Is it true that by installing an aftermarket headunit in a BMW e36, you will most likely lose radio reception?

If you buy your radio from places such as crutchfield.com, they will provide all the necessary harnesses and adaptors (for free) to make it work. Installing is a simple plug and play.

If you have a factory amplifier premium sound package, you will need to bypass it or run new wires to the speakers if you wish to use your new head unit's amplifier.

You can also retain the use of your factory amplifier for some head units, therefore avoiding the need to rewire the speakers. Because different head units have different wiring schemes, you will need to either consult the stereo's manual or call the place where you bought your headunit. My experience is the Crutchfield guys are always nice and happy to help over the phone if you bought your headunit from them.

Replacing the E36 factory headunit is a good idea because they really do not do the BMW brandname any favors.

vdubs right. I have an aftermarket head unit in my 98 M3 and it works fine. There is a funky euro antenna connector adapter you have to get. Any car audio place will have it. Check your factory system out. Look at the amp in the trunk, left side behind the matting. If you have the 10 channel amp, you have a wiring nightmare on your hands. Have a stereo shop check it out.

E36 Head Unit

As long as u get the right radio adaptor then everything will be my step dad has a BMW and they are all the same you just need to get the right radio adapted

pushing the metal tabs out should be enough to hold it in place