Calling all audio hobbyists/enthusiasts

BrazilianBimmer · 04-18-2012, 10:27 PM

I would like to upgrade my base audio system.

I have a 2006 e90 325i BMW with the regular base audio system that I'd like to upgrade.
I've seen some things here but I still have no idea as to what to do. Please help me build a good sounding/ strong affordable system.

*good sounding= doesn't have to be a high end hotel
*affordable = less than $800? $900?

ctuna · 04-18-2012, 10:42 PM

Read this for starters

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323

Its pretty hard to come in under 1 k even if you are doing this yourself
mostly because the stuff that fits isn't your average Pioneer , Sony stuff.

Look at the Technics threads in the links mentioned above.
He can get you pretty close to what you want but you will have
to do some work.
If you want a plug an play kit Musicar is the way to go.

BrazilianBimmer · 04-18-2012, 11:19 PM

I've read and re-read that thread before and all it has helped me do was determine that the system I have is the base system...everything else I can not comprehend.

(

Thumperx · 04-18-2012, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrazilianBimmer

I've read and re-read that thread before and all it has helped me do was determine that the system I have is the base system...everything else I can not comprehend.

(

If you want to upgrade your system, you'll need to comprehend the basics in order to understand what you need in equipment. Then, you may identify what quality of components you may be willing to spend. Since you're a car audiophile noobie, then start with these website first.

http://bcae1.com/
http://www.installdr.com/Beginner.asp

Then check out: www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/

You'll learn a lot. Remember, you'll NEVER be satisfied. Enjoy

taibanl · 04-19-2012, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrazilianBimmer

I've read and re-read that thread before and all it has helped me do was determine that the system I have is the base system...everything else I can not comprehend.

(

Its just a table of contents. It gets you started with some rules but then its a collection. Of links to examples. YOU have to decide what uour goals are for your car.

ctuna · 04-19-2012, 12:26 PM

For some body that has a basic understanding of stereo or electronics.

It tells you exactly whats in the car and your specific system.

It tells you what will fit and what is commonly used and why it has
to be used.

It tells you how to put it in(extensive info on this) an where to get it.
Along with the parts you will need if you piece it together yourself.

It gives multiple examples of common systems that have been proven
to work and sound pretty awsome.

It does not show, show car systems(the kind you see on overhauled or pimp my ride at 5k +) for the most part and I would say the cost of most of the systems are in the 1k to 3k range.

Also if you have a US 06 325 you have HI FI as that was the lowest option in the US in 06 unless its L7 .

BrazilianBimmer · 04-19-2012, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

For some body that has a basic understanding of stereo or electronics.

It tells you exactly whats in the car and your specific system.

It tells you what will fit and what is commonly used and why it has
to be used.

It tells you how to put it in(extensive info on this) an where to get it.
Along with the parts you will need if you piece it together yourself.

It gives multiple examples of common systems that have been proven
to work and sound pretty awsome.

It does not show, show car systems(the kind you see on overhauled or pimp my ride at 5k +) for the most part and I would say the cost of most of the systems are in the 1k to 3k range.

Also if you have a US 06 325 you have HI FI as that was the lowest option in the US in 06 unless its L7 .

cool this info helps me out even a little more.
Yes I do have a US 2006 e90 325i
yet it says the production date is June 2005, does that make a difference?
I do have Hi Fi?..well dang, I never knew even after reading all them pages
I no I have the 2 tweeters, 2 speakers on the front panel of the front doors, 2 speakers on the back by the back window and I know that I have the under the seat enclosures..but I have no idea if there's anything IN them.
Lastly, I know for sure that I don't have no amp in the back.

ctuna · 04-19-2012, 11:56 PM

BrazilianBimmer · 04-20-2012, 11:47 AM

HA! ain't that something, so I do have the Hifi sound system?
Sure enough I go to the trunk and open the compartment on the left and the amp is sitting there, exactly as in the pic, with all the cables and everything.
What's my next step...I've read that this is the easiest system to upgrade? ummm

ctuna · 04-20-2012, 12:03 PM

At this point I am kind of flustered
and am about to say maybe you should get Larry the Cable guy to help you.
I would say if you want a one stop solution get a MusicarNw Kit
but I'm not sure I want to give Vp that much grief.

BrazilianBimmer · 04-20-2012, 12:10 PM

C'mon Ctuna, thanks for the illustration of the amp, that helped me find it. I had actually opened that compartment before and never even realized that that thing was an amp, I thought it was part of the frame work of the car. lol
I don't want a one stop solution, because in the process I want to be able to understand about the audio system too. Besides the one stop solution turns out being more expensive. I just would like to hear some ideas/suggestions from people. I've read so many thread dude and the thing about these thread is that some of them are not always very detailed or incomplete and before long, I have all threads all mixed up and I have no idea/solution for myself

ctuna · 04-20-2012, 01:00 PM

Depends on what you listen to .
Old school = system with flat frequency response for classical rock
jazz accurate reproduction across the frequency spectrum
Hip Hop and the new stuff heavy on bass some people must have a sub
in the trunk or multiple subs just to say they have one or they want to bounce
the car.
If you are budget restricted to 1 k you are going to have shop a lot for all the pieces and what you can do is limited IMO.

It is not advised to add one thing at a time but you can test one thing at a time.

You will definitely
want a Technic Harness , you will need speaker adapters,
power wires , factory connectors and and the ability to use small tools and to use a volt/ohm meter.
What you need to do is all layed out in the original threads it took us a long time
to get it up there you just have to read it.
For a Hi Fi system amp , speakers harness adaptors
I have my VP install procedure in there take a look at it.
And it did not prevent me from understanding it to get one indeed
I got one because I have a fairly good idea of how much hassel
it would be to gather all the pieces and doing it on my own.
Also these are known to work really good configurations.
Yes the install procedures are separated into different threads but
there are plenty and they are redundant.

BrazilianBimmer · 04-20-2012, 01:11 PM

I did read some of it Ctuna, but like I said I kept going off in different directions because I didn't even know for sure if I had the base or Hifi- system, so it all became confusing.

I listen mostly to new stuff, hip hop, rap, reggeaton (spanish music that has a lot of bass to it.) I also listen to some old school, rock, alternative
Here's basically what I want out of my set-up:
1-Something that will play music loud/er then the current set up without completely distorting it.
2-Need to be able to hear bass without the distortion again.
3-Bass to be good, but not trunk shattering.
4-A system that can be called great, clear sounding, loud but not overly loud.

I've listened to the Bose system they got on Infinitys and I like the bass on it.
Any help at all is truly appreciated.

ctuna · 04-20-2012, 01:26 PM

He is good at budget systems.
He has one called the lease special .
It's DLS speakers for the doors ,SWS-8 for the under seats and
a JL xd 600/6 amp.

Jesus805 · 04-20-2012, 01:30 PM

2 10 or 12" w6 in a band pass blow through box with some focal components or type x comp. and as for Amps arc audio.. Best bang for your buck
That's true bass and sound for u

BrazilianBimmer · 04-20-2012, 01:44 PM

I will take a look at the suggested options. By the way Ctuna my budget can go up to $1200? maybe good enough? As long as I get a quality system out of it

Please take a look at this thread on FS section, would these Logic 7 speakers work for my car
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=679662

ctuna · 04-20-2012, 01:58 PM

The selection of speakers for the coupe is more limited the only thing
that fits is Jehnerts , Focals and L7's, last time I looked . I wouldn't put L7's in if I knew I was putting in an aftermarket amp that will run them at 100 watts .
So I don't know.

At 1200 bucks you are approaching the low end of a VP Kit.

izzyswift · 04-20-2012, 03:15 PM

Hey Guys, To be honest you could get a pretty descent system for that kind of money. I live in Canada and I just spent $1000 on a system with shipping and customs fees included. I got 2 RE Audio SEX10W4, 3000W RE Audio Mono Amp. Sealed Box, Wire harness, antena adapter, and a dash kit. I also got a new head unit with a 7" flip out screen. I am installing all of it tomorrow in my 08 E90 323i. The stock system just was not matching up to what I like in system. I was originally going to just add a 10" in the back and be done. Needless to say, I went a little overboard. I will post somethign up after its done. You can buy everything you want @ sonicelectronix.com. Their shipping is free in the US and I believe the is some sort of "what will fit you car program". once you see what will fit, read the reviews and see what you like or what has worked for other people.

The post above helped me out quite a bit. The only thing I'm not looking forward to is finding somewhere in the trunk to put the original head unit. I don't think it will be too bad, but time will tell. I'll keep you posted.

QUiKSR20 · 04-20-2012, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by izzyswift

Hey Guys, To be honest you could get a pretty descent system for that kind of money. I live in Canada and I just spent $1000 on a system with shipping and customs fees included. I got 2 RE Audio SEX10W4, 3000W RE Audio Mono Amp. Sealed Box, Wire harness, antena adapter, and a dash kit. I also got a new head unit with a 7" flip out screen. I am installing all of it tomorrow in my 08 E90 323i. The stock system just was not matching up to what I like in system. I was originally going to just add a 10" in the back and be done. Needless to say, I went a little overboard. I will post somethign up after its done. You can buy everything you want @ sonicelectronix.com. Their shipping is free in the US and I believe the is some sort of "what will fit you car program". once you see what will fit, read the reviews and see what you like or what has worked for other people.

The post above helped me out quite a bit. The only thing I'm not looking forward to is finding somewhere in the trunk to put the original head unit. I don't think it will be too bad, but time will tell. I'll keep you posted.

A little searching on the AUDIO FAQ goes a long way, I found this in about 5mins and I dont even own an E90 yet.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323

Dont take it im being a jerk but all the info is there and people put in hard
work to make this stuff easier for new people like me and you.

Speaker Threads - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343673

ctuna · 04-20-2012, 06:19 PM

4" Rear deck speakers - VIBE Audio SLICK4-V3 (http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...Slick40v3.html) - $35

4" Front component speakers - DLS X-Program X-SC42 (http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...am-X-SC42.html) - $150

8" under the seat speakers - Earthquake SWS-8X (http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...ke-SWS-8X.html) - $340

6x100 AMP - JL Audio XD600/6 AMP (http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...o-XD600-6.html) - $399

from this thread

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=487092&page=3

there are more in it.

BrazilianBimmer · 04-25-2012, 01:01 PM

Okay, I went to that web site Ctuna, here is the setup.
Is this the right config? # of speakers..etc? What kind of system would this be considered? good? low budget? ok?
Would this work? comes to about $1100.00

ctuna · 04-25-2012, 01:07 PM

I have heard this system minus the rears
And its about 10 times better than stock .
Don't forget you need a technic harness . A way to attach the speakers both doors and floors.
to the doors (consult Technic ) and factory connectors if you want to make it nice.
I would consult Technic for the details.(especially fitment)
Did you ever say if you had a coupe or sedan.

The following thread is crazydiamonds system I heard it after he
installed the DL4's
Threre are other threads by him search for those to.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=553320

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=579094

04-18-2012, 10:27 PM	#1
BrazilianBimmer Captain 42 Rep 822 Posts Drives: Black e90 325i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (0)	Calling all audio hobbyists/enthusiasts I would like to upgrade my base audio system. I have a 2006 e90 325i BMW with the regular base audio system that I'd like to upgrade. I've seen some things here but I still have no idea as to what to do. Please help me build a good sounding/ strong affordable system. good sounding= doesn't have to be a high end hotel affordable = less than $800? $900?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

04-18-2012, 10:42 PM	#2
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,104 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Read this for starters Read this for starters http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323 Its pretty hard to come in under 1 k even if you are doing this yourself mostly because the stuff that fits isn't your average Pioneer , Sony stuff. Look at the Technics threads in the links mentioned above. He can get you pretty close to what you want but you will have to do some work. If you want a plug an play kit Musicar is the way to go.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-18-2012, 11:19 PM	#3
BrazilianBimmer Captain 42 Rep 822 Posts Drives: Black e90 325i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (0)	I've read and re-read that thread before and all it has helped me do was determine that the system I have is the base system...everything else I can not comprehend. (
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-19-2012, 12:26 PM	#6
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,104 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	For some body that has a basic understanding For some body that has a basic understanding of stereo or electronics. It tells you exactly whats in the car and your specific system. It tells you what will fit and what is commonly used and why it has to be used. It tells you how to put it in(extensive info on this) an where to get it. Along with the parts you will need if you piece it together yourself. It gives multiple examples of common systems that have been proven to work and sound pretty awsome. It does not show, show car systems(the kind you see on overhauled or pimp my ride at 5k +) for the most part and I would say the cost of most of the systems are in the 1k to 3k range. Also if you have a US 06 325 you have HI FI as that was the lowest option in the US in 06 unless its L7 . Last edited by ctuna; 04-19-2012 at 02:50 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-19-2012, 11:56 PM	#8
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,104 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	You aren't doing your homework You do have one . BMW stereo types http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=352586 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1260829447 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343673 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=138949 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1260829447 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780605 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780865 http://www.musicarnw.com/page-2/ http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...4&d=1278871872 and it looks like this and it sits here. Attached Images Last edited by ctuna; 04-20-2012 at 12:05 AM..
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04-20-2012, 11:47 AM	#9
BrazilianBimmer Captain 42 Rep 822 Posts Drives: Black e90 325i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (0)	HA! ain't that something, so I do have the Hifi sound system? Sure enough I go to the trunk and open the compartment on the left and the amp is sitting there, exactly as in the pic, with all the cables and everything. What's my next step...I've read that this is the easiest system to upgrade? ummm
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2012, 12:03 PM	#10
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,104 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	At this point I am kind of flustered At this point I am kind of flustered and am about to say maybe you should get Larry the Cable guy to help you. I would say if you want a one stop solution get a MusicarNw Kit but I'm not sure I want to give Vp that much grief.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2012, 12:10 PM	#11
BrazilianBimmer Captain 42 Rep 822 Posts Drives: Black e90 325i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (0)	C'mon Ctuna, thanks for the illustration of the amp, that helped me find it. I had actually opened that compartment before and never even realized that that thing was an amp, I thought it was part of the frame work of the car. lol I don't want a one stop solution, because in the process I want to be able to understand about the audio system too. Besides the one stop solution turns out being more expensive. I just would like to hear some ideas/suggestions from people. I've read so many thread dude and the thing about these thread is that some of them are not always very detailed or incomplete and before long, I have all threads all mixed up and I have no idea/solution for myself
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2012, 01:00 PM	#12
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,104 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	What you put in depends on your tastes/budjet Depends on what you listen to . Old school = system with flat frequency response for classical rock jazz accurate reproduction across the frequency spectrum Hip Hop and the new stuff heavy on bass some people must have a sub in the trunk or multiple subs just to say they have one or they want to bounce the car. If you are budget restricted to 1 k you are going to have shop a lot for all the pieces and what you can do is limited IMO. It is not advised to add one thing at a time but you can test one thing at a time. You will definitely want a Technic Harness , you will need speaker adapters, power wires , factory connectors and and the ability to use small tools and to use a volt/ohm meter. What you need to do is all layed out in the original threads it took us a long time to get it up there you just have to read it. For a Hi Fi system amp , speakers harness adaptors I have my VP install procedure in there take a look at it. And it did not prevent me from understanding it to get one indeed I got one because I have a fairly good idea of how much hassel it would be to gather all the pieces and doing it on my own. Also these are known to work really good configurations. Yes the install procedures are separated into different threads but there are plenty and they are redundant. Last edited by ctuna; 04-20-2012 at 01:11 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2012, 01:11 PM	#13
BrazilianBimmer Captain 42 Rep 822 Posts Drives: Black e90 325i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (0)	I did read some of it Ctuna, but like I said I kept going off in different directions because I didn't even know for sure if I had the base or Hifi- system, so it all became confusing. I listen mostly to new stuff, hip hop, rap, reggeaton (spanish music that has a lot of bass to it.) I also listen to some old school, rock, alternative Here's basically what I want out of my set-up: 1-Something that will play music loud/er then the current set up without completely distorting it. 2-Need to be able to hear bass without the distortion again. 3-Bass to be good, but not trunk shattering. 4-A system that can be called great, clear sounding, loud but not overly loud. I've listened to the Bose system they got on Infinitys and I like the bass on it. Any help at all is truly appreciated.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2012, 01:26 PM	#14
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,104 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Look at the Technic configurations He is good at budget systems. He has one called the lease special . It's DLS speakers for the doors ,SWS-8 for the under seats and a JL xd 600/6 amp.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2012, 01:30 PM	#15
Jesus805 Private 3 Rep 89 Posts Drives: 2007 e93 2009 e90 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Sb 805 iTrader: (0)	2 10 or 12" w6 in a band pass blow through box with some focal components or type x comp. and as for Amps arc audio.. Best bang for your buck That's true bass and sound for u
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2012, 01:44 PM	#16
BrazilianBimmer Captain 42 Rep 822 Posts Drives: Black e90 325i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (0)	I will take a look at the suggested options. By the way Ctuna my budget can go up to $1200? maybe good enough? As long as I get a quality system out of it Please take a look at this thread on FS section, would these Logic 7 speakers work for my car http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=679662 Last edited by BrazilianBimmer; 04-20-2012 at 01:51 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2012, 01:58 PM	#17
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,104 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Do you have a sedan or coupe? The selection of speakers for the coupe is more limited the only thing that fits is Jehnerts , Focals and L7's, last time I looked . I wouldn't put L7's in if I knew I was putting in an aftermarket amp that will run them at 100 watts . So I don't know. At 1200 bucks you are approaching the low end of a VP Kit. Last edited by ctuna; 04-20-2012 at 02:15 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2012, 03:15 PM	#18
izzyswift New Member 9 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 2008 323i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Saskatchewan iTrader: (0)	Hey Guys, To be honest you could get a pretty descent system for that kind of money. I live in Canada and I just spent $1000 on a system with shipping and customs fees included. I got 2 RE Audio SEX10W4, 3000W RE Audio Mono Amp. Sealed Box, Wire harness, antena adapter, and a dash kit. I also got a new head unit with a 7" flip out screen. I am installing all of it tomorrow in my 08 E90 323i. The stock system just was not matching up to what I like in system. I was originally going to just add a 10" in the back and be done. Needless to say, I went a little overboard. I will post somethign up after its done. You can buy everything you want @ sonicelectronix.com. Their shipping is free in the US and I believe the is some sort of "what will fit you car program". once you see what will fit, read the reviews and see what you like or what has worked for other people. The post above helped me out quite a bit. The only thing I'm not looking forward to is finding somewhere in the trunk to put the original head unit. I don't think it will be too bad, but time will tell. I'll keep you posted.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2012, 06:19 PM	#20
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,104 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	This is one of the low cost solutions 4" Rear deck speakers - VIBE Audio SLICK4-V3 (http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...Slick40v3.html) - $35 4" Front component speakers - DLS X-Program X-SC42 (http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...am-X-SC42.html) - $150 8" under the seat speakers - Earthquake SWS-8X (http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...ke-SWS-8X.html) - $340 6x100 AMP - JL Audio XD600/6 AMP (http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...o-XD600-6.html) - $399 from this thread http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=487092&page=3 there are more in it.
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04-25-2012, 01:01 PM	#21
BrazilianBimmer Captain 42 Rep 822 Posts Drives: Black e90 325i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (0)	Okay, I went to that web site Ctuna, here is the setup. Is this the right config? # of speakers..etc? What kind of system would this be considered? good? low budget? ok? Would this work? comes to about $1100.00
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-25-2012, 01:07 PM	#22
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,104 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	I have heard this system minus the rears I have heard this system minus the rears And its about 10 times better than stock . Don't forget you need a technic harness . A way to attach the speakers both doors and floors. to the doors (consult Technic ) and factory connectors if you want to make it nice. I would consult Technic for the details.(especially fitment) Did you ever say if you had a coupe or sedan. The following thread is crazydiamonds system I heard it after he installed the DL4's Threre are other threads by him search for those to. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=553320 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=579094 Last edited by ctuna; 04-25-2012 at 01:35 PM..
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