Hi everyone!
I finally joined after lurking for some weeks, I've been anticipating joining after I got my new Bimmer. Just got it Saturday, E39 1998 528i. What an incredible car, been dreaming about it for years. I think I will be a "lifer."

The only "humorous" part is that, new, this was a $40k + automobile but it has like a $5 sound system in it. The first thing I desperately need to do is upgrade it. I don't want to be heard coming from 3 blocks away but I do want a moderately powered system where I can "feel" the music. I listen to mostly trance techno and occasional symphony.

Any suggestions on the type of place I should take it to for the upgrade? I want to spend not more than maybe $500-$700 on it, can't imagine it would be much more to get a descent sounding system.

Or would it be just better to do it myself? I've been installing car audio since I was in jr. high but I've never done it in anything like a BMW.

I would appreciate any suggestions, the current audio sounds like a cheap weather radio-- it kills me.

Thanks, and I'm happy to be here.

Tony

Welcome Tony.
$500 to $700 should be plenty to pump up your system.

For the door and rear speakers you can get a Package from BSW, a very reputable company
http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/products.php/CA=174
or MB Quart seems to be another popular replacement.

I just added a sub last weekend and it made a huge improvement.
there area many options to easily adding some bass.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=648924

Also do a search on the audio forum. There is plenty of info there.
Someone just posted this sub install. Very nice.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=650933
congrats on the ride and good luck

Or would it be just better to do it myself? I've been installing car audio since I was in jr. high but I've never done it in anything like a BMW.

If you've installed a system in a car before you shouldn't have any problems. Just read some DIY's and be careful not to break anything.