Audio Install - aftermarket :)

[scotia_steve74]

After finding out that my dealer couldn't upgrade the standard audio in the Z4M without a lot of cutting of wiring, I decided to take the less evasive route and install and aftermarket amp, a set of 3way speakers and a signal convertor.

The inputs from the head unit were taken to the rear of the car to an LC6i which transforms the outputs to the ideal inputs for an aftermarket amp - a Rainbow Ipaul 2 channel one with excellent sound quality. LAst of all a set of Rainbow SLC 365 Kick 3 way speakers were added.

The rear speakers were kept now as an fill in type speaker and two rear subs may be added at a later date, but for now the difference is dramatic. Much more punch than before and a nice range from the new Rainbow bits of kit.

The following kit was used:

Rainbow Ipaul Amp
Rainbow SLC 365 Kick speakers
LC6i
Amp kit & connectors.

A local installer put it all in and I just need to get the slight interference from the right hand speakers out (think its the telephone module being next to the amp...) and were done!

The amp was mounted in the BMW bracket which was altered slightly and their good velcro mount system was extended with a few lengths of new velcro.

With the rear trims back on you'd never know it had been touched - very important for me.

So a pretty poor pic here - still doing some minor fettling to make it look better but not bad for £800 all in! I would have went for the bigger amp but it wouldn't fit behind the seat area without shifting some modules and at 415mmit was too long. The smaller 2 channel amp, £50 cheaper at £250 does the trick and fits beautifully in the space!

Couple of pics...

Stock image

 

[wasupdu]

Very nice install! Sounds like you have a pretty good set-up there. Did you stick with the stock headunit or did you go with an aftermarket amplified one?

 

[Wondermike]

...two rear subs may be added at a later date...

Looks good. A couple of subs or full range speakers behind the seats like the OEM upgrades would sound great.

 

[scotia_steve74]

That's what I'm thinking, all it is missing but pretty good as is right now - well impressed!

 

[RustyZ4]

I have done the sub upgrade, and am looking at an option like yours to complete it, where did you have it done?

 

[scotia_steve74]

Had it done in Edinburgh though I don't think it's impossible to do yourself - most of the parts come off very easy.

Which sub did you use?

 

[RustyZ4]

Had it done in Edinburgh though I don't think it's impossible to do yourself - most of the parts come off very easy.

Which sub did you use?

I used an Alpine s1000,,8" sub

 

[azroadie]

I was wondering about the quality of the standard, bmw speakers. I think they are carver. I don't want to change the head unit or add amps but was wondering if I'll get a noticeable difference in sound quality with aftermarket speakers. Any thoughts?

 

[RustyZ4]

I was wondering about the quality of the standard, bmw speakers. I think they are carver. I don't want to change the head unit or add amps but was wondering if I'll get a noticeable difference in sound quality with aftermarket speakers. Any thoughts?

Adding really good quality speakers will make a difference, though, how much without other improvements would be debatable, Doing what Scotia did, by that I mean using an inline power amp as well as upgrading the speakers will improve things dramatically.

Without doubt adding a powered sub bass really makes a huge difference, as standard speakers use about 40% of thier power trying to produce it, for me this was the way to start, im saving up for the rest.


Do both of above =

 

[no fit state]

I'm thinking doing something like this also.

Fitting speakers behing the blanks on the doors and wiring them to the tweeters (as someone else on here has done with success), then adding a sub to each of the areas behind the seats where you find them on the upgraded sound systems and powering them with a aftermarket amp.

 

[scotia_steve74]

The stock head unit suits me as I have the nav and bluetooth all in.


The standard audio was the only let down in the car for me and the Rainbow speakers sound excellent!

All that's missing is the very low frequency range which I'll sort with a sub behind the seats. Should be an easy fit and the LC6i and other amp have outputs already to connect!

Just changed the interconnect wire to something a little better and have removed all alternator whine and any other nose now! Cost me UK£800 in total which isn't bad at all!