After accidentally destroying my volvo and recently buying a bimmer, I couldn't be happier with the cars performance.

However, in my volvo I had a complete sound system installed and my stock system in my bimmer is seriously lacking.

In my old car I had best buy pretty much do everything, I had some random head unit that worked very well (at least to my knowledge) that powered the front speakers, I had a 500watt amp (I think?) powering my rears, and an 800watt amp powering 2 12" kenwoods.

The system wasn't amazing compared to some of my friends, (my friend's infinity speakers and subs come to mind), but it was LOUD and I really enjoy my loud music, it's sort of part of the joy of driving for me.

Anyway, can someone help me get started selecting a system for my BMW? I've read the stickied posts but it's all techno jargon to me. I'm older now so I don't really trust best buy to just install it for me... does anyone have a starter guide of some sort?

What I'm thinking I want right now:

1. 10's or 12's in the trunk, depending on how hard they kick. It's more about sound than feeling but I for sure want to feel them.
2. I want to use my OEM head unit.
3. I want this system to be LOUD. I will use the rears. ( I know some of you don't like that... )

What should I do? My biggest obsticale I think is I want to use the OEM head unit. Do I have to bypass the factory amp or can I just add more? What speakers are your favorite?

What installation shops are good with BMW's?

Oh man what do I do?

Thanks in advance for replies.

Oh money, I don't want to spend more than 2 grand.

Also I still have the amps and subs from my old car, but they weren't amazing. I'd like to be able to turn the sub amp up and down from inside the car.

you don't HAVE to bypass the OEM amp. you can just replace the existing speakers; i think you'll find changing the amp powering your compnents will result in a lot better sound quality and, also, that loudness you seek ;) so that's one option for that.
now, BMWs, it's a love/hate thing for the stereo if you're keeping the HU. on the plus side, ALL the wires are in the trunk already. even the battery is. so it makes for easiness. the downside? if you're getting rid of the stock amp, you have to go into that wiring harness into the amp and tap into the speaker wires, etc. can get pretty crazy, but there's some great guides. here's one a usually pass out when people have questions:
http://www.e46fanatics.com/faq/stereosaga.html (i didn't write, just think it's well written and very informative)
now, if you want to keep the stock amp, it's not too hard. you buy a line converter (you'll need a special one since BMW uses floating grounds instead of the more common... um. commmon ground), tap into the remote wire from the stock amp, and then power it from the battery. pretty easy.
as far as installation; i'd say to go for it yourself. you said you're a bit older now and don't trust best buy with your car.
good. you really ARE growing up ;)
if you install it yourself, you KNOW the quality of the work, you'll gain the experience, and your system will sound all that much better because YOU did it. you can also get nicer equipment since you won't have to include installation in your budget.
what kind of subs and amps were you running in the old car? the subs, if bought from best buy, are probably kind of weak, but the amps could be salvagable for sure. post that equipment that you already have and if you're looking to replace the stock amp, too, and we'll be able to help you out

Two amps, front speakers, a sub box and definately an AudioControl EQS.