I'm picking up some of the 6.5" baffles for the front doors of my 540 and looking for recommendations on an affordable set of speakers to use.

Does anybody know if I can use component two ways (seperate tweeters) or I am restricted to use only integrated two ways? Also, will the stock DSP amp be able to push the aftermarket 6.5"s?

dont know about using the stock amp, but you can do component sets. for a 2-way system, you can put the tweeter in the spot above the door handle or in the mirror sail location. I found the first of these options to be the easier choice. I'll post pics soon.

would love to see some pics.

i'm thinking of using infiniti kappa components in the front and coax in the rear. anybody have any comments on these speakers?

MB Quarts are the most prefered direct retrofit into bmws. They have several lines in 6.25 inch drivers as well as the stock 5.25. They start around $300 a pair and go up from there.

Here is what I did for the front tweeters. A small tin plate cutout with the same shape and holes as the stock door tweeter. the back of the new tweeter's plastic housing had to be grounded down to fit inside the door.
http://i12.tinypic.com/452km6r.jpg
For the front door's, I got the 6.5" panels from PENER. They fit great.
http://i1.tinypic.com/4g6s2uh.jpg
For the rear deck speakers, I made the panels myself that bolt on with 2.5" spacers. the rear tweeters snapped into the stock locations on the door panels, so no mods were required.
http://i11.tinypic.com/35ktwjl.jpg
I'll start a new thread soon with more pics and my wiring solutions for anyone who is interested.

MechEngr,

Was replacing the speakers the only thing you did? Or did you also add an aftermarket amp and/or sub?

I'm planning to do the 5.25" to 6.5" conversion using PENER's panels and was wondering what improvement that made in the bass/midbass department.

I'm picking up some of the 6.5" baffles for the front doors of my 540

What baffles are those? Are you referring to PENER's mdf panels or something else? Just curious...

As far as component speaker recs, I think I'm going to get the Pioneer Premier PRS (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/product/details/0,,2076_310069894_291263623,00.html) speakers.

I have an aftermarket 4 channel amp, no sub yet. As far as the midbass improvements, I had these same speakers in my last car and the midbass was very good. I still have to tune my amp and find a loose wire to test the speakers in my E39.
I think almost any 6.5" aftermarket speakers with a decent amp will yield sufficient midbass.

And you said you put the new tweeter where the OEM midrange speaker used to be (top of the door)? In that case, what did you do with the OEM tweeter in the A pillar? Just disconnected it?

Also, are any special tools required to take the front doors apart? I know BAV Soundwerks sells some kind of tools for that, but I was wondering if I can do without them.

yes, the tweeter in the mirror sail is just unplugged.
the door panels come off easily with just a phillips screwdriver to get the screw behind the door handle, and a standard screwdriver to gently pry and pop the panel clips. Start with the clips on the bottom. Just remember to unplug all the electrical components attached to the door panel, and slide the door handle lever assembly through the door panel when you remove the panel.

What baffles are those? Are you referring to PENER's mdf panels or something else? Just curious...

Yes, it's Pener's baffle. It seems like he has decided to make a few more. Saves me the trouble of screwing up a bunch of perfectly good MDF.

And you said you put the new tweeter where the OEM midrange speaker used to be (top of the door)? In that case, what did you do with the OEM tweeter in the A pillar? Just disconnected it?
yes, the tweeter in the mirror sail is just unplugged.

Just to see if I get this, you removed the 2.5" mid bass speakers and mounted the tweeters there? I know the BSW kits includes replacement 2.5" speakers and I was thinking of trying to find one as well. Is is that much trouble to get the aftermarket tweeter in the sail panel?

I'll start a new thread soon with more pics and my wiring solutions for anyone who is interested.

I would love to get more information (pics) on your install. How did you wire it up? Will look for a thread!

Just to see if I get this, you removed the 2.5" mid bass speakers and mounted the tweeters there? I know the BSW kits includes replacement 2.5" speakers and I was thinking of trying to find one as well. Is is that much trouble to get the aftermarket tweeter in the sail panel?
The 2.5" speaker in the top of the door is a midrange, not a midbass. The 5.25" speaker is the midbass.

The BSW kit for the e39 does not include a replacement 2.5" midrange for some strange reason. It only includes a replacement tweeter (in the A-pillar) and a replacement midbass in the lower door.

BSW does sell those replacement 2.5" midrange speakers though, just not in that Stage I upgrade kit:
http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/product.php/II=380/tb=6/_cid=174/#tabs

Infinity Kappa's are great speakers. I put the Kappa Perfect 6" component set in my 300ZX and they were fantastic. The Perfect series is a bit more, but really musical and I for one recommend them.

I considered the perfect series, but they are a little pricey for me. I could just go w/ the BSW Rainbow setup at that point.

I'm now leaning towards going with JL Audio VR650-CSi 2 way components in the front. These are 4 ohm speakers and their depth falls within my requirements. I'll put JL audio's in the rear too but not sure what size yet and coax or component.

Any feedback on these JL audio speaker? They are supposed to real strong mid-bass character which should fit the application well.