[Mindis]

Hello guys,
I am sure it has been discussed many times before, but I couldn't find the info that I am seeking for.
I have e90 with the basic audio setup, no amp no nothing, just a noise coming from the doors.
I would like to upgrade my audio setup in couple steps.
First I would like to upgrade door speakers with some component speakers. Is it possible without adding amp? Would head unit be powerful enough to drive speakers? I have read somewhere that the output of the head unit is only 4x15w ? How much space do I have for the speakers? Is it only 55mm ? Is it better to buy already made speaker mount adaptors or is it enough room to make them from mdf ?
Second step would be replacing woofer under the seats, and again would head unit be able to drive these speakers?
And the last step would be adding amp and new speaker wires.
I hope someone can give me some information or direct to the correct thread.
Thanks

[Ali-E90]

I'd look at speaker kits made for this car, or search for what others have used. You could do a 2-way kit for doors plus some 8" woofers, or a 3-way kit which will include the woofers.
Either way, there are good options available that fit in the stock locations.

You really will want to amp the speakers, and recode your headunit as well.

All this info is available on the forum, didn't take me too long to find it when I upgraded my system from base.

[Mindis]

What is the benefits of recoded headunit ?

[Ali-E90]

First, a piece of advice: Search before you ask.
We are fortunate to have some great experts available here, but if they had to answer the same questions over and over again (which they still do on occasion), they probably wouldn't be as active on here. We, the non-experts, would be the ones that suffer as a result. There are already several threads that exist on the subject of upgrading base audio, which speakers to use, benefits of recoding, etc.

Tip: use google search if you find it easier, this forum is very google search friendly. For example, you may want to try "e90 base audio upgrade" or such. Also, read the audio thread stickies (or at least the portions applicable to you)

Now to answer your question, recoding your HU will convert your speaker level inputs to low level inputs (good for connecting to an amp), and flatten the factory EQ that exists in base audio systems.
BMW used an EQ adjustment to try and make the crappy speakers from the base audio sound better; if you replace your speakers, the sound will be unbalanced.

Hope that helps.

[ctuna]

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1411521234

Base System Upgrades
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=445266
http://www.monsteraudiodesign.co.uk/
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=634957
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1003810
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=822366
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...1#post16679904
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=581379
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=451941
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=540954
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ghlight=Dotech
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=495855
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=494299
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/...morel-jbl.html
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...1#post16679904
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=amp+upgrade
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=550771

Doing the base system in steps is not a good idea as all parts of it suck.
Not enough power for good aftermarket speakers and the eq is untamable
without processing or recoding . If you recode you have to have an amp.

[Ali-E90]

That's a good point ctuna, re upgrading in steps.
If you must, however, do it in steps, I'd start with amp(s) and recoding, and then speakers.
Stock speakers will sound a little better if run off an amp, but good speakers running from the stock, non-coded HU will still sound pretty bad.

[Mike.]

I wonder how the BAVsound upgrade is... seems overpriced

[Mindis]

Thanks for all the links

And yes, it needs to be in steps or nothing, as it is quite expensive, unless I buy £20 speakers which is no benefit. And I don't have a budget for the system what so ever

[jpope42]

Yes, steps are good. I just completed the BSW stage 1 last weekend (fronts only) on my base system and there was remarkable improvement even without the recoding. My next step is to find someone to recode my head unit, then I'll start thinking about an amp. The reason I did the speakers first was it was (for me) the path of least resistance, and aren't we all at least a little into instant gratification?

[Ali-E90]

Be aware that once you recode, you'll need an amp immediately. The speaker level outputs will turn into low level outputs which need to be amplified before powering the speakers.

Good luck! Always so satisfying when you start to see, well hear results!

[jpope42]

Thanks, Somehow missed that I need the amp when recoding. That's why these forums are so great, they keep guys like me out of trouble!