Z4 Audio Install

In the boot......

P1000158.jpg

BMW do mess with the signal to the rears but i'm not sure if its a crossover on the speaker or if its inline on the speaker cable itself, either way i have mine faded out to just 20%.
 
Funny that this thread has come up again now. After several ( too many ) years I've finally started on installing the front speakers. I'll get some photos online next week with the progress.

So far I've made a new amp rack to hold the existing Genesis amp for the subs and a Helix 400 for the fronts. I've also made a mount to hold the cross overs and signal processor. That slots down next to the battery.
The wires are in rear to front for all speakers & signal. Pulling those cables was not fun! Had most of the centre panels removed from the car.

Up next will be wiring and then installing the front speakers.
 
Fitted new rears to mine a while back bought the grlls for £60ish and diconnected the original small speakers,big improvement.
 
Progress update.

See all images of the update so far


15097096564_18f57e7a09_z.jpghttps://flic.kr/p/p15yQm
Planning route for the audio cables.  Needed to pull through 8 wires for each side, 6 for speakers & 2 for high level inputs.  The cross overs will be in the rear of the car.  There is enough space for them there and in the event that I want to run 3 way active in the future it will simply be a case of hooking up the wires.  No need to take the car apart again.


15531149919_6c167270a4_z.jpghttps://flic.kr/p/pErcLT
Audio cables passed though bulkhead and covered.


15097667033_d8b9b375e4_z.jpghttps://flic.kr/p/p18uq2
Wires in place and ready to be connected into the door and bass speaker.

15097661493_a61a015992_z.jpghttps://flic.kr/p/p18sLv
Wires routed into the boot.


15097661863_8e9d620294_z.jpghttps://flic.kr/p/p18sST
Not audio related however a good time fix the the soft top lock mechanism.  Since everything was is in bits it seemed like a good time to do it.


15563494079_907cca9010_z.jpghttps://flic.kr/p/pHhYyP
All back together and nothing visible to ensure a stock look.


15531609358_73b242d5fb_z.jpghttps://flic.kr/p/pEtymf
Parts ready for assembly.


15747470111_be72e81152_z.jpghttps://flic.kr/p/pZxUen
Cross & signal processor mount.


15531847877_c0047c5a6d_z.jpghttps://flic.kr/p/pEuMfD
Test install.


15129412134_f9ee6887d1_z.jpghttps://flic.kr/p/p3Wc8m
These caps are great for keeping thing neat and tidy.


15725662786_4268317d7c_z.jpghttps://flic.kr/p/pXC8F1
All wires get a label, will make it easy to stay on top of all of everything :)


15747457181_ff9d40b4be_z.jpghttps://flic.kr/p/pZxQor
Carpet applied


15129403374_26bf3f8720_z.jpghttps://flic.kr/p/p3W9wj
15563919618_f1197ae88f_z.jpghttps://flic.kr/p/pHka4G
Amps installed.

Next up will be the speaker installation, everything else is ready and in place.
 
Absolutely fantastic work.

Really love the attention to detail.

Any thoughts on amp cooling? Seems like it will get warm in that encolsed space?
 
Thanks :)

Cooling should be ok, there is an air gap above the amps.
In the event that it were to be an issue it would be easy to add a fan to one end to circulate the air.
 
SamUK said:
Hi,

reading with interest - as i want to upgrade the sound in my alpina z4.

what Genesis 6x9's did you buy? are these good, and or is there a better speaker options available?

Sam
Click to expand...


Pretty sure they're discontinued and when available used, aren't around for long.

A 6" subwoofer would give comparable performance, the only issue is there aren't many out there. (JL Audio 6w3 comes to mind
 
Kind of related to this.. To get a feed off the upper rear speakers, (I have the basic stereo) do I simply need to remove the boot carpet?

Thanks in advance!
 
mike46 said:
Kind of related to this.. To get a feed off the upper rear speakers, (I have the basic stereo) do I simply need to remove the boot carpet?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

Yes, you should see the wires running up to the back of the speakers. Just make sure any splicing is later insulated well to prevent the wire from grounding out and damaging your amp.
 
NeilP said:
It's a subwoofer so those JBLs will mainly be focussed on mids and highs.
Click to expand...

just little confused..

So what is the alternative speaker that will do the same function of the discontinued genesis? Will the JBL's be ok?
 
No they wont. Easiest option would be to stick a sub in the boot if you're lacking some bottom end or a slim sub and enclosure behind the seat on the floor.

With either option, you'll be able to benefit from increased output from a ported box and a bigger driver too 8" +

If you are still looking for OEM replacements, the only driver worth considering that will be capable of sub bass frequencies would be a JL Audio 6w3.
 
I did have a look at fitting a pair of 8" ID8's ( has some around from a previous project ) they were just a touch too big to fit into the rear pockets. Another design of 8" may fit depending on the size of the basket + magnet. 6" as above fit nicely.

Those Genesis's P69 came up for sale and are a great fit. They add a nice bit of bass its not loads just a fill for the bottom end. I believe there are some 6x9 JBL speakers but I don't think those are available anymore. Something to keep an eye out for on the second hand market. There various 6x9 subs out there but I dont have any experience of these ( eg http://www.woofersetc.com/c-179-6x9-subwoofers.aspx )

Subs in the boot would certainly work. Pretty much anything would fit there :evil: :D However not an option for me as I like to have the storage space.
 
I'll be buying a couple of these soon as I have the dosh:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321501734620?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom