How are the upper (display, buttons) and lower (CD, amp,..) part of the radio connected (electronically). Are there any wires with connector, or can not be separated in any way.

(why asking: i'd like to build a real sq system - that means i'd like to hide original radio somewhere (as i need it for BC), probably under the passenger seat. Therefore I have to separate both parts as they are to high to mount under the seat).

Thanks.

 

The two units can be separated. There is a flat flex cable between them that can be disconnected. I can look and tell you more details when I'm home tonight (I have an extra speedo+radio from eBay that I was using for a project).

 

Yes, that would be great! And if you can take a picture or two, I would be very gratefull.

Changing radio in R56 is a REAL project. I've been studying how to do it and where to put it for over a month... :S


Thanks, peter

 

It's a flat flex cable with about 40 wires.



The cable inserts into a connector on the upper unit like this:



Basically it is a cable and connector designed to use with surface mount technology components, not so easy for a hobbyist to deal with.

 

It looked like a good news, but now... :O

Thanks for the pictures.


Can you tell me if it is possible to remove front facia (the silver part) from the lower unit?


What is your "project"? Or is it a secret?

Thanks

 

I haven't actually removed it, but I'm sure it's possible. The stereo has a metal chassis and the front facia is a plastic piece that appears to be screwed on.I created the InvisiLens product (sold at FES Auto, a vendor here). To design InvisiLens for the R56 speedo, I needed a speedo and I purchased one from eBay. I only needed the speedo, but the seller (a junkyard) had a speedo with stereo attached and they didn't want to deal with taking it apart, and they sold me the complete combination at a good price.