[whitebmwsrock]

i went to Bust Buy today because i want to change my sound system. The 4 main speakers cracked already, sounds like crap. So i was planing on getting a new headset $150, and the 4 speakers 6' 1/2 $120 (everything PIONEER) plus the installation.

I was planning to spend about $250, but the guy in the store said they wouldn't fit cause they were longer. He recommended the BSM ones buy i can't spend $599 plus the headset.

What should i do? can i still buy the Pioneer ones? how hard is to make them fit? any other options for around $250

 

[RHLP3]

What should i do?

Save more money

 

[BMWespresso]

this is one way to fit 6.5s on doors
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showpost.php?p=11464107&postcount=35
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=744817&highlight=speakers+door

 

[mvrk10256]

blaukpunkt GTX650.

they are super shallow and easy to mount. also mount everywhere. I got 4 of them. sound great.

 

[JEFFEFECKS]

If you have Harmon Kardon it might be a little more difficult. Due to the fact the way everything is wired & the amp and all. If you want speakers your best bet would be BSW's, you can find them on the sponsors list on the site. They are a bit pricey though. If you dont have HK I guess you can just get a normal aftermarket head unit w/ some speakers from BB or something. Whatever you do GL

 

[whitebmwsrock]

If you have Harmon Kardon it might be a little more difficult. Due to the fact the way everything is wired & the amp and all. If you want speakers your best bet would be BSW's, you can find them on the sponsors list on the site. They are a bit pricey though. If you dont have HK I guess you can just get a normal aftermarket head unit w/ some speakers from BB or something. Whatever you do GL

First, ur car is amazing.
2. how do i know if the are hk?
3. did u paint the roof or is it vinyl?

 

[Redline]

Get alpine type r 2 channel 6.5 speakers and put them in the rear deck and front doors, they just plug right in, you will need to buy brackets to make them fit (4 bolts to 3 bolts) I have them and with the stock head they will make you deaf if you turn them up, you'll now have a 14speaker system so clarity will be excellent as well.

 

[golf_234]

First, ur car is amazing.
2. how do i know if the are hk?
3. did u paint the roof or is it vinyl?

If you have the HK, there will be a chrome label on your front door tweeters as shown in this photo :

 

[Top_Bunk]

If you have the HK, there will be a chrome label on your front door tweeters as shown in this photo :

In coupes this is right in front of the door handle I believe, not on the seal triangle thing.

 

[whitebmwsrock]

Get alpine type r 2 channel 6.5 speakers and put them in the rear deck and front doors, they just plug right in, you will need to buy brackets to make them fit (4 bolts to 3 bolts) I have them and with the stock head they will make you deaf if you turn them up, you'll now have a 14speaker system so clarity will be excellent as well.

and u dont have amp for them? how much are they?

 

[magnuzza]

and u dont have amp for them? how much are they?

You need an amp if your speaker has 4ohm. I bought 6.5" infinity speaker that has 2 ohm. Plug and play and I see a lot of improvement

 

[Bandersnatch]

this is one way to fit 6.5s on doors
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showpost.php?p=11464107&postcount=35
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=744817&highlight=speakers+door

Sure, people have put in giant speakers that require you to cut sheet metal and practically rebuild the doors.

But there are some very simple speaker replacements that will make a huge difference in the audio quality. Here's a couple of links that should get you started:

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=720365
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=753208

And here's one that gives the sizes and impedance for the stock speakers (you have to read down about halfway into the thread):

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=233878

BTW, I'm not one of those people who thinks that expensive audiophile equipment is a good choice. You're driving in a CAR - there is road noise, wind noise, sound bouncing off of hard glass surfaces - it's not a good listening environment. But if somebody wants to spend $2K on amps and speakers and they think it's worth it, then hey, whatever floats yer boat.

Also, you'll hear a lot of dis about the OEM amp and headunit. They are really pretty good. By far the weakest link in the system is the speakers. I would suggest replacing some (or all) of your OEM speakers and then see how you like the result.

Hope this helps and good luck. :hi:

 

[bigdog2003_99]

In coupes this is right in front of the door handle I believe, not on the seal triangle thing.

+1 both my cars have hk, and you are correct on the placement, although those triangle speakers do look kinda nice

 

[Redline]

Sure, people have put in giant speakers that require you to cut sheet metal and practically rebuild the doors.

But there are some very simple speaker replacements that will make a huge difference in the audio quality. Here's a couple of links that should get you started:

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=720365
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=753208

And here's one that gives the sizes and impedance for the stock speakers (you have to read down about halfway into the thread):

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=233878

BTW, I'm not one of those people who thinks that expensive audiophile equipment is a good choice. You're driving in a CAR - there is road noise, wind noise, sound bouncing off of hard glass surfaces - it's not a good listening environment. But if somebody wants to spend $2K on amps and speakers and they think it's worth it, then hey, whatever floats yer boat.

Also, you'll hear a lot of dis about the OEM amp and headunit. They are really pretty good. By far the weakest link in the system is the speakers. I would suggest replacing some (or all) of your OEM speakers and then see how you like the result.

Hope this helps and good luck. :hi:

my car is silent on the roads, the sound of the engine is all i hear...i love how loud the e46's engines are inside the car, ill mostly drive without my radio just to listen to the motor lol.

 

[scottjoh]

Wow, the first thread that BMWexpresso posted in #3 is impressive. That's a lot of work for mounting a couple speakers, but, really nice job. Although I'm not a fan of cutting holes in the door sheet metal. The second thread is also really impressive.

Regarding the first thread that Bandersnatch posted in #12.... OMG what crap! There so are many things wrong with that install.

I'm in the process of replacing the front speakers in my '99 4-dr non-HK and have started a web page. I'm installing Boston Acoustic Pro60SE 2-way component speakers into the front doors without cutting any of the sheet metal. I'd love to hear your comments.
http://www.bmwgm5.com/E46_Stereo_Frnt.htm
I thought about changing the amp out with a Lexus/Nakamichi 5 channel amp from a SC400, but, instead I'm going to keep the original BMW amp, but, I'm going to modify it by selecting new surface mount resistors to adjust the levels and crossover points to match the new speakers. The Lexus/Nakamichi amp is a really nice amp with regulated switching step-up power supplies and discrete transistor output stage instead of BMW's 2 channel bridged output amplifier modules run directly off the cars +12V.

 

[Zeekster64]

I had a Kia Spectra for a rental car and believe me, after a 180 mile trip, I would gladly listen to my HK sound system with no complaints