alpine sound upgrade with sws8's installed

L30N335D · 02-13-2009, 02:38 PM

just finished installing the alpine upgrade in my e92 and wanted to recommend this to anyone not fully happy with the standard system.

also added the new sws8xi's which are 2 ohm unlike the old ones which are 4ohm so you get abit more kick! wasn't sure if the alpine amp was 2 ohm stable as i couldn't find any info but seems to be working great

system sounds great and cant recommend this enough.

anyone interested is welcome to have a listen or i will be at uk7 on the sunday.

also as i had the battery disconnected, since ive re-connected the car feels allot quicker.
is this just in my head or do the auto's learn driving styles and benefit from a reset every so often? i have a re-mapped 335d.
cheers
leon

dxb335d · 02-13-2009, 02:41 PM

The Auto does haver memory.
After a track day i find my car is really responsive.

Please can you do a break down on the price and parts of this install.

Lookin' forward to hearing it at UK7.

L30N335D · 02-13-2009, 02:58 PM

no probs carlos,
its called the alpine hifi upgrade kit and consists of front mid door speakers and tweeters, amp (amp powers front speakers and subs) and all wiring crimps etc. the bmw part number for this is 65410445684
you will also need 2 tweeter covers and the part number for the e92 is 51337184197 and 51337184198 (left and right)

i have a friend at bmw derby and ordered it through her price for the kit and tweeter housings was £218 all in. if this is a good price and anyone wants one i can bring a kit to uk7.

i ordered the sws8's from america through ebay. emailed them for best price and they said $270 including shipping for the 2 which i thought was a good price

fitted myself with the help of this forum - some very good guides on here.
bmw quote 2.5hours for fitting took me closer to 5 but very happy with the result

hope this helps

gr4z · 02-14-2009, 02:51 AM

Hi L30N335D
Did you have to remove the back seats for the wiring loom? Just a bit concerned I maybe out of my depth fitting this beast in my e92.
Thanks

biscuits · 02-14-2009, 03:58 AM

You don't need to remove the seats... I removed the side bolsters just to make the install easier and neater... but then I took 12 hours to do the Blauunkt install.

"measure twice.... cut once..." as my dad always told me

paulcurtis · 02-14-2009, 03:59 AM

L30N335D,

This is interesting, i didn't think that Alpine amp would drive the SWS. I've not been able to find the specs of the amp (model PDA F200) but there seems to be a similar one MDF F200 which is 4 x 40 into 4Ohm and 4x50 into 2Ohm. Assuming this is correct then the SWS are being driven by 50W each and i believe their specs are something like 125W.

Doesn't this mean they're being seriously underpowered, or are the 2Ohm version specs different?

Certainly it's a much cheaper option than going the THA555 route...

thanks
paul

AlanQS · 02-14-2009, 05:36 AM

As I understand it, the Alpine amp is a four channel amp, two channels drive the front door mid-range and tweeters, and the other two drive the sub-woofers.

In comparison with the standard set-up, it is a huge improvement.

L30N335D · 02-14-2009, 06:41 AM

gr4z - yes i did remove the rear seats but they are just clipped in. take hold and pull up with quite abit of force. it does feel wrong but trust me they are just tight clips. i think this is the quickest way to run the cables.

paul - i couldn't find the details of the amp either but guessing its similar to the mdf f200 so yes at 2 ohms will only be 50w rms and yes the subs can take 150w rms so they are being underpowered. it wont cause them any damage and i will probably upgrade the amp in the future. better to be under powered than over powered i suppose. im sure the standard subs will be very good if not as good as the sws8's on that amp but i will be upgrading the amp and the subs were at the right price for me. probably different sound as the original subs are 6.5"
would be good to compare with someone who has the alpine upgrade without the sws8's

RCUK · 02-14-2009, 11:44 AM

Having this done (bar the upgraded subs) next week.

Been quoted £215 from derek woodman bmw for the kit and trim pieces for the e92 - happy to pass on the details if anyone requires them.

Speedtrap · 02-14-2009, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biscuits

You don't need to remove the seats... I removed the side bolsters just to make the install easier and neater... but then I took 12 hours to do the Blauunkt install.

"measure twice.... cut once..." as my dad always told me

Still waiting for your write up

J

dinesh · 02-15-2009, 04:16 AM

Hi L30N335D

I've just finally finished the alpine upgrade - not too bad, (although it took me an hour to realise that the back seats just unclip!!!!)

But interested in upgrading the subs.

Can you let me know where you got them from on ebay? Did you have to take the front seats out - or just pivot them back?

Cheers Dinesh

Budgie · 02-15-2009, 05:08 AM

In audio section theres a link showing you installations of SWS8.

Just use the

forum and it will reveal all.

They pivot

L30N335D · 02-15-2009, 08:20 AM

hi dinesh,

as budgie says there is a very good right up somewhere on the forum with a step by step guide.
the subs are very simple to change, take 4 seat bolts out (torx 50) and pivot back.
i removed the whole sub enclosure as you need to do abit of adapting to fit the subs. i made some spacers from pespex and sealed with foam and silicon. you need to do this as the sws8's are slightly to deep.
cheers
leon

dinesh · 02-15-2009, 01:39 PM

Thanks Leon and Budgie

This will be my next project...

Cheers

John

zoltan_tms · 04-02-2009, 09:35 AM

If I install the alpine retrofit Amp. I need the 2 ohm versions of the SWS speakers?

sash335 · 10-03-2009, 01:55 PM

L30N335D,
Why did u use 2ohms version of SWS8? The stock subs are 4ohms, so i guess Alpine amp from the retrofit kit is 4ohms also

E92 LeMans · 10-07-2009, 06:35 PM

Has anyone added the Sws8 in after the alpine install? So can see what the real improvment is and which ones do I need 2 or 4 ohms?
Thanks

sash335 · 10-13-2009, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E92 LeMans

Has anyone added the Sws8 in after the alpine install? So can see what the real improvment is and which ones do I need 2 or 4 ohms?
Thanks

I've addes SWS8 after alpine upgrade, i've used 4ohm SWS, bass become more deep and powerfull

SiKkBaSs · 10-13-2009, 08:10 AM

Anyone done this in an E90? My sounds suck (BMW standard shi*, that doesn't even have a name I think), can see it cost £215 roughly. Would like some more information on this if anyone has any...as to what it involves and installation etc...

JLR1969 · 10-13-2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SiKkBaSs

Anyone done this in an E90? My sounds suck (BMW standard shi*, that doesn't even have a name I think), can see it cost £215 roughly. Would like some more information on this if anyone has any...as to what it involves and installation etc...

You need to read the sticky thread 'Alpine Hi Fi Up-Grade' tells you everything you need to know.

Dr Dave · 10-13-2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SiKkBaSs

Anyone done this in an E90? My sounds suck (BMW standard shi*, that doesn't even have a name I think), can see it cost £215 roughly. Would like some more information on this if anyone has any...as to what it involves and installation etc...

WELL WORTH doing Sunny.

Did my E90 a couple of weeks back, huge improvement.

If you were ever down this way I'd fit it for you while you make the tea & bring biscuits.

rajdas69 · 02-08-2010, 09:03 AM

Hi all,

I'm a newbie to this forum but I've been interested in installing the Alpine retrofit kit and have phoned about 5 different dealers and they're all quoting me around the £330 mark all in, most of you here seemed to have got it for £220 ish, has the price gone up or something or am I asking the wrong Stealers!

02-13-2009, 02:38 PM	#1
L30N335D New Member 3 Rep 21 Posts Drives: e92 335d autovogue Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: nottingham iTrader: (0)	alpine sound upgrade with sws8's installed just finished installing the alpine upgrade in my e92 and wanted to recommend this to anyone not fully happy with the standard system. also added the new sws8xi's which are 2 ohm unlike the old ones which are 4ohm so you get abit more kick! wasn't sure if the alpine amp was 2 ohm stable as i couldn't find any info but seems to be working great system sounds great and cant recommend this enough. anyone interested is welcome to have a listen or i will be at uk7 on the sunday. also as i had the battery disconnected, since ive re-connected the car feels allot quicker. is this just in my head or do the auto's learn driving styles and benefit from a reset every so often? i have a re-mapped 335d. cheers leon
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02-13-2009, 02:41 PM	#2
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 949 Rep 29,345 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	The Auto does haver memory. After a track day i find my car is really responsive. Please can you do a break down on the price and parts of this install. Lookin' forward to hearing it at UK7. __________________ 997.2 GT3
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02-13-2009, 02:58 PM	#3
L30N335D New Member 3 Rep 21 Posts Drives: e92 335d autovogue Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: nottingham iTrader: (0)	no probs carlos, its called the alpine hifi upgrade kit and consists of front mid door speakers and tweeters, amp (amp powers front speakers and subs) and all wiring crimps etc. the bmw part number for this is 65410445684 you will also need 2 tweeter covers and the part number for the e92 is 51337184197 and 51337184198 (left and right) i have a friend at bmw derby and ordered it through her price for the kit and tweeter housings was £218 all in. if this is a good price and anyone wants one i can bring a kit to uk7. i ordered the sws8's from america through ebay. emailed them for best price and they said $270 including shipping for the 2 which i thought was a good price fitted myself with the help of this forum - some very good guides on here. bmw quote 2.5hours for fitting took me closer to 5 but very happy with the result hope this helps
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-14-2009, 02:51 AM	#4
gr4z Colonel 1135 Rep 2,808 Posts Drives: i4 e40 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Stamford iTrader: (0)	Hi L30N335D Did you have to remove the back seats for the wiring loom? Just a bit concerned I maybe out of my depth fitting this beast in my e92. Thanks
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02-14-2009, 03:58 AM	#5
biscuits Dimmer than a dim thing 80 Rep 1,291 Posts Drives: M4 GTS, EQC, X5 40d, simrig Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW X5 (F15) 4 ... [0.00] 2016 BMW M4 GTS [10.00]	You don't need to remove the seats... I removed the side bolsters just to make the install easier and neater... but then I took 12 hours to do the Blauunkt install. "measure twice.... cut once..." as my dad always told me
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-14-2009, 03:59 AM	#6
paulcurtis Private 9 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 120d/320d Msport e91 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kent iTrader: (0)	L30N335D, This is interesting, i didn't think that Alpine amp would drive the SWS. I've not been able to find the specs of the amp (model PDA F200) but there seems to be a similar one MDF F200 which is 4 x 40 into 4Ohm and 4x50 into 2Ohm. Assuming this is correct then the SWS are being driven by 50W each and i believe their specs are something like 125W. Doesn't this mean they're being seriously underpowered, or are the 2Ohm version specs different? Certainly it's a much cheaper option than going the THA555 route... thanks paul
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-14-2009, 05:36 AM	#7
AlanQS Colonel 244 Rep 2,811 Posts Drives: Jaguar XE P250 HSE Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 430i m-sport G ... [0.00]	As I understand it, the Alpine amp is a four channel amp, two channels drive the front door mid-range and tweeters, and the other two drive the sub-woofers. In comparison with the standard set-up, it is a huge improvement.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-14-2009, 06:41 AM	#8
L30N335D New Member 3 Rep 21 Posts Drives: e92 335d autovogue Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: nottingham iTrader: (0)	gr4z - yes i did remove the rear seats but they are just clipped in. take hold and pull up with quite abit of force. it does feel wrong but trust me they are just tight clips. i think this is the quickest way to run the cables. paul - i couldn't find the details of the amp either but guessing its similar to the mdf f200 so yes at 2 ohms will only be 50w rms and yes the subs can take 150w rms so they are being underpowered. it wont cause them any damage and i will probably upgrade the amp in the future. better to be under powered than over powered i suppose. im sure the standard subs will be very good if not as good as the sws8's on that amp but i will be upgrading the amp and the subs were at the right price for me. probably different sound as the original subs are 6.5" would be good to compare with someone who has the alpine upgrade without the sws8's
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-14-2009, 11:44 AM	#9
RCUK Lieutenant Colonel 100 Rep 1,672 Posts Drives: 911 Turbo Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Orpington, Kent iTrader: (4)	Having this done (bar the upgraded subs) next week. Been quoted £215 from derek woodman bmw for the kit and trim pieces for the e92 - happy to pass on the details if anyone requires them. __________________ Been there, done that, driven the 'Ring
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02-15-2009, 04:16 AM	#11
dinesh New Member 0 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 335d se Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Berkshire iTrader: (0)	Hi L30N335D I've just finally finished the alpine upgrade - not too bad, (although it took me an hour to realise that the back seats just unclip!!!!) But interested in upgrading the subs. Can you let me know where you got them from on ebay? Did you have to take the front seats out - or just pivot them back? Cheers Dinesh
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2009, 05:08 AM	#12
Budgie Major 30 Rep 1,339 Posts Drives: X1 25D M sport Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: BEDS/CAMBS iTrader: (1) Garage List 2017 X1 25 D M Sport [0.00]	In audio section theres a link showing you installations of SWS8. Just use the forum and it will reveal all. They pivot
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02-15-2009, 08:20 AM	#13
L30N335D New Member 3 Rep 21 Posts Drives: e92 335d autovogue Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: nottingham iTrader: (0)	hi dinesh, as budgie says there is a very good right up somewhere on the forum with a step by step guide. the subs are very simple to change, take 4 seat bolts out (torx 50) and pivot back. i removed the whole sub enclosure as you need to do abit of adapting to fit the subs. i made some spacers from pespex and sealed with foam and silicon. you need to do this as the sws8's are slightly to deep. cheers leon
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2009, 01:39 PM	#14
dinesh New Member 0 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 335d se Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Berkshire iTrader: (0)	Thanks Leon and Budgie This will be my next project... Cheers John
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04-02-2009, 09:35 AM	#15
zoltan_tms Private 1 Rep 71 Posts Drives: BMW e90 330d,2006 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Timis iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330d [0.00]	If I install the alpine retrofit Amp. I need the 2 ohm versions of the SWS speakers? __________________
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10-03-2009, 01:55 PM	#16
sash335 New Member 4 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: moscow iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335iA [0.00]	L30N335D, Why did u use 2ohms version of SWS8? The stock subs are 4ohms, so i guess Alpine amp from the retrofit kit is 4ohms also
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10-07-2009, 06:35 PM	#17
E92 LeMans Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 296 Posts Drives: E92 330d M Sport Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: London iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 M235i [0.00] 2007 330d M Sport [0.00]	Has anyone added the Sws8 in after the alpine install? So can see what the real improvment is and which ones do I need 2 or 4 ohms? Thanks __________________
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10-13-2009, 08:10 AM	#19
SiKkBaSs GTR'in it 169 Rep 4,434 Posts Drives: Nissan GTR Black Edition Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Kensington, London iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Anyone done this in an E90? My sounds suck (BMW standard shi*, that doesn't even have a name I think), can see it cost £215 roughly. Would like some more information on this if anyone has any...as to what it involves and installation etc...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2010, 09:03 AM	#22
rajdas69 New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: BMW E93 330d M Sport Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Loughborough iTrader: (0)	Hi all, I'm a newbie to this forum but I've been interested in installing the Alpine retrofit kit and have phoned about 5 different dealers and they're all quoting me around the £330 mark all in, most of you here seemed to have got it for £220 ish, has the price gone up or something or am I asking the wrong Stealers!
	Appreciate 0 Quote