Has anyone mounted a sub in the convertable Ski hole ? I want to install my Kicker S10L7 in the ski hole between the rear seats , it looks perfect and the sub fits perfectly . Just wondering if anyone has already done it ?

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Two 8" subs for me.

Damn!!! Now that's what I'm talking about !!! How hard was that to do ? Do you have the roll over protection too ? cause that eats alot of space . have any more pics ? Thanks for sharing






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I have a 99' 323ic and that is exactly what I want to do. I was thinking about going with a single 12 and changing out my stock speakers. Does anyone have an alternative to the 4" rear size? I have heard that 5 1/4 would fit. Can anyone confirm this? Also, I know everyone has their own opinion about speaker brands, but what's the best value for the money? (both front components and rears). Thanks for the help.
p.s. Dogger has an excellent step by step guide on doing the sub in the ski pass. Good job Dogger!

Mine isnt a vert, was just showing you some example....Be sure to put a type of trim aroudn hte ski pass cut out. Its a really nasty metal edge when you punch that thing out. Good luck!

I have a 99' 323ic and that is exactly what I want to do. I was thinking about going with a single 12 and changing out my stock speakers. Does anyone have an alternative to the 4" rear size? I have heard that 5 1/4 would fit. Can anyone confirm this? Also, I know everyone has their own opinion about speaker brands, but what's the best value for the money? (both front components and rears). Thanks for the help.
p.s. Dogger has an excellent step by step guide on doing the sub in the ski pass. Good job Dogger!

A single 12?

you obviosly haven't measured the height under the top compartment.

I HAD 2 12's before I redid everything, and had zero room in the trunk as the enclosure took the entire back part of the trunk.

I've switched to 2 8's with lot's power to each and am very pleased....

A single 12?

you obviosly haven't measured the height under the top compartment.

I HAD 2 12's before I redid everything, and had zero room in the trunk as the enclosure took the entire back part of the trunk.

I've switched to 2 8's with lot's power to each and am very pleased....
How much power is going to the subs?

A single 12?

you obviosly haven't measured the height under the top compartment.

I HAD 2 12's before I redid everything, and had zero room in the trunk as the enclosure took the entire back part of the trunk.

I've switched to 2 8's with lot's power to each and am very pleased....
Do you have any pics of your subs?

A single 12?

you obviosly haven't measured the height under the top compartment.

I HAD 2 12's before I redid everything, and had zero room in the trunk as the enclosure took the entire back part of the trunk.

I've switched to 2 8's with lot's power to each and am very pleased....
Also, can you give me the measurements of the enclosure for the 2 8's?
Thanks for the help!

Two 8" subs for me.
RayMan, can you give me some info on your enclosure. How much power are you sending to the subs. What are the dimentions of the enclosure?
Thanks for the help.

I have a 99' 323ic and that is exactly what I want to do. I was thinking about going with a single 12 and changing out my stock speakers. Does anyone have an alternative to the 4" rear size? I have heard that 5 1/4 would fit. Can anyone confirm this? Also, I know everyone has their own opinion about speaker brands, but what's the best value for the money? (both front components and rears). Thanks for the help.
p.s. Dogger has an excellent step by step guide on doing the sub in the ski pass. Good job Dogger!


I just looked at Dogger's Diy , but none of the ones I have seen is what I had in mind . I want to use the actual skipass as the enclosure . All the others mount there sub up to the back of the skipass , but I want to mount the sub to the front . I was thinking of fiberglassing the inside but not too sure where to start . Thanks

RayMan, can you give me some info on your enclosure. How much power are you sending to the subs. What are the dimentions of the enclosure?
Thanks for the help.

Here's the info on my enclosure:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=107099

One of my goals with my design was to be able to fit my wind deflector in my trunk if I needed to. I'm sending 130 watts to each sub.

I'm running a single 12 in a sealed enclosure, but its in the rear corner. I opened the ski hole and I am using that as a port. Sounds great so far........ :D

Here's the info on my enclosure:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=107099

One of my goals with my design was to be able to fit my wind deflector in my trunk if I needed to. I'm sending 130 watts to each sub.
Off the subject, but since you mentioned your wind deflector, how do you like it? Does it make a big difference?

using the ski pass as a sub box would not be good...well, it could be i guess. It is metal...ever hear an old metal radio speaker? Blah.

Id try to do it the way everyone else has.

there is no room inside the ski pass

you would fit a 6.5" woofer at the largest, and that's if you glass super thin... and you know how to fiberglass...

clarion made a self contained 6.5" sub unit that could fit in the ski pass of an e32... and I think they even still make one, kicker also.

use the ski pass as an opening into the cabin.

I currently have a simple sealed enclosure but I think I'll rebuild it to do a compression loaded box. The 2 Kicker L7 8's are getting 450 watts rms for the person that asked...sorry, no pics.

use the ski pass as an opening into the cabin.

I currently have a simple sealed enclosure but I think I'll rebuild it to do a compression loaded box. The 2 Kicker L7 8's are getting 450 watts rms for the person that asked...sorry, no pics.
would it be best to seal off the enclosure to the ski pass or use the pass as a port and mount the sub farther back?

I have 2 Solobaric 8" square subs in my vert. I faced my subs toward the rear of the car. I tried forward thru the ski pass thru and it sounded like crap. But you try it both ways and see what you like. By the way i used the dimensions on the box in the picture further up in this thread where you can see both speaker thru the opening except added 1" to all dimensions.

Off the subject, but since you mentioned your wind deflector, how do you like it? Does it make a big difference?

The wind deflector makes a huge difference. Not only is it less windy (obvoiusly) but quieter as well so you can hear your stereo.

I'm talking about totally removing the plastic ski pass tunnel , then there is alot more room . And the Kicker S10L7 does not need much room at all . My Idea was to make a fiberglass enclosure where the old ski pass was . My only problem would getting the fiberglass to stick at the top without falling . The idea was to eliminate the bulky SubZero box taking up half the trunk now . Most of the people firing their subs through the ski pass now don't have convertables , so they have twice as much trunk as me .

Oh and I have the wind deflector too , but don't use it much since it won't fit With the 10" box :(

Thanks for the wind deflector info. When it is in the car, does it make any difference in the way the sub/system sounds? I realize it creates less noise, but does it also help keep the bass in the cabin?

Thanks for the wind deflector info. When it is in the car, does it make any difference in the way the sub/system sounds? I realize it creates less noise, but does it also help keep the bass in the cabin?


No the wind deflector does not keep the bass in the cabine but it dees reduce the wind and you can hear the music .

it's just a metal frame with mesh over it, so no way it effect's bass notes.


but I wouldnt' drive the car without one.

So no one has ever convertered their ski pass int a sub enclosure ? Any tips on how to get the fiberglass to stick to the top and sides without falling or sliding ? Let me know if you do

I'm with the rest of them and have my sub firing through the ski pass. I went to a couple of shops to see about doing what you are suggesting but not one of them thought it was a good idea. They said they would do it (and of course the quotes were quite high) but they wouldn't be able to guarentee how it would sound.

As for the wind deflector, for me, it makes a huge difference.

Do you have any pics?

I'm with the rest of them and have my sub firing through the ski pass. I went to a couple of shops to see about doing what you are suggesting but not one of them thought it was a good idea. They said they would do it (and of course the quotes were quite high) but they wouldn't be able to guarentee how it would sound.

As for the wind deflector, for me, it makes a huge difference.



Well I guess I will just have to go ahead and do it then , because I'm already missing half my trunk with the single 10" box in the trunk . I'm 100% positive I saw pics and details on someone that did it and they said it was awesome and have 100% trunk space. I guess noone has actuall removed the ski pass plastic to see how much more room there really is inside . My kicker s10l7 does not need much room and there is way more than enough for the sub . If anyone has and tips or perferred materials I should use please let me know .

Well I guess I will just have to go ahead and do it then , because I'm already missing half my trunk with the single 10" box in the trunk . I'm 100% positive I saw pics and details on someone that did it and they said it was awesome and have 100% trunk space. I guess noone has actuall removed the ski pass plastic to see how much more room there really is inside . My kicker s10l7 does not need much room and there is way more than enough for the sub . If anyone has and tips or perferred materials I should use please let me know .

Removing the plastic tunnel for the ski-pass won't net you very much additional space. See pics below. Maybe 1/2" below and on each side and 2" above. Maybe you could use the plastic tunnel to use as a mould to build a drop-in fibergalss enclosure with an MDF face for mounting the sub. You could incorporate some flanges into the enclosure to use the stock mounting points for the ski tunnel. Still, I'm not sure it'd wide enough for a 10" sub.

Removing the plastic tunnel for the ski-pass won't net you very much additional space. See pics below. Maybe 1/2" below and on each side and 2" above. Maybe you could use the plastic tunnel to use as a mould to build a drop-in fibergalss enclosure with an MDF face for mounting the sub. You could incorporate some flanges into the enclosure to use the stock mounting points for the ski tunnel. Still, I'm not sure it'd wide enough for a 10" sub.


Oh the sub fits perfectly with the ski pass in place , my idea was to fiberglass in the ski pass area . Making the enclosure out of the car , the enclosure would be too small. But if I do it in inside the ski pass hole it should be big enough . Thanks for the pics , I havent removed the rear seat in 2 years . I think i'll give it a try , and if I don't get too pissed off maybe i'll get some pics to post.

Oh the sub fits perfectly with the ski pass in place , my idea was to fiberglass in the ski pass area . Making the enclosure out of the car , the enclosure would be too small. But if I do it in inside the ski pass hole it should be big enough . Thanks for the pics , I havent removed the rear seat in 2 years . I think i'll give it a try , and if I don't get too pissed off maybe i'll get some pics to post.

Good luck and post some pics. I hate removing the rear headrests...PITA. But once the headrests are off, the rest is pretty easy.

Yea, I was trying to save as much trunk space as possible and that's why I inquired. I ended up having a box built that fits snugly under the area that holds the top. This gives me the majority of the trunk (can get my golf clubs and a few other items in without a problem). I have the 3 amps and crossovers mounted in the area between the seat and trunk for a nice stealth install as well as keeping them out of the trunk. I would certainly have tried it if the installers were a little more encouraging but I couldn't be more please with the way my system turned out.

I've been a die hard Zapco fan for years...Used them in my IASCA competition car for three years, going to the IASCA finals twice and even placed in the top 20! Good choice on amps. Hope you enjoy your system. I just started designing my system for the old 'vert and hope to get something sounding good before next summer. Good job, enjoy!

Too Slow

They are alittle older (but then again so am I) but I haven't found any newer amp that makes me want to put these on the shelf. The other advantage is, they are sooo small. I was able to fit them into this tight space rather easily. For any one looking to install a system in a vert and save their trunk space, seriously try to find some these older Zapcos (any of the z or Studio series), you won't be disappointed.

I have the ski pass in my 99' vert but it does not go through to the trunk. It is like a storage compartment. The back of the trunk is completely sealed. How do you make this an opening? Is this a "hack" job, removable panels or what. Thanks.

OK guys, I had the Pioneer 8600 headunit, DLS Ultimate components front and rear and an Alphasonik amp pushing 260 rms per side installed. Let me tell you, the DLS really crank. LOUD and CLEAR! Since the car is a vert, that was really important to me. Now I have PLENTY of mids and highs and am ready to think about the bass. They're alot of good ideas out there about using the ski pass. It's so hard to decide which one is the best. Can anyone tell me about my question above. I have the plastic ski pass compartment and wanted to know if this is a hack job to cut or is there a plate to remove or what? I'm thinking about two 8" Alphasoniks, feeding them with 900 watts rms of juice. (the new Alphasonik equipment rocks) I would prefer the 10's but I know space is tight. It sounds like those with the 8's are satisfied so that may be the best choice. Thanks for the help!

OK guys, I had the Pioneer 8600 headunit, DLS Ultimate components front and rear and an Alphasonik amp pushing 260 rms per side installed. Let me tell you, the DLS really crank. LOUD and CLEAR! Since the car is a vert, that was really important to me. Now I have PLENTY of mids and highs and am ready to think about the bass. They're alot of good ideas out there about using the ski pass. It's so hard to decide which one is the best. Can anyone tell me about my question above. I have the plastic ski pass compartment and wanted to know if this is a hack job to cut or is there a plate to remove or what? I'm thinking about two 8" Alphasoniks, feeding them with 900 watts rms of juice. (the new Alphasonik equipment rocks) I would prefer the 10's but I know space is tight. It sounds like those with the 8's are satisfied so that may be the best choice. Thanks for the help!

If you have the HK system at least like i did, it should be just removing the factory sub. I have 2 L7 8's with 450 rms per, they're fine.

I do not have the HK system, mine was the standard system. (cassett deck w/CD changer in trunk)

BennyZ and Dogger really did their homework and what they came up with is spectacular. And not so hard for a lone DIYr.

BennyZ and Dogger really did their homework and what they came up with is spectacular. And not so hard for a lone DIYr.

Is that a cabrio?

Is that a cabrio?


No that does not look like a cabrio , the ski pass uses up more space in the cabrio . I should be doing the fiberglass enclosure soon , it's just a little too hot right now outside and I'm waiting for my Leatherique kit to arrive . should only take a few hours to make the enclosure inside the ski pass area , just got to make sure the woofer wont be touch the rear seats when firing .I will keep you guys updated

No that does not look like a cabrio , the ski pass uses up more space in the cabrio . I should be doing the fiberglass enclosure soon , it's just a little too hot right now outside and I'm waiting for my Leatherique kit to arrive . should only take a few hours to make the enclosure inside the ski pass area , just got to make sure the woofer wont be touch the rear seats when firing .I will keep you guys updated

I didn't think so but wasn't 100% sure. Just a little confused since the thread topic was cabrio specific. How much volume do you think you can get from that space? As far as the woofer touching the seat, just remember to recess the sub a bit. Get the excursion specs and add 3/4" or so to be on the safe side. Don't forget to take pics of the process and results. Good luck.

Hello to everybody!! I'm new of this forum and I think it's fantastic!!
I begin apologizing for my...school english...but I live in a little village in south Switzerland and we usually speak italian! Sorry....!!On the other hand I'm able to understand your written language well enough! Let us hope for well!
I'm looking for improve the sound of my 330i cabrio (absolutely withouth bass... :( ) and i've seen the extraordinary work made by Rayman!! Congratulations!! I'm trying to do something similar and i have some questions for you!
How have you fixed the sub's box to the back panel of the rear seats?
Have you left any little space between the box and the back panel?
Do you think it's better connecting the two speakers in series or in parallel?
(I have a two ch ampli) I know connecting in series = to sum up impedances; connecting in parallel = to divide them. Right?
Do you think the deep of the box is enough for good resonance?
Well, now I think I've done a lot of question and you will be enough!! Sorry!
Very many thanks for your patience and for the effort to understand my...english...!!
My best regards

Hello to everybody!! I'm new of this forum and I think it's fantastic!!
I begin apologizing for my...school english...but I live in a little village in south Switzerland and we usually speak italian! Sorry....!!On the other hand I'm able to understand your written language well enough! Let us hope for well!
I'm looking for improve the sound of my 330i cabrio (absolutely withouth bass... :( ) and i've seen the extraordinary work made by Rayman!! Congratulations!! I'm trying to do something similar and i have some questions for you!
How have you fixed the sub's box to the back panel of the rear seats?
Have you left any little space between the box and the back panel?
Do you think it's better connecting the two speakers in series or in parallel?
(I have a two ch ampli) I know connecting in series = to sum up impedances; connecting in parallel = to divide them. Right?
Do you think the deep of the box is enough for good resonance?
Well, now I think I've done a lot of question and you will be enough!! Sorry!
Very many thanks for your patience and for the effort to understand my...english...!!
My best regards


Thanks for the compliments. My box is pressure fit into the space and it touches the back panel of the rear seats so there is no wasted space. I built it so that it fits extremely tight and its stuck in there pretty good. Most people that wire 2 subs to 1 channel will use Parallel configuration as it will decrease impedance and therefore increase the amps output power. Your amp must be able to handle a lower impedance load though. You are right about your calculation on impedance. With respect to depth of the box, I'm not too sure on the effect of this but I wanted to make a shallow box so I could maximize my trunk space.