[Stresspuppy]

After reading and reading until I'm cross eyed, I've decided that going with the Alpine upgrade and coding will fit what I want. However I want to go a step further and do something with the subs and rears.

I have a 2011 335d E90 with the Base (yuck) stereo.

A couple of questions I'm hoping someone can help with:

Subs - somewhere in the many threads I read the the HiFi and Top HiFi subs only differ in the magnet used. If just going Alpine upgrade, will there be a noticeable difference in sound? Top HiFi seem hard to find used and when you do, not cheap.

Rear speakers - when doing the Alpine upgrade and coding, the sound volume of the rears drops way down. What is the best option to get the rears back and better sounding to match up with the Alpines in the front? Another Alpine amp and Alpine speakers? Where to put the amp and how to hook up?

Thanks!

[ctuna]

Don't know why you would go with the BMW alpine upgrade
after reading the stuff here. It should be clear its not as good
as the most basic standard aftermarket upgrades described here.

[Soul_Glo]

+1 save your money. Forget the Alps. You can do wayyyyyyyyyy better than that and blow it out of the water.

[cdgatti]

code to hifi
buy the jehnert flatline speaker kit
power it with either the JL xd600 or even better the helix p82dsp

simple - relatively inexpensive - and will sound great

[Socket]

Originally Posted by cdgatti

code to hifi
buy the jehnert flatline speaker kit
power it with either the JL xd600 or even better the helix p82dsp

simple - relatively inexpensive - and will sound great

What do you mean "code to Hifi" ??

[cptcrunch]

What is your budget OP? I am putting together a nice system for less than $600 that replaces the front speakers and adds tweeters and replaces the underseat subs, with a 4 channel 360w amp.

I too looked at the alpine upgrade and while I assume its fine, for the same cost of the alpine upgrade plus subs (alpine upgrade doesn't come with them) I'm getting a much better solution.

If you have the base system, you have 4 speakers and 2 6.5" woofers and an EQ that attempts to make up for the lack of tweeters. This EQ needs to be removed for a flat line to the new amp to make the system sound like it should. To do this, you either need a hardware or software solution. The hardware solution is a JL cleansweep or DSP to flatten the EQ, OR the software solution that recodes their head unit to 'Hi-Fi' that removes the EQ of the base system.

[Stresspuppy]

You know how you research something until your eyes are almost bleeding and your head is overloaded with options and start getting things confused and mixed up? Sometimes you just go a direction to make it stop.

So my requirements going in were/are: upgrade in sound (duh, but not looking for absolute premo), cost, reversible (no cutting/splice), reasonably easy install, no "jerry-rigging" things to work, components out of sight (which isn't easy in the 335d since there is no spare tire well), and can do things in stages to spread the cash outlay.

I have to admit, as I researched, the Alpine kit hit most of these to keep me from doing too much work figuring out all the separate pieces. While some say great sound, others say there is better bang for the buck, the Alpine kit seemed to be everything in one. Then I could do subs later followed up by rears, or vice versa. I found the Alpine kit for around $375 shipped.

But your (cptcrunch) setup and budget sounds about where I want to be and would actually remove a step. I do want to add rears at some point but not knowing how low or bad the rears sound with such a setup, not sure how to handle that at the moment.

Please tell me more about your plan. Your budget sounds very good and being able to replace the subs too would be great. Window trim is a given, but what components and how about a harness or such to tie it all together? Any cutting/splicing? Amp would go in the rear but how about the DSP? This is very intriguing.

[ctuna]

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1411521234
Could involve different speaker kits or recoding to Hi Fi.
I notice they are selling those Alpine kits for a lot on Ebay.
In the UK though .

Base System Upgrades
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=445266
http://www.monsteraudiodesign.co.uk/
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=634957
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1003810
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=822366
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...1#post16679904
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=581379
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=451941
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=540954
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ghlight=Dotech
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=495855
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=494299
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/...morel-jbl.html
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...1#post16679904
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=amp+upgrade
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=550771

[Stresspuppy]

ctuna - Thanks. More reading for me...

The guide from Rocky is fantastic, and some good equipment but sure seems like that would blow a $500-600 budget quickly which is why I asked cptcrunch what stuff he was looking at using as under $600 is appealing.

I'll have to price this out and look at the other options/price as well.

Do you have a place you prefer/recommend to buy your equip?


BTW - Alpine kit can be found for a good price at Schmiedmann. (not sure if it is kosher to put in links for such things). Part number is 65412163268.

[ctuna]

To get the good stuff 1000 to 1500 would be more
realistic with 1500 being more likely.
Not saying that you can't make it a lot better with some
astute and careful shopping and some help from Technic .
It's just there are known solutions when you spend that much
and the results are awesome in comparison to the stock systems.
Does anybody have the watts per channel on the Alpine kit ?

A lot of us on here think rear speakers are a waste of money.
If you are going to add a sub its better to make sure what you put
in the under seats in the way of speakers covers the mid range.

I bought a kit from MusicarNW but I didn't start out with a base system
I started out with Hi Fi . The kit was around 1500 bucks at the time
now I think it's 500 bucks more.
The hot setup now seems to be a Helix 82dsp amp processor with
a Jehnert 3 way kit. Unexpected Creations sells that setup. They are
not a Internet Discount Store.

[cptcrunch]

Originally Posted by Stresspuppy

ctuna - Thanks. More reading for me...

The guide from Rocky is fantastic, and some good equipment but sure seems like that would blow a $500-600 budget quickly which is why I asked cptcrunch what stuff he was looking at using as under $600 is appealing.

I'll have to price this out and look at the other options/price as well.

Do you have a place you prefer/recommend to buy your equip?


BTW - Alpine kit can be found for a good price at Schmiedmann. (not sure if it is kosher to put in links for such things). Part number is 65412163268.

Hi Stresspuppy

Here is what I ordered:

Alpine MRX-F35 $174.99 - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alpine-MRX-F...item5b029c57da

MB Quart 200.3BMW $208.99 (use coupon WEVALUEYOU) - http://www.vminnovations.com/Product...eo-System.html

You need the door surrounds/tweeter enclosures

Then you will need to PM Technic and talk to him. I'll be sending him my Alpine harness for him to wire into his Stereo 2/4 kit. Cost is unknown right now for the kit, but worth it as it'll make everything PNP.

Costs above are subject to change as I see VMI has increased the price of the MB Quarts by $5 since I ordered yesterday. I've had my car for 4 years and I should have done this upgrade then, but I had other projects and things got in the way. If I started this 4 years ago I would have spent $1200 on some higher quality kit, so $600 is a good budget for now. I think it'll sound 1000 times better than the base stereo, but wont sound as great if you double or tripled the budget (obvious). I think it'll get me through the next 2-4 years before I buy a new BMW and the wallet is satisfied with the cost.

Hope this helps

[Stresspuppy]

Originally Posted by ctuna

To get the good stuff 1000 to 1500 would be more
realistic with 1500 being more likely.

This is what I thought the range for that setup might be. Sounds like a lot for the money for sure, as long as it is in your budget.

Originally Posted by ctuna

Does anybody have the watts per channel on the Alpine kit ?

I have seen it around somewhere but can't recall the numbers as I have looked at so many things at this point.

Originally Posted by ctuna

A lot of us on here think rear speakers are a waste of money.

That's why I planned to do it in stages. Get the fronts taken care of and if I feel they truly aren't needed, just skip it. But if back passengers backfill are my goal, then I have the option. Likely I will leave it alone but options are good.

Originally Posted by ctuna

If you are going to add a sub its better to make sure what you put
in the under seats in the way of speakers covers the mid range.

My original plan was not to add a sub. I want to take up as little space as I can and keep everything as hidden as possible. But it's not out of the realm of possibility, I just need to plan accordingly.

Originally Posted by ctuna

I bought a kit from MusicarNW but I didn't start out with a base system
I started out with Hi Fi . The kit was around 1500 bucks at the time
now I think it's 500 bucks more.
The hot setup now seems to be a Helix 82dsp amp processor with
a Jehnert 3 way kit. Unexpected Creations sells that setup. They are
not a Internet Discount Store.

If buying a kit that is custom setup for the car, I wouldn't expect a "discount" place. You pay for the experience and expertise!


I'll look up the Helix/Jehnert setup as well. Sounds like LOTS of options.

[Stresspuppy]

Originally Posted by cptcrunch

Hi Stresspuppy

Here is what I ordered:

Alpine MRX-F35 $174.99 - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alpine-MRX-F...item5b029c57da

MB Quart 200.3BMW $208.99 (use coupon WEVALUEYOU) - http://www.vminnovations.com/Product...eo-System.html

Yes, it helps a lot thanks! I have been reading more about Technic and seems to be the go to guy for various options. If I don't go the Alpine kit way, I will definitely be talking to him!

Have you heard the MB Quartz? I put an MBQ setup in my Land Cruiser several years back and while I love it, the highs are a little more harsh than some and I have to turn treble down a bit to get it reasonable. Of course HAVING just about any tweeters beats NOT having them by a long shot.

I'll look up the components you mention and start reading some more. It is sounding like I have a few options:

1 - Alpine Kit way which would be an improvement but not the best bang for the buck. Would need to upgrade under the seat as well.
2 - Piece together my own system and try to stay in the budget.
3 - Increase the budget (and learn to like sleeping on the couch).

I know I could spend $1500 easily to get what I really want but unfortunately I think budget is first, the rest comes after in terms of priority. I just need to re-assess that budget number. If a little more gets a huge gain in quality and sound, probably worth it.

[ctuna]

If you are not a bass head the underseats can be enough
if you get the right ones and amp them properly.

[Stresspuppy]

Not a bass head. I like bass but clean and accurate over loud and muddy any day.

I saw that Helix has a set of 8" that can be fit into the stock housing but know nothing about them at this point.

Still reading...

[ctuna]

Jehnerts are some of the best under seats for accuracy and full range
the Xe-200's are the bomb . They are not cheap however.
The Helix products that are in the spotlight now are there dsp/amps.
Yes the stuff that works and fits in these cars is stuff you don't see or hear
in the common auto stereo stores. Tough to make a decision if you are
need to actually hear this stuff. There are many plug and play speaker kits
now for the front doors and floors , in the sense they fit but need a proper
amplifier. The common ones are Jehnert , Gladen , Diamond audio at the top
of the list(because others here have reported good results with them) and there is MBquart and Focal.

[cptcrunch]

Originally Posted by Stresspuppy

Yes, it helps a lot thanks! I have been reading more about Technic and seems to be the go to guy for various options. If I don't go the Alpine kit way, I will definitely be talking to him!

Have you heard the MB Quartz? I put an MBQ setup in my Land Cruiser several years back and while I love it, the highs are a little more harsh than some and I have to turn treble down a bit to get it reasonable. Of course HAVING just about any tweeters beats NOT having them by a long shot.

I'll look up the components you mention and start reading some more. It is sounding like I have a few options:

1 - Alpine Kit way which would be an improvement but not the best bang for the buck. Would need to upgrade under the seat as well.
2 - Piece together my own system and try to stay in the budget.
3 - Increase the budget (and learn to like sleeping on the couch).

I know I could spend $1500 easily to get what I really want but unfortunately I think budget is first, the rest comes after in terms of priority. I just need to re-assess that budget number. If a little more gets a huge gain in quality and sound, probably worth it.

I've not heard the MB Quartz kit, but there are several threads on several bmw forums that I've seen that say they are a definite upgrade over alpine. But audio is subjective, what sounds great to me may not to you. I'm kinda flying blind here with the speakers, but I feel confident that anything is going to sound better than the base stereo.

Will the alpine sound better than base? Absolutely. Will the MB sound better than alpine with new underseat woofers, probably. Considering the costs, where you'd buy the alpine for $391, then find subs which can be logic 7s for $150 used or Earthquakes for $240/2, you are already at $550 or $600. With the separate kit, while taking more time, I think will be a better kit for the money.

One thing I did want to mention, is that you will need a way to attach the amp to the vehicle. I ordered the following parts from the local dealership when I was there today for $30:

01 Holder amplifier x1 09/2007 65156945072
02 Hex bolt M5X14 x4 09/2007 07119902932
03 Hex bolt M6X10 x1 09/2007 07119903842
04 Hex nut with plate AM6-8-ZNS3 x 2 09/2007 07129904858

This will give you the stock mounting position with correct hardware. People have made them out of MDF and worked fine, but I figured for $30 lets go OEM.

[simba_RR]

I just bought the MB Quart QM200.3 BMW kit and will be amping the speakers with the base stereo and adding an amp to drive the under seat speakers. My starting setup is a 2007 e93 with NAV Pro (CCC), so what I have read so far on the forum is that my head unit output 4 x 25w at 2 ohms. My car came with standard speakers, no tweeters and sounds awful. I have come so far as to installing the tweeter and mid in the passenger door. I can now compare the left origional speaker with the MB Quart on the right and I can say its a whole new sound picture! The MB Quart sounds very true to the source sound, not exagerating anything, just the way I want to have it. Volume wise the MB's are a little bit quieter than the stock but not a lot. It is possible to run them on max volume on the head unit without any distorsion. Taking into account that the speakers aren't broken in yet the tweeter doesnt sound harsh or too loud. I havent coded the head unit to hifi, something I might consider to try later. Later today I plan to do the driver side and later yet the under seat subs with amplifier. I have an Alpine MRP M350 laying around and It's time I make use of it again. I am as many others on a budget and will stop at this setup if I feel that the sound is OK in my ears. In comparison I have a 2011 e91 with hifi setup and NAV Pro and even if that setup isnt great in my book, I can live with it.

[Stresspuppy]

cptcrunch - Continuing my reading and asking questions, it seems the setup you are talking about is pretty good. From this thread it seems that the bright/harshness that MB Quart used to be known for has been tamed:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...4&postcount=13

Technic mentioned $120 for the harness to me, so that puts the equipment at about $500, then tack on a little for the door/window trim. Definitely under $600 as you mentioned.

I'm going to read a bit more but that definitely sounds like the setup for the budget. I'm going to do a little more reading but will likely end up getting this setup at this point. Unless someone wants to discount one of those $1500 setups ctuna mentioned for $600 or so.

[Stresspuppy]

Originally Posted by cptcrunch

One thing I did want to mention, is that you will need a way to attach the amp to the vehicle. I ordered the following parts from the local dealership when I was there today for $30:

01 Holder amplifier x1 09/2007 65156945072
02 Hex bolt M5X14 x4 09/2007 07119902932
03 Hex bolt M6X10 x1 09/2007 07119903842
04 Hex nut with plate AM6-8-ZNS3 x 2 09/2007 07129904858

This will give you the stock mounting position with correct hardware. People have made them out of MDF and worked fine, but I figured for $30 lets go OEM.

Where are you mounting your amp? That mount looks like it attaches to the side of something. From what I know on the D, the stock position is under the trunk tray, near the back seat, to the left of where the MULF (or whatever you have based on options). Based on the Alpine diagram, it seems that is where they have it but I could be wrong. If it isn't, makes me wonder about the harnesses and such.

[cptcrunch]

Originally Posted by Stresspuppy

Where are you mounting your amp? That mount looks like it attaches to the side of something. From what I know on the D, the stock position is under the trunk tray, near the back seat, to the left of where the MULF (or whatever you have based on options). Based on the Alpine diagram, it seems that is where they have it but I could be wrong. If it isn't, makes me wonder about the harnesses and such.

Based upon this thread: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=541705 I'll be installing it in the OEM location for the HiFi/Logic systems. In the truck, left side, under some of the carpet.

[Stresspuppy]

Originally Posted by cptcrunch

Based upon this thread: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=541705 I'll be installing it in the OEM location for the HiFi/Logic systems. In the truck, left side, under some of the carpet.

If you look at the picture where the Rainbow crossovers are, that is the spot that the Alpine kit has the amp. To the right of that, for me, is were the electronics for BT and such are. I had assumed this is where it would need to go and that is where the Technic harness was built for. I guess I need to read/search more as I think I am confused.