Upgrading the standard Sound System...

S

SteveSmith

Active member
Hi all,

I've always had the upgraded systems in my cars whether they're Bose or HK and thought I had the upgraded system in the Z4 but it sounds crap.

I then replaced a blown speaker to find I have no tweeters so I presume I have the bog standard 6 speaker system.

If that's the case, other than the 10cm door speakers, what over speakers / sizes do I have?

I seem to think I have sound from the foot wells and the sides of the seats. What size speakers are these?

For ease, I'm thinking about upgrading all speakers to Focal coaxials so at least I'll get tweeters without having to run more wires etc.

Does the Z4 have space for sub woofers undefthe seats or are they behind the seats?

Will I have space / wiring for the sub woofers even if I haven't got them?

I'm quite confident on changing speakers but I'd rather let someone else do it if it means running new cables / adding Amps etc.

Thanks,

Steve
 
Whoofers in footwells, mid range behind seats, tweeters opposite wing-mirrors, sod all in the doors. I recently fitted door speakers and silent coat. System sounds pretty good. If you're going to fit an amp you can choose what speaker goes where. Footwells are good for whoofers because they have the well to resonate in. There's a few vids on youtube that show fitting subs behind the seats. Strangely I found after fitting my door speakers the car felt more closed in when the stereo was on. Before fitting the door speakers the sound seemed to generate more space.
 
If you are going for FOCAL then you definitely need an amp and new cables, footwell are 6,5", doors and behind seat Mid-ranges are 4" and there are no tweeters - tweeters will be fed from the door Mid-ranges.

If you add the tweeters and subs with a decent amp you will have a decent sound and there is no need to add subs behind the seats as it is a big job in my opinion, but if you want more bass then you can always add a a sub-woofer in the cabin or in the boot.

I have upgraded my sound system and added few pics to the forum, there are plenty of threads and pics on how to do it and if you do get stuck you can always ask questions on here.

The basic 6 speakers sound is s**t tbh and definitely needs upgrading.
 
I've definitely got the bottom end system as I have no speaker between the seats, just a plastic cover.

I think in the new year I'm gonna rip it all out and see what's there and just upgrade every speaker. See what it's like then :thumbsup:
 
benv6 said:
If you are going for FOCAL then you definitely need an amp and new cables, footwell are 6,5", doors and behind seat Mid-ranges are 4" and there are no tweeters - tweeters will be fed from the door Mid-ranges.

If you add the tweeters and subs with a decent amp you will have a decent sound and there is no need to add subs behind the seats as it is a big job in my opinion, but if you want more bass then you can always add a a sub-woofer in the cabin or in the boot.

I have upgraded my sound system and added few pics to the forum, there are plenty of threads and pics on how to do it and if you do get stuck you can always ask questions on here.

The basic 6 speakers sound is s**t tbh and definitely needs upgrading.
Click to expand...


Thank you!

So, if I bought some 6.5" speakers for footwell, 4" speakers for behind seats and 4" coaxials (built in tweeter) for the door I'd see a big improvement?
 
SteveSmith said:
benv6 said:
If you are going for FOCAL then you definitely need an amp and new cables, footwell are 6,5", doors and behind seat Mid-ranges are 4" and there are no tweeters - tweeters will be fed from the door Mid-ranges.

If you add the tweeters and subs with a decent amp you will have a decent sound and there is no need to add subs behind the seats as it is a big job in my opinion, but if you want more bass then you can always add a a sub-woofer in the cabin or in the boot.

I have upgraded my sound system and added few pics to the forum, there are plenty of threads and pics on how to do it and if you do get stuck you can always ask questions on here.

The basic 6 speakers sound is s**t tbh and definitely needs upgrading.
Click to expand...


Thank you!

So, if I bought some 6.5" speakers for footwell, 4" speakers for behind seats and 4" coaxials (built in tweeter) for the door I'd see a big improvement?
Click to expand...

Oh yes yes you will, I have upgraded just the speakers first and there was a good improvement but the DSP Amp made the BIG difference.
 
Found these...

http://caraudiosecurity.com/mb-quart-qmw-165-bmw-3-series-e46-custom-speaker-kit-16-5cm

http://caraudiosecurity.com/mb-quart-qm100-bmw-custom-10cm-2-way-coaxial-bmw-1-3-5-series

Would these be ok without an amp?
 
benv6 said:
If you are going for FOCAL then you definitely need an amp and new cables, footwell are 6,5", doors and behind seat Mid-ranges are 4" and there are no tweeters - tweeters will be fed from the door Mid-ranges.

If you add the tweeters and subs with a decent amp you will have a decent sound and there is no need to add subs behind the seats as it is a big job in my opinion, but if you want more bass then you can always add a a sub-woofer in the cabin or in the boot.

I have upgraded my sound system and added few pics to the forum, there are plenty of threads and pics on how to do it and if you do get stuck you can always ask questions on here.

The basic 6 speakers sound is s**t tbh and definitely needs upgrading.
Click to expand...
not entirely true. I have upgraded my standard speakers with am focal PS165F3, 3-way compo set and the standard business headunit is more than capable to run those fine speakers. Especially on the standard audio setup it saves you A LOT of hassle not to run new wiring into the doors.

Edit: i'm sorry i se i commented in the e89 sections. My comment is based on my own experiences with my e85 from 2003.
 
Where you based as got a focal dealer just north of Sheffield, several demo cars with different kit have done a forum members e85 earlier this year an. I know John e89 has been to them , even if you want install them yourself you'll get good advice,
 
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