Stereo installers for the E60

[k3nny]

Hey guys,Ive grown semi-fed up with the stock BMW sound system.. Totally wrong for a car this price. No standard at all man..Sadly, i think the stereo in my Honda Accord 2.4 is much better but who buys a BMW for the stock stereo anyways right?So i was just wondering if there are any stereo installers in KL familiar with the E60 or have done some work on the E60 before..Im worried about screwing it up and losing my warranty and free maintenance program..Thanks alot for all the responses in advance!Best Regards,Kenny

 

[Randy]

Check with KK Lau Audio. They probably can give you some good advise. The problem with OEM stereo's is that is pretty difficult to change as there are built in. However there are couple of thisngs you could do:

1) Change the speakers to a better ones
2) Install an amplifier
3) Install subwoofer
4) Insatall a OEM Systems tuner suchs as JL Audio Cleen Sweep or Waves. ( This equipements actaully retune the stock systems signals to produce a better sound)

Good luck

 

[Stranger]

The problem with E60 is that it's based on the MOST, a fibre optic based system. Everything connected to this MOST is special...

The best you can do is probably just what Randy suggested. Even then I suggest you grill the installer on their knowledge about this car.

 

[cysoon]

Dear Kenny,

My advice to you is better wait after the warranty period. You know my experience is I get my last year 525 but I send the car back to AB for rectify the manufacture problems very often. My problem is my I-Drive hang very often and I-Drive screen dissapear. So all this AB advisor will ask me whether I change anything or install any Stereos to make the I-Drive hang. Until a stage that there accuse me I have send my bimmer to the OEM to install sound systems, and I fire them nicely since they can not rectify the problem dont blame it on me. At the end after 1 month of battle finally they change the whole I-Drive systems. So becareful this guys out there will look for any modification of the vehicles so tht they try not to provide warranty.

 

[leakwoon]

tat's true


alot car installer out side is just half botol of water

even AB mech also not 100% knew well of about their machine

 

[GMENG]

K3nny, I think we've discussed abt this issue at ICE section. I had my share of disappointment with BMW's audio system especially the CDs. I talked with the sales guy and he confirmed if we were to touch the IDrive then the warranty is voided. It's because if you want to install or add any sound system it has to go through the IDrive. I even added my 523i with the CD Changer and the sound system was crapped. Even my previous old Audi A4 is a much better system! That AB sales guy told me that even their own maintenance (ICE) crew also having problems to go around the new IDrive that we have and imagine what more outside workshop! I think it's better to wait for the next 2 years as others pick up on the trade...

 

[johnchen]

Yes, this topic has been discussed many times before. The sound system of the e60 certainly does not live up to the premium brand staus fo the car. I too have considered upgrading it to something better. But the only think you can do is to change the speakers and maybe add another sub woofer. You can't change the drive unit 'cos that's part of the iDrive. You don't want to screw around with that unit.

To fit in a simple powered sub woofer in the trunk you will still need to tap the power from the battery and join to the rear speaker wires. Small operation but will immediately null your warrenty. So I end up leaving it as it is for the past one year.

Here's a small tip that will help to improve the bass of the e60 sound. Adjust the fader more towards the front speakers and you will find the bass sound a little better. I set mine 2-3 notches to the front and the bass to max. Reason is that the mid-sub woofer is hiden somewhere in the front, could be under the dash. If you set the fader to the center or to the rear the sound will be very flat. Those speakers on the rear are only 4" and the ones on the front doors are 3", all made by Nokia so go figure how good the sound can be from them.

If it makes you feel any better, the standard e60 sound system is much better thant the standard sound system fitted into the current 911 Turbo. Then again, in a 911 Turbo the only sound you''d want to hear is the wailing of the engine!!

 

[GMENG]

For 911 you want to hear grrrrrrrrrrrrrnnnnhhh grnh grnh........ The others you want as quiet as possible and that's where the rubber linings come in.... In this kind of environment you want your stereo system to be at its best but not on E60.... (sigh ..)

 

[Stranger]

If you have the sub, it's situated below your seat if I am not wrong.

But it's very weak. Someone told me I am supposed to have one. But I couldn't feel much when I placed my hand below the seat. All I got was very mild vibration that could have been transmitted from other speakers.

 

[GMENG]

Originally posted by johnchen@Mar 21 2006, 04:09 PM
Yes, this topic has been discussed many times before. The sound system of the e60 certainly does not live up to the premium brand staus fo the car. I too have considered upgrading it to something better. But the only think you can do is to change the speakers and maybe add another sub woofer. You can't change the drive unit 'cos that's part of the iDrive. You don't want to screw around with that unit.

To fit in a simple powered sub woofer in the trunk you will still need to tap the power from the battery and join to the rear speaker wires. Small operation but will immediately null your warrenty. So I end up leaving it as it is for the past one year.

Here's a small tip that will help to improve the bass of the e60 sound. Adjust the fader more towards the front speakers and you will find the bass sound a little better. I set mine 2-3 notches to the front and the bass to max. Reason is that the mid-sub woofer is hiden somewhere in the front, could be under the dash. If you set the fader to the center or to the rear the sound will be very flat. Those speakers on the rear are only 4" and the ones on the front doors are 3", all made by Nokia so go figure how good the sound can be from them.

If it makes you feel any better, the standard e60 sound system is much better thant the standard sound system fitted into the current 911 Turbo. Then again, in a 911 Turbo the only sound you''d want to hear is the wailing of the engine!!

JohnChen, I'd try afterwards on my IDrive adjusting the Fader and try to hear any difference and I'd report tonite. Thanks for the pointer.

 

[johnchen]

I've checked under the seat and saw some ventilation slots which could be the sub but it'd have to be a very flat sub. It could also be behind the door panel at the bottom corner. But there's not air holes there. Can feel the vibration from there though if you turn the sound up. Other possible place is inside the center console area. I've asked a few service advisors in AB but none of them knows where it is.

 

[Stranger]

This will show where the 13 speakers are for Logic7. The 2 subs are indeed under the front seats. So I would guess if there are subs in your car, they will be placed there. It doesn't make much sense for them to create other holders for the subs for other setup.

I have nothing in the centre console for sure. It's empty inside.

Oops. here's the link
http://www.bmw.com/generic/com/en/fascinat...c7articleUrlEnd

 

[johnchen]

Originally posted by Stranger@Mar 21 2006, 04:51 PM
This will show where the 13 speakers are for Logic7. The 2 subs are indeed under the front seats. So I would guess if there are subs in your car, they will be placed there. It doesn't make much sense for them to create other holders for the subs for other setup.

I have nothing in the centre console for sure. It's empty inside.

Oops. here's the link
http://www.bmw.com/generic/com/en/fascinat...c7articleUrlEnd

Hey Stranger and chance that AB can retrofit that Logic7 into my e60??

 

[Stranger]

If you are the first guy to ask for it, then Hmmm... I don't know I am always worried when I am the guinea pig.

I suggest you try to audition one first. I have heard comments that it's not worth the money. I have not experienced it myself; so I don't really know what it sounds like.

 

[GMENG]

Originally posted by johnchen+Mar 21 2006, 05:07 PM-->QUOTE (johnchen @ Mar 21 2006, 05:07 PM)

 

[johnchen]

I had asked AB last year when I got my car if there's an upgrade to the Logic7 but the answer was no. Will be sending in my car to get more things fixed soon so will ask them again.

 

[ehoe]

I was at the infamous Tehnichi Audio shop the other day and I happen to ask Simon if he has done any upgrades on the new 5's. He said he has so far only done one so I guess its possible but I didn't get the details as to what was done exactly since I was in a rush that day.

So perhaps you can just give them a call and ask what exactly can be done to upgrade the ICE in the new 5. Do take heed of the warnings of having void warranty tho if you do decide to take the 'jump'.

Well if anyone does call Simon, maybe can update us by posting the details here.....

 

[notiguy]

ehoe,

yes, simon had manage to get one E60 done up. But if i was not mistaken, it was a mild set-up.

 

[Ade]

i believe some shop in Singapore has actually done a full ICE setup on the e60..check out the bmw page in singapore...

 

[Stranger]

Originally posted by Ade@Mar 22 2006, 11:12 PM
i believe some shop in Singapore has actually done a full ICE setup on the e60..check out the bmw page in singapore...

I doubt so. At the most I think it's only amps and speakers. The HU/player is tightly coupled with idrive.

In any case, even if it's possible, all warranty will go down the gutter.