I would like to put 6-1/2s in place of the 5-1/4s in my e36 sedan, but cannot find any posts by anyone has done it. I don't mind cutting to make them fit, but I don't want to get started and then find out that it can't be done! Has anyone else done this? Also- would there be enough difference in sound if I went from some CDT EF-51s to EDi 6500s to make this worth it?

Thanks!!

Lots of people have done it. It's fairly straight-forward. Just check the depth of your speakers vs available room, but you should be OK. Most people simply mark out a new circle (tangent to the existing hole at one edge) and cut it using a dremel, nibbler, or cutoff wheel. This should allow the new driver to fit behind the stock plastic panel. This is what I'll be doing to mine in the near future.

Another option would be to fit a new baffle over the existing hole, but this may require modification of the stock interior panels.

I would like to put 6-1/2s in place of the 5-1/4s in my e36 sedan, but cannot find any posts by anyone has done it.

Check out the first parked post in this forum. The one called "Useful links? Post them here!" The second link down is labeled 6.5" Speaker DIY Install Thread.

DIY is short for Do It Yourself.

Here is the link.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=234401

Try doing a search for "6.5 kick panel". That should turn out enough reading material for a couple of hours.

Hmm, managed to post the same post twice. Please ignore this post.

http://bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=86508&highlight=clarion+nice

Check out the first parked post in this forum. The one called "Useful links? Post them here!" The second link down is labeled 6.5" Speaker DIY Install Thread.

DIY is short for Do It Yourself.

Here is the link.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=234401

Try doing a search for "6.5 kick panel". That should turn out enough reading material for a couple of hours.


Okay guys- if you don't bother to read and understand my post then don't give me attitude. I am asking about installing into a sedan, not a coupe. I know that there are lots of posts about doing this in coupes (325is or 328is) - but nothing on sedans (325i or 328i.) You did know that there is a difference between the two in the size of the kick panels? The sedan is much smaller.

DIY? - When did you figure that one out? Was it hard for you? I did my first DIYs on the Porsche 356B that I bought in 1968- is it something new to you?

I have searched extensively on this- as I originally said (above) there are not any posts showing that it has been done.

Please, is there anybody that can help with real answers?

I can assure you that the same process used on the coupes will work for the sedan. I scoped out the possiblity of adding 6.5's when I repaired my broken 5.25 and made sure everything was the same, it is.

I own a sedan and installed a pair of Dynaudio 7" woofers into the kicks. The work was relatively simple, cut with dremel.

If I had to redo it, I would probably use tin snips, and hammer.

So to answer your question, yes it can be done.

Thanks Seph- You are always good for sharing knowledge!

The other question I had- is it worth it to change from the CDT EF-51 to the EDi 6500s?

Who me? Why thank you.

Hmm, CDT EF-51 to eDi 6500s. IMO, yes it's definately worth it. I was never happy with the midbass from a 5.25". I searched FAR and wide, trying mid after mid. It lacks punch. Hell, I'm not 100% happy even today with my 7" Dynaudio mid. Dare I try fitting an 8", 9", or 10" in my kicks. We'll find out very soon.