Looking for contributors to a common BMW audio questions thread

**12v Electronics** · 03-05-2009, 03:31 AM

Hello all,

I would like to put a "common questions" thread together that hopefully we can get stickied at the top of the forum. There are a few there now, but some of the most commonly asked questions are hard to find. I would like to take the initiative to get peoples experience and knowledge for some of the most frequently asked questions on this site and write one well written informative thread.

Hopefully we can get a good list together and put them in one thread. I suggest writing them here as you would want them posted and we could all vote on them democratically to see what makes it in the final thread.

One of the most common questions is the no-sound question. Here is an example of what should be posted: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=13772225#post13772225

Other common question examples:

Common ground systems
Subwoofer styles and placement
OEM speakers w/factory amp
Factory amp w/aftermarket speakers
LOC's
Parts needed to install aftermarket HU
etc. etc.

Please post well written articles here so that they may be directly pasted into the final thread. Links would also be great. Try to keep brand names out of it unless they are directly related to the article.

Any contributions would be greatly appreciated. Your name can be posted as the contributor if you like.

MODS, PLEASE DO NOT STICKY THIS THREAD. THERE WILL HOPEFULLY BE A FINELY POLISHED VERSION TO COME FROM IT.

**Halston Pitman** · 03-05-2009, 05:05 PM

Let me start working... I will make sure all links post to my direct paypal account

Tom, you are gonna put in the 'how to install 18" subwoofers in your e36 turbo foot wells' DIY right?

**attack eagle** · 03-05-2009, 05:22 PM

I like green monkeys...

you gonna do it like my e34 faq tom?

I like that better than writing all new articles.

one issue will be model specificity. every one of those topics... save 1-2 is a model specific topic.

the second issue after blue to blue white should be:

how to correctly write a post asking for help.

**12v Electronics** · 03-05-2009, 05:38 PM

All ideas are welcome. I think we should all decide which is the best format so it will be accurate and easy for everyone to find info.

**Halston Pitman** · 03-05-2009, 05:46 PM

What Size Speakers do I have in my BMW?

This question depends on the vehicle in question. I have compiled the complete list below so search for your car and then your audio system and you will have your answers.

BMW E36 Coupe/Sedan w/ Standard:

5.25" Front Midbass
2.5" Front Midrange
~5/8 Front Tweeter
4" Rear Midbass - Inside Enclosure
~5/8 Rear Tweeter - Inside Enclosure

BMW E36 Coupe/Sedan w/ HK(Premium)

5.25" Front Midbass
2.5" Front Midrange
~5/8 Front Tweeter
6x9" Rear Midbass - Inside Enclosure
~5/8 Rear Tweeter - Inside Enclosure

BMW E36 Cabrio w/ Standard

5.25" Front Midbass
2.5" Front Midrange
~5/8 Front Tweeter
4" Rear Midbass
~5/8 Rear Tweeter

BMW E36 Cabrio w/ HK(Premium)

5.25" Front Midbass
2.5" Front Midrange
~5/8 Front Tweeter
5.25" Rear Midbass
~5/8 Rear Tweeter
~8" Subwoofer in Ski Pass

BMW E46 Coupe w/ Standard

6.25" Front Midbass - 3 prong mount
2.5" Front Midrange - Shared Housing w/ Tweeter
3/4" Front Tweeter
2.5" Rear Midrange
6.25" Rear Midbass - 3 prong mount

BMW E46 Coupe w/ HK(Premium)

6.25" Front Midbass - 3 prong mount
2.5" Front Midrange - Shared Housing w/ Tweeter
3/4" Front Tweeter
2.5" Rear Midrange
6.25" Rear Midbass - 3 prong mount
2x 6x9 Subwoofers - Rear Deck

BMW E46 Sedan w/ Standard

6.25" Front Midbass - 3 prong mount
2.5" Front Midrange
3/4" Front Tweeter
2.5" Rear Midrange
6.25" Rear Midbass - 3 prong mount

BMW E46 Sedan w/ HK(Premium)

6.25" Front Midbass - 3 prong mount
2.5" Front Midrange
3/4" Front Tweeter
2.5" Rear Midrange
6.25" Rear Midbass - 3 prong mount
2x 6x9 Subwoofers - Rear Deck

BMW E46 Convertible w/ Standard

6.25" Front Midbass - 3 prong mount
2.5" Front Midrange - Shared Housing w/ Tweeter
3/4" Front Tweeter
~4" Rear Midbass - 3 prong + Shared Housing w/ Tweeter
3/4" Rear Tweeter

BMW E46 Convertible w/ HK(Premium)

6.25" Front Midbass
2.5" Front Midrange - 3 prong mount
3/4" Front Tweeter
~4" Rear Midbass - 3 prong + Shared Housing w/ Tweeter
3/4" Rear Tweeter
~10" Subwoofer In Ski Pass

BMW E39 w/ Standard

5.25" Front Midbass
2" Front Midrange - Silk Dome
~5/8" Front Tweeter
5.25" Rear Midbass
~5/8 Rear Tweeter

BMW E39 w/ DSP(Premium)

5.25" Front Midbass
2" Front Midrange - Silk Dome
~5/8" Front Tweeter
5.25" Rear Midbass
~5/8 Rear Tweeter
2x ~5" High Efficiency/High Excursion OEM Subwoofers - Hung from Rear Deck

BMW E38 w/ DSP(Premium)

5.25" Front Midbass
2" Front Midrange - Silk Dome
~5/8" Front Tweeter
5.25" Rear Midbass
~5/8 Rear Tweeter
4x ~5" High Efficiency/High Excursion OEM Subwoofers - Located In Rear Deck

BMW X5 E53 w/ Standard

~6" Front Midbass - Inside Enclosure in Door
2.5" Front Midrange - Inside Front Dash
3/4" Front Tweeter
~6" Rear Midbass - Inside Enclosure in Door
2.5" Rear Midrange
2x ~5" High Efficiency/High Excursion OEM Subwoofers in enclosure - Passenger Side Rear Hatch Mounted - Not all Standard have OEM Subwoofer

BMW X5 E53 w/ DSP(premium)

~6" Front Midbass - Inside Enclosure in Door
2.5" Front Midrange - Inside Front Dash
3/4" Front Tweeter
~6" Rear Midbass - Inside Enclosure in Door
2.5" Rear Midrange
2x ~5" High Efficiency/High Excursion OEM Subwoofers in enclosure - Passenger Side Rear Hatch Mounted

BMW E34 - Early Model vehicles are Common Ground

5.25" Front Midbass
2.5" Front Midrange - Inside Front Dash
~5/8" Front Tweeter
5.25" Rear Midbass - Shared Housing in Rear Deck w/ Tweeter
~5/8 Rear Tweeter

BMW E32

5.25" Front Midbass
2.5" Front Midrange - Inside Front Dash
~5/8" Front Tweeter
5.25" Rear Midbass - Shared Housing in Rear Deck w/ Tweeter
~5/8 Rear Tweeter

BMW E30 w/ Standard - Common Ground System

5.25" Front 2-Way/Coaxial Driver - Front Kick Panel
5.25" Rear 2-Way/Coaxial Driver - Rear Deck *Warning* Have Seen 4" OEM Drivers in this location

BMW E30 w/ Premium - Common Ground - SMALL OEM Amp

5.25" Front Midbass - Front Kick Panel
~5/8" Front Tweeter - Mirror Sail Mounted
5.25" Rear Midbass - Rear Deck - Shared Enclosure w/ Tweeter
~5/8" Rear Tweeter

BMW E28 w/ Standard - Common Ground System

5.25" Front 2-Way/Coaxial Driver - Front Kick Panel
5.25" Rear 2-Way/Coaxial Driver - Rear Deck *Warning* Have Seen 4" OEM Drivers in this location

BMW E28 w/ Premium - Common Ground - SMALL OEM Amp

5.25" Front Midbass - Front Kick Panel
~5/8" Front Tweeter - Mirror Sail Mounted
5.25" Rear Midbass - Rear Deck - Shared Enclosure w/ Tweeter
~5/8" Rear Tweeter

BMW E90 Sedan/Coupe w/ Standard

4x 4" Midrange Drivers - 3 prong mount
4x 25mm
2x 8" Subwoofers - One under each front seat - Have seen base/standard cars with no underseat subwoofers

BMW E90 Sedan/Coupe w/ Logic 7

6x 4" Midrange Drivers - 3 prong mount
4x 25mm
1x 4" Midrange Driver - Center Channel - Dash Mount - 3 prong mount
2x 8" Subwoofers - One under each front seat

BMW E60 Sedan w/ Standard

4x 4" Midrange Drivers - 3 prong mount
4x 25mm
2x 8" Subwoofers - One under each front seat - Have seen base/standard cars with no underseat subwoofers

BMW E60 Sedan w/ Logic 7

6x 4" Midrange Drivers - 3 prong mount
4x 25mm
1x 4" Midrange Driver - Center Channel - Dash Mount - 3 prong mount
2x 8" Subwoofers - One under each front seat

More coming

**12v Electronics** · 03-05-2009, 06:09 PM

I am going to post some links from my favorites. Will clean it up later.

BMW alarm harness info: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1186928

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...8&postcount=40

Radio & amp connector config: http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k2...ingdiagram.gif

V1 programming: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...01&postcount=5

AE, this can be posted along with your how to post idea.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw5-GOG8SXo[/ame]

Removing rear deck trim on E36:http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...1&postcount=12

**12v Electronics** · 03-06-2009, 12:44 AM

Let's try to keep this on topic as much as possible please.

**DouglasABaker** · 03-07-2009, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by Halston Pitman

Ehhhhhhh

I don't have the mounting depth for every single one. Not a max mounting depth. I could compile the list with our drivers mounting depth.

And, btw, where is the E39 M-Audio speaker list?

BMW E39 w/ DSP(Premium)

5.25" Front Midbass
??" Front Midrange, coaxial w/ MidBass
~5/8" Front Tweeter
5.25" Rear Midbass
~5/8 Rear Tweeter, coaxial with midbass
2x ~10" High Efficiency/High Excursion OEM Subwoofers - Hung from Rear Deck

d-

**ogwap** · 03-07-2009, 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by 12v Electronics

Let's try to keep this on topic as much as possible please.

I authored part of the "everying about everything" guide, what subjects are we trying to cover here?

**12v Electronics** · 03-07-2009, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by ogwap

I authored part of the "everying about everything" guide, what subjects are we trying to cover here?

That thread is more of a general audio questions thread. Try to find the remote turn on or other common BMW questions there. If they are there they are buried.

**0d1c** · 03-08-2009, 12:22 AM

What about OEM head units, and integrating from there? A full run down on HU per e36/e46 etc, specs, how they work (balanced), whether the inputs to the factory amp are coming from the HU as low level or high level. Do you really need a OEM integration or just an amp/processor that can accept balanced inputs

It seems that these questions are asked constantly. "Help me design/what should I do...I want to keep my HU..." Pros/Cons etc.

**Halston Pitman** · 03-09-2009, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by DouglasABaker

And, btw, where is the E39 M-Audio speaker list?

BMW E39 w/ DSP(Premium)

5.25" Front Midbass
??" Front Midrange, coaxial w/ MidBass
~5/8" Front Tweeter
5.25" Rear Midbass
~5/8 Rear Tweeter, coaxial with midbass
2x ~10" High Efficiency/High Excursion OEM Subwoofers - Hung from Rear Deck

d-

Thanks Doug. I forgot that one

I have some more articles in the works as time allows Tom. Stay tuned!

**ogwap** · 03-09-2009, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by 12v Electronics

That thread is more of a general audio questions thread. Try to find the remote turn on or other common BMW questions there. If they are there they are buried.

True, its not BMW specific and written over 10 years ago. I'm sure some of it is dated.

I know about e36's but not many other bmw models. Maybe we need a page at wikipedia

**12v Electronics** · 03-10-2009, 03:25 AM

I am a bad thread poster. I ask for people to write intelligently and I post half arsed thoughts. Here is one more thought while I have it on my mind.

Aftermarket radio harness part numbers, antenna adaptors and dash kits needed.

Sorry for the shortness, but I am going to be busy for a while and wanted to post this as a reminder. Hopefully this thread will come to life and bring some good information. If anyone has found any links that they have found invaluable to this forum, please post them here. We can use them as a building block for a great thread.

Halston, what about posting some of your video installation guides?

**attack eagle** · 03-10-2009, 06:11 AM

-How to help us effectively help you- from a forum I mod on.

I ask 4 things...

1: That posts include complete model numbers and are as specific as possible. Descriptive thread titles will include at least one Specific model number, no "Help!" or "installing subs?" as thread titles please.
examples of Specific model numbers:
Clarion 755 is NOT a complete model number... it is Clarion RX755dz
PPI A300 and PPI a300.2 are different...

2: USE THE FREAKING WEB...
there are plenty of reference sites... I also ask that you take advantage of the web and look up the device's owner's manual... many questions can be answered if you do so. It is your unit, not mine.

3a: I ask that you familiarize yourself with some common terminology...
or at least refer to a glossary if you see terminology you do not understand.
The most comprehensive online is probably the one located at the 12 volt .com

3b: I ask that you at least attempt to understand impedence, and refer to a website that shows how to connect multiple subs...
This is far too easy to look up online for you to have any excuses for asking how to connect X brand subs to an amp. You CAN ask IF ___ diagram (include link!) is the one you should follow. Remember in the post that details matter!!!
(number of subs, complete part number, #voice coils per sub, nominal voice coil impedence) to amp (complete model number)

Example
Title: 2 PPI Pro12 8 ohm subs to PPI A600 wiring diagram question
Post:
These Are Single voice coil subs, each voice coil is 8 ohms, and I wish to confirm that the following diagram is the one I use to get a 4ohm load to match my a600's 600x1 @ 4 ohms rating...

I am looking at option #2 (series) as being the correct diagram, is this correct?

http://www.the12volt.com/caraudio/wo...s.asp?Q=2&I=41

Thank you.

(Answer btw is no)

4: don't be afraid to participate, but don't waste other's time either.

5: If you ask for opinions (and by posting you effectively are) don't be offended when someone says "why not use ____ instead?" or "that is mid-fi crap"-- aka Catman's second favorite line

6: If you start bumping threads in less than 3 days, or throw a tempertantrum demanding an answer, your thread will probably get all the attention you can handle, but not the attention you desire. Search "kenwoot and ipot" for an example

end rules:

Be good to one another
&
PARTY ON DUDES!

----------------------------------------------------

Modding OEM amp 92-93 E34:
Purpose: use headunit or aftermarket amplifier power with the oem speakers for more power and increased dynamics.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=740558

----------------------------------------------------

installing Afermarket Alarm in E34 Touring (prewired for alarm)
double lock, window close, hatch and hatch glass pop, light flash, discussion of diodes and relays.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1152137

**Halston Pitman** · 03-10-2009, 12:38 PM

Tom I am working on using some of our videos. Will get the stuff posted up

**morganbressler** · 03-11-2009, 01:13 PM

I cleaned up this thread, and left what I deemed to be relevant posts.

Please keep it on topic. The purpose of the thread is to create a common BMW audio question thread. DO NOT post specific questions, but rather post common BMW audio questions and answers (if possible).

Examples:

"What color is the remote wire..."
"Why doesn't my FM radio work..."

Please, stay on topic, and keep inflammatory comments to yourself.

**12v Electronics** · 05-16-2009, 02:57 AM

Why you should not hook up a BMW factory amp to a 2-way component system:

In the E36 (and most other BMW 3-way systems) the front tweeter plays from 8k and up. The midrange plays from 630hz to 8k and the woofer plays from 630hz and down. In the rear the frequencies are split at 4k.

Hooking up a 2-way system to this amp will not give you a full range signal to tap off of. You will need to find speakers that will fit in your car and perform well with these crossover frequencies or get a common 2-way component system and an amplifer hooked to your head unit to get good results.

Here is an RTA hooked up to the woofer conections:

Here is the door midrange:

And the tweeter:

You can see that there is no wire that puts out any full range signal on any wire. Crossing over a tweeter at 8k does not work very well for most cases. If you are going to a 2 way there is no way to do it with the factory amp and still get the whole frequency range.

**jhorne12** · 07-18-2012, 01:01 PM

It's nice that all the sizes are posted here. It would be even nicer to have the impedence ratings for each of them. I am personally trying to determine the ratings for my 1995 convertible e36 w/standard(non-hk) 10 speaker system... I have Nokia drivers. The tweeters don't have any markings indicating their impedence. My door midrange states 8 ohms and the rear woofer states 4 ohms. I haven't pulled the kickpanel speakers yet. I've read a bazillion posts and haven't found the answer... Can anybody fill this in?

BMW E36 Cabrio w/ Standard

5.25" Front Midbass : ?????
2.5" Front Midrange: 8 ohms
~5/8 Front Tweeter: ?????
4" Rear Midbass: 4 ohms
~5/8 Rear Tweeter: ?????

**BMWEFOlogist** · 07-19-2012, 04:29 AM

12v Electronics, not sure what specific type of questions/answers you need, but here is one:

Question: My headlights or other electronics flicker when strong bass notes hit in songs, what is causing this and how to fix the problem?

Answer: The reason for headlight flicker in many cars is due to incorrect wiring of power feed to your subwoofer. Car batteries are 12.6V and supply over 700amps which is many kilowatts, enough to power any audio system without any kind of issue. Many people however, tap into other circuitry mini-grids in the car for power though such as circuitry with your headlights on which most likely uses much less voltage and has smaller wires designed for less current. Thats why, when bass hits you have trouble hearing any form of punch and you get the issue. Low frequencies take a lot more power to produce than high frequencies. To REALLY fix the issue, you need a direct power feed off the battery with wires of an appropriate guage. Another solution is to buy a very large capacitor which acts as a buffer or temporary battery that keeps charge to prevent flicker and make sure the subwoofer gets enough power when you hit the low frequency "bass".

12v electronics, is the kind of information you are looking for?