To use the existing speaker wire, do you have to cut the wire to tap into it or is there some way that you can plug into the harness.

I'm assuming that if you were to tap into the existing wire, it would be near the back where the existing sub is correct?

jrm

if you can find a connector that would replace the end that goes to the amp, should be easy. I didn't find one, and just used a wiring diagram and spliced into each one. my amp was behind the passenger rear seat...not sure if it's different in non convert models.

Can you tell me exactly what you did. I have an E36 M3 Vert as well and am going to do the install myself (this will be my first time at that).

Did you remove the existing amp or leave it in there?

jrm

I took out the rear seats and the stock sub and assembly. Using the Bently manual it was pretty easy to figure out which wires went to what speaker, but I used a noise generator to make sure for each set. I removed the stock amp and used the space for the passive crossovers.

I'm thinking about redoing it all over again though, I think the rear speakers are useless, mainly because of their location, and i've got a good punch amp pushing them. I might just get a very large 4 channel and get bostons up front that can handle 250 watts rms, and use the other two for some subs. My enclosure for the 12's takes up nearly all the back part of the trunk, and the front part is 4 amps, power distribution and cap. Maybe 3 8's with one amp and I can actually get a set of clubs in there.

nothing particularly difficult in there, just time consuming. If there's anything else I can help with, or maybe save you some time by learning from my mistakes, just let me know.

jason_n_clement@hotmail.com

I'm dissappionted hearing that you don't need the rears. I just bought 2 pairs of Type-R's, one set for the front and the other for the back. I'm only pushing 55x4 so I'm betting that it won't be enough to hear them. How much are you pushing to the rears?

I really wish I would have known this prior to buying the speakers and a 4 channel amp. Maybe I'll just hook it all up regardless and set the fade to the back a little bit to get some use out of them. Have you tried that?

How did you run your remote and RCA's for your setup. I heard that it is easy to run them down the center, but haven't found any more information on it.

jrm

eh, set it up since you have it. I like the soundstage up front more, and right now with 150 a side rms up front, and 75 a side in the rear, I find the rears useless. You'll probably be ok since you have equal power to all.

as far as the wiring goes, I ran down the center. wouldn't call it easy, taking the console off and trying to run all the cables under that carpet was a bit of a pain, the carpet is really stiff and there's really no room under it...but it's doable.

jrmilligan:

You've touched on a topic that many people have opinions about and few can agree on. There are many out there that advocate doing away with "rear fill." For these people, all you need is a decent front stage and some bass out back to balance it all out. The other school of thought is that the best, most realistic imaging comes from having 4 equally clean channels all around you, and bass provided by a separate sub and amp system.

I am probably the only person left on this forum who advocates the "surround sound" approach. But don't let the raw numbers sway your decision making. Remember that Columbus was outnumbered too before he set out on his trip. In the end, there is no right answer since this comes down to personal preference. But if you already have a 4 channel amp with equal power to each channel, you already have all the necessary equipment to give it a try.