Here is the stereo radio wiring information for your 1996 BMW 318i E36 body with the standard, symphony, or Bose systems. It will be useful when installing an aftermarket radio, sound stereo system, or other automotive accessories. Make sure to grab the appropriate tools to test all the wires in your BMW. Please check it over and use it as a GUIDE to help you locate the appropriate wires. This schematic is provided free of charge and may not be 100% accurate. Failure to properly test all the wires may lead to vehicle or bodily damage. All information is provided as-is and accuracy is not guaranteed.
If you find any conflicting info please leave a comment with what you found in your BMW 318i. If you don’t see the audio radio wiring diagram you need comment and we will try to add it ASAP. Thanks for looking!
1996 BMW 318i E36 Radio Wiring Diagram Audio Schematic Colors
Car Radio Constant 12v+ Wire: Red/White
Car Stereo Ground Wire: Brown
Car Radio Ignition Switched Wire: Purple/White
Car Stereo Dimmer Wire: Gray/Red
Car Radio Illumination Wire:Gray/Red
Car Stereo Power Antenna:White
Car Radio Amp Turn On Wire:White
Left Front Speaker Wire (+) Positive: Yellow/Red
Left Front Speaker Wire (-) Negative: Brown/Orange
Right Front Speaker Wire (+) Positive: Blue/Red
Right Front Speaker Wire (-) Negative: Brown/Orange
Left Rear Speaker Wire (+) Positive: Yellow/Black
Left Rear Speaker Wire (-) Negative: Brown/Orange
Right Rear Speaker Wire (+) Positive: Blue/Black
Right Rear Speaker Wire (-) Negative: Brown/Orange
Center Channel Speaker Wire Positive / Negative:
Subwoofer Speaker Wire Positive / Negative:
Radio Size: 1 Din – Single Din
Radio Removal: Refer to service manual
Keep in mind if you are installing a new radio you may need the radio removal keys, the wiring harness, the antenna adapter, and the mounting kit as well.
REQUIRED PARTS FOR AFTERMARKET RADIO INSTALL
WIRING HARNESS FOR NON AMPLIFIED:
Metra 70-8590 Radio Wiring Harness for BMW 90-02 Power/4 Speaker
WIRING INTERFACE FOR AMPLIFIED SYSTEM:
Metra 70-8591 Radio Wiring Harness for BMW Amp Integration
MOUNTING KIT FOR SINGLE DIN AFTERMARKET RADIOS:
None Needed
ANTENNA ADAPTER FOR INSTALL:
Metra 40-VW10 10-Inch VW Antenna Adapter
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS ADAPTER:
Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface
RECOMMENDED TOOLS FOR THE INSTALL – SAME ONES THE PROS USE!
– Klein Wire Cutters / Crimpers
– Gardner Bender Auto Wire Stripper
