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      07-01-2013, 05:23 AM   #1
Alex.J
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Audio upgrade for an idiot.

Hello Gents,

Basically a few audio related questions that have searched and not found the answer i am after or it isnt in audio idiot terms.

Basically, i have a proffesional headunit with bluetooth(no USB) in a pre lci 2007 e91 msport. I believe that has 6 speakers in total, 1 in each door and 1 sub under each seat.

Now i want a better sound, as it is ok, but not exactly crisp.

I am after, keeping the standard HU and upgrading all 6 speakers(and the addition of tweeters) to make a crisp sound.

Questions:
1. Do i need to code my headunit to HIFI? (can it be done)??How much?
2. Can i add new front speakers on there own to an otherwise standard system?
3. If not, can i add front speakers and an amp and not upgrade the rears or sub?
4. On fitting the speakers, do i need any special mounts or backing pieces?
5. Any advice i might need being a total idiot?

Thanks in advance

Thank you
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      07-01-2013, 05:32 AM   #2
P 5UML
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hey mate,

regarding audio upgrades many of us have done this but i think the most important question you need to ask yourself is what would your budget be!!

you can upgrade and get great sound differences over from from £300

the better speakers you go for the more the cost will be...some have gone down the route Mr Singh provides and i think the total for that is anywhere between £550/750

and it just goes up and up!

i have the Alpine Upgrade (A BMW Product)

and for £350 it was perfect for me! comes with the door speakers, tweeters and an amp! all the wiring is already in place in the car! just find them! crimp them up and away you go

but then i also got the rear speakers upgraded to the BMW Individual speakers and had the tweeters fitted on the rear too! as well as 2 x 10W7 (JL Audio) subs!

it just depends how far you want to go!
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      07-01-2013, 05:46 AM   #3
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Thanks for the speedy reply.

Realistically, i want to spend £500 total but not all in one go, i fancy upgrading in stages.

Obviously i want the best for my money and a relatively easy instal.(obviously, the moon on a stick).

The ease of the alpine upgrade does sound tempting.

I dont want to hunt for perfection, i just want a marked improvement as distortion if easily found in the standard system.
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      07-01-2013, 06:01 AM   #4
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if you wanted to do the install yourself then the Alpine kit is by far the easiest as they provide everything you need to make it work! no coding etc required!

but if you want to later upgrade the rear speakers and take the install further then the Alpine kit is not recommended as you cant really add to it!

if you wanted to upgrade the front speakers, rears and the underseat subs then its better going for other options such as the gladens etc!

this kit seems perfect for what you need??

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=846091&page=2
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      07-01-2013, 06:32 AM   #5
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Always interested in the audio threads, they make good reading!

Apologies if this seems like a slight thread hijack, but is there anywhere that provides an idiot proof 'straight swap' list for BMW speakers..?

I'm aware that you can replace with Alpine mids and tweeters, but the kit unfortunately is a no go for those of us cursed with DAB..!
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      07-01-2013, 06:36 AM   #6
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There is indeed:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343673
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      07-01-2013, 06:37 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kuroblack View Post
Always interested in the audio threads, they make good reading!

Apologies if this seems like a slight thread hijack, but is there anywhere that provides an idiot proof 'straight swap' list for BMW speakers..?

I'm aware that you can replace with Alpine mids and tweeters, but the kit unfortunately is a no go for those of us cursed with DAB..!
KUROBLACK: I assume you used to be a Nissan owner?
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      07-01-2013, 02:15 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex.J View Post
KUROBLACK: I assume you used to be a Nissan owner?
Certainly was - one the earliest 350Z's, loved it - sounded great. One too many compromises for a keeper, but a great car all the same.

Thanks for the link
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      07-01-2013, 03:17 PM   #9
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Expensive but oh so easy....

http://www.audiofile-incar.co.uk/ind...d=56&Itemid=95
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      07-01-2013, 03:27 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by P 5UML View Post
no coding etc required!
You do not know what you are missing if you havn't coded. Spend some money and get it sorted.

You are amplifying adjusted / processed sound and your sound system will distort very easily.

I had Alpine fitted in 06 the other day and yes it makes day and night difference when you coded it hi-fi.
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Last edited by makkan00; 07-01-2013 at 03:55 PM..
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      07-01-2013, 03:28 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Leonard123 View Post
^^^^
No offense but if they drill the corner molding to fit tweeters, I would never go to them.
For few quids, you can get tweeter housings which keep the upper frequencies on the axis VS drilling and fitting the tweeters (off- axis).
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      07-01-2013, 03:44 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by makkan00 View Post
^^^^
No offense but if they drill the corner molding to fit tweeters, I would never go to them.
For few quids, you can get tweeter housings which keep the upper frequencies on the axis VS drilling and fitting the tweeters (off- axis).
True

I dont think that pic on the site is particularly representative though (well I dont think so anyway!) mine are molded in and properly and pretty much on axis.

I know its expensive relatively speaking but the quality of wiring and packaging in the car is of a very high std.

Way better than I could have ever done, not really saying much but worth 300 squid in labour to me (if I had paid for the install in first instance! )
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      07-02-2013, 03:58 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by makkan00 View Post
I had Alpine fitted in 06 the other day and yes it makes day and night difference when you coded it hi-fi.
ahh good to know!!!!

seems like i need to get mine coded to hi-fi then lol!

how do i know if this has been done already? is there any way to find out myself?
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      07-02-2013, 06:20 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by P 5UML View Post
ahh good to know!!!!

seems like i need to get mine coded to hi-fi then lol!

how do i know if this has been done already? is there any way to find out myself?
Do you have standard radio or CCC?
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      07-03-2013, 04:37 AM   #15
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i have i-drive its pre lci! no hard drive or USB etc
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      07-03-2013, 05:52 AM   #16
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Alex J you can also upgrade your audio system by installing the Blaupunkt Plug'N'Play Amp.
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      07-18-2013, 04:28 AM   #17
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does anyone know if the subs in the convertible are the same as the ones in the coupe and saloon models?
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      07-18-2013, 06:08 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by surrey 335i View Post
does anyone know if the subs in the convertible are the same as the ones in the coupe and saloon models?
They are all same. But you'd require hi-fi since hi-fi system is installed in your car.
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      07-18-2013, 06:18 AM   #19
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thanks or the info
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