E85 2003 speaker upgrade help
- Thread starter Joeyyy123
- Start date
Hi Joeyyy123. Try my thread on this for starters:
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=123834
Focal Access Series 165AS3s and any small amp with high level inputs would be an excellent upgrade for under £400.
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=123834
Focal Access Series 165AS3s and any small amp with high level inputs would be an excellent upgrade for under £400.
When I was researching my update, general consensus seemed to be to avoid the mids behind the seats as without a DSP to manage the frequency response, you end up with an odd sound stage and buzzing bass. Much better to focus your budget on the front components (2 or 3 way) and then add more bass if required, either in the cubbys, or in a stand alone box. The rear mids are also a pain to get to as you have to take the whole rear bulk-head trim apart.
As far as I'm aware, there aren't any direct fit 'plug and play' for the E85 mids (front or behind seats), or off the shelf adaptors, so you will need to apply some ingenuity regardless of what you choose
No brackets or adaptations required to fit the 6.5" focal components in the kick panels - not sure if this would hold for other brands. The original speaker screws hold them perfectly adequately.
As far as I'm aware, there aren't any direct fit 'plug and play' for the E85 mids (front or behind seats), or off the shelf adaptors, so you will need to apply some ingenuity regardless of what you choose
No brackets or adaptations required to fit the 6.5" focal components in the kick panels - not sure if this would hold for other brands. The original speaker screws hold them perfectly adequately.
Joeyyy123 said:
That amp wont work unless you change or heavily modify the head unit. Per my first reply, you need an amp that can accept high level (speaker level) inputs. I also chose my amplifier based on the available space next to the battery. For this you need one which is small and runs cools (i.e. class D amplifier), given limited ventilation, which the hertz fit the bill for perfectly. If you are happy with it behind the seats or in the boot, then less of an issue.
Yes, those are the speakers I and many others have put in with good results. See Z4c_ers thread on this for detail on the install https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=105681.
In your position I’d probably just fade to the front and/or disconnect the speaker wires to the rear mids. Or pick up some cheap used OEM mids from someone breaking a car. The Focal components produce a good soundstage alone, and you risk a clash of sounds and/or buzzing if you put full range speakers behind unless you have a DSP to dial it in. (I may do this one day).
Given after market head unit you could fit any amp if it fits in the space you allocate. Worth considering the trade offs between power, quality, size etc.. You don’t need much power to fill the Z4 cabin, especially with the relatively sensitive Focal speakers. Power is more of a consideration if you want to run dedicated sub(s) off it as well.
Given after market head unit you could fit any amp if it fits in the space you allocate. Worth considering the trade offs between power, quality, size etc.. You don’t need much power to fill the Z4 cabin, especially with the relatively sensitive Focal speakers. Power is more of a consideration if you want to run dedicated sub(s) off it as well.
I ran both sets of front speakers wires back around the left hand side of the car to the back of the centre console where I put the cross-overs, but if you are removing the centre trim for the line level cables anyway I'd run them there. I used the original front wiring for the tweeters, and ran 2 new sets of cables each side for the woofers and mids. The cables for the mids run through the woofer enclosure, and squeeze in next to the other wires into the door through the rubber 'bellows'.
You should see a massive improvement with just the speakers given you have an aftermarket head unit already. I.e. I think I was upgrading from c.15w in the OEM head unit, whereas you're starting at 50w.
You should see a massive improvement with just the speakers given you have an aftermarket head unit already. I.e. I think I was upgrading from c.15w in the OEM head unit, whereas you're starting at 50w.
In a few installs I’ve done with 3 way components I’ve used Audison APK163’s each speaker has its own cross over reducing the need to run extra cables out to doors etc, and then run your amplified signal into the standard quad lock.
The Audison AP8.9bit amplifier is also very good as you can amplify individual channels and use the internal crossovers built into the amp. This does however mean you need to run cables from the amp to each individual speaker.
The Audison AP8.9bit amplifier is also very good as you can amplify individual channels and use the internal crossovers built into the amp. This does however mean you need to run cables from the amp to each individual speaker.
Those Audisons look ideal for a simple install without an amp - 93.5db sensitivity is impressive.
Possibly the built in tweeter r giving the white noise..shouldn't the footwells be single mid bass rather than a coax speaker?
Joeyyy123 said:
Wherabouts are you? You can get a good result just putting in the correct footwells and a set of coax 10cm door speakers, you could then a add a plug and play amp like a vibe 65.4 with an iso loom ..all very simple..have a look at this thread https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=125344&hilit=vibe+65.4 where I did a basic speaker upgrade with amp in a very simple manner..its in an e89 but the concept will be the same in your car and you can use the same speaker/amp set up , possible even the same iso loom but you should check that
