Alpine Hifi upgrade

von Schultz · 02-15-2012, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catalyst Group

Hi guys!

As recently stated, i've upgraded my system with the Alpine retrofit upgrade. Everything seems to be working nice, except PDC sensor - i'm getting 50-60% quieter sound when driving back. Any idea on that?

Another question - which speakers do u recommend for the subs replacement? Are sws8's only available option regarding size and tech specification or not?

And what about rear speakers? They do not sound so much improved after upgrade? As i have understood, they are driven by the head unit, not amp? Is there any replacement for them as well?

Tnx!

Can anyone help? Please!

gIzzE · 02-15-2012, 08:39 AM

The Alpine won't drive the SWS8 subs properly, the mids are 90db and the SWS8s are 86db so will be too quiet.
You would have to add another amp to drive them.

The rears are EQ'd like mad, so no point doing anything with them.
Your only option is use a different amp, maybe a 5 or 6 channel and take the signal from the front channels and then split it in the amp.

von Schultz · 02-15-2012, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gIzzE

The Alpine won't drive the SWS8 subs properly, the mids are 90db and the SWS8s are 86db so will be too quiet.
You would have to add another amp to drive them.

The rears are EQ'd like mad, so no point doing anything with them.
Your only option is use a different amp, maybe a 5 or 6 channel and take the signal from the front channels and then split it in the amp.

Any alternative regarding SWS8? As i have mentioned, my car just got the Alpine upgrade, everything sounds cool, except the bass frequencies - they are not so much improved.

I've found the list here - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...highlight=SWS8

Most of them requires some extra modding.

btw. 1. any idea regarding silent pdc sensor?

btw. 2. this guy got the SWS8s and paired then with Alpine amp, um? -> http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230960

von Schultz · 02-19-2012, 05:17 AM

Bump. Any news regarding silent PDC sensor after the Alpine upgrade?

gIzzE · 02-19-2012, 11:20 AM

What year is your car?

You may need it coding for pdc to match.

I have heard a pair of 2ohm sws8's being driven off the Alpine and I thought it sounded worse.

taibanl · 02-21-2012, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gIzzE

Swapped the car for an X1 and put the Alpine system in, but finding it too sharp sounding so working our which way to go.

I have got a JL XD400/4 amp that I bought off here, great amps and my favourite Class D amps, but thinking it may just be easier to add a second amp and some earthquakes.
If I do put the XD400 in I will swap head units, but do prefer the oem look, so a bit undecided.

I guess as it is a second car I don't want to throw too much money at it, and even worse too much time, I don't enjoy installing this stuff at all, just the results.

I know I could whack a Nakamichi CD400 in there with the JL amp and it would sound lovely, but I don't want to have a featureless system, which is what that will be.
As much as I want a nice sounding system, and if I admit it that is my priority, I still want all the gadgets etc. so I end up compromising and regretting it.

You can't be serious you are thinking of deleting OEM HU for reasons of SQ...once you are coded to HiFi, your upgrade options are unlimited.

gIzzE · 02-22-2012, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taibanl

You can't be serious you are thinking of deleting OEM HU for reasons of SQ...once you are coded to HiFi, your upgrade options are unlimited.

The problem is Tai that I have the later prof unit with no most connectors, so adding usb and bluetooth is impossible.
I was thinking maybe going double din and relocating the climate to where the nav screen goes on the X1.

Then thinking maybe just fit CIC.

Then thought, maybe just swap the car for one with the right stuff in it!

I am really liking the X1 at the moment though.
Had a new clutch and flywheel fitted and feels so much better.
But still prefer an auto if I am honest.

taibanl · 02-22-2012, 10:47 AM

Ah gotcha...I remember you didn't want to fit the iPhone station because you might get a new car. I do love mine though.

For all you other guys...once you code to HiFi, if SQ is what you want, you don't need to replace the HU

Rudz · 03-22-2012, 04:39 AM

I call BMW Chandlers to have my HU recoded to Hifi, i've got the base system, they did'nt have a clue, maybe it's me not explaining things properly, any help on what exactly I need to tell them ?

Nigelo · 03-25-2012, 08:11 AM

In the middle of my install here in an 07 e92 - quick question though! How do you refit the interior sill after you pop it off the cream coloured clips. Do you pop the clips out, and refit them to the plastic trim before trying to refit the entire piece?

Thanks guys

Nigelo · 03-25-2012, 02:54 PM

Finished my install earlier on - I just went with gut instinct, pulled the cream clips from the car, slid them back onto the plastic sill cover and popped it all back on. I actually found the under sill wiring the simplest part, the bits I struggled with were:

- supporting and refitting the door card.
- removing the wiring clip from the oem speaker (nothing seemed to work, just fluked it eventually after 20 mins each side)

Actually getting the amp and its wiring sorting took as long as simply unhooking one oem speaker. Completely the opposite of what I imagined before I started. And getting the bloody door cards back on and the door lock button into it's hole.... Pain in the arse!

rato · 03-26-2012, 04:36 AM

Hello to all. This is my first post but I have been around for a while and I would like to thank all for sharing your experience and opinions, for that I am very much grateful for the knowledge, in specific to this thread. It has made me decide to purchase the Alpine Hifi retrofit kit for my 116D E87 LCI in which I am very satisfied with the upgrade.

Thank you all for the info and the help.

bmminiparts · 05-10-2012, 09:09 AM

Hi all

I can email fitting instructions for this kit if needs be as i have a copy.

Send me an email request to sales@bmminiparts.com

raf555 · 06-07-2012, 06:12 AM

A bit of advice...

I have a 2006 E90 with pro I drive and standard system.

I'm think of getting the Alpine kit fitted but in addition upgrading the rear shelf speakers to Logic ones and perhaps also fitting the Logic underseat subs!

Would this work?

Cheers

gIzzE · 06-07-2012, 06:42 AM

Waste of time doing rear speakers.

The rear speakers are crossed over at 125hz and continue to run off the head unit, changing them adds nothing!!

The Alpine kit is worth doing, it adds a lot. If you want to change subs though buy a different amp and do it properly.

raf555 · 06-07-2012, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gIzzE

Waste of time doing rear speakers.

The rear speakers are crossed over at 125hz and continue to run off the head unit, changing them adds nothing!!

The Alpine kit is worth doing, it adds a lot. If you want to change subs though buy a different amp and do it properly.

Thanks for info

Will the alpine amp not be suitable for oem logic 7 underseat subs?

Dr Dave · 06-07-2012, 10:25 AM

Excatly the setup I have, L7 subs with the Alpine upgrade, sounds good.

Well worth doing. If you were closer, you'd be more than welcome to a listen.

sylonien · 06-08-2012, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Dave

Excatly the setup I have, L7 subs with the Alpine upgrade, sounds good.

Well worth doing. If you were closer, you'd be more than welcome to a listen.

Where abouts are you?

Dr Dave · 06-08-2012, 09:25 AM

I'm in Taunton, Somerset.

sylonien · 06-08-2012, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Dave

I'm in Taunton, Somerset.

Ah I'm in Bath, not as close as I thought... one day?

Dr Dave · 06-08-2012, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylonien

Ah I'm in Bath, not as close as I thought... one day?

Of course, you'd be more than welcome. If I'm ever up near Bristol etc I'll give you a shout - and you, likewise. I'm just off the M5 at J26.

Lonz · 06-13-2012, 10:27 AM

Running a 61 plate 320d E92 M Sport here. I'm a bit confused as to whether this is still a viable upgrade? I do have some speakers left over from my previous car, but I know the component won't fit.

Am I right in thinking that the head unit recode isn't really all that easy any more on the later models?

02-15-2012, 08:39 AM	#750
gIzzE Major General 363 Rep 5,984 Posts Drives: F11 + 911 C4 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Norfolk, UK. iTrader: (2)	The Alpine won't drive the SWS8 subs properly, the mids are 90db and the SWS8s are 86db so will be too quiet. You would have to add another amp to drive them. The rears are EQ'd like mad, so no point doing anything with them. Your only option is use a different amp, maybe a 5 or 6 channel and take the signal from the front channels and then split it in the amp.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-19-2012, 05:17 AM	#752
von Schultz Private 5 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 2011 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Croatia iTrader: (0)	Bump. Any news regarding silent PDC sensor after the Alpine upgrade?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-19-2012, 11:20 AM	#753
gIzzE Major General 363 Rep 5,984 Posts Drives: F11 + 911 C4 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Norfolk, UK. iTrader: (2)	What year is your car? You may need it coding for pdc to match. I have heard a pair of 2ohm sws8's being driven off the Alpine and I thought it sounded worse.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-22-2012, 10:47 AM	#756
taibanl Brigadier General 281 Rep 4,121 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: NA iTrader: (4)	Ah gotcha...I remember you didn't want to fit the iPhone station because you might get a new car. I do love mine though. For all you other guys...once you code to HiFi, if SQ is what you want, you don't need to replace the HU
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-22-2012, 04:39 AM	#757
Rudz Lieutenant Colonel 249 Rep 1,721 Posts Drives: F30 335D xDrive Shadow Edition Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: UK iTrader: (3)	I call BMW Chandlers to have my HU recoded to Hifi, i've got the base system, they did'nt have a clue, maybe it's me not explaining things properly, any help on what exactly I need to tell them ?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-25-2012, 08:11 AM	#758
Nigelo Lieutenant 30 Rep 540 Posts Drives: E92 335i se Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Northern Ireland iTrader: (1)	In the middle of my install here in an 07 e92 - quick question though! How do you refit the interior sill after you pop it off the cream coloured clips. Do you pop the clips out, and refit them to the plastic trim before trying to refit the entire piece? Thanks guys
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-25-2012, 02:54 PM	#759
Nigelo Lieutenant 30 Rep 540 Posts Drives: E92 335i se Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Northern Ireland iTrader: (1)	Finished my install earlier on - I just went with gut instinct, pulled the cream clips from the car, slid them back onto the plastic sill cover and popped it all back on. I actually found the under sill wiring the simplest part, the bits I struggled with were: - supporting and refitting the door card. - removing the wiring clip from the oem speaker (nothing seemed to work, just fluked it eventually after 20 mins each side) Actually getting the amp and its wiring sorting took as long as simply unhooking one oem speaker. Completely the opposite of what I imagined before I started. And getting the bloody door cards back on and the door lock button into it's hole.... Pain in the arse!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-26-2012, 04:36 AM	#760
rato Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 1' E87 LCI 2010 116d Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Setubal iTrader: (0)	Hello to all. This is my first post but I have been around for a while and I would like to thank all for sharing your experience and opinions, for that I am very much grateful for the knowledge, in specific to this thread. It has made me decide to purchase the Alpine Hifi retrofit kit for my 116D E87 LCI in which I am very satisfied with the upgrade. Thank you all for the info and the help.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-10-2012, 09:09 AM	#761
bmminiparts Private 2 Rep 77 Posts Drives: 325d MS Touring Join Date: May 2010 Location: Peterborough iTrader: (0)	Hi all I can email fitting instructions for this kit if needs be as i have a copy. Send me an email request to sales@bmminiparts.com __________________ Toby E30 M3 1987 E34 M5 1990 E91 325d - 'Ecotuned'
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-07-2012, 06:12 AM	#762
raf555 Banned 194 Rep 2,100 Posts Drives: BMW 320D Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: South Yorkshire iTrader: (47)	A bit of advice... I have a 2006 E90 with pro I drive and standard system. I'm think of getting the Alpine kit fitted but in addition upgrading the rear shelf speakers to Logic ones and perhaps also fitting the Logic underseat subs! Would this work? Cheers
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-07-2012, 06:42 AM	#763
gIzzE Major General 363 Rep 5,984 Posts Drives: F11 + 911 C4 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Norfolk, UK. iTrader: (2)	Waste of time doing rear speakers. The rear speakers are crossed over at 125hz and continue to run off the head unit, changing them adds nothing!! The Alpine kit is worth doing, it adds a lot. If you want to change subs though buy a different amp and do it properly.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-07-2012, 10:25 AM	#765
Dr Dave Zummerzet Zyder Drinker! 112 Rep 5,541 Posts Drives: '06 330D Le Mans Blue Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somerset iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 330d M Sport [0.00]	Excatly the setup I have, L7 subs with the Alpine upgrade, sounds good. Well worth doing. If you were closer, you'd be more than welcome to a listen.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-08-2012, 09:25 AM	#767
Dr Dave Zummerzet Zyder Drinker! 112 Rep 5,541 Posts Drives: '06 330D Le Mans Blue Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somerset iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 330d M Sport [0.00]	I'm in Taunton, Somerset. __________________
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06-13-2012, 10:27 AM	#770
Lonz New Member 6 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2016 435d Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Newcastle, UK iTrader: (0)	Running a 61 plate 320d E92 M Sport here. I'm a bit confused as to whether this is still a viable upgrade? I do have some speakers left over from my previous car, but I know the component won't fit. Am I right in thinking that the head unit recode isn't really all that easy any more on the later models?
	Appreciate 0 Quote