[RL_E92]

Firstly... I am a noob in every sense of the word. New to blogging, and new to modding...

I set about buying an E92 (3 Series Coupe, post LCI on a 2010 plate) a year ago on the basis that I would buy it and kit it out slowly. Unfortunately I was unable to buy the car and had to put plans on hold.

But, rather than halt my plans altogether I opted to focus on the modifications side of things WITHOUT THE CAR (I know... risky). I've basically spent the last 8/9 months buying and putting down a wish list of mod items items, ready for a project I aim to start early next year.

The first thing I knew I wanted to do was to upgrade the internal audio setup.

I was thinking about completing the install myself, but after seeing the quality of an installer in Droxford and another in Coulsdon (both UK based, and both displaying high standards of quality), I am opting to get help to complete a nice stealthy install (including an innovative solution for the remotes/controls).

Thanks to the wonder of globalisation (), I have sought products from all over the globe for reasonable deals, but [in some instances] felt the sting of customs (Warning to others: make sure you take account of customs charges when buying from abroad. Take account of the weight and value of the product as you might find yourself paying more than you think for delivery). But, the sub from the US and speakers from Germany are exactly what I wanted so they were exactly what I decided to purchase...

I'm now moving onto the exterior features... I am looking at an M3 spoiler, M3 style Side skirts, and a front lip. I have also chosen the guys to do my wheel paint job (to be changed to match the car, aiming for all black), and a dual exhaust conversion...

Full interior LEDs have been purchased from Horizon LEDs, and I also managed to acquire some nice LED lights from the States (which were not packaged very well), but very little arrived in terms of instructions to install them... So I am counting on the lads at Never Enough Mods to lend a hand early next year (kicking myself a bit as I could've bought the lights from NEM in the UK). Having spoken to the guys at NEM, I am also aiming to install Demon Eyes up front, on the basis that I can leave my main (white) headlights on, and turn the demons on and off at my leisure (to be discussed with NEM).

Still have things on my list (including a beefed up security package). So.... There is a new E92, in the making. Forgive me if I bother members with random questions.

[RL_E92]

Are there any audio experts on the forum?

[Krynos]

I'm at a loss to figure out why you would buy mods for a car you don't own.

[RL_E92]

Originally Posted by Krynos

I'm at a loss to figure out why you would buy mods for a car you don't own.

So was my Mrs....

As noted above, had set about getting the car first, but had to put those plans on hold and prioritise other things. But I opted to still get the mods. Like I said above "risky", but I'll be getting the car early next year.

[bmwmsport]

Try posting in the audio thread... those guys know what's up. Looks like you got a pretty good setup. Have to find one with the HiFi system to be able to put those in... mine is the incredibly beyond crappy base audio.

You'll want to keep the underseats in the midbass range and save the full bass for a trunk woofer if you decide you need it. There are some good corner mount options for the trunk. Check out bimmertech for their PNP amp PP82DSP... if I had the funds right now to splurge on audio components that's what I'd have.. but in my mind, performance first.

First things first, GET THE CAR. No sense in having mods for a car you don't own. Every car is different, so maybe you end up with one with a logic7 system, so there are some audio components you need. Or you end up with an M Sport one so you don't need a rear diffuser. I was tempted too to get mods before I settled, but I'm happy I waited. Now, I know what my specific car needs in order to individualize my own car to my liking.

Anyway, good luck. Always good stuff in the FS section of the forum. Be sure to check there.

[microtap]

I'm just about in opposite boat as you, as I have an unmodded car and thinking about doing just about each thing you described above, starting with the audio. I have newly purchased 2013 335is with the standard hifi system. The audio equipment does add up in cost quite quickly, so I'm not sure where I want to start. I really want to offload the bass to a dedicated sub and see how that goes, but I also want the bit pricey bimmertech PNP PP82DSP amp, so think I will contact Nelson@BimmerTech who I have found from other posts. I'm curious if the PP82DSP amp alone will make the stock speakers more enjoyable, and then add a sub amp & 12inch in one of those side mounted custom fiberglass trunk enclosures might be enough, otherwise I do like the PNP options of Bavsound stage 1 and possibly ghost subs...but again...pricing all that out is bleh, a lot. So I want to get by with what I think will satisfy my needs immediately in all aspects (audio + performance + cosmetics). Loving this 335is though. Also, I know there is that Technic harness that you can purchase (but I can't get ahold of them) so that you can drop in "non-PNP" amps and such. I know this info probably wasn't that helpful, but I too am looking for advice and needed to get a post on here so I can actually PM

[RL_E92]

Originally Posted by bmwmsport

Try posting in the audio thread... those guys know what's up. Looks like you got a pretty good setup. Have to find one with the HiFi system to be able to put those in... mine is the incredibly beyond crappy base audio.

You'll want to keep the underseats in the midbass range and save the full bass for a trunk woofer if you decide you need it. There are some good corner mount options for the trunk. Check out bimmertech for their PNP amp PP82DSP... if I had the funds right now to splurge on audio components that's what I'd have.. but in my mind, performance first.

First things first, GET THE CAR. No sense in having mods for a car you don't own. Every car is different, so maybe you end up with one with a logic7 system, so there are some audio components you need. Or you end up with an M Sport one so you don't need a rear diffuser. I was tempted too to get mods before I settled, but I'm happy I waited. Now, I know what my specific car needs in order to individualize my own car to my liking.

Anyway, good luck. Always good stuff in the FS section of the forum. Be sure to check there.

Cool... Off to the Audio thread I go.

Definitely want to keep midbass focused on under seats, and utilise the rear sub for a proper deep, low frequency bass rumble.

After helping a few mates with their E90 mods and general upgrades, and additional research into LCI vs Pre-LCI updates. I decided on what I need hence the purchases. I took the leap of faith and after listening to the Soundstream Reference Micro and Quart Mobil components, I'm happy with the set. I've basically built my own custom audio suite regardless of factory components. Just need to install and fine tune!!!

Next purchase..... The E92 to install everything into/onto.

[RL_E92]

Originally Posted by microtap

I'm just about in opposite boat as you, as I have an unmodded car and thinking about doing just about each thing you described above, starting with the audio. I have newly purchased 2013 335is with the standard hifi system. The audio equipment does add up in cost quite quickly, so I'm not sure where I want to start. I really want to offload the bass to a dedicated sub and see how that goes, but I also want the bit pricey bimmertech PNP PP82DSP amp, so think I will contact Nelson@BimmerTech who I have found from other posts. I'm curious if the PP82DSP amp alone will make the stock speakers more enjoyable, and then add a sub amp & 12inch in one of those side mounted custom fiberglass trunk enclosures might be enough, otherwise I do like the PNP options of Bavsound stage 1 and possibly ghost subs...but again...pricing all that out is bleh, a lot. So I want to get by with what I think will satisfy my needs immediately in all aspects (audio + performance + cosmetics). Loving this 335is though. Also, I know there is that Technic harness that you can purchase (but I can't get ahold of them) so that you can drop in "non-PNP" amps and such. I know this info probably wasn't that helpful, but I too am looking for advice and needed to get a post on here so I can actually PM

Microtap... I know what you mean. I started off by looking for a descent headunit, with the functionality that I wanted, but that came at a price. I soon realised that finding and buying components would take time and money. So following a car purchase setback, I focused on audio and slowly built the set.

From listening to E90 setups and previous experience, I opted to replace stock speakers with units which had more ridged speaker cones and a wider audio range. After all, I wanted speakers that could handle a non factory amp!!! I had used soundstream amps previously and knew how good the 'reference' models were so opted to go with them again.

Silly question, but have you tried the technicpnp.com site for the harness already?

All comments have been helpful... Cheers

[microtap]

Ha, yeah. I messaged them on that site & in e-mail with no reply, so not sure if they are still selling the harness or just really busy.

Do you think the best bang for my buck would be to get a non-stock amp + sub amp & 12" in the trunk? Then as I feel like spending more money, upgrade the cabin speakers? I really just miss the bass for the most part, as I had two 12" in my last vehicle, and I don't think the stock cabin speakers are that horrible...but ignorance is bliss in that sense.

[RL_E92]

Originally Posted by microtap

Ha, yeah. I messaged them on that site & in e-mail with no reply, so not sure if they are still selling the harness or just really busy.

Do you think the best bang for my buck would be to get a non-stock amp + sub amp & 12" in the trunk? Then as I feel like spending more money, upgrade the cabin speakers? I really just miss the bass for the most part, as I had two 12" in my last vehicle, and I don't think the stock cabin speakers are that horrible...but ignorance is bliss in that sense.

@microtap personally, I want to retain as much boot space as possible, so opting for a stealth install of a 10" sub and non stock amp is enough for me. To me, going down the route of customising your solution (amp and sub in the boot) is the best way to get the low level sub note you want/need for certain tunes.

Don't get me wrong... The cabin speakers are 'OK' but I'm looking for a certain level of clarity/high end tops that the OEM tweeters won't give... Hence my opting to upgrade the cabin speakers altogether.

Looking to purchase an E92 for my project within the next two months... I'll keep you posted.

[ctuna]

There is a whole audio sub forum here.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=27

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/showthread.php?t=641323
http://bmwcoders.com/forum/3-er-8/bm...1-e92-e93-291/
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780865
http://technicpnp.com/menuDiagrams/d...e90_92_93.html
electical e90 pdf
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...,d.cGU&cad=rja
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...85464276,d.cGU
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...85464276,d.cGU
http://www.musicarnw.com/page-2/
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...4&d=1278871872

Also this guy for local help.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=704363

If you haven't already bought this stuff there are better choices and I don't see how you can even plan for most
of this stuff when you don't know which BMW system the
car will come with.

subwoofer threads
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...2&postcount=66
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...t=Ultimate+Sub
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=subwoofer

[Dekansnowman]

Awesome links! Thanks for the info as I'm curious about this avenue myself.

[RL_E92]

@ctuna Thanks, great links and comments.

Admittedly, there are some items that are better than the ones I have gone for (an example being Pioneer headunits respond quicker than some Kenwood units) however functionality won me over in my decision making process.

Most of my purchases have been made following discussions with audiophiles on various forums, a few installers and attending a few meets. Time will tell now...

Cheers....

[RL_E92]

Update: Car purchased, Audio mods underway (90% complete), breakdown and pics to come...

[fareast1]

Looking forward to hearing how you progress RLE92

[RL_E92]

Been meaning to forward an update, but been focused on getting a few issues sorted...
Audio instal complete, soundproofing installed, sub controls installed and LED replacement [interior] lights fitted... Will do a write up and post pictures soon.