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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > AUDIO/VIDEO + BLUETOOTH + Electronics/Alarm/Software > Need suggestions for a small scale audio upgrade



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      01-21-2011, 07:35 PM   #1
eware3000
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Need suggestions for a small scale audio upgrade

Hi all, just got a 2008 328i, 4 door sedan with iDrive.

The base system sounds much better than anything I've ever had. But I do have a good ear. And know that at louder volumes, things start to get muddy. In order to get the subs thumping, I have to crank it up, at the expense of clarity.

Any suggestions? Not ready to do a full overhaul, just need to do something to make things sound better and possibly as to it later.

Thanks.
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      01-21-2011, 07:44 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eware3000 View Post
Hi all, just got a 2008 328i, 4 door sedan with iDrive.

The base system sounds much better than anything I've ever had. But I do have a good ear. And know that at louder volumes, things start to get muddy. In order to get the subs thumping, I have to crank it up, at the expense of clarity.

Any suggestions? Not ready to do a full overhaul, just need to do something to make things sound better and possibly as to it later.

Thanks.
What OEM system is this? Any rear door speakers?
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      01-21-2011, 07:50 PM   #3
eware3000
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No rear door speaker.
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      01-21-2011, 08:03 PM   #4
ctuna
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If you run the fader to the front it helps

It will bring the bass out a little more in relation to the treble . The rear speakers don't do much . If you turn it up its muddy regardless of what you do especially with louder music where there is a lot going on at once . (assuming you have the Hi Fi system also called the premium in the US as oposed to the L7 or top Hi Fi)

The thing its suffering both from cheap speakers and a lack of power .

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970

identify your system with the above link
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      01-21-2011, 08:06 PM   #5
eware3000
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ctuna View Post
It will bring the bass out a little more in relation to the treble . The rear speakers don't do much . If you turn it up its muddy regardless of what you do especially with louder music where there is a lot going on at once .

The thing its suffering both from cheap speakers and a lack of power .

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970

identify your system with the above link

Thanks will try that fader thing.
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      01-21-2011, 08:13 PM   #6
ctuna
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FYI

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=365866

Please tell us which system you have
Technic is good at suggesting low cost upgrades
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      01-21-2011, 08:30 PM   #7
eware3000
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ctuna View Post
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=365866

Please tell us which system you have
Technic is good at suggesting low cost upgrades
I think I have the Hi-Fi system. Honestly I can't tell form the PDF from above.

This is what I see.

2 Small speakers near dash/side windows/sidemirrors
2 Front door speakers
2 subs under seat
2 rear speakers behind the headrests

that's all i see.
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      01-21-2011, 09:55 PM   #8
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Do have tweeters in the door sills

If you have bass and treble control no center speaker in the dash and no equalizer controls plus the tweeters in the front door sills you have Hi Fi
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      01-22-2011, 05:37 AM   #9
eware3000
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ctuna View Post
If you have bass and treble control no center speaker in the dash and no equalizer controls plus the tweeters in the front door sills you have Hi Fi
OK, thanks.
Now that we all know...what to do?
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      01-22-2011, 11:33 AM   #10
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I would do a search Technic posts

Since you said small modification I think you have a target price on what you want to spend. I think if you want to buy quality products it will cost you 1k and up for parts. If you want to cobble something together you might be able to get away with less. I would do a search on Technic posts as he has some suggestions for low cost systems.

I think he has one in this thread

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...&highlight=BSW

Because the speakers are 2 ohm you can't just drop in a 4 ohm speaker ,which most are, and not cut down the volume by half. And also if you amp the stock speakers you run the risk of blowing them if you put in a significant amp.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=368847
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      01-22-2011, 01:11 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eware3000 View Post
Hi all, just got a 2008 328i, 4 door sedan with iDrive.

The base system sounds much better than anything I've ever had. But I do have a good ear. And know that at louder volumes, things start to get muddy. In order to get the subs thumping, I have to crank it up, at the expense of clarity.

Any suggestions? Not ready to do a full overhaul, just need to do something to make things sound better and possibly as to it later.

Thanks.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...=1#post5791690
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      01-22-2011, 02:03 PM   #12
ctuna
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Technic What about the underseats?

Won't you toast them with that amp?
Shims and mounting brackets ?
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      01-22-2011, 02:19 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ctuna View Post
Won't you toast them with that amp?
Shims and mounting brackets ?
The OEM woofers will be fine as long as they are not abused -high volume, bass adjustment at max.
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