I have an E36 convertible with standard audio system. Since I'm battling wind noise I don't need (or want to pay for) the best system in the world, but I do want something better than the horrible stock system (which often gets played at high [distorted] volume due to wind noise)...and of course, I don't want to spend too much money...$400 is pushing it. What's the best use of limited cash?

I've asked a similar question previously, but I (and others who have asked similar questions) seem to have gotten almost as many opinions as there are forum members.

Some folks say "replace the front speakers with stock-compatible BSW (no muss, no fuss) first, that's the weak link."

Others say "those BSW speakers aren't that good and nothing will help if you keep that terrible C33 headunit...spend $250+ on a CD43 before doing anything else" (I'm not even considering an HU that doesn't look like it belongs there).

Others say "You need to throw out the amp and speakers and put in an aftermarket two-way setup and perhaps a subwoofer....Brand X is the only system that's worth getting".

Can you folks shed any light (or at least some more opinions [hopefully backed up with real data]) on this conundrum?:help

The problem is there's very few redeemable qualities about any of the stock gear so the the answer really is to start reworking the entire system.

All I've done in my system is went from a C33 to an Alpine CDA-9885. The detail of the system improved slightly as did the output and it's getting me by for now. I think a new head unit is a good start... I don't know the details of the CD43 because I didn't really consider it: I've always liked Alpine gear so that's where I went first. I know that I'm basically overdriving the stock amp's inputs the way my aftermarket head unit is configured now (driving the stock amp's inputs with the aftermarket head's amplified outputs...) but I'm ok with that too: it seems to get me a little extra sound and it certainly sounds better to me (perhaps that is just because it's a little louder but I'm skeptical about that).

Now, that said, I think your best results will definitely come from an aftermarket amp and new speakers. If you can do the front speakers (2 or 3 way components) and a sub... I think it'll be a heck of a start. You can move on to the head unit later. But I think on a limited budget, the biggest improvements are going to come by getting rid of that crummy amp in the trunk.

spend the $300-$400 on a set of quality components for the front. audition as many as you can and read up on car audio forums to find what speakers might sound good to you (silk dome v/s metal tweeters, etc). then, when you get this stupid "stimulus" check, put a couple hundred into an amplifier. you can find good amps used that'll do in the 125-150 watt range per side. use the time you have until you get the amp to learn more about car audio in general and how to install the system.

you'll have about $600-$700 into it by the time it's said and done, but if you do it in steps it's not so bad. you just have to have patients.

cheers!
- ben

Some folks say "replace the front speakers with stock-compatible BSW (no muss, no fuss) first, that's the weak link."

Others say "those BSW speakers aren't that good and nothing will help if you keep that terrible C33 headunit...spend $250+ on a CD43 before doing anything else" (I'm not even considering an HU that doesn't look like it belongs there).



IMO, The head unit is the foundation for all upgrades. It is like building an awesome structure on top of dirt. There are many good headunits out there, but nothing that will fit your car as well as the OEM BMW CD43.

The other nice thing about this radio is that it will accept several auxillary input adaptors and ipod interfaces, so future upgrading is always an option.

Along with that I would definately recommend the BSW system. For a factory plug and play system, this system would be great.

Just to let you know, we have a $15 discount on the CD43 unit for forum members at www.12velectronics.com (http://www.12velectronics.com) . These are brand new units (not used or refurbished). If you want to take advantage of this offer, enter bmwe36 (all lower case with no space) in the promotion code box on checkout.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

In this case, the best use of limited cash would be to spend it on new speakers, and an amp with sufficient power to drive them cleanly.

The C43 is a better unit than the C33, but the latter is not that bad, nor will it help with your primary problem -- overcoming the higher noise floor in a convertible.

As you've discovered, the (overrated and overtaxed) stock system isn't sufficient to provide enough volume without distorting. Even the finest headunit in the world isn't going to overcome that and will still be constrained by the stock speakers and amp.

In essence, your choices are analogous to having a small shack of a house in a so-so neighborhood, and filling it with fine furniture, or having a nice house in a good neighborhood, and filling it with some ok furniture. Both have upgrade paths, but one is clearly going to be easier than the other, and more importantly, provide better immediate comfort.

In a perfect world, the best thing to do would be to replace the whole system, but one step at a time.

IMO, The head unit is the foundation for all upgrades. It is like building an awesome structure on top of dirt. There are many good headunits out there, but nothing that will fit your car as well as the OEM BMW CD43.

The other nice thing about this radio is that it will accept several auxillary input adaptors and ipod interfaces, so future upgrading is always an option.

Along with that I would definately recommend the BSW system. For a factory plug and play system, this system would be great.

Just to let you know, we have a $15 discount on the CD43 unit for forum members at www.12velectronics.com (http://www.12velectronics.com) . These are brand new units (not used or refurbished). If you want to take advantage of this offer, enter bmwe36 (all lower case with no space) in the promotion code box on checkout.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

I can vouch for 12v. I purchased a brand new CD43 from them a few months back (I think before they were forum sponsors), and I couldn't be happier!

The C43 is a better unit than the C33, but the latter is not that bad, nor will it help with your primary problem -- overcoming the higher noise floor in a convertible.



Just to clarify, I am talking about the CD43, not the C43. The C43 is basically a C33 with a CD player. The CD43 is a much better sounding unit. It has a better internal amplifier and other internal components.

I can vouch for 12v. I purchased a brand new CD43 from them a few months back (I think before they were forum sponsors), and I couldn't be happier!

Thanks ESM. Im glad you are happy.

Did you notice a difference in sound with just the radio upgrade?

Thanks ESM. Im glad you are happy.

Did you notice a difference in sound with just the radio upgrade?

I did....I think. I'm not too particular when it comes to sound. As I told you, I purchased this unit just to keep the OE look and be able to toss a cd into the dash. It does have some cool features, however. And I love how I don't lose my presets when I unplug the unit or the battery!

Thanks again,
Eric

Just to clarify, I am talking about the CD43, not the C43. The C43 is basically a C33 with a CD player. The CD43 is a much better sounding unit. It has a better internal amplifier and other internal components.

Right, that was a typo. I meant CD43.