[Megscan]

Hi, I am new to this forum and I have a 2010 328i XDrive coupe with the M kit. I love my car and have had it for about a year now. My only problem is the factory sound system. I have the base system (did not get logic 7). At this point the dealership told me they cant put the logic 7 in my car. It's leased and I'm more than likely buying into it. However I want to do something to my system whether it be an upgrade or aftermarket stuff. My budget is $2000 give or take. I do want to keep my navigation, idrive, and bmw assist. Can someone tell me how I can do all of this?

[Technic]

Are you capable of doing your own install? $2000 will buy you a few inprovements if you require professional installation.

[Megscan]

No I would have to do it professionally. What are the improvements I could do? And what is the replacement that would cost me over $2000 but not mess up my idrive, nav, nd bmw assist

[fdriller9]

Well my advice is you get a front stage done, professionally as you requested, and then add a trunk sub on your own. It's pretty easy, especially with the battery in the trunk.

If you get the parts yourself, I think you can keep that 2K mark.

Maybe even try to find a used amp....I wouldn't get used speakers though.

EDIT: Also I would add the L7 rear deck setup. I also noticed you're in Jersey, I may be able to help during my winter break.

[Megscan]

What brands and what website should I use? Do I basically need someone to disconnect everything besides the nav from the factory amp and then reconnect it to a new amp? Also can I get new subs or shallow mount subs to replace the current factory ones?

[Megscan]

Also will any of this void my warranty?

[fdriller9]

Originally Posted by Megscan

What brands and what website should I use? Do I basically need someone to disconnect everything besides the nav from the factory amp and then reconnect it to a new amp? Also can I get new subs or shallow mount subs to replace the current factory ones?

Stick with name brands.,,,JL, Alpine, Zapco, etc.

www.sonicelectronics.com has some good prices.

I don't think the basic system has an amp. The speakers run off the deck power. So you would need to use the signal from your HU for your amps.

Originally Posted by Megscan

Also will any of this void my warranty?

Any modification you do to your car has the potential to void your warranty.

[Megscan]

Am I better off taking out my whole navigation and redoing everything ? Or is that just dumb? (obviously that would void my warranty, but I want it done right)

[Technic]

Originally Posted by Megscan

Am I better off taking out my whole navigation and redoing everything ? Or is that just dumb? (obviously that would void my warranty, but I want it done right)

No need to replace your iDrive, you need to build upon the iDrive.

The main problem that you will find in your upgrade is finding aftermarket front speakers that fit in your Coupe doors. There are simply not that many, and the few that fit without extra modifications cost as much as 35% of your budget.

My recommendation is:

- JBL MS-8 processor
- Rainbow SLC 4" component set with custom spacers for the front doors
- Rainbow KX-100 4" coaxial for the rear and center speaker
- Rainbow W 200 X Plain, Kicker SSMB8 woofers or Earthquake SWS-8 with underseat custom spacers
- JL Audio XD600/6 amplifier
- OEM tweeter pods
- OEM center speaker trim/grill
- Stereo harness

Trunk sub is optional/extra.

That should cost you ~$1800 in parts, no need to cut, splice or tap any single OEM wire in your car, all your iDrive, Bluetooth and Assist features will remain 100% OEM. The main difference will be excellent sound.

You will need to find a professional installer that have done late 3-Series Coupe installs as it take quite some knowledge of the removal of the trim and speakers to install all this without complications or unnecessary scratches/damages.

[Megscan]

Okay and will the dealer be mad?

[Technic]

Originally Posted by Megscan

Okay and will the dealer be mad?

Mad about what? It is your car.

If you are concerned about warranty issues then you should not be considering any aftermarket modification to your car. Is that simple.

The only sound upgrade that is OEM and could not negatively impact the sound system warranty of your lease is the OEM Alpine kit, and that's only if you let the dealer install it... do a search for more information and details.

[bmw325i]

I wouldnt really worry about the warranty if I were you. Certain parts of your warranty might be void but only if they believe the modifications you made caused the problems. So if you change out your speakers and amp and you have engine problems they have no reason not to cover it.

[Megscan]

Am I better off doing ur suggestion or oem alpine kit? Based on how it sounds. I'm going to wind up buying the car so I should just stop worrying bout the warranty.

[Megscan]

Btw technic u said that There speakers out there that fit without extra modifications but cost as much as 35% of of my budget...which speakers are they?

[Technic]

Originally Posted by Megscan

Am I better off doing ur suggestion or oem alpine kit? Based on how it sounds. I'm going to wind up buying the car so I should just stop worrying bout the warranty.

The OEM alpine kit is about $500, the tweeter pods are around $60 and about $300 to install at the dealer. It only replaces the front speakers with components and add a 4-channel amp. Everything else (underseat, rear speakers) remain the same.

[Megscan]

Okay what is a website that would sell that or should I just call my dealer? However I am also interested in how u said there were speakers out there that fit without extra modifications but cost as much as 35% of of my budget...which speakers are they?

[Technic]

Originally Posted by Megscan

Okay what is a website that would sell that or should I just call my dealer? However I am also interested in how u said there were speakers out there that fit without extra modifications but cost as much as 35% of of my budget...which speakers are they?

Focal 100 (VRS, KRS, or Slim): http://www.sonicelectronix.com/compa...button=Compare

OEM Alpine kit: http://www.schmiedmann.com/3_series/...age1.htm#19444

[Megscan]

Okay thank you!

[kmarei]

Originally Posted by Technic

My recommendation is:

- JBL MS-8 processor
- Rainbow SLC 4" component set with custom spacers for the front doors
- Rainbow KX-100 4" coaxial for the rear and center speaker
- Rainbow W 200 X Plain, Kicker SSMB8 woofers or Earthquake SWS-8 with underseat custom spacers
- JL Audio XD600/6 amplifier
- OEM tweeter pods
- OEM center speaker trim/grill
- Stereo harness

To OP,
Keep in mind all these components will be hidden in the original locations
So if you look at the door for example, you cant tell that the speakers inside have been changed
Processor and amp will be in the same location as OEM amp in the trunk.
So just by looking at the car or the trunk, the dealer cant tell you changed anything.

I'd actually hold off on the amp for the first stage
The ms-8 has a built in 30x8 channel amp
So that might give you enough volume, and you might not need the amp.

[Megscan]

Is that better than the alpine upgrade?

[Megscan]

Okay so what I think im goin to do:

-oem tweeter pods
- focal 100 slim speakers (how many do I need?)
- JBL ms-8 processor

Now what subs can I replace my oem subs with? And then would I need an amp?

[Technic]

Originally Posted by Megscan

Is that better than the alpine upgrade?

The Alpine upgrade replaces the front speakers, the MS-8 by itself will have a hard time making your OEM speakers to sound semi-decent. You have to upgrade your speakers, thus my recommendation.

You can try the MS-8 without an external amplifier (the XD600/6) as it has a built-in 8-channel amp, however it is relatively weak to drive the underseat woofers. But you can try it by itself and new speakers and perhaps you may like the sound... that can save you right there $400.

You will need the speaker OEM connectors, the OEM tweeter pods, the OEM center channel grill and the connecting harness for all that. I sell all those items, PM for details.