E53 How to remove radio module

[AW8]

This may be of use to anyone wanting to remove their unit for testing/repair/exchange.

The guidance below is aimed so as to help folk including those less confident at removing same, (hence the focus on sepecific details).

Firstly familiarise yourself with the picture & info here

Tools needed : Socket set & extension bar(s), philips/crosshead screwdriver.

Keep all parts safe & lay them out in sequential order if needed. Ensure any cable routing & clearance is copied when putting back together......take photos as you go if needs must.

1. You do not have to remove fuses but it might be wise to do so.....Go to trunk cubby in right rear of boot & remove fuses 72 & 73.

2. Lift boot floor up to approx 45degrees. Then pull/manouvere to take out whole floor.

3. Remove spare wheel - do this as per instruction sticker on underside of boot floor (or as found in manual), use the cradle properly to do this & by placing the cradle handle into the tailgate catch assembly......also use the stay provided & situated next to the wrench.

4. Now remove the stay, close the lower tailgate & remove the plastic spare wheel cradle grip handle from your tailgate.

5. Lift & Place the cradle grab handle forwards & position it over the top of your centre rear headrest. This is so that the cradle is well out of the way.

6. You can now lower the tailgate again so as to give better access. You may have to climb into the back of the car.

7. The big metal dome is the air compressor for the air suspension it has to be lifted clear of the floor. Do not tamper with or touch the bolts on top of it.....We are only going to remove it by undoing the metal triangular frame that surrounds it.

8. Locate the air compressor support frame..... it is large & triangular & sits under the compressor. Now locate the fixing bolts you need to remove it.

9. I cant recall exact socket size size so select a socket that fits the large bolt head to the frame. There are 2 bolts on frame at outermost corners or the triangle & furthest from you if you are facing rear of the car. Undo & remove these bolts. If you can locate them then try lifting some of the insulation foam off the corners of the triangle

10. Now remove the two support frame bolts nearest to the bumper & at ends of the frame bars..... N.B. Leave the 3rd one in between these two. Keep all bolts safe and remember which one go where.

11. Gently lift the frame checking that harness cables & jammed . You need to pivot it at about same angle you elevated the floor pan. Keep supporting it & continue to increase the angle until it is effectively stood on its side with the top of the compressor housing facing the rear of the back seats.

12. Ensure it is steady & wont fall over. This is for damage prevention but also for your safety as it is heavy. If needs be use a bungee clip or similar to avoid it slipping whilst you are still working in bootspace.

13.Look down and you will see your battery, to front of it there is a large plastic cover with BMW written on it. remove the screws holding this & take it out of the car.

14. You will now see lots of boxes and wires, this will look like the picture I linked to before. Now identify the radio module it is the silver box and looks like the images of same as listed on ebay on ebay.

15. There will be a metal clip & bolt on top of it - undo this & be careful not to lose the bolt. [On my 12.01 build car I had a black black box close to my module.....the metal I mentioned was attached to the module but clipped to the black TMC module].

16. Disconnect the radio aerial - it comes off easily just take your time.

17. Now & assuming you have adequate clearance & access to ....Lift the module clear.

16. On back of the top of module there is a large connection socket with wires. This has a hinged retention clip on it, take time to look at it......Now lift the hinge - it will open about 30/40 degrees max. Once hinge lifted you can pull off the connector cable.

17. You should now have a radio module in your hand.

18. If you still don't have enough space to get it out then you can undo the plastic box frame that holds the module & other modules (such as PDC units). This is held in by screws. 2 are deep down, to the side closest to rear left wheel, the third is nearest to the seat back & at front of that 90 degree angled frame. Hopefully you wont have to remove this as access will be easy enough by point 17 above.


Sorry no pictures.