Hi guys!

I live in Norway, and just got a 2003 320 Da. It was imported from Germany, and all is well except for the sound system - total crap even according to my wife. That ought to count for something :-)

I already asked the guys at BSW to help, but they couldn't as they did not know European models to well. So, back to square one.

Anyway - my car has the large navi placed in the front center, and two speakers (counting the little tweeter placed by the mirrors) in each front door. No speakers in the back doors, and then again some in the luggage comp. Thats ok since it's a wagon.

I really need to upgrade the sound, and have been talking to my local BMW dealership. They charge no less than USD 1 340 just for selling me the H/K upgrade. Then installing comes extra.

I have three questions: I already ordered the OEM BMW iPod kit for installment. Would purchase of the Harman upgrade also carry such a solution, meaning that I wouldn't have to buy it separately?

Would an upgrade include speakers for my back doors? My kids would love that. And in fact - how many speakers would it include?

Finally - with the norwegian dealer mugging me of my money - where should I buy something like that at a reasonable price? And what would that price be?

Please, someone... My ears are itching... :-)
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You can probably greatly improve sound by gettinf an aftermarket amplifier and speakers. Speakers sizes are irrelevant, as you can easily take your old speakers out and figure it out. Might require some cutting and custom work, but shouldn't bee too hard to add speakers in the rear doors. You can either take the car apart yourself, figure out what you need and try to DIY, or you can visit a good local stereo shop and have them make recommendations.

Hi guys!

I live in Norway, and just got a 2003 320 Da. It was imported from Germany, and all is well except for the sound system - total crap even according to my wife. That ought to count for something :-)

I already asked the guys at BSW to help, but they couldn't as they did not know European models to well. So, back to square one.

Anyway - my car has the large navi placed in the front center, and two speakers (counting the little tweeter placed by the mirrors) in each front door. No speakers in the back doors, and then again some in the luggage comp. Thats ok since it's a wagon.

I really need to upgrade the sound, and have been talking to my local BMW dealership. They charge no less than USD 1 340 just for selling me the H/K upgrade. Then installing comes extra.

I have three questions: I already ordered the OEM BMW iPod kit for installment. Would purchase of the Harman upgrade also carry such a solution, meaning that I wouldn't have to buy it separately?

Would an upgrade include speakers for my back doors? My kids would love that. And in fact - how many speakers would it include?

Finally - with the norwegian dealer mugging me of my money - where should I buy something like that at a reasonable price? And what would that price be?

Please, someone... My ears are itching... :-)
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I don't see that the HK upgrade would include an iPod interface - I find that unlikely.

I can't estimate EU pricing very well.

1) Any chance of posting a pic of your car doors? I think you have an E90 but I'm not certain.

2) I suspect that any upgrade will not be a single system, but an "a la carte" upgrade.

I don't see that the HK upgrade would include an iPod interface - I find that unlikely.

I can't estimate EU pricing very well.

1) Any chance of posting a pic of your car doors? I think you have an E90 but I'm not certain.

2) I suspect that any upgrade will not be a single system, but an "a la carte" upgrade.


Hi and thanks for your answers both of you! I definately have an E46, not an E90. I also know by now that the H/K upgrade does include speakers for my back doors, and that it does NOT include the iPod kit. Furthermore i now have the complete pricing for installment of both systems. Complete package costs USD 2 855/ Euro 2 268. That's a lot of money...

I will probably end up buying the upgrade in Germany where I expect it to be quite a lot cheaper. Then make installation in Norway.

If anyone has buying advice, I'm still very interested!

Thanks!

I believe I spoke with you about the issue? Do you in fact have the Harmon Kardon system in your E46? If so then we can definately help you out. I thought we had discussed that you had the base European system?

I believe I spoke with you about the issue? Do you in fact have the Harmon Kardon system in your E46? If so then we can definately help you out. I thought we had discussed that you had the base European system?

Hi! Yes we spoke, via e-mail anyway. I am sorry if I have been unclear, but I do NOT have the Harman/Kardon system. I have some European base system, and just a total of six speakers including the tweeters in the front doors just as you have understood it. The back doors does not have any speakers in them at all. I was talking about getting the Harman Kardon upgrade, since all I seem to get from around is that no one can help me out.

Just today I found out that I can't even get the Harman upgrade. The only thing available, at least in Norway, is the BMW OEM Hi-Fi sound system. It's better than what I have now of course, but I would have loved a solution that really made som changes. Not even my local pro carsound shop steps up. They just go "buy the OEM - it will suit your needs best, integrated and all". I am about to ship the entire thing to BSW so they can have a go at it (joke...).

Anyone for solutions...?

:-)

No local audio shops are willing to help you?

Sounds like you need an amplifier upgrade and new interior speakers.

I am surprised that no shops are willing to help you with your issue. They would stand to make some money obviously. Are there any other shops you can try to take the vehicle to?

No local audio shops are willing to help you?

Sounds like you need an amplifier upgrade and new interior speakers.

I am surprised that no shops are willing to help you with your issue. They would stand to make some money obviously. Are there any other shops you can try to take the vehicle to?

I got a tip on a company called Boomcar today. They specialize in custom solutions. I hope they give it a go. Said they would. I'm seeing them tomorrow. Will post outcome.

I got a tip on a company called Boomsound today. They specialize in custom solutions. I hope they give it a go. Said they would. I'm seeing them tomorrow. Will post outcome.

Alright sounds good. Keep us posted!

Alright sounds good. Keep us posted!

Thanks, I will! The name of the company was Boomcar for anyone who wants to check it out. Not Boomsound as I first stated. Will keep you posted.