how to remove original BMW Z1 (Sony) radio

felix · Post by **felix** » Fri 22 Jul, 2005 06:50

Any advice on how to remove the original BMW Z1 radio? There's a piece of trim around the sides and the bottom that goes where the handle would go if it were the removable model but I can't figure out how to remove it after that. Removing that trim piece exposes two horizontal slots on the sides of the radio but there are no obvious catches or releases within them. If searched on the web for Sony radio removal tools but that didn't give me any clues. Any advice would be appreciated.

spokey · Post by **spokey** » Fri 22 Jul, 2005 07:29

I thought the original Z1 radio was a Blaupunkt?

felix · Post by **felix** » Fri 22 Jul, 2005 08:00

Many thanks Paul; will try that.

Here's a link to a google translation of a German web site describing the Z1's radio "history": http://translate.google.com/translate?h ... D%26sa%3DN

Paul Drawmer · Post by **Paul Drawmer** » Fri 22 Jul, 2005 08:09

To remove the original Sony (badged Z1 audio)

Remove the handle replacement trim
Insert small screwdriver in each side and prise the hidden spring clip upwards to release the radio which will then pull out.

Note for Spokey
The first 500(?) Z1s were originally fitted with a Sony unit with Z1 Audio badging. These were fitted with an amplifier mounted behind the centre console on top of the transmission tunnel.

Good quality audio, and a working unit will fetch good money from Z1 fans wishing to retain originality.

spokey · Post by **spokey** » Fri 22 Jul, 2005 09:16

Ah, yes. I remember now that the first ones had a Z1 badged unit. Didn't realise it was a Sony.

Live and learn, eh?

F.Brossaud · Post by **F.Brossaud** » Tue 26 Jul, 2005 19:49

Hello,

I must have the original Sony user manual with the fitting instruction. If you can wait few week, I will check when I will be back at home.
By the way, would you like to sell you Sony Z1 Unit ?

Frederic

felix · Post by **felix** » Tue 02 Aug, 2005 18:49

I still can't seem to find any release catches; they must be well hidden!

The car came with a user's manual for a Sony XR-7302 which looks to be identical to the BMW Z1 radio except that it has the handle to remove it from the sleeve. I'm guessing the rotating the handle helps release the radio from the sleeve but I can't figure out how to get my handle-less version out.

Sorry Frederic, I probably won't sell the radio.

ChrisM · Post by **ChrisM** » Wed 03 Aug, 2005 19:30

Hi Felix,

I will send you the appropriate page from the workshop manual. Just email me and I can either post or send you a scan of the page. There's a 'secret' retaining bracket that you have to release. Impossible to descibe in words - you need the diagram to understand.

ChrisM.

felix · Post by **felix** » Mon 08 Aug, 2005 21:02

Chris,

Many thanks for the diagram but even it isn't terribly clear. I've never seen anything like it in a radio before.

Basically, the trick is to remove the trim in the left side of the passenger footwell near the knee. Then look inside the console behind the end of the radio and there will be the end of a piece of wire (a little thicker than a coat hanger) visible. Use a screw driver to lift the wire up and then pull the radio out using your finger tips in the cassette slot.

The mounting sleeve is attached to the car via three Philips screws. I haven't quite figured out the wiring connectors yet; there a several discrete connectors (power, earth), two wrapped in tape, a pair of RCA connectors and a large multi-pole DIN connector.

ChrisM · Post by **ChrisM** » Fri 12 Aug, 2005 18:26

Hi Felix,

Glad to hear you got the radio out !!

Sorry can't help about all the various connectors. Tha manual just says disconnect - not what does what !!

When I had my CD Radio fitted I chickened out & got my local Car Radio Shop to do all the tricky stuff. Even they had to do quite a lot of testing to work out which lead did what !!

Hope you sort it out sucessfully.

ChrisM

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Mon 11 Sep, 2006 19:42

Just broken another button my Z1 Audio System, anyone got any idea where to get replacement Facia buttons?

From what I can see the XR 7052 has a similar front panel layout,maybe I can pinch the buttons of that?