Hello, I did a small search but really didn't come up with some solid answers.

Background: I have the business tape player with harmon kardin system inside the car. basically totally stock

Objectives: buy Alpine HU that does MP3. upgrade speakers with BSW stage 1's (easy plug and play). Find another speaker to replace the "sub"

Questions:

1. I just need to buy a harness to connect the Alpine HU to the car right?

2. Does the HU bypass the car's amp or does it use it?

3. Is there any speaker to place inside to replace the "sub"?

4. I don't want to get another amp, but if i could find one without sacrificing any space then that would be good. Any recommendations?

I just basically want a better system than than whats currently in there. I don't want too much customization. My budget is around $600. I have installed an aftermarket HU in my prelude, but that seems much easier than this.

Thankyou to whoever answers any or all of these questions.

I have an Alpine CDA-9835 in My M3 connected to a BSW Stage 1 kit with MB Quart speakers (I dont think they offer the MB QUart Speakers anymore) and it sounds incredible even with the stock amp.

1. I just need to buy a harness to connect the Alpine HU to the car right?


Yes, it will need to be soldered or crimped to the harness coming off the alpine.


2. Does the HU bypass the car's amp or does it use it?

It uses it.


3. Is there any speaker to place inside to replace the "sub"?


Some people have replaced it with a JL 6W0, it involves an mdf spacer, search for it in the Z3 forum and you should get some good info pertaining to it.


4. I don't want to get another amp, but if i could find one without sacrificing any space then that would be good. Any recommendations?

If you plan on replacing the subwoofer, an aftermarket amp is a necessity. There are several that fit underneath the stock plastics, but the first one to pop into my head are the Alpine pdx series.



I just basically want a better system than than whats currently in there. I don't want too much customization. My budget is around $600. I have installed an aftermarket HU in my prelude, but that seems much easier than this.


Our cars are pretty hard to take apart, but if you take your time, I don't see you having any issues. From what I've seen on other models the bsw instructions are excellent, so popping their speakers in should be a piece of cake.

^thanks for answering my questions. i was toying with the idea of buying one of your sub boxes but again, i'm looking for slightly better rather than "sound superb"

Any idea of where to buy the specific harness other than heading to best buy or similar store? I doubt there is an exact plug and play solution but it would be nice.

Thanks, I already purchased a CDA-9885 Deck and about to purchase the BSW stage 1 speaker set. I guess I will wait for upgrading the "sub" until I sort out if i want to go with another amp.