Speaker Issues

R

R60BBA

Senior member
 London, United Kingdom
I think one of my speakers has blown/is not working to its full capacity.

I’ve noticed that when I play certain songs, the bass cuts out from this particular speaker and sometimes I hear a white noise-like sound coming from it.

I have the standard Z4 Coupe soundsystem I believe (which is the best stock system I’ve had in all my cars - it surprises me as I ordered a factory built M Sport F21 from BMW in 2015 and that system was really average. After all a system which is 8 years older shouldn’t sound better!) BUT having said this, the system could be better.

I’m stuck between 3 options:

1. Replace the speaker like for like.
2. Retrofit a Harmon Kardon system (if possible).
3. Take it to a car audio tech and get an uprated system.

I’ve never heard the Harmon Kardon systems - how good are they compared with stock. The best car systems I’ve heard are the Bose and Bang & Olfusen in Audi’s.

Your comments and views are most welcome.
 
hopz121 said:
Do you have subs behind the seats?
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Nah I have 2 cubby holes so I presume I have the 6 speaker system rather than the 10 speaker system...
 
R60BBA said:
hopz121 said:
Do you have subs behind the seats?
Click to expand...

Nah I have 2 cubby holes so I presume I have the 6 speaker system rather than the 10 speaker system...
Click to expand...

Yep that's the case :)

Id just replace the speaker that is playing up then or change the speakers for upgraded versions.
 
hopz121 said:
R60BBA said:
hopz121 said:
Do you have subs behind the seats?
Click to expand...

Nah I have 2 cubby holes so I presume I have the 6 speaker system rather than the 10 speaker system...
Click to expand...

Yep that's the case :)

Id just replace the speaker that is playing up then or change the speakers for upgraded versions.
Click to expand...

Any knowledge on the brands I’ve mentioned above?

I’ve also heard that JL Audio speakers are quite good too.
 
mines the same, everytime I play anything with even a hint of Bass, the drivers side door speaker buzzes. gets right up my nose!
as soon as I can, thos speakers are coming out and Im having some subs put behind the seats as well.

The basic BMW Audio systems are rubbish.
 
Are you not asking yourself two questions here?

Do you just replace the suspect speaker like for like (ebay or Z4 breaker) - cheap and you say the system is OK

or apply the 'man maths' thing and use this as an excuse to spend loads on an uprated system? - I'd go cheap; spend the difference on petrol and listen to that straight six its the best sound track you could ask for :thumbsup:
 
and for the record, Harman Kardon systems are amazing. the sound quality is superb.
I have a HK system in my Mercedes. Its 10 years old and it still sounds fantastic.
 
Crazy Harry said:
Are you not asking yourself two questions here?

Do you just replace the suspect speaker like for like (ebay or Z4 breaker) - cheap and you say the system is OK

or apply the 'man maths' thing and use this as an excuse to spend loads on an uprated system? - I'd go cheap; spend the difference on petrol and listen to that straight six its the best sound track you could ask for :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Not really and your comment wasn’t very helpful unlike the other responses I’ve received.
 
Tbone said:
mines the same, everytime I play anything with even a hint of Bass, the drivers side door speaker buzzes. gets right up my nose!
as soon as I can, thos speakers are coming out and Im having some subs put behind the seats as well.

The basic BMW Audio systems are rubbish.
Click to expand...

Tbf my system is circa 10 and a half years old, but yeah I agree that white noise-like sound coming out of the dodgy speaker is annoying AF.

Do you know whether it’s possible to fit a Harman Kardon retro fit system?
 
should be possible, but you may have to modify your door cards or speaker ports etc though... to fit new ones. Im not sure if BMW do a HK system at all.

you can definitely get Hrman Kardon speakers in all manner of shapes and sizes though. Im sure they have made some BMW compatible sizes.
 
I know this is from the USA but...

https://www.bavsound.com/Product/bsd-s1-e89-hifi-stage-one-bmw-e89-hk
 
Tbone said:
I know this is from the USA but...

https://www.bavsound.com/Product/bsd-s1-e89-hifi-stage-one-bmw-e89-hk
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Thanks but I think this one is for e89 :?
 
have a google search I am sure something suitable will turn up.
if not then try to find a car audio specialist, there are plenty of these guys are dotted around the UK.
 
If you only have the 6 speaker system then replace the dodgy speaker and head unit.

Head unit makes a massive difference.

Speaker technology hasn't changed at all in like 50 years.

I upgraded the head unit and the amp but I have the 10 speaker system.

The BMW subs are stupidly difficult to drive. I wouldn't recommend them however my sound system does sound amazing with the upgrades I made and I already had the better sound system.

Plus with new head unit you get Bluetooth, dab radio, MP3, etc.
 
new head unit looks *$*&(*$ ugly in a stock car. i have replaced my 6 speaker system with a Focal 3-way (165PS) system, and some 6x9 coax focal speakers in the rear cuby's.. best €800 spend on the car. the headunit has enough power to drive all those speakers.
 
SonnyA85 said:
If you only have the 6 speaker system then replace the dodgy speaker and head unit.

Head unit makes a massive difference.

Speaker technology hasn't changed at all in like 50 years.

I upgraded the head unit and the amp but I have the 10 speaker system.

The BMW subs are stupidly difficult to drive. I wouldn't recommend them however my sound system does sound amazing with the upgrades I made and I already had the better sound system.

Plus with new head unit you get Bluetooth, dab radio, MP3, etc.
Click to expand...

I’m thinking of installing this instead of swapping out the head unit. (I like the look of the stock dash).

https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bluetooth-Music-Handsfree-MP3-CD-changer-adapter-BMW-E39-E83-E53-E85-Business-CD-/111685007449

Will look into the cost of good quality speakers in the meantime.
 
If you are going aftermarket, I would go for a 3 way set of components in the front doors.

I love Focal speakers but everyone is different and has different budgets. JL, Hertz and Rainbow are good too.

Its all down to budget really.

To get the most out them you'll need to amp then up though.
 
vester86 said:
new head unit looks *$*&(*$ ugly in a stock car. i have replaced my 6 speaker system with a Focal 3-way (165PS) system, and some 6x9 coax focal speakers in the rear cuby's.. best €800 spend on the car. the headunit has enough power to drive all those speakers.
Click to expand...

Cheers man
 
hopz121 said:
If you are going aftermarket, I would go for a 3 way set of components in the front doors.

I love Focal speakers but everyone is different and has different budgets. JL, Hertz and Rainbow are good too.

Its all down to budget really.

To get the most out them you'll need to amp then up though.
Click to expand...

Cheers bud
 
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