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      12-22-2014, 09:57 AM   #1
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BavSound Stage 1 Review - non-HK (Hi-Fi)

Separate thread created by request.

The installation of the BavSound Stage 1 took me 2.5hrs. It would be more like 1:45, but I'm OCD and I forgot a step. It will take a few min longer if you have HK, I just have Hi-Fi = Only 7 speakers to replace. For the HK guys, you'll need to install the 2 upper rear speakers, 2 rear door tweeters, and 1 tweeter for the center. It shouldn't add more than 15min to the install.

Here are my install tips to save you the headache and re-work:
  1. Remember to connect the filter cable to the tweeter (see cable photo below). I forgot on the first run, so I had to re-do the front doors which is why it took me over 2hrs total.
  2. Center speaker: Remove the rubber ring around the magnet or the speaker will not fit. You'll need the spacer that comes with it. Don't over tighten the screw or you'll strip it. (you might consider buying longer 4x14mm Torx-20 - 1/4" longer)
  3. On the doors, no need to remove the window switch (despite what the youtube vid says). Leave it on and let the door panel hang or sit on a box. This will save you lots of time. On the trim piece that covers the screws to remove the door, there's a gap on the bottom side for you to use the wedge to pop it out.
  4. Use a piece of paper to map out the cut of the sound deadening material. Mirror it for the opposite side to save time.
  5. Watch the YouTube vid below before the install so you'll get the big picture.

Review: I don't claim to be an audiophile, but I do love music and good sounding system. I bought my M3 after a quick test drive, didn't even bother to test the sound system during the test drive. When I got it home, I realized I have the hi-fi (standard) sound system. The bass was flat, the tweeter was tiring, and the mid had no life. I was very depressed that this BMW had the worst sound system I've ever own (this would be my 6th BMW in 5yrs). I did my research and found BavSound. I pulled the trigger immediately.

After the install, I had 3 songs I wanted to play at 90% volume. Leather So Soft (I wanted to hear the tight bass), Your Heart Will Go On (Gay, I know, but I wanted to hear the good vocal and misc treble instrument), and This Girl is on Fire (I wanted to hear big bass and tight snares). I like all music, please don't judge.

I really can't believe just replacing the speakers can make that big of a difference. I know the review were all consistent, that's why I bought BavSound but hearing it in person is another story. The vocal is crystal clear, the snares are sharp, the bass range widen. I now feel like this car's sound is just as good as the E90 with HK system, if not better. And yes, it is at least 40% louder (I can hear the bass from the outside of the car).

Overall. I'm really glad I bought BavSound Stage 1. The service is good and the product is as great as they claimed.

Good luck with your installs.

(Install vid by BavSound - HK and none - F30/F80)
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Last edited by JNoSol; 12-22-2014 at 02:46 PM..
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      01-04-2015, 10:10 AM   #2
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I noticed a few people did the install without reading my tips. Just trust me, these tips will save you a ton of time and frustration.

Last edited by JNoSol; 01-04-2015 at 10:24 AM..
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      01-04-2015, 12:11 PM   #3
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This review is for the HK upgrade kit. I will start off with the good things about the Bavsound Stage 1. It sounds great and it did exactly what I wanted. It is a much clearer/cleaner/fuller sound and doesn't distort anymore when I turn it up louder. I am very happy with the results of how it sounds compared to the stock HK speakers. I'm not sure there is a better upgrade for the money currently.

I think they could improve a few things with the kit and instructional video.

1. Multiple people have talked about the longer screws for the center channel and I completely agree with them. They should include them in the kit or I would just go buy 3 longer ones as mentioned by JNoSol.

2. A couple of things about the instructional video. I wish they would show the center channel install with the actual spacer they send with the kits.

3. I also think they should do the driver door lock mechanism as that was much harder than the other three to remove. I almost snapped the blue interior tool in half getting it off. I needed a friend to use another plastic tool to finally get it to pop out. Otherwise use JNosol's tip of not removing them if you can handle the smaller working space.

4. I think they should use the tools that came with the kit. It looks in the video they are using other plastic tools that looked stiffer and better than the one in the tool kit. That being said the tool kit was worth the money.

5. They only showed how to install sound deadening on the door, but in the video it shows it on the door card as well. It would be nice if there was an explanation if it was necessary or over kill. I installed it on the door cards since there was so much of it in a hope to prevent rattles down the line.

6. Consolidated had a good tip about the spacers not staying put behind the speaker. Use something that helps keep them in place or they will be a serious pain in the ass to line up.

7. I never received the wire ties to clean up the all of the cords, but improvised fairly easily with other ties.

8. I mentioned this before, but they make it look much easier than it is on the video. Something to keep in mind.

9. Read and use everybody's tips in these threads and they will help save you a lot of time and frustration.

Last, take your time and don't rush it as you will miss things and it will just take more time. I've done a few speaker replacements on different cars and this was easily the most difficult. Definitely doable by people that are not very experienced, but it will not be easy if you are unfamiliar with this type of project in my opinion.

If I do this upgrade again I will pay somebody to do the install. I usually like these types of DIY projects, but this one was a bitch. Again, my opinion of course.

Last edited by minn19; 01-04-2015 at 12:51 PM..
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      01-04-2015, 12:23 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JNoSol View Post
I noticed a few people did the install without reading my tips. Just trust me, these tips will save you a ton of time and frustration.
Agreed, read everybody's tips and it will go much easier.

I just noticed you specified the thread for a non-HK upgrade. Sorry about that.
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      01-04-2015, 01:32 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by minn19 View Post
Agreed, read everybody's tips and it will go much easier.

I just noticed you specified the thread for a non-HK upgrade. Sorry about that.
Awesome, glad you like it too. No worries, you can use this thread.
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      01-05-2015, 11:19 AM   #6
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Am I correct that your review is based upon the $399 (or similar) 7 speaker replacement + their $29 sound deadening pack?
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      01-05-2015, 11:26 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeFromPA
Am I correct that your review is based upon the $399 (or similar) 7 speaker replacement + their $29 sound deadening pack?
That sounds about right for the Hi-Fi (non-HK) Stage 1 kit. HK costs double.
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      01-16-2015, 04:39 PM   #8
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I'm half way through my install right now and I ran into a couple issues...

First and foremost, on the videos i don't know how they get the panels off so easily. I have a feeling they did some video editing magic because getting a panel off the first time was extremely difficult. I found it much easier the second time I did the same panel. Also, getting the connectors out of the speakers was impossible as well. In the videos he just disconnects them like it's nothing.

One recommendation I have is to check your window before putting the door panel back on. I put everything back together after the first door and when I went to close the window, half way up it made a strange sound and went back down. It wouldn't close. I took the whole thing apart and found that the speaker wiring wasn't pulled through enough and was interfering with the window. Check the window right after screwing in the midrange.

Another issue I had was the center speaker screws strip the holes a bit too easily. They screw into plastic so if you make it a bit too tight (which is really easy to do with the ratchet tool) the hole will get stripped. I stripped one so I had to go to home depot to pick up a slightly bigger screw. I ended up using a #8 /1" sheet metal screw and it was just big enough to rethread the hole.

Also put the center speaker bracket on before connecting the speaker... I had a fun time trying to disconnect it.

On the other door I forgot to put the foam ring on the midrange, and didn't realize it until I was cleaning up. Lol... Yup I took it apart again.

One other thing I should mention is that like JNoSol said... you don't have to disconnect any wires from the door panel. Just release it from the door and set it on top of a box and use a golf club or something to support it. There is plenty of room to work without having to disconnect anything.

Anyway, I just have to do the rear speakers. I'll probably tackle that tonight after the kiddos are in bed.
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      01-16-2015, 07:15 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wah View Post
I'm half way through my install right now and I ran into a couple issues...

First and foremost, on the videos i don't know how they get the panels off so easily. I have a feeling they did some video editing magic because getting a panel off the first time was extremely difficult. I found it much easier the second time I did the same panel. Also, getting the connectors out of the speakers was impossible as well. In the videos he just disconnects them like it's nothing.

One recommendation I have is to check your window before putting the door panel back on. I put everything back together after the first door and when I went to close the window, half way up it made a strange sound and went back down. It wouldn't close. I took the whole thing apart and found that the speaker wiring wasn't pulled through enough and was interfering with the window. Check the window right after screwing in the midrange.

Another issue I had was the center speaker screws strip the holes a bit too easily. They screw into plastic so if you make it a bit too tight (which is really easy to do with the ratchet tool) the hole will get stripped. I stripped one so I had to go to home depot to pick up a slightly bigger screw. I ended up using a #8 /1" sheet metal screw and it was just big enough to rethread the hole.

Also put the center speaker bracket on before connecting the speaker... I had a fun time trying to disconnect it.

On the other door I forgot to put the foam ring on the midrange, and didn't realize it until I was cleaning up. Lol... Yup I took it apart again.

One other thing I should mention is that like JNoSol said... you don't have to disconnect any wires from the door panel. Just release it from the door and set it on top of a box and use a golf club or something to support it. There is plenty of room to work without having to disconnect anything.

Anyway, I just have to do the rear speakers. I'll probably tackle that tonight after the kiddos are in bed.
I can not wait to hear from you when you've fucked this up. After you slaughtered my ego with the tips, I sincerely hope you dear Wah all the bad luck in the world with this.

I'm hoping this will be a good Friday, for me.
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How would you know this? Did mommy catch you jerking off to some Big Foot porn ?
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      01-16-2015, 08:21 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lups View Post
I can not wait to hear from you when you've fucked this up. After you slaughtered my ego with the tips, I sincerely hope you dear Wah all the bad luck in the world with this.

I'm hoping this will be a good Friday, for me.
I will admit that this little project is taking me a bit longer than I thought it would. Not having printed instructions and relying on a youtube video is a little annoying. But you're giving me the motivation I need to finish this tonight, send you pictures of a job well done, and remind you that you almost went to the RTC meet with one black exhaust tip.
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      01-16-2015, 11:35 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wah View Post
I will admit that this little project is taking me a bit longer than I thought it would. Not having printed instructions and relying on a youtube video is a little annoying. But you're giving me the motivation I need to finish this tonight, send you pictures of a job well done, and remind you that you almost went to the RTC meet with one black exhaust tip.
I'm regretting I missed the chance, I bet the perfection crew (I envy them so much) would've had a stroke.
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You're still a little new here, so I'll let you in on a little secret. Whenever Lups types gibberish, this is an opportunity for you to imagine it to be whatever you'd like it to be.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Delta0311 View Post
How would you know this? Did mommy catch you jerking off to some Big Foot porn ?
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      01-17-2015, 09:54 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wah View Post
I will admit that this little project is taking me a bit longer than I thought it would. Not having printed instructions and relying on a youtube video is a little annoying. But you're giving me the motivation I need to finish this tonight, send you pictures of a job well done, and remind you that you almost went to the RTC meet with one black exhaust tip.
How is it going Wah? Or has Lups gotten in your head and you having trouble finishing.

FWIW, I and others agree with your install comments and ran in to the same issues. It is worth it though!
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      01-17-2015, 11:45 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by minn19 View Post
How is it going Wah? Or has Lups gotten in your head and you having trouble finishing.

FWIW, I and others agree with your install comments and ran in to the same issues. It is worth it though!
Yes it's all done. Tried to do it last night but it was too dark in the back seat. The fact that my garage was freezing wasn't helping either. I woke up early and finished the job this morning. The back speakers were a lot easier than the doors, but I feel bad for tall guys that try to do this. It is pretty tight back there.

Anyway, Lups is quite the motivator for all of these projects. Whenever I feel like I'm in over my head, I just think of how much shit I'll get from her and somehow the job gets done.
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      01-17-2015, 11:59 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by minn19 View Post
How is it going Wah? Or has Lups gotten in your head and you having trouble finishing.

FWIW, I and others agree with your install comments and ran in to the same issues. It is worth it though!
Its an endless cycle. This is why you can't have the same hobbies as your friends.
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Quote:
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You're still a little new here, so I'll let you in on a little secret. Whenever Lups types gibberish, this is an opportunity for you to imagine it to be whatever you'd like it to be.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Delta0311 View Post
How would you know this? Did mommy catch you jerking off to some Big Foot porn ?
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      01-17-2015, 12:02 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wah View Post
Yes it's all done. Tried to do it last night but it was too dark in the back seat. The fact that my garage was freezing wasn't helping either. I woke up early and finished the job this morning. The back speakers were a lot easier than the doors, but I feel bad for tall guys that try to do this. It is pretty tight back there.

Anyway, Lups is quite the motivator for all of these projects. Whenever I feel like I'm in over my head, I just think of how much shit I'll get from her and somehow the job gets done.
Do share your window mishap so no one thinks you got it right from the start.

I can't believe you got them in. Universe is against me, I had a gloating plan all ready to go.
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You're still a little new here, so I'll let you in on a little secret. Whenever Lups types gibberish, this is an opportunity for you to imagine it to be whatever you'd like it to be.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Delta0311 View Post
How would you know this? Did mommy catch you jerking off to some Big Foot porn ?
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      01-17-2015, 12:08 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wah View Post
Yes it's all done. Tried to do it last night but it was too dark in the back seat. The fact that my garage was freezing wasn't helping either. I woke up early and finished the job this morning. The back speakers were a lot easier than the doors, but I feel bad for tall guys that try to do this. It is pretty tight back there.

Anyway, Lups is quite the motivator for all of these projects. Whenever I feel like I'm in over my head, I just think of how much shit I'll get from her and somehow the job gets done.
Nice! Those rear deck speakers were easy. But,it was a weird combo of looking through the back windshield or trying to stick your head in there to see what you were doing. I got lazy about it and was working around a car seat on the one side. I should've just taken it out.

Have you had a chance to try it out yet? Curious as to what you think about it.

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Its an endless cycle. This is why you can't have the same hobbies as your friends.
What are friends for, right?
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      01-17-2015, 12:17 PM   #17
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Originally Posted by minn19 View Post
What are friends for, right?
Yeah, next time around I'll just make sure they are complete tools before talking to them. He's going to be happy about this for weeks.
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You're still a little new here, so I'll let you in on a little secret. Whenever Lups types gibberish, this is an opportunity for you to imagine it to be whatever you'd like it to be.
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How would you know this? Did mommy catch you jerking off to some Big Foot porn ?
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      01-17-2015, 12:19 PM   #18
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Yeah, next time around I'll just make sure they are complete tools before talking to them. He's going to be happy about this for weeks.
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      01-17-2015, 01:02 PM   #19
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Im on the road now so have to keep it short... Definitely an improvement, especially at higher volumes. I'm no audiophile, but I can say for the money it's a no brainer if you like spending time doing this stuff. Keep in mind, I have a hifi system, so it's a bit easier than upgrading the HK. My rear speakers were only two midranges in the rear seat panels (M4). No rear deck speakers.

Lups I am Just in case you didn't know.
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      01-17-2015, 01:26 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wah
Im on the road now so have to keep it short... Definitely an improvement, especially at higher volumes. I'm no audiophile, but I can say for the money it's a no brainer if you like spending time doing this stuff. Keep in mind, I have a hifi system, so it's a bit easier than upgrading the HK. My rear speakers were only two midranges in the rear seat panels (M4). No rear deck speakers.

Lups I am Just in case you didn't know.
Very nice. Glad you finished the install...
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      01-17-2015, 01:31 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wah View Post
Im on the road now so have to keep it short... Definitely an improvement, especially at higher volumes. I'm no audiophile, but I can say for the money it's a no brainer if you like spending time doing this stuff. Keep in mind, I have a hifi system, so it's a bit easier than upgrading the HK. My rear speakers were only two midranges in the rear seat panels (M4). No rear deck speakers.

Lups I am Just in case you didn't know.
Very cool, thought you had HK though, sorry bout that.
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      01-17-2015, 02:26 PM   #22
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The install took me a while... probably 3-4 hours total, primarily because I had to redo both doors a couple of times and I was watching the youtube video as I was doing it. The window thing worried me a bit, but it turned out to be nothing. If I had to do it again, i could probably do it in less than two since I now know what I'm doing. I definitely would do it again if I had to... its not something I would pay someone to do since I'd want to know for sure it was done correctly.

Also, removing the rear seat is so easy... I didn't know! I had a chance to get those lost coins, and sweep out the crumbs and candy wrappers my kids left for me.
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