First time BMW owner!!!

IDrinkPetrol · 08-22-2011, 05:53 AM

320d E90
Love the car but this sound system sucks! The first thing I noticed when I turned on the radio is how muffled and muddy it all sounded, not to mention the lack of bass. I have to mention that I am an avid music listener and am used to quite a good set up at home.

I've done a lot of reading around and everyone has different suggestions to what speakers and amps should be fitted etc, so it's very confusing to choose the right one.

I have a sat nav but no center speaker and it does NOT say harmon kardon on the speakers. I do however have tweeters in the corner of the windows and on the front door panels. I also think I have speakers on the boot cover (there is some sort of grill) but I could be wrong...
I have heard people say there are speakers under the seat as well but I have not had a look yet. I saw a aux input under the armrest but no usb input which is very frustrating! Is there anyway of adding a usb input? Or is it possible to stream songs from my phone through the bluetooth?

Now my question is, how many of these speakers should I upgrade and what kind of speakers and amp should I look at!? Do I need two channels for the under seat subs, and an extra 4 channels for the front and rear mid/high speakers? (6 channels total?).

I would like the installation to be quite easy as I am not used to removing the interior of cars however will learn and attempt it. Also would be nice if the car remained as factory looking as possible.

Thank in advanced.

IDrinkPetrol · 08-22-2011, 11:58 AM

:s Have I posted in the wrong section?

rollinstone157 · 08-22-2011, 12:31 PM

You should contact VP Electricity from Musicar NorthWest (http://www.e90post.com/forums/member.php?u=33740, he's got the link to his company's website on his profile too)
You might have too few posts to PM, so just post around a little bit more and you'll be good. You could also simply email VP Electricity and tell them your situation.
He can help you every step of the way with getting a system that sounds great on any budget--but obviously, the more you spend, the better it will sound. If your definition of "good sound" is just ridiculous amounts of bass, he can do that for you, BUT, he prioritizes general sound quality over BASSBASSBASS (which is a good thing).

IDrinkPetrol · 08-22-2011, 12:55 PM

Thanks so much for your reply!
I like deep but controlled bass.Not flappy boomy overbearing bass. The mids and highs are equally important to me. Thanks, I'll contact him.

ctuna · 08-22-2011, 02:37 PM

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ighlight=level

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=540954

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=495855

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=439211

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=365866

IDrinkPetrol · 08-22-2011, 03:11 PM

Thank you! I realised I have the hifi setup in the car, which means 10 speakers. Which amp can drive these 8 channels required? component front for door panel and mirror triangle (X2), under seat subwoofer (X2), Rear door panels (X2) and boot shelf panel (X2)!!

ctuna · 08-22-2011, 03:32 PM

Rear channels are considered a communist plot by VP and he is right.
Some people want surround sound and that would be the exception or if you like your rear seat passangers.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970

The Specs are in that thread above and there are many thread in the links I gave you study them for awhile.

Its hard to add a digital Input for and Ipod like device or phone you can run through the aux Input with a 2 dollar mini stereo jack cord but the sound quality doesn't seem as good as the CD .

There are some aftermarket digital adapters but the have to work through the CD cassette Interface and the car has to have that feature turned on .
I have read recently that Dension makes an interface that will actually program itself into the Most Bus that the CD Changer is attached to.

Also there is a bluetooth gateway that plugs into the aux input that some people say sounds a little better . I believe its the blackberry Bluetooth gateway. It seem to be a cheap
solution but it won't display on your Idrive.

Since we don't have the 320d in the states is it a coupe or 4 door or wagon.
The coupe doors have a very limited depth for aftermarket speakers.

For speakers that fit with no problems consider the Jehnerts or they have door panels if
you want to go crazy. look it up at Jehnert.com

IDrinkPetrol · 08-22-2011, 03:55 PM

Thanks that was very helpful. It's a 4 door sedan.

I also came across Dension. There are a couple models however it says that the car has to be coded to work with the CD changer. The positive thing with this is that I can connect up a memory stick or hard drive and browse through the tunes with the iDrive. I could just play all music of CDs however the navigation, annoyingly, requires a CD to work.

I've had a good thorough read of all your threads that you posted. There are just so many options I really don't know which one is of best value. However I think I've got a good idea of how to take apart the panels etc.

Why is it not worth upgrading the rear two speakers? Will the sound still be as immersive without the back 4 speakers (I do travel a lot with passengers). If not should it just be the front two doors, the two underseat subs and the deck speakers? I haven't found a amplifier that has two subwoofer outputs.

Sorry if I'm sounding really stupid with these questions, such a nice car I want to do the right upgrade on it and most of all get the most out of the car.

ctuna · 08-22-2011, 04:46 PM

Turn your fader most if not all the way forward .
You should notice your bass improves witn no measurable loss in sound quality.
Some physical reasons are your ears point forward .
The speakers in the front are on axis with your ears.

ctuna · 08-22-2011, 04:52 PM

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...DIY+door+panel

http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/kn...tory+system%3F

I don't know if VP can supply you with a complete kit accross the pond but its the most trouble free way to go .

You should get the Technic harness to hook it up whatever you do.
It means no cutting or splicing of wires.

Peertwelve · 08-22-2011, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IDrinkPetrol

Now my question is, how many of these speakers should I upgrade and what kind of speakers and amp should I look at!? Do I need two channels for the under seat subs, and an extra 4 channels for the front and rear mid/high speakers? (6 channels total?).

I would like the installation to be quite easy as I am not used to removing the interior of cars however will learn and attempt it. Also would be nice if the car remained as factory looking as possible.

Thank in advanced.

My 2011 335i had the 'standard audio' like yours - front door tweeters, no center dash speaker, no rear door speakers, and speakers in the boot deck. I was dissatisfied with the audio quality and bought the speaker upgrade kit from Bavarian Soundworks. It's a bespoke kit for our cars - the difference was amazing. The set is designed as a 100% plug and play replacement. I swapped out all speakers (except the subs under the seats) in about 45 minutes with common hand tools. The result was cleaner sound, less distortion, and much better sound imaging. Worth every penny at US$519. Highly recommended!

IDrinkPetrol · 08-22-2011, 06:32 PM

Thanks for that useful vid. Where can I get the Technics harness?
This tutorial seems really simple, does it only work with the BSW kit?
I noticed they do not bother upgrading the amplifier, is there any reason for this? How come they upgrade the rear panels and the deck but not the under seat subs?

rollinstone157 · 08-22-2011, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IDrinkPetrol

Thanks for that useful vid. Where can I get the Technics harness?
This tutorial seems really simple, does it only work with the BSW kit?
I noticed they do not bother upgrading the amplifier, is there any reason for this? How come they upgrade the rear panels and the deck but not the under seat subs?

Like I said before, VP will provide all the parts needed for an upgrade (speakers, harnesses, etc.), and he can help you find an installer in your area (you have a 320D so I know for sure that you're not in the continental US). They should have upgraded the amplifier and done signal processing, because the 6 speaker standard system, in a word, sucks. Not only do the speakers suck, the head unit drives all of the speakers, so it sounds really whimpy. And the head unit has the wonkiest equalizer settings ever, it boosts the highs and lows so much that when you upgrade the speakers, it might actually sound worse if you don't do signal processing at the very least.

ctuna · 08-22-2011, 06:52 PM

I don't know if VP does International shipments but I agree its the best
way to go. But even VP says its OK to go with the stock head unit if you must
as long as its HI FI but he does prefer some processing for tuning.

The links were just to show how changing the door speakers work.

If you post enough you can get the Harness from Technic
The Technic harnesses are included in the VP kits
Just PM him
or VP

BSW doesn't have an amp for the HI FI system I only put it up cause
it shows you how the doors work. There are also other DIY's in the DIY
subforum for the underseats thought there are some pretty good examples
in those threads above .

My ideal modest sytem would be Morels for the front doors Jehnerts for the floors
either a JL audio amp or a Zapco amp for the amp (The Zapco amp has a processor)
ala the links,

IDrinkPetrol · 08-22-2011, 06:52 PM

So they will provide the amp as well in the package or is that to be bought separately? My only fear is that it's going to cost an arm and a leg to get shipped across the pond.

ctuna · 08-22-2011, 09:47 PM

Amp speakers all connecting wires and harnesses
factory plugs for interfacing with the factory connectors
processors if necessary technic harness plus excellent tech support.
You get in all in one fell swoop which makes things easier he will
even set up the tunning on the amps or provide pre set programming files in the
case of the programmable stuff like the Zapco's

I should be his salesman but all the people that have bought his
packages are pretty happy here . He can tailor to your tastes.

I don't know what he does for International or if its cost effective

Spy021 · 08-22-2011, 10:21 PM

Yea, I agree with ctuna... It really doesn't get much easier. I recently ordered from VP and am expecting my system to arrive later this week. He does an excellent job of understanding your needs and then tailoring a system to your musical preferences. Seriously, you would be doing yourself a huge disservice if you didn't at least see what he can offer. Even if you do end up going another route, the feedback will help you map out a better plan of attack.

IDrinkPetrol · 08-23-2011, 05:27 AM

Still waiting for my account to be verified for Private Messaging XD

IDrinkPetrol · 08-23-2011, 06:57 AM

I've messaged VP.

What do you guys make of this? http://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/conne...e-p-25628.html
Will it allow me to see all the files on the USB device through the iDrive?

Peertwelve · 08-23-2011, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IDrinkPetrol

I've messaged VP.

What do you guys make of this? http://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/conne...e-p-25628.html
Will it allow me to see all the files on the USB device through the iDrive?

That is for older BMWs. you have an E90 (sedan) or E91(coupe) so make sure the hardware is compatible

ctuna · 08-23-2011, 11:17 AM

You need a most bus device capable of looking like the CD changer to the Head Unit.

IDrinkPetrol · 08-23-2011, 12:09 PM

Dang it. That narrows it down to like the Dension 500 which is £300!!
How much does the retrofit kit cost, and how do I get hold of it/install it? Searched the internet but nowhere seems to be selling it.

08-22-2011, 05:53 AM	#1
IDrinkPetrol New Member 1 Rep 22 Posts Drives: BMW 320d Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	First time BMW owner!!! 320d E90 Love the car but this sound system sucks! The first thing I noticed when I turned on the radio is how muffled and muddy it all sounded, not to mention the lack of bass. I have to mention that I am an avid music listener and am used to quite a good set up at home. I've done a lot of reading around and everyone has different suggestions to what speakers and amps should be fitted etc, so it's very confusing to choose the right one. I have a sat nav but no center speaker and it does NOT say harmon kardon on the speakers. I do however have tweeters in the corner of the windows and on the front door panels. I also think I have speakers on the boot cover (there is some sort of grill) but I could be wrong... I have heard people say there are speakers under the seat as well but I have not had a look yet. I saw a aux input under the armrest but no usb input which is very frustrating! Is there anyway of adding a usb input? Or is it possible to stream songs from my phone through the bluetooth? Now my question is, how many of these speakers should I upgrade and what kind of speakers and amp should I look at!? Do I need two channels for the under seat subs, and an extra 4 channels for the front and rear mid/high speakers? (6 channels total?). I would like the installation to be quite easy as I am not used to removing the interior of cars however will learn and attempt it. Also would be nice if the car remained as factory looking as possible. Thank in advanced. Last edited by IDrinkPetrol; 08-22-2011 at 07:21 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

08-22-2011, 11:58 AM	#2
IDrinkPetrol New Member 1 Rep 22 Posts Drives: BMW 320d Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	:s Have I posted in the wrong section?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-22-2011, 12:31 PM	#3
rollinstone157 Brotographer 88 Rep 1,741 Posts Drives: F30 335xi Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: US iTrader: (0)	You should contact VP Electricity from Musicar NorthWest (http://www.e90post.com/forums/member.php?u=33740, he's got the link to his company's website on his profile too) You might have too few posts to PM, so just post around a little bit more and you'll be good. You could also simply email VP Electricity and tell them your situation. He can help you every step of the way with getting a system that sounds great on any budget--but obviously, the more you spend, the better it will sound. If your definition of "good sound" is just ridiculous amounts of bass, he can do that for you, BUT, he prioritizes general sound quality over BASSBASSBASS (which is a good thing). Last edited by rollinstone157; 08-22-2011 at 01:35 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-22-2011, 12:55 PM	#4
IDrinkPetrol New Member 1 Rep 22 Posts Drives: BMW 320d Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Thanks so much for your reply! I like deep but controlled bass.Not flappy boomy overbearing bass. The mids and highs are equally important to me. Thanks, I'll contact him.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-22-2011, 02:37 PM	#5
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,104 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Some examples and a lot of info and links http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ighlight=level http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=540954 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=495855 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=439211 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=365866 Last edited by ctuna; 08-22-2011 at 02:50 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-22-2011, 03:11 PM	#6
IDrinkPetrol New Member 1 Rep 22 Posts Drives: BMW 320d Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Thank you! I realised I have the hifi setup in the car, which means 10 speakers. Which amp can drive these 8 channels required? component front for door panel and mirror triangle (X2), under seat subwoofer (X2), Rear door panels (X2) and boot shelf panel (X2)!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-22-2011, 03:32 PM	#7
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,104 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	You have a 6 channel amp now if you have Hi Fi Rear channels are considered a communist plot by VP and he is right. Some people want surround sound and that would be the exception or if you like your rear seat passangers. http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970 The Specs are in that thread above and there are many thread in the links I gave you study them for awhile. Its hard to add a digital Input for and Ipod like device or phone you can run through the aux Input with a 2 dollar mini stereo jack cord but the sound quality doesn't seem as good as the CD . There are some aftermarket digital adapters but the have to work through the CD cassette Interface and the car has to have that feature turned on . I have read recently that Dension makes an interface that will actually program itself into the Most Bus that the CD Changer is attached to. Also there is a bluetooth gateway that plugs into the aux input that some people say sounds a little better . I believe its the blackberry Bluetooth gateway. It seem to be a cheap solution but it won't display on your Idrive. Since we don't have the 320d in the states is it a coupe or 4 door or wagon. The coupe doors have a very limited depth for aftermarket speakers. For speakers that fit with no problems consider the Jehnerts or they have door panels if you want to go crazy. look it up at Jehnert.com Last edited by ctuna; 08-22-2011 at 03:40 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-22-2011, 03:55 PM	#8
IDrinkPetrol New Member 1 Rep 22 Posts Drives: BMW 320d Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Thanks that was very helpful. It's a 4 door sedan. I also came across Dension. There are a couple models however it says that the car has to be coded to work with the CD changer. The positive thing with this is that I can connect up a memory stick or hard drive and browse through the tunes with the iDrive. I could just play all music of CDs however the navigation, annoyingly, requires a CD to work. I've had a good thorough read of all your threads that you posted. There are just so many options I really don't know which one is of best value. However I think I've got a good idea of how to take apart the panels etc. Why is it not worth upgrading the rear two speakers? Will the sound still be as immersive without the back 4 speakers (I do travel a lot with passengers). If not should it just be the front two doors, the two underseat subs and the deck speakers? I haven't found a amplifier that has two subwoofer outputs. Sorry if I'm sounding really stupid with these questions, such a nice car I want to do the right upgrade on it and most of all get the most out of the car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-22-2011, 04:46 PM	#9
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,104 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Run this experiment Turn your fader most if not all the way forward . You should notice your bass improves witn no measurable loss in sound quality. Some physical reasons are your ears point forward . The speakers in the front are on axis with your ears.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-22-2011, 04:52 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)	DIY procedures http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...DIY+door+panel http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/kn...tory+system%3F I don't know if VP can supply you with a complete kit accross the pond but its the most trouble free way to go . You should get the Technic harness to hook it up whatever you do. It means no cutting or splicing of wires.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-22-2011, 06:32 PM	#12
IDrinkPetrol New Member 1 Rep 22 Posts Drives: BMW 320d Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Thanks for that useful vid. Where can I get the Technics harness? This tutorial seems really simple, does it only work with the BSW kit? I noticed they do not bother upgrading the amplifier, is there any reason for this? How come they upgrade the rear panels and the deck but not the under seat subs?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-22-2011, 06:52 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)	This guy in in the UK I don't know if VP does International shipments but I agree its the best way to go. But even VP says its OK to go with the stock head unit if you must as long as its HI FI but he does prefer some processing for tuning. The links were just to show how changing the door speakers work. If you post enough you can get the Harness from Technic The Technic harnesses are included in the VP kits Just PM him or VP BSW doesn't have an amp for the HI FI system I only put it up cause it shows you how the doors work. There are also other DIY's in the DIY subforum for the underseats thought there are some pretty good examples in those threads above . My ideal modest sytem would be Morels for the front doors Jehnerts for the floors either a JL audio amp or a Zapco amp for the amp (The Zapco amp has a processor) ala the links, Last edited by ctuna; 08-22-2011 at 07:09 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-22-2011, 09:47 PM	#16
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,104 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	complete package from VP Amp speakers all connecting wires and harnesses factory plugs for interfacing with the factory connectors processors if necessary technic harness plus excellent tech support. You get in all in one fell swoop which makes things easier he will even set up the tunning on the amps or provide pre set programming files in the case of the programmable stuff like the Zapco's I should be his salesman but all the people that have bought his packages are pretty happy here . He can tailor to your tastes. I don't know what he does for International or if its cost effective Last edited by ctuna; 08-23-2011 at 02:59 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-22-2011, 10:21 PM	#17
Spy021 Private First Class 3 Rep 107 Posts Drives: 07 328i Jet Blk/Blk/6mt Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Lakeland, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 328i [0.00]	Yea, I agree with ctuna... It really doesn't get much easier. I recently ordered from VP and am expecting my system to arrive later this week. He does an excellent job of understanding your needs and then tailoring a system to your musical preferences. Seriously, you would be doing yourself a huge disservice if you didn't at least see what he can offer. Even if you do end up going another route, the feedback will help you map out a better plan of attack. __________________ *2007 -- 328I -- Jet Black -- Black Dakota Leather -- 6 Speed -- ZSP -- ZPP -- ZCW -- HiFi*
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-23-2011, 05:27 AM	#18
IDrinkPetrol New Member 1 Rep 22 Posts Drives: BMW 320d Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Still waiting for my account to be verified for Private Messaging XD
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-23-2011, 06:57 AM	#19
IDrinkPetrol New Member 1 Rep 22 Posts Drives: BMW 320d Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I've messaged VP. What do you guys make of this? http://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/conne...e-p-25628.html Will it allow me to see all the files on the USB device through the iDrive?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-23-2011, 11:17 AM	#21
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,104 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	You have a MOST Bus You need a most bus device capable of looking like the CD changer to the Head Unit.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-23-2011, 12:09 PM	#22
IDrinkPetrol New Member 1 Rep 22 Posts Drives: BMW 320d Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Dang it. That narrows it down to like the Dension 500 which is £300!! How much does the retrofit kit cost, and how do I get hold of it/install it? Searched the internet but nowhere seems to be selling it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote