Bolt size and tool

[Aiden]

I just won a replacement BMW stereo head unit on ebay to replace the one i have in my car that has the display burnt out and a bad radio atenna connection.

My question is if anyone know where I can get the tool need to remove the head unit from the car...the head of the screw or bolt looks like a allen wrench head, but has I think only five sides instead of the standard six sides. How do I get the tool to get this screw out? I have looked at many hardware and auto parts shops and no one know what I am talking about. Any help?

 

[Kirby]

I used a hex key. I don't remember what size, I just kept trying keys from my metric and english sets until one worked. I remember that it was a close match, but not perfect. I pressed slightly to one side to get a good bite and it was easy to loosen.

Just don't try to tighten it too much when you reinstall so you don't bugger up the head. You'll be able to snug it just fine.

 

[Gilaad_amir]

hey im having issues getting the stereo out also. ive got a full allen key set, both metric and imperial, but i dunno if anything is small enough. i just cant figure out how to get it out of there....

 

[Jacko]

Get a coathanger and file the five sides on it while keep trying it in the little brass screws on the headunit. If you try the regular allen wrenches you are going to damage the screws in the headunit and they will be toast.

 

[1995 325is]

bmw dealerships sell the "keys". I took 94 530 i station wagon in and asked them to loosen the stereo for me so i could install an aftermarket one. They didnt charge me for this. They did say that you can buy them for about ten dollars.

 

[E30m42cab]

BMP Design sells the Tool for $15.95 part #143286... A BMW mechanic near me did it for free... I couldn't get any of my hex keys to fit properly.