Navigation & Audio Replacing HK system with all aftermarket gear

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Jun 9, 2011 | 04:50 PM

Schooster

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Replacing HK system with all aftermarket gear

I have a 2005 MCS with the HK sound system and no nav.

I want to pull out everything (head unit, front/rear speakers, rear amp) and replace with aftermarket stuff.

I was all ready to begin my project when I realized my biggest hurdle is going to be running new speaker wire from the new head unit to the front door speakers. I can't easily use the existing speaker wire because it does not run from the head unit to the door speakers, rather it originates at the amp located in the rear of the vehicle.

I thought I could snake a wire lead through the door jam and pull a new set of speaker wire through that way, but I read somewhere that there is a connector at the door jam that allows the door to plug into the body of the vehicle, essentially like a little wiring harness. I'm not sure if this is correct or not I haven't been able to find any definitive information on this.

So I guess my real question is, what is the best way for me to run new speaker wire to the door speakers?

Any help you guys could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Last edited by Schooster; Jun 9, 2011 at 04:51 PM. Reason: type

Jun 10, 2011 | 12:12 AM

Eric_Rowland

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There is indeed a connector on the door, but modifying the wiring harness would not be easy. I just ran wires through the connector (see this post, near the end) when I needed two new wires for power mirrors.

From the above linked post:

Quote:

Disconnect the door harness
To remove the harness, unscrew 8mm bolt in front of connector, close door halfway, then push connector forward. This will release it from the bodywork.

<door_connector> (passenger side shown here)

You’ll need to pull it out and tilt it vertically to have room to release it.
Pull on end of connector and it will release – BMW style (sort of sliding pins)
Next, drill out two spots on the rearward side of the connector, then run the wires through the door accordion connector.
(You can see on the car side connector that no OEM wires run here.)

I used a coat hangar, ran it through from the outside of the door, then taped one of the wires to it and pulled it through

<door_conn_pwr_wires>

Finally, run the wires through the connector and to the interior of the car. I used an awl to pierce the rubber boot, then the coat hangar again to pull the wires through.
The wires go through the middle of the door side connector NOT outside it– they do not interfere with its operation.
Make sure when running the wires that they are on the proper side of the door hinge!
Also, make sure the accordion door connector is not twisted.

Jun 10, 2011 | 08:04 PM

Schooster

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Thanks!

Thanks, this is awesome!

I think I should be able to tackle this, but I have another question for you if you don't mind.

I looked at my door today to see how the door connector was attached. I can see the bolt closest to me, but I can't see the inside bolt. Is there a bolt on both sides of the connector or is there just one? If there are two, how the heck do I get at that darn inside bolt?

Thanks for your help.

Jun 10, 2011 | 11:03 PM