Technic DIY Files: Center speaker OEM mount installation/replacement

Technic DIY Files: Center speaker OEM mount installation/replacement
Technic
01-17-2011

All E9x 3-Series have a center speaker mount on the top of the dash for a center speaker.

In 3-Series with the optional Individual Audio, Logic7 or Harman Kardon systems a center speaker, wiring and a grill trim will be installed from factory. In 3-Series with the...

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#22

By applebimmer on 02-10-2011, 12:12 PM

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Nice!

#23

By scooby9 on 02-19-2011, 01:25 PM

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Awesome DIY! One question though, what color wires on the OEM harness map to +/- polarities on the speaker?

#24

By Technic on 02-19-2011, 01:32 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by scooby9

Awesome DIY! One question though, what color wires on the OEM harness map to +/- polarities on the speaker?

Pin 1 = negative.

#25

By scooby9 on 02-19-2011, 02:55 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

Pin 1 = negative.

Thanks!

#26

By rice4u on 02-20-2011, 03:50 AM

if anyone has done this, please let us know if there was any major improvement in sound quality, as the logic7 oem system sounds pretty good to me as it is... thanks for the write up by the way

#27

By -garza- on 02-24-2011, 09:02 AM

book marking for later use. thanks for the DIY.

#28

By Bk330i on 03-07-2011, 09:44 AM

I am getting a lot of distortion through my stock center speaker. I plan on doing this mod question is where to buy the Vibe Slick 4 speaker?

#29

By Technic on 03-25-2011, 04:45 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Bk330i

I am getting a lot of distortion through my stock center speaker. I plan on doing this mod question is where to buy the Vibe Slick 4 speaker?

Sonic Electronix...

The Vibe Slick 4 is just an example of an inexpensive coaxial that just fits and sounds good. You could try any other coaxial with removable mounting tabs.

#30

By Technic on 03-25-2011, 04:48 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by rice4u

if anyone has done this, please let us know if there was any major improvement in sound quality, as the logic7 oem system sounds pretty good to me as it is... thanks for the write up by the way

The Slick 4 is 4ohms, your OEM center speaker is 2ohms... the center output will be cut in half if you replace that OEM speaker. This is not recommended for the Logic7 system unless you are using an aftermarket amp.

You could add an OEM tweeter to your current OEM center and it will sound slightly brighter/better than the stock mid. Plug and play as well...

#31

By sunpole on 07-02-2011, 09:20 AM

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Very nice write up, this installs some confidence in me to get a center. For those of us who don't have an existing center, can you give some tips on wiring? I plan to get the jbl ms8.

#32

By reincr on 04-04-2012, 09:19 AM

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Answered my own (original) question regarding Focal (see edit). Now I'm just deciding between the JL C2-400x and the Vibe SLICK4. The Vibe seems to be the only one that comes with the wiring harness so I'm leaning that way. Any idea where to get a wiring harness if you purchase a speaker that doesn't come with one that'll fit that OEM socket?

Thanks for your input!

Edit: No longer looking at Focal due to non-removable tabs.

Last edited by reincr; 04-04-2012 at 01:28 PM. Reason: Updated info / Ratings

#33

By BK-Diesel on 04-05-2012, 05:48 PM

I'm considering doing this along with the ms-8 for my 2011 335d hifi. One question tough, is there a wire pair fitted to the head unit harness or will I have to run speaker wire all the way back to the ms-8 or (technic) harness?

#34

By Technic on 04-05-2012, 06:41 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by BK-Diesel

Quote:

Originally Posted by technic

In 3-Series with the optional Individual Audio, Logic7 or Harman Kardon systems a center speaker, wiring and a grill trim will be installed from factory. In 3-Series with the standard HiFi or Stereo systems there will be no center speaker, wiring or grill trim installed.

#35

By BK-Diesel on 04-05-2012, 09:53 PM

Ok, can you tell me how to unubtrusively run the center speaker wire?

#36

By Technic on 04-05-2012, 10:18 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by BK-Diesel

Ok, can you tell me how to unubtrusively run the center speaker wire?

Search in the audio forum... it is there.

#37

By That201boy on 07-09-2012, 09:45 AM

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- OEM speaker connector housing P/N: 61 13 8 373 583
- OEM speaker housing pins: P/N 61 13 0 005 198

could these be used when installing door replacements as well? looking to do a 3 way front stage and need help on the plug and play so i dont have to cut my wires

#38

By Technic on 07-09-2012, 10:52 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by That201boy

No, those are the female connectors. You need the male connectors for aftermarket speakers. Those P/N are posted in the Audio forum.

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