Upgrading the factory head unit?

j.f.leonard · 12-09-2018, 06:59 PM

Im pretty sure I have the factory hi-fi audio system in my car, minus the subwoofer system i installed myself. The display on the head unit I have is broken and doesn't look good anyway, so I want to replace it with a double din touch screen head unit. I have looked into the Eonon units but the reviews say the bluetooth connectivity produces horrible sound, and i only listen to music through my phone (apple music) so maybe a pioneer or kenwood HU would suit me better. The problem is, I don't know a lot about BMW audio so I was wondering what parts would be necessary to take a regular touch screen double din HU like a Pioneer, and install it in my 2006 325i e90 and keep the steering wheel functionality. Thanks for all the help!

Also, I used the search tool and didn't find exactly what I was looking for.

ctuna · 12-09-2018, 08:57 PM

Nickco43 · 12-09-2018, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j.f.leonard

Im pretty sure I have the factory hi-fi audio system in my car, minus the subwoofer system i installed myself. The display on the head unit I have is broken and doesn't look good anyway, so I want to replace it with a double din touch screen head unit. I have looked into the Eonon units but the reviews say the bluetooth connectivity produces horrible sound, and i only listen to music through my phone (apple music) so maybe a pioneer or kenwood HU would suit me better. The problem is, I don't know a lot about BMW audio so I was wondering what parts would be necessary to take a regular touch screen double din HU like a Pioneer, and install it in my 2006 325i e90 and keep the steering wheel functionality. Thanks for all the help!

Also, I used the search tool and didn't find exactly what I was looking for.

I spent 6 hours this week guiding a customer over the phone on how to rip out his aftermarket audio junk. Aftermarket audio products do not play well with the E90 at all.

j.f.leonard · 12-09-2018, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nickco43

Quote:

Originally Posted by j.f.leonard

Im pretty sure I have the factory hi-fi audio system in my car, minus the subwoofer system i installed myself. The display on the head unit I have is broken and doesn't look good anyway, so I want to replace it with a double din touch screen head unit. I have looked into the Eonon units but the reviews say the bluetooth connectivity produces horrible sound, and i only listen to music through my phone (apple music) so maybe a pioneer or kenwood HU would suit me better. The problem is, I don't know a lot about BMW audio so I was wondering what parts would be necessary to take a regular touch screen double din HU like a Pioneer, and install it in my 2006 325i e90 and keep the steering wheel functionality. Thanks for all the help!

Also, I used the search tool and didn't find exactly what I was looking for.

I spent 6 hours this week guiding a customer over the phone on how to rip out his aftermarket audio junk. Aftermarket audio products do not play well with the E90 at all.

Why is that? I thought there were alot of options I just couldnt exactly find the perfect one.

j.f.leonard · 12-09-2018, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

If you want a sound improvement its speakers and amps/dsp

If you want a lot of features its a head unit but doing either
can be expensive and complicated.

Im really going for better sound quality, but a nicer head unit would be cool as well...

ctuna · 12-09-2018, 11:15 PM

Helix by audiotech fisher amp/dsp and drop in BMW speaker kits
from Gladen , Helix match , Jehnert , mbquart, audio systems.

Helix makes one now called the BMW7 it basicly plugs right in where
the Hi Fi amp goes. You need to know or be willing to learn to tune a DSP
and will require aftermarket speakers that can handle and use power.

Dynavin was the best BMW OEM looking head unit .
none of this stuff is cheap.

https://www.audiotec-fischer.de/en/m...ifiers/up-7bmw

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

j.f.leonard · 12-10-2018, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

Helix by audiotech fisher amp/dsp and drop in BMW speaker kits
from Gladen , Helix match , Jehnert , mbquart, audio systems.

Helix makes one now called the BMW7 it basicly plugs right in where
the Hi Fi amp goes. You need to know or be willing to learn to tune a DSP
and will require aftermarket speakers that can handle and use power.

Dynavin was the best BMW OEM looking head unit .
none of this stuff is cheap.

https://www.audiotec-fischer.de/en/m...ifiers/up-7bmw

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

Im willing to learn a little bit as Ive always been into audio, but is there any way I could just get maybe alpine or rockford fosgate 4" mids for the front/rear doors to start and then maybe a new "big name" amp as well? Im not at all familiar with Dynavin and Helix. Im also thinking about replacing the tweeters. Thanks for the replies! Im trying to get as much info as I can to be sure I dont mess anything up

ctuna · 12-10-2018, 12:45 PM

most of the maintstream companys(pioneer,jensen , sony etc etc. make nothing that will fit in the way of speakers.
Because of shallowness in the doors and floors.
I think Rockford Fosgate makes some speakers that do.
Same with amps but to a lesser extent

There are BMW speaker kits from these manufacturer That usually come with a pair of under seats a pair of tweeters and 4 inch mids
with a crossover that fits.

Tockford fosgate makes the speaker they don't sell them in a
kit as described and some of the other speakers give you a kit
for what one pair of door speakers would cost.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-xowbOi...83C-BMW-2.html

Where as the doors alone are 50 dollars more expensive for the
fosgates on the crutchfield site.

j.f.leonard · 12-10-2018, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

most of the maintstream companys(pioneer,jensen , sony etc etc. make nothing that will fit in the way of speakers.
Because of shallowness in the doors and floors.
I think Rockford Fosgate makes some speakers that do.
Same with amps but to a lesser extent

There are BMW speaker kits from these manufacturer That usually come with a pair of under seats a pair of tweeters and 4 inch mids
with a crossover that fits.

Tockford fosgate makes the speaker they don't sell them in a
kit as described and some of the other speakers give you a kit
for what one pair of door speakers would cost.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-xowbOi...83C-BMW-2.html

Where as the doors alone are 50 dollars more expensive for the
fosgates on the crutchfield site.

Okay cool. Could you provide me with links to the rockford speakers that would fit as well as an amp i could replace the factory one with?

ctuna · 12-10-2018, 01:58 PM

j.f.leonard · 12-10-2018, 02:05 PM

Well I just got off of a live chat with crutchfield and they actually recommended a 4 channel amp, and replacing my front mids and tweeters with component speakers since a 6 channel amp is more expensive and harder to find. Does anybody have experience with this?

j.f.leonard · 12-10-2018, 03:36 PM

Actually, scratch that^^ I have decided I am going to go with either the Bavsound stage 1 upgrade, or the alpine hifi retrofit upgrade kit. I already have tweeters at the front mirrors but I believe I only have the regular hifi system. If anybody has experience please let me know! Thanks for all the replies

ctuna · 12-10-2018, 04:02 PM

The alpine retrofit is a downgrade from what you already have.
It's meant to turn a Base system without amp and tweeters into a Hi Fi system
without upgrading the underseats.

There are better speakers than the bavsounds for less money. and the weakest
point in the Hi Fi system is the amp.

j.f.leonard · 12-10-2018, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

The alpine retrofit is a downgrade from what you already have.
It's meant to turn a Base system without amp and tweeters into a Hi Fi system
without upgrading the underseats.

There are better speakers than the bavsounds for less money. and the weakest
point in the Hi Fi system is the amp.

Huh. Okay, well if thats the case which speakers would you recommend? I looked up speaker kits like you said to do and those are not suitable so what is left? And what amp would you recommend replacing the hi-fi one with?

ctuna · 12-10-2018, 04:36 PM

The old standard for and amp only is the JL audio xd 600/6 there is
a newer version now. You need a Technic Harness for Hi Fi to make it
plug and play. Jl has some amp/dsp's now to don't know how good they
are there amps are solid though.

Most of the three speaker kits come in at around 500 bucks .
Jehnerts , Match , Gladen come up a lot here.
These seem to the better ones.
Not easy to tell how good they are you don't find them in the
average stereo shop.

I have Morels in the Doors and Jehnert's in the floors and a xd 600/6
if I was doing it now I would go with a Helix DSP/amp.
It was a 1500 dollar kit that was about 6 years ago I guess.

You could go vist Bimmertech for a plug and play kit to.

j.f.leonard · 12-10-2018, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

The old standard for and amp only is the JL audio xd 600/6 there is
a newer version now. You need a Technic Harness for Hi Fi to make it
plug and play. Jl has some amp/dsp's now to don't know how good they
are there amps are solid though.

Most of the three speaker kits come in at around 500 bucks .
Jehnerts , Match , Gladen come up a lot here.
These seem to the better ones.
Not easy to tell how good they are you don't find them in the
average stereo shop.

I have Morels in the Doors and Jehnert's in the floors and a xd 600/6
if I was doing it now I would go with a Helix DSP/amp.
It was a 1500 dollar kit that was about 6 years ago I guess.

You could go vist Bimmertech for a plug and play kit to.

Alright gotcha. Well my budget is about $500, and it looks like the JL amp is about that much and you said the speaker kits are about that much as well, so what would be the best option for the money (out of those 2, unless theres another option)

ctuna · 12-10-2018, 04:57 PM

Find a 6 channel amp that supports differential inputs.
At about 50 watts to 70 watts a channel.
Get a technic harness to make putting it in easy.
Look for some used Logic 7 speakers for the doors and Floors.

Just the amp should make the largest improvement.

Fix or replace the pro radio .
Add the the amazon device for usb and a2dp.
Needs some coding to enable cdc interface.

j.f.leonard · 12-10-2018, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

Find a 6 channel amp that supports differential inputs.
At about 50 watts to 70 watts a channel.
Get a technic harness to make putting it in easy.
Look for some used Logic 7 speakers for the doors and Floors.

Just the amp should make the largest improvement.

Fix or replace the pro radio .
Add the the amazon device for usb and a2dp.
Needs some coding to enable cdc interface.

Alright that makes sense. Well, I think Ill do some research and try to find a 6 channel amp for less than $500 and look for that harness and see where that goes. Then ill look for speakers unless the stock hifi speakers cant handle a better amp and i need new speakers right away. Then I will consider getting a new head unit. Also, i forgot to mention just for fun, I have 2 12" subs on 2,000 watts in the trunk that i installed myself. I probably will not spend the extra money for after market or better under-seat subs.

j.f.leonard · 12-10-2018, 05:12 PM

What about these? These claim to be the logic 7 speakers out of a 2011 335i...

ctuna · 12-10-2018, 05:48 PM

Yes those will be better get the logic 7 underseats as well
if you can.
You will need the 50 to 70 watts to make them sing.
The stock hi fi are 2 ohm I think the l7 are 4 if I remember
correctly.

https://technicpnp.com/product/hifi-harness/

j.f.leonard · 12-10-2018, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

Yes those will be better get the logic 7 underseats as well
if you can.
You will need the 50 to 70 watts to make them sing.
The stock hi fi are 2 ohm I think the l7 are 4 if I remember
correctly.

https://technicpnp.com/product/hifi-harness/

Okay well in the pic, there seem to be 7 mid range speakers but my car only has 4 that i know of? I have 2 mids on the front doors and 2 on the rear deck... and then i thought i only had 2 tweeters, one at each mirror in the front? Where do the rest of those speakers go? And which amp could I get to power those for less than maybe $400? There has to be some sort of aftermarket amp that I could use that wont take every dollar I have.

ctuna · 12-10-2018, 07:11 PM

The logic 7 system has 7 total 4inch speakers and 6 tweeters.
and one of the 4 inch is in the dash. Its 9 channel system.
676 hi fi has 4 pairs of 4 inch speaker with tweeters.
your rear deck should have those to.
You should start reading the BMW stereo types links all this
info is in them and more.
The picture you put up from this guy does not show the under seat speakers
as part of the package only the door and deck and dashboard speakers.
They are all they same size.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970

12-09-2018, 06:59 PM	#1
j.f.leonard Lieutenant 218 Rep 576 Posts Drives: 2012 328i f30 Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: north carolina iTrader: (1)	Upgrading the factory head unit? Im pretty sure I have the factory hi-fi audio system in my car, minus the subwoofer system i installed myself. The display on the head unit I have is broken and doesn't look good anyway, so I want to replace it with a double din touch screen head unit. I have looked into the Eonon units but the reviews say the bluetooth connectivity produces horrible sound, and i only listen to music through my phone (apple music) so maybe a pioneer or kenwood HU would suit me better. The problem is, I don't know a lot about BMW audio so I was wondering what parts would be necessary to take a regular touch screen double din HU like a Pioneer, and install it in my 2006 325i e90 and keep the steering wheel functionality. Thanks for all the help! Also, I used the search tool and didn't find exactly what I was looking for.
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12-09-2018, 08:57 PM	#2
ctuna Lieutenant General 1908 Rep 13,099 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	head unit http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=head+unit http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1457320 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1036190 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dynavin http://www.janus-design.net/english/ http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=355089 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=head+unit http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dynavin http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dynavin http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...light=retrofit http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=993447 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1016187 https://www.bmwgm5.com/Logic7_E90_91_92_93.htm http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dynavin BMW stereo types http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=352586 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1260829447 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343673 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=138949 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780605 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780865 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323 http://bmwcoders.com/forum/3-er-8/bm...1-e92-e93-291/ http://technicpnp.com/menuDiagrams/d...e90_92_93.html http://www.musicarnw.com/page-2/ http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...3&d=1169133185 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...4&d=1278871872 Beware of side effects. The front of the display on a Pro Radio is easily replaced. https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1499808 The above can get you usb and a2dp with steering wheel controls on the pro radio fairly cheaply. If you want a sound improvement its speakers and amps/dsp If you want a lot of features its a head unit but doing either can be expensive and complicated. Last edited by ctuna; 12-09-2018 at 09:13 PM..
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12-09-2018, 11:15 PM	#6
ctuna Lieutenant General 1908 Rep 13,099 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Helix by audiotech fisher amp/dsp and drop in BMW speaker kits from Gladen , Helix match , Jehnert , mbquart, audio systems. Helix makes one now called the BMW7 it basicly plugs right in where the Hi Fi amp goes. You need to know or be willing to learn to tune a DSP and will require aftermarket speakers that can handle and use power. Dynavin was the best BMW OEM looking head unit . none of this stuff is cheap. https://www.audiotec-fischer.de/en/m...ifiers/up-7bmw https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323 Last edited by ctuna; 12-09-2018 at 11:21 PM..
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12-10-2018, 12:45 PM	#8
ctuna Lieutenant General 1908 Rep 13,099 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	most of the maintstream companys(pioneer,jensen , sony etc etc. make nothing that will fit in the way of speakers. Because of shallowness in the doors and floors. I think Rockford Fosgate makes some speakers that do. Same with amps but to a lesser extent There are BMW speaker kits from these manufacturer That usually come with a pair of under seats a pair of tweeters and 4 inch mids with a crossover that fits. Tockford fosgate makes the speaker they don't sell them in a kit as described and some of the other speakers give you a kit for what one pair of door speakers would cost. https://www.crutchfield.com/S-xowbOi...83C-BMW-2.html Where as the doors alone are 50 dollars more expensive for the fosgates on the crutchfield site. Last edited by ctuna; 12-10-2018 at 01:06 PM..
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12-10-2018, 01:58 PM	#10
ctuna Lieutenant General 1908 Rep 13,099 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	I assume you can use Google. Try Crutchfield for starter. Or just do searches like " Speaker kits for BMW e90 " or put the manufacturers name in that same search. You will have to search hard for the best deals. Or look in the audio build sticky for the master known speaker list. If you can afford a package and want some quality stuff call Unexpected Creations in Edison, NJ https://unexpectedcreations.com/mobile-audio/ As far as upgrades are concerned Best System examples Logic 7 upgrades http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=826683 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=590420 https://technicpnp.com/product/logic...-applications/ Base System Upgrades http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=445266 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/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...ht=amp+upgrade http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=550771 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...1#post16679904 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1411521234 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1378833 base system wiring pre/post 3/09 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1411521234 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...tDpLJPcGkw_ui_ http://www.monsteraudiodesign.co.uk/ http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...1#post16679904 HI Fi upgrades http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ighlight=level http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=540446 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=technic http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=532585 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=833581 http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=443043 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=324214 https://www.bimmer-tech.net/blog/ite...-audio-for-bmw http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=level+3 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=processor http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...1#post16679904 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...&highlight=BSW http://www.bilstereoforum.se/showthread.php?t=2356 http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/...creations.html Last edited by ctuna; 12-10-2018 at 02:10 PM..
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12-10-2018, 02:05 PM	#11
j.f.leonard Lieutenant 218 Rep 576 Posts Drives: 2012 328i f30 Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: north carolina iTrader: (1)	Well I just got off of a live chat with crutchfield and they actually recommended a 4 channel amp, and replacing my front mids and tweeters with component speakers since a 6 channel amp is more expensive and harder to find. Does anybody have experience with this?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-10-2018, 03:36 PM	#12
j.f.leonard Lieutenant 218 Rep 576 Posts Drives: 2012 328i f30 Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: north carolina iTrader: (1)	Actually, scratch that^^ I have decided I am going to go with either the Bavsound stage 1 upgrade, or the alpine hifi retrofit upgrade kit. I already have tweeters at the front mirrors but I believe I only have the regular hifi system. If anybody has experience please let me know! Thanks for all the replies
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-10-2018, 04:02 PM	#13
ctuna Lieutenant General 1908 Rep 13,099 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	The alpine retrofit is a downgrade from what you already have. It's meant to turn a Base system without amp and tweeters into a Hi Fi system without upgrading the underseats. There are better speakers than the bavsounds for less money. and the weakest point in the Hi Fi system is the amp.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-10-2018, 04:36 PM	#15
ctuna Lieutenant General 1908 Rep 13,099 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	The old standard for and amp only is the JL audio xd 600/6 there is a newer version now. You need a Technic Harness for Hi Fi to make it plug and play. Jl has some amp/dsp's now to don't know how good they are there amps are solid though. Most of the three speaker kits come in at around 500 bucks . Jehnerts , Match , Gladen come up a lot here. These seem to the better ones. Not easy to tell how good they are you don't find them in the average stereo shop. I have Morels in the Doors and Jehnert's in the floors and a xd 600/6 if I was doing it now I would go with a Helix DSP/amp. It was a 1500 dollar kit that was about 6 years ago I guess. You could go vist Bimmertech for a plug and play kit to.
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12-10-2018, 04:57 PM	#17
ctuna Lieutenant General 1908 Rep 13,099 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Find a 6 channel amp that supports differential inputs. At about 50 watts to 70 watts a channel. Get a technic harness to make putting it in easy. Look for some used Logic 7 speakers for the doors and Floors. Just the amp should make the largest improvement. Fix or replace the pro radio . Add the the amazon device for usb and a2dp. Needs some coding to enable cdc interface.
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12-10-2018, 05:12 PM	#19
j.f.leonard Lieutenant 218 Rep 576 Posts Drives: 2012 328i f30 Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: north carolina iTrader: (1)	What about these? These claim to be the logic 7 speakers out of a 2011 335i... Attached Images
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12-10-2018, 05:48 PM	#20
ctuna Lieutenant General 1908 Rep 13,099 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Yes those will be better get the logic 7 underseats as well if you can. You will need the 50 to 70 watts to make them sing. The stock hi fi are 2 ohm I think the l7 are 4 if I remember correctly. https://technicpnp.com/product/hifi-harness/
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12-10-2018, 07:11 PM	#22
ctuna Lieutenant General 1908 Rep 13,099 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	The logic 7 system has 7 total 4inch speakers and 6 tweeters. and one of the 4 inch is in the dash. Its 9 channel system. 676 hi fi has 4 pairs of 4 inch speaker with tweeters. your rear deck should have those to. You should start reading the BMW stereo types links all this info is in them and more. The picture you put up from this guy does not show the under seat speakers as part of the package only the door and deck and dashboard speakers. They are all they same size. http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970 Last edited by ctuna; 12-10-2018 at 07:44 PM..
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