Is there a bit of room in the E85/6 dash?

RMB

RMB

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 Bournemouth
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I’m looking at a very compact 4 channel class D amplifier which will run very simply from the business CD head unit using a BMW specific iso harness and the high-level speaker outputs.
It will give me a bit more power now I’m running eight speakers.
The amp I’m looking at is about 18 cm x 5cm x 7cm.
I thought it might go under the hedge unit but it does look a bit tight behind there with various brackets in the way.
I’m wondering if I can get it on the passenger side somewhere above and behind the glove box or in the dash behind the dash trim. Does anyone know if there’s much space without me stripping the car down to fit a small amplifier in there? Thanks
 
I reckon you’ll fit that in. You are right that it’s quite congested under the head unit and HVAC units

I’d avoid the passenger side due to the airbag and fuse panel

So drivers side or under the centre tunnel console I think you’ll find space

Pop the instrument cluster out for a good look
 
How much heat is it likely to generate? Will it be ok very close to looms?
Another option is actually inside the glove box?
 
Hi @enuff_zed,
It’s class D so should not get very hot really. They tend to run much cooler and more efficiently than traditional class AB amps.
I thought about inside the glovebox but would rather retain that space if at all possible.
 
Thanks Stu, I wish I’d have taken more pictures and remembered everything from when I had it all apart before.
 
I 'think' there 'may' be enough space above the small panel that the aux jack fits into. But not sure how you would secure it there?
An easy thing to pop out and check though.
 
That is a similar size to the the crossovers for the Focal 165 ASC speaker setup.

I managed to install the crossovers for those behind the dash in the following locations:
- RHD passenger side: behind/under where the cupholder retracts into. It's sort of by the GM5 bracket. This is a bit tight, and will be a pain with speaker/power wires too
- RHD driver side: under the light switch, behind the dash. There are vertical and horizonal metal dash support bars to attach too (I just used cable ties) - and there's plenty of room for wiring and heat dissipation.

Here's a terrible photo, taken through the space where the LCM installs:

1769694091259.png
 
Thanks @Usel, thanks @TriggerFish

Ive made a mock up scale amplifier to try before I buy. I feel a strip down and test fit coming…😆
 

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I was expecting some 3D printed masterpiece at first until I clicked the photo - but LEGO is much better - that's brilliant!

Out of interest, do you have a link to the amp? Something that small is intriguing...
 
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This cruise control box I put in space below the light control module is 125x80x32mm

20241019_122311.jpg
 
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Impulse 4.320 - Compact 4-channel digital amplifier | Focal

Impulse 4.320, Compact 4-channel digital amplifier : enjoy high-quality speakers performance for car audio system. High-fidelity car sound system that will accompany you everywhere you go with the excellence of French brand Focal.
www.focal.com www.focal.com

No massive powerhouse but should help power my 8 speaker set up (door speakers added). 4x 55w rms.
High lever inputs too, so it can take the speaker outputs and amplify them.
There’s a bmw y iso harness that looks perfect for this set up. Although it states 2009 -2019 bmw. Assuming the images are correct surely this fits our e85/6s?..

BMW/MINI Y-ISO Harness - ISO harness cable | Focal

BMW/MINI Y-ISO Harness, ISO harness cable : enjoy high-quality speakers performance for car audio system. High-fidelity car sound system that will accompany you everywhere you go with the excellence of French brand Focal.
www.focal.com www.focal.com
 
Also comfortably fits in glovebox as an option…
 

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