks
Do either of the 2 radios you described at the beginning of the video fit in a 2001 Z3M and are both radios superior to the BMW radio installed from Factory. thanks.
Yes both fit z3m and yes superior since they have Bluetooth
@@RaceGerman Thanks so much. Greetings from Ontario, Canada.
It still does not look flush. Its sticking out and has the useless bezel that makes it look aftermarket. Could they have not gone the flush flat (no Bezel) route like the Blaupunkt Bremen 400? Also the ultra shiny chrome finish on the buttons and glossy black adds to the aftermarket (cheap) feeling. Ideally matt black would have worked better.
Are you able to adjust sound with this radio? Like bass treble and midrange?
Yes you can. All adjustable.
i bought one of these installed it correct even with plug and play harness and my radio turned on for split second then turned off and won’t turn back on do you know what the problem may be?
Hard to say. Do you have any electrical troubleshooting knowledge? Could be a blown fuse. If you have a multimeter you can start checking grounds and power. Did the previous radio ever work? The pin out of the radio is in the manual that came with the radio.
Great video but wiring harness is out of stock!
Thanks! Yes, the harnesses are being made as we speak. It hopefully won't be that much longer. Thank you
I did not see an antenna being hooked up. My e34 uses a separate antenna connection.
You can hook up the antenna. Has the port on back
@@RaceGerman Is an adapter needed
can you connect sub to cd version of the radio?
You can not. No outputs for either version
Any ideas when these radios and plug and play harnesses will be in stock?
The plug n play harness is back in stock now. I have 1 cd radio left at the moment and the non cd version should be here end of next week
@@RaceGerman still shows out of stock on the site. I'm trying to buy it now.
Have the same radio for my nonBMW car and just a short question, is the screen only thing that should illuminate on the headunit?
It is the case on mine and much I can see, on this one on the video too, but official pictures from Conti show then lighting up the buttons aswell..
Can you shed some light on that? (Pun non intended)
Buttons should also light up
@@RaceGerman Yeah I figured that much but mine doesnt.
Will probably have to get some professional help to try and plug it in properly.
So is the plug and play harness free with the Bluetooth only version or do you have to buy then when buying the stereo?
The vdo pigtails (which usually cost an extra $10) is included. The plug and play harness is extra if you don't want to do the wiring yourself.
Does the CD version of the VDO work in conjunction with the 6 CD changer in the trunk? The car is a ‘98 Z3 M. Thanks
It does not
@@RaceGerman Thanks! Too bad:(
Do you happen to know if the CD version/ model is limited in anyway in terms of a maximum USB stick capacity? Some audio equipment won't take any media above a certain GB capacity.
Richard, great question. I found this in the manual:
Maximum number of MP3 files FAT 32
format supported is 65535 files. (Maximum number of MP3 files NTFS supported is 1000 files.)
Maximum number of folders is 999.
Maximum USB capacity support is cap at 8 GB and best performance with songs not more than 500, and not exceeding 30 folders.
Hi great video I try to purchase on your website but it seem to be out of stock question those little two metal clips used to uninstall that cage are they included in the package or do they have to be purchased separately also what’s the reason for removing the cage before you insert the head unit does it not slide in on its own with the cage on? Thanks
They are included with the radio
@@RaceGerman thanks your site was out of stock but ended up purchasing from another place and it’s solved my issues thanks for your help
Do You make plug & play harnesses for Mercedes ??
We do not. BMW parts company
Does the Bluetooth one still connect to the cd changer in the trunk too? I'm assuming it does but you know what they say about assuming.
It does not connect to cd in trunk.
@@RaceGerman thanks for getting back to me. Are there any options that still allow the trunk cd changer to work and have Bluetooth that you know of.
Can I connect the radio to steering wheel controls, hope to hear from asap as I'm working on bmw e36 project...
Thank u,
Yes, these radios work with OEM steering wheel controls
When ordering this radio off ur website do I also have to order BMW VDO PLUG & PLAY RADIO HARNESS in order to install as seen in this vid
If you want the plug and play adapter, yes you have to order this separately. If you don’t we include a iso pigtail so you can do the wiring yourself for free. The plug and play only works on certain year BMWs. All the info is on the product pages. Hope that helps.
@@RaceGerman thanks
Would you happen to have a spare trim plate for the Continental stereo?
We do not, sorry. You can probably call Continental/VDO customer service and may be able to order one.
Hi! I have the CD version in my 944 turbo and for some reason when i play the first track through Bluetooth it always cuts off a lot and it doesn’t flow perfectly. I have no idea what it is. Did you have a similar problem or know what i can do?😅
We have never had that issue. Sounds like something with your phone connecting to it or maybe the Bluetooth module in the unit. I would call continental customer support. It may be under warranty.
@@RaceGerman okk thanks man
Will the CD version work for an 84 e30? I don’t mind doing the wiring it’s just I’m not sure my primitive harness has all the necessary components to convert. Or does the product come with instructions for each model trying to swap?
Yes it will work with a 84 E30. We include the wiring pigtail for free. You just need to look up the wiring your car, power, radio wires etc and it will all work fine.
@@RaceGerman Thanks 🙏🏿
@@RaceGerman I finally bought one but I'm having some trouble wiring is there a way you could assist me? I think I have it figured out but I'm no expert and don't want to break anything.
What are the rca cables for an amp or subwoofer?
They are actually just aux right and aux left. Either radio can not have a subwoofer or amp hooked up.
@@RaceGerman well that is kind of a bummer.
I didn’t design it.
I haven't seen anyone here question about weather a new unit installed can connect and work with the optional BMW 6 cd player installed in the trunk in my 1997 e36 convertible?
Will not work with factory trunk CD player.
@@RaceGerman ...Thank you..........
Does anyone know why this radio needs to be turned on every time you start the car? And the time resets as well.
Sounds like you wired the main power wire and the switched power backwards. Flip them around and you won't have this issue. Hope that helps.
hi! this radio came with my e30 and it doesnt work, so im trying to take a look at the rear connections, but i dont have any keys to pull it out. what can i use instead?
You can use skinny screwdrivers and still get it out.
@@RaceGerman ok so im doing that and one side is free but the other isnt and im not sure how to get it out, its a perfect fit and i can go back really far is that supposed to happen?
You can also buy radio keys on amazon for fairly cheap
Do either of these work with the cd changer
They do not work with the cd changer in the trunk
How much I need one
Links to purchase are in the description! Thanks
Are you able to plug subs and amps to these?
No you can not
Out of stock?
We only have the Bluetooth version available. Continental stopped making the cd/bluetooth
yea but its orange when it should be red.
BMW illumination is actually amber. It’s a cross between the two. It fits better than alpine blue with dolphins flying across the screen.
Does anyone else find the harness impossible to remove from the stock radio
What do you mean by impossible? The harness has a locking design, where you need to slide up on the plastic piece to release it. What issues are you having?
@@RaceGerman i figured it out after about an hour lol. Guess since it had been on there forever it just needed some convincing. Thanks though!
No antenna?
You can attach the antenna of course
@@RaceGerman didn't know if i needed to purchase some sort of an adaptor or something