upgrading stock BMW sound systems

[stephen]

Interesting article..... While there's plenty of room for improvement in your BMW's audio system, the speakers in your BMW are the weakest link in the system. As a result, you can acheive the biggest improvement in sound quality for the lowest cost by upgrading your BMW's speakers. That's why BSW recommend their Stage 1 Audio Upgrade as the first upgrade to your BMW's stereo. They're direct replacements for your stock BMW speakers and make a huge difference in sound quality! http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/products.php/CA=174  One of the first things most BMW owners notice about their vehicles is how poorly the audio system is designed. There is no clear definition at any volume level. The tweeters are almost nonexistent, and there is little to no bass response. To address these problems simply and affordably, the Bavarian Soundwerks developed the Stage 1 Audio Package for the 3 Series / M3. BSW offers you a choice between CDT, Rainbow Audio, and MB Quart brand speaker replacements in our Stage 1 Audio Upgrade. Why? While all three speaker brands are superb, they each have their own unique character. By offering you these options, you can be assured that you get the speakers that are just right for you and your listening preferences. Here's a comparison between all three:Brand / Sound Description / Cone Material / Tweeter Material / Expandibility Options / Music Type CDT USD448.99 - Natural Sound, Smooth Response / Treated Paper cone, Silk Dome tweeters / OEM replacement, no additional crossovers included / Suit : Mellower Listening Styles MB Quart USD478.99 - Extremely detailed, brighter defintion/ Polypropylene cone / Titanium tweeters / Includes external crossovers for adding aftermarket amplifier later /  Suits: Louder, Hip-Hop, Rock Rainbow USD508.99 - Most Natural, Rich Sound, Smoothest Response/ Treated Paper cone/ Silk Dome tweeters/ OEM replacement, no additional crossovers included/ Suit : All Listening Styles

 

[Ade]

the speakers would be nothing if there's no amplifier to power them....gimme CDT anytime...

not a big fan of MB quarts though...

 

[Vanquish]

Originally posted by Ade@May 27 2006, 12:01 PM
the speakers would be nothing if there's no amplifier to power them....gimme CDT anytime...

My thoughts precisely. Changing the speakers alone won't do when the stock HU is incapable of driving them optimally. In fact, over driving these comps with the low powered HU will end up damaging them more than your ears.

Stephen, you can also add some DLS models to the list as mounting them is quite easy given their rather modest magnet sizes. Also, while the website does not list their models clearly, do bear in mind that some of higher end models like the CDT HD / ES or the Rainbow Profil / Germanium may not fit into the stock location without some works given their large sized magnets.

Cheers,

 

[stephen]

thanks ICE sifus for comments.

I was kinda wondering why the website was rather silent on amplifiers and at some point mentioned factory amplifiers. But when i set my selection, it was based on "stock" system.....there is another selection for Harman Kardon...... unless our stock system differ from those in the USA i.e. theirs may have a factory fitted amplifier in addition to the head unit.

I just thought if this so-called Stage 1 set-up is as what they say, then it is a very interesting proposal for many BMW owners here in Malaysia who initially like me do not want to mess around with stock set-ups and all i wanted to do was to change the speakers.

Never heard of this "Rainbow" brand before .... good?

What is our stock Head Unit's amp power output rating? Our manual does not state it.

 

[kl_mafia]

bro... im using Rainbow subwoofer now. very nice response even at lower volume. and the whole casing is factory made in germany. proper and nice.

got from KF Audio.. belum bayar lagi.

hahaha


im going to upgrade my system tomorrow. add another amp to drive the sub...

 

[cromok]

Hi there,

I have E39 525i 2001 Japan specs. At the moment i think it is running on 4-way system i.e.

FRONT (3-way)
Small tweeters on upper front door
Mid speaker/tweeter (2 " roughly) on front door (just below the window)
Low Mid speaker (5" roughly) on bottom front door

BACK
Small tweeters on back door (just below the window)
Low Mid speaker (5" roughly) behind back rest
I suspect this runs 3-way as well. ANother tweeter might be behind back rest.

No subwoofer at the moment.

It lacks those crytal crispy sound at the moment but the oeverall sound is quite warm.

I definitely need a subwoofer to beef up the low frequency. I would prefer to keep the HU because it has this automatic function where the volume increases as your car speed increases so that your listening environment is consistant (to balance it with background noise of the car).

I could not find any 3-way speaker system in the market.

Has anyone come across this sistuation and how to improve the overall sound?

 

[5series]

Bro Cromok,

My current set up is similar to yours. Have you find a solution to upgrade your stock ICE?

Thinking of adding a subwoofer to it with the current amp. What is the best sub you would recommend?

 

[Vanquish]

Cromok / 5series,

Perhaps this thread mite be of some help ..... issue of adding a sub into your existing set-up is also there.

http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7405

Plenty of 5er owners here who have upgraded their ICE without resorting to cutting and modifying the stock location too much.

Cheers.

 

[Casanova]

well BMWs have their own built in amp which can handle upgraded speakers pretty well.

It's exactly what I did the first time I got ICE. just hooked up new speakers and 1 amp for a subwoofer....sounded much better than just stock.

Later on obviously if you really want more power and better quality then get a new amp for speakers.

 

[leakwoon]

bro

u mean those built in capacitor in the stock HU?

enuff power to drive the component speaker?

i dont think so la


the more u crank the volume

i bet the HU is not pumping out signal but instead of current to slowli kill the voice coil of the speakers

 

[Casanova]

well, someone go try it then.....cause I already did and already gave my opinion.
you won't know till you try.

 

[BlueMixWhite]

Once you are into it there is no stopping, from speaker to amp, amp to sub, sub need an amp, done all that still not satisfied. Change Head unit and find out it is still lacking of something, change RCA and speaker cable. Endless!!

 

[leakwoon]

Dear bros

i m playing in ICE & Home one la

... i know the bug is biting every time

hahahaa

 

[vinson]

Casanova...well said.

I totally agree with Casanova as I did the same thing too. My first step wes to add an amp and change all the speakers to MB Quart.

Unfortunately, it did not stop there.Sigh

Anyway, I did my car at OURS Auto Accessory in Taman Megah (facing LDP) - Look for Ah Fatt. Prices are quite reasonalble as they do the cars for SG (the 2nd hand car dealer). They also do the fine tuning for KK Lau sometimes. PM me if you want more info.

Best of luck.

 

[Rainracer]

Dear Sifus,
Just got my 325 which came with stock sound system. The CD changer at the back doesn't work because the optic cable is broken. Replacing it according to the accessory shop with cause RM400something. So he advise me just to get a single-din head unit instead. Any recommendation on this? Now just have radio only. :<

I used to run Pioneer DEH8650, DLS C6 on Helix HXA 400 , Rockford P1 12" woofer on P2002 amp, but sold off when I sold my previous car few years back. Now with the latest technology of HU going at 70W, any recommendation for a decent setup that uses back the orginal spacing of the car without amps? This setup will be mainly use for playing MP3 and WMA, therefore not so much into SQ or SPL. Will appreciate any advise or suggestions. Thanks.