Audio System

[yourpicnick]

How do I know which system package I have? Or is there a thread someone can point me to? I'm looking to upgrade soon because music is LIFE for me and the OEM sound system is kind of basic for me.

I heard BAV may be a good option to go with, but any other suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!

 

[The.Analyst]

Would help if you told us which version of Z4 you had?

 

[PointedMarlin]

If it’s an e89 this might help …

 

[mr.tourette]

Easiest thing and I think this applies to e85/e86 and e89 is if there are subs behind the seat you have at the very least a 10 speaker package which will be either the pretty acceptable mid range package or pretty good if its the top dsp/carver system.. no subs behind seats equals entry level 6 speaker piss poor system.. the only good news on the 6 speaker system is even though its poor quality is its pretty easy to upgrade

 

[Wondermike]

Moved to E85.

 

[yourpicnick]

Would help if you told us which version of Z4 you had?

Sorry, that would be helpful lol. It's an 04 e85 auto

 

[yourpicnick]

Easiest thing and I think this applies to e85/e86 and e89 is if there are subs behind the seat you have at the very least a 10 speaker package which will be either the pretty acceptable mid range package or pretty good if its the top dsp/carver system.. no subs behind seats equals entry level 6 speaker piss poor system.. the only good news on the 6 speaker system is even though its poor quality is its pretty easy to upgrade

Sweet! Thanks I'm going to check now, I'm pretty sure I have subs behind the seat...at least it feels that way when I crank it up.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Sweet! Thanks I'm going to check now, I'm pretty sure I have subs behind the seat...at least it feels that way when I crank it up.

If you have storage cubbies behind the seats you've got the basic 6 speaker set up, which I believe is easier to upgrade.

 

[poss]

If you have satnav/popup factory screen and one of the menu options is 'DSP' then you have the top dsp/carver system.

I have the dsp/carversystem and am just in the process of experimenting to determine the best improvements. The speakers are all made by Philips (not really renowned as high-end speaker makers).

The door card and footwell speakers are obvious candidates for replacement with better quality/more substantial drivers. Bavsound offer a decent upgrade kit but it's expensive - you pay a lot for the convenience of drop-in replacements that fit existing mounts and connectors.

The 6.5" subs look substantial, but I am gonna compare them to this reasonably-priced (and even more substantial) 6.5" sub from CT Connections. I wired up the dual 4 ohm voice coils in series to give 8 ohms. The factory amp drives them nicely. Unfortunately they are not drop-in replacements (slightly wider diameter) and depth is gonna be tight too...

 

[poss]

I heard BAV may be a good option to go with, but any other suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!

My advice after playing around with my own 'top of the line' 10 speaker DSP factory install is:

If you only have the 'basic' 6 speaker install, then the best improvement is to install the best subs you can fit into the cubby holes behind the seats and simply disconnect the footwell woofers (they are horrible and underpowered to boot). You will need a good amp for the subs too. Do this before/instead of spending hundreds on bavsound. Dramatically tightening up the bottom end is far more transformational.

If you have the 10 speaker system then the advice is similar - First, disconnect the garbage footwell speakers. Second, replace the factory subs with the best that will fit in the space. I have the top-of-the-line factory subs, and whilst substantial they simply don't have anywhere near the throw/air displacement of modern subwoofers. No need to replace the hi end factory subwoofer amp as its pretty good.

 

[yourpicnick]

I heard BAV may be a good option to go with, but any other suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!

My advice after playing around with my own 'top of the line' 10 speaker DSP factory install is:

If you only have the 'basic' 6 speaker install, then the best improvement is to install the best subs you can fit into the cubby holes behind the seats and simply disconnect the footwell woofers (they are horrible and underpowered to boot). You will need a good amp for the subs too. Do this before/instead of spending hundreds on bavsound. Dramatically tightening up the bottom end is far more transformational.

If you have the 10 speaker system then the advice is similar - First, disconnect the garbage footwell speakers. Second, replace the factory subs with the best that will fit in the space. I have the top-of-the-line factory subs, and whilst substantial they simply don't have anywhere near the throw/air displacement of modern subwoofers. No need to replace the hi end factory subwoofer amp as its pretty good.

The footwell ones seem to be the ones that are causing me to think I need to change them out. I believe I do have the ten speaker setup, so I might go that route. Will any speakers do or is there a suggestion you have? Thanks for the info man!

 

[poss]

The footwell speakers are indeed the weakest link - so it's wise to address them first. I've started another thread re woofer replacement BTW

This is what I am in the process of doing (replacing footwell garbage speaker with Kicker 6.75" 4 ohm wired in parallel to give 2 ohms - you need to make a mounting bracket as per below (did these out of marine grade 12mm plywood today - you need a router for this, unless you have a 3D printer):

 

[yourpicnick]

The footwell speakers are indeed the weakest link - so it's wise to address them first. I've started another thread re woofer replacement BTW
Damn, I don't have too many tools for cutting wood, but ill still check out the thread. Maybe this will be a good reason for me to invest

This is what I am in the process of doing (replacing footwell garbage speaker with Kicker 6.75" 4 ohm wired in parallel to give 2 ohms - you need to make a mounting bracket as per below (did these out of marine grade 12mm plywood today - you need a router for this, unless you have a 3D printer):

Kicker Footwell Bracket.jpg

 

[poss]

something went wrong with your reply

 

[poss]

Damn, I don't have too many tools for cutting wood, but ill still check out the thread. Maybe this will be a good reason for me to invest

You don't absolutely need a router. You can do it with a coping saw. It will just take longer.

 

[poss]

Will any speakers do or is there a suggestion you have?

You cannot simply put any speaker in. Firstly, the impedance (ohms) must match, and secondly they must fit in the available space. Thirdly, you need a mounting solution as BMW's speaker mounts are not standard.
Finally, there's no point doing this unless the replacements are noticeably better-sounding.

The above parameters severely limit your options. However, I have been able to test and confirm that the Kicker 6.75 and CT Sounds 6.5 4 ohm dual voice coils satisfy all the above parameters - with the caveat that both require mounting adaption/mods.