Z4-forum.com

Hi All

I wanted to share some tips and photos from my Audio Upgrade - I had the 6 speakers system which was dreadful.

Please be aware that I am no pro and my system isn't perfect but all I know is that it SOUNDS AMAZING, CRISPY, POWERFUL & PUNCHY..

I "might" change few things in the future but at the moment I am more than happy with it. Unfortunately I forgot to take pics when I first started so few steps will me missing but more than happy to give clarification.

I didn't want to spend a ridiculous amount of money on a sound system in a 35i as most of the time I would be listening to my straight 6 with its 2 babies..

1 - Speakers: http://www.audison.eu/index.php?page=product&id=67

2 - DSP Amplifer: http://www.blaupunkt.com/id/nc/products ... ngle/9047/

3 - RCA HI/LOW Converter: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Micro-Trader-S ... B00DBYG9Q6

4 - Amplifier wiring Kit

5 - 1.5mm Speakers Cable.

6 - Dynamat - Sound Proofing.

6 - Scotch Connectors: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/39122447 ... 804&crdt=0

A) First of all I have removed the HU and connected the RCA HI/LOW converter inline at the back of the HU, connected it to the power cables so I can have a remote that will switch the amplifier ON/OFF . I connected the speakers output to the input cables of the RCA converter from the back of the HU (Same cables feed the footwell subs and the door MIDs so they need to stay connected unless you want to feed the MIDsfrom the amp). To remove the HU you need to remove/unclip the panel underneath it with some trim removal tool, there are 2 screws as showed on the pic below, then HU will come out easily.

B) Next step was installing the footwell Subs- This step required some mods as I didn't use speakers adaptors. I have WRECKED the OEM speakers and cut the plastic surrounding out so i can use it to fit the new speakers, then it is just a question of bolting them into place - fitted perfectly for me. DYNAMATTED the footwell enclosures.

driver side passenger side

Hi, I don't know much about sound systems Ben but assume the oem speakers are ok as you're reusing them?
Rob

C) I have decided to use the passenger's side for my wiring as it is easier and safer than the driver's side - The are 2 cables that need to be wired to the back of the car (RCA & THE REMOTE) - the ones coming out of the RCA Convertor I hooked to the back of the HU

D) POWER CABLES FROM THE BATTERY TO FEED THE AMP: This is the step that I was dreading as I had no clue or plan on how do it but it turned out to very straight forward - I have decided to install my amp behind the passenger seat instead of the boot for easy access but it can easily be installed/fixed in boot behind the driver's side panel rather than the passenger side.

GOLDEN TIP: THE ROOF NEEDS TO BE HALF OPEN SO THE BOOT IS RIGHT UP FOR EASY ACCESS.

The plastic panels on the passenger side needs to be removed starting from the top one. (please see pic)
- Top one can be unclipped with your hands.
- Remove the seabelt attachment (one big bolt).
- Unscrew a bolt from the vertical panel and unclip it from the top (2 plastic clips) - again with your hands it needs to be lifted up as the back of it is hooked into the carpet so try to move it gently into different directions until it comes off - don't force it.
- Obviously all the sealants needs to be removed.
- Finally the bottom panel needs to be unclipped then pulled up as it is hooked to the carpeT as well. the above panels don't need to be removed completely as all you need is enough room to put your cables through the opening that leads to the boot then there is a tube that all cables are passed through it in the boot (you cannot miss it) and this tube will lead the cables to the battery compartment.

BOOT: Cables opening - Right next to this access (90 degrees) there is a tube - where all the cables are - there is enough room to wire your cables to/from the battery.

Now that we have got all feeds for the AMP, all is left is the AMP output speakers cables to be wired back to the new footwell subs.

TWEETERS: The tweeters are plug and play - in the 6 speakers set up (basic) there are no tweeters - they need to be fed from the door MIDs. I have used the BAVSOUND youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnyP_-vs3T4

MID-Ranges: It was impossible to find a decent MIDs that would fit the doors so I have left the OEM ones, Replaced the shoulder MID-Ranges. More pics:
I have tried to share as much as possible as quickly as possible I will have to review this post and make some corrections when time allows me to.

I am more than happy to take more specific pics for the forum members if needed


More than happy with my sound system now

Smartbear wrote:Hi, I don't know much about sound systems Ben but assume the oem speakers are ok as you're reusing them?
Rob

Hi Rob,

The OEM speaker are S**TE, I cut out their plastic to use as an adaptor for the new speakers - you can always buy speakers adaptors which are pretty standard for BMWs. But again it all depends on what sound system you got. I had the basic set up which was rubbish tbh.

Wow, top work.

I can't see that you have or have not installed a sub.. Did you not consider this?

I would love to be able to just install and plug in a sub to give a bit of punch to the basic system but it doesn't look like that's even an option from reading all the threads on the topic.

Again good work though