[Gooey33]

I have a 2006 E90 325i with the "professional" stereo system.

I'm happy with the mid range and General clarity of the setup but it really lacks some bass.

Was ideally looking to just add an underseat subwoofer (and amp combined) but my local car audio shop have said it's pointless and won't fit anyway due to the space between the floor and the seat. They recommend I go with a full sub box install in the boot. Whilst that's probably the best performing option, I don't want to lose boot space etc.

Are there any aftermarket underseat active subs which will fit, or what people have people fitted?

Any advice welcome!

[Ali-E90]

There's a lot of info on this already if you search for it.

Your options:
1) Earthquake under seat subs to replace the existing speakers there. OEM fitment in stock locations under the seats.
2) corner load trunk enclosure - doesn't take up much space in your trunk
3) storage compartment enclosure under trunk floor - uses up the whole storage box under the floor, but full trunk is still available - see my audio thread for more info
4) if you have ski pass, an IB setup will also take minimal space in your trunk

In all cases, you'll need a separate amp, which you can mound hidden under the plastic tray of the left side of trunk.

[Gooey33]

Ok great thanks, think I misread a previous post when I searched thinking the earthquakes required additional amps etc.

Think that's the best option for me...

[Ali-E90]

No matter what subs you put in, you'll want to amplify them. You'll be disappointed if you don't.

[Gooey33]

Right, best add an amp to the list...nothing worse than going back and doing something again!

Thanks again man

[Dann]

Have a look into the BMW individual system. It has two "subs" under the front seats and plenty of bass. Tbh it's one of the best OEM systems I've heard.

It might be possible to get the amp from this system too and use that to run aftermarket subs

[texasjohn]

OEM electronics isn't the simplest way forward IMHO.

You could however find a pair of Individual subs and run them off an aftermarket amp, but the subs go for a lot of money and it's easier to just buy drop in replacement like Earthquakes, Gladen etc.


OP: What's your budget? Could you stretch to this at £569 http://www.germaniks.com/bundles/gla...4-bmw-stage-1/

[Gooey33]

Originally Posted by Dann

Have a look into the BMW individual system. It has two "subs" under the front seats and plenty of bass. Tbh it's one of the best OEM systems I've heard.

It might be possible to get the amp from this system too and use that to run aftermarket subs

Ok sounds good, will look into it!

[Gooey33]

Originally Posted by texasjohn

OEM electronics isn't the simplest way forward IMHO.

You could however find a pair of Individual subs and run them off an aftermarket amp, but the subs go for a lot of money and it's easier to just buy drop in replacement like Earthquakes, Gladen etc.


OP: What's your budget? Could you stretch to this at £569 http://www.germaniks.com/bundles/gla...4-bmw-stage-1/

I hadn't really set a budget but I was guessing around 200-400 for upgrading the subs and adding an amplifier now I guess? Good point about the cost comparison tho, aftermarket will be cheaper and possibly perform better?

This systems is for a full upgrade so for an extra £169 it doesn't seem to bad.

Lots to think about! Always end up trying to do something and it spirals into a full upgrade!

[texasjohn]

It's supposed to be a very good upgrade. I've just started installing it on my recently purchased car.

When I say 'just started' I mean I've removed the boot carpet and decided where the amp is going. Then it got dark and I came in.

[Gooey33]

Well good luck with the install and let us know your thoughts when completed. It does seem like one of the best ways to go for a good upgrade.

Fair play installing it yourself, mechanically I'm happy doing most things but the last electrical install I did was a digital dash on a mk1 Astra GTE....after that I've never touched electronics again!

[jackstrath]

I have the 7 speaker system in my e91, it sounds great but the taste of bass has fuelled my addiction for it (used to have a focus with a 2 grand alpine set up and I loved it!) would fitting this earthquake be a worth while upgrade ? Or more a waste of money ? (I can't lose boot space at all

[Ali-E90]

Originally Posted by jackstrath

I have the 7 speaker system in my e91, it sounds great but the taste of bass has fuelled my addiction for it (used to have a focus with a 2 grand alpine set up and I loved it!) would fitting this earthquake be a worth while upgrade ? Or more a waste of money ? (I can't lose boot space at all

In your situation, I'd consider adding a sub in the compartment under the trunk floor... if that's not an option (you use that as well as the rest of your boot, or you have a 335i) then I'd consider going this route.

When you say 7 speaker system, are you referring to Logic7? Do you know which system you have (base, Hifi, Top Hifi, Logic 7)?

[jackstrath]

Logic7 sorry got mixed up there lol

And I have the 335d so that's not an option

[Hulla the Hulla]

in a 335d E91 due to boot space constraints, corner loaded sub is/was my best option.

have a look here for some ideas

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1060384

one thing I would say is that if you upgrade the underseat subs in the front, unless you really like A LOT of bass, they should be fine and then you really have no issues with boot space at all and everything stays looking OEM.

[Hulla the Hulla]

in a 335d E91 due to boot space constraints, corner loaded sub is/was my best option.

have a look here for some ideas

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1060384

one thing I would say is that if you upgrade the underseat subs in the front, unless you really like A LOT of bass, they should be fine and then you really have no issues with boot space at all and everything stays looking OEM.

[sparkymarky]

Looking at your budget I did this for a similar amount and it sounds surprisingly really great! I honestly dont want/need anything more. Bass, sub bass, clarity, soundstage and lots of volume is all there and the jump from stock is nothing short of amazing considering the total cost. Started out with std HiFi. 676.

EBay second hand jl audio amp (an a4300 4x 110rms @ 2 ohm) £80. Powering fronts and under seat stock speakers.
Brand new 10" jl audio sub £69.
Second hand alpine mrp-m500 300watt RMS amp £50 for the sub.
EBay second hand 10" sub box. £10.
And an amp wiring kit £10 off ebay.
Ixos twisted pair cable.
Speaker cable (home cinema ixos i had lying around)

I bought component front speakers and adaptors but haven't actually needed to put them in- the door mids and tweeter fronts sing so much more with far better sound stage due to just the new amp and the kick bass I get from the newly amped stock under seats is more than enough-with the right track they pound a surprising amount. The transition to the Sub in the boot around 55hz is great! Thumping bass and mid bass when needed. Play around with sub position though. I find big differences. Best is in rear of the trunk firing across from left to right.
PS stock hifi amp left in for rear fill (althiugh always faded to front) and for rear pdc.

[Gooey33]

Originally Posted by sparkymarky

Looking at your budget I did this for a similar amount and it sounds surprisingly really great! I honestly dont want/need anything more. Bass, sub bass, clarity, soundstage and lots of volume is all there and the jump from stock is nothing short of amazing considering the total cost. Started out with std HiFi. 676.

EBay second hand jl audio amp (an a4300 4x 110rms @ 2 ohm) £80. Powering fronts and under seat stock speakers.
Brand new 10" jl audio sub £69.
Second hand alpine mrp-m500 300watt RMS amp £50 for the sub.
EBay second hand 10" sub box. £10.
And an amp wiring kit £10 off ebay.
Ixos twisted pair cable.
Speaker cable (home cinema ixos i had lying around)

I bought component front speakers and adaptors but haven't actually needed to put them in- the door mids and tweeter fronts sing so much more with far better sound stage due to just the new amp and the kick bass I get from the newly amped stock under seats is more than enough-with the right track they pound a surprising amount. The transition to the Sub in the boot around 55hz is great! Thumping bass and mid bass when needed. Play around with sub position though. I find big differences. Best is in rear of the trunk firing across from left to right.
PS stock hifi amp left in for rear fill (althiugh always faded to front) and for rear pdc.

Appreciate the information, think I'm going to go down a similar route, sounds like you have installed what I want, well at least what would be adequate for me!

[ax351]

Hi there. You said 7 speakers. Ive got an e91 also but I think I got 6. Where is the seventh? Sorry I just bought the car a month ago

[Gooey33]

Originally Posted by ax351

Hi there. You said 7 speakers. Ive got an e91 also but I think I got 6. Where is the seventh? Sorry I just bought the car a month ago

I think he referred to the Logic7 as the "seven speaker system", rather than 7 speakers literally

[Aragorn30d]

Does the factory headunit have a set of pre-outs you can use to drive the amps or do you need to use those horrible level converters?

[Ali-E90]

Originally Posted by Aragorn30d

Does the factory headunit have a set of pre-outs you can use to drive the amps or do you need to use those horrible level converters?

Yes and no, from what I understand. While there are no rca outputs, the HU outputs that feed the OEM amp are already low level signals if you have a HiFi system. If you have base audio system, the HU outputs are high level since it powers the speakers directly.

If you want to amp the base audio HU, you could use a Line out converter (LOC - I've heard that some are good), or simply code the HU to act as a HiFi HU instead so the outputs are amp-ready. Coding the base audio to HiFi also eliminates the factory EQ used on the base HU.