Factory Navigation to Radio Delete conversion questions

[Avedis]

I’d like to delete my navigation unit, move hvac up, and add a radio delete panel. I’ve done a bit of research on the process and wanted to check with you all to see if I’m missing anything.


Are there any additional parts needed other than what’s listed below?
Radio delete panel (65128229147)
Radio frame mounting bracket (necessary or is it already in there?) (51458237560)
New instrument panel switch center without rounded corners (51168268891)
Sunglass tray(51168260312)

Is it as simple as pulling everything out, moving hvac wiring upwards, installing new radio frame mounting bracket, new instrument panel switch center, then putting it all back together?


Here’s my current set up



and below that is what I’m going for

[Cronenberged]

I've not done it, but it should be.

[T.J.]

I’ve thought of doing this but keeping the equipment in the trunk to maintain sound capability. I would just leave it on aux input for my Bluetooth adapter and adjust the volume on the steering wheel. I guess I would be somewhat of a radio delete poseur but there is some weight to lose with just the head unit and no more dealing with dead Hyundai ionic 5 sized pixels would be nice

[cornerbalanced]

I have done exactly this before.

Yes, it’s just that simple. From what I recall you will need the radio-frame mounting bracket to move the HVAC control panel upwards. I remember the job being super straight forward, and taking less than an hour—albeit I was removing one of those massive android tablet units instead of the OE nav so YMMV.

[timmo]

Harness from front to back is decent weight savings with stock nav, so to realize the full benefits all that would have to come out as well

[Altaran]

If you just want to delete the Radio unit, then yes, its very simple.
The Radio unit itself won't give you any noticeable weight savings. You need to remove all the speakers to get that.
As mentioned above If you want to do it right, delete the wiring. I just did that, its a bit of work, but well worth it. You need to remove the carpets and dashboard to have access.

Other things to do (while at it):
- move the mirror adjuster to center (If you are planning a CSL CF console.
- weld factory drainage shut (done for KTL painting process, nonother use). This is a frequent spot for rust and you won't see it from underneath. Had this on mine...
- remove nvh mats and dash insulation for more weight savings (If you like induction noise, this will really so it)
- remove airbag module and wiring if you have a 6 point harness, otherwise leave it be.
- relocate battery to front and delete thick wiring for more weight savings if you have an MK60 car, an empty drug bin, and a lightweight battery. I have an MK20 and will do this along with an MK60 swap.
- have the reinforcement bar underneath the dash powdercoated. Its blank Steel from the factory and likes to collect some surface rust...

Lots of possibilities but its up to you how much work you want to spend in it...

Theres also a CSL Radio delete panel made from CF if you feel like spending money. Pricing here in Germany is currently €163. I got the standard plastic plate for €4. No real weight savings here...

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[Avedis]

Thank you all for the replies.

I do plan on deleting the speakers,amp,brackets, and everything else in the trunk that’s associated. I will do all of that once I order and receive the Karbonius CSL door panels.

[usdmej]

I’ve thought of doing this but keeping the equipment in the trunk to maintain sound capability. I would just leave it on aux input for my Bluetooth adapter and adjust the volume on the steering wheel. I guess I would be somewhat of a radio delete poseur but there is some weight to lose with just the head unit

someone posted here that none of the audio system works if you unplug the front navi unit from the rest of the audio system

[usdmej]

Is it as simple as pulling everything out, moving hvac wiring upwards, installing new radio frame mounting bracket, new instrument panel switch center, then putting it all back together?

for your situation yes, you'd lose about 6 pounds total doing this, but then you'd be running around with a lot of what is now dead weight (the rest of your non functional audio system)

here's the weight of the audio components to gauge how much effort you want to put into this

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/main-forum/e46-2001-2006/160268-hk-audio-component-weights

pulling the speakers (minus the sub) and trunk components is simple enough, deleting the whole harness will require removing pretty much the entire interior

[Tbonem3]

I (the person with the delete pictured above) deleted everything except the harness juuuuuust incase I want to put audio back in. Big PITA for little gain, plus my car is already on the ligher side so whatever. Full track car, for sure.

[Avedis]

Thanks for the weight breakdown and additional info. The plan is to do what Tbonem3 did, delete everything but the harness for now.

[Fresh6390]

I’d like to delete my navigation unit, move hvac up, and add a radio delete panel. I’ve done a bit of research on the process and wanted to check with you all to see if I’m missing anything.


Are there any additional parts needed other than what’s listed below?
Radio delete panel (65128229147)
Radio frame mounting bracket (necessary or is it already in there?) (51458237560)
New instrument panel switch center without rounded corners (51168268891)
Sunglass tray(51168260312)

Is it as simple as pulling everything out, moving hvac wiring upwards, installing new radio frame mounting bracket, new instrument panel switch center, then putting it all back together?


Here’s my current set up



and below that is what I’m going for

You are correct on all parts needed. I just did this exact modification. I find it cool that bmw made radio delete plates.

From my experience, you will definitely need to remove, or at least unplug, the amplifier from rear as when I reconnected battery after removing just the nav unit I got loud static (radio) noise. Only way to turn down noise was steering wheel controls. I am deleting those too so I remove nav, amp, and CD player from brackets in trunk.

[T.J.]

someone posted here that none of the audio system works if you unplug the front navi unit from the rest of the audio system

My experience is the opposite. I’d liken it to a remote control with a display

[CrookedCommie]

The audio harness is separate from the main one and can be removed completely without cutting anything. A lot of work for sure, but that'd be the right way to do this.

[Tbonem3]

You are correct on all parts needed. I just did this exact modification. I find it cool that bmw made radio delete plates.

I think it's because some CSLs came with no radio specc'd. Comes in CF and plastic.