E46 Speaker upgrade specialist
Discussion
So I've just brought a fantastic '02 330i Touring M Sport which is great. Fast, practical, handles well etc... but the audio system makes me cry with pain every time I listen to it. It's so so bad that I want to get it sorted ASAP. Unfortuntely my DIY skills are next to nothing, and coupled with the apparent difficulty in installing fresh speakers into an E46 I want to source an audio specilaist to do the work for me.
Can anyone recommend anyone in or around the London area with experience in installing fresh speakers into an E46? Nothing fancy but just something to stop the tears....
Can anyone recommend anyone in or around the London area with experience in installing fresh speakers into an E46? Nothing fancy but just something to stop the tears....
Sounds familiar. Just asked a very similar question on my own 02' E46.
You'll either have the HK unit which I've heard, and also thought was lousy, of the BMW Business unit, which is what I have in mine. Frankly it's embarrassingly bad, especially so in the context of the rest of the car.
FYI, the "business" version uses component speakers in the front (mains are 5.25" drivers) and coax in the rear (also 5.25"
.
I chatted with a group called Car Audio security, who are pretty reasonably priced. Their recommendation was to initially replace the fronts with a new set of components from a group like Focal labs and see how I get on. Cost including fitting was around £200. Focal make some ace home stereo speakers, so have serious pedigree. If you want more, then you could look at adding amps, replacing the HUs etc, at which it's starting to become substantially more expensive.
You'll either have the HK unit which I've heard, and also thought was lousy, of the BMW Business unit, which is what I have in mine. Frankly it's embarrassingly bad, especially so in the context of the rest of the car.
FYI, the "business" version uses component speakers in the front (mains are 5.25" drivers) and coax in the rear (also 5.25"
. I chatted with a group called Car Audio security, who are pretty reasonably priced. Their recommendation was to initially replace the fronts with a new set of components from a group like Focal labs and see how I get on. Cost including fitting was around £200. Focal make some ace home stereo speakers, so have serious pedigree. If you want more, then you could look at adding amps, replacing the HUs etc, at which it's starting to become substantially more expensive.
Im up in Paddington, so Finsbury Park aint too that far (cheers Dan). It's the business unit in mine although I hear the HK aint much better....
Car Audio Direct sounds good - thanks Mr Sukebe. I think my budget is £300 max which aint much but I cant really justify massive expenditure on car audio (well I can but the missus will hit the roof given current state of mortgage repayments)...
I will look in to both...
PS - This is my first BMW and when I first hit the stereo on I thought I would be guaranted a solid sound system - how wrong I was.... I am ashamed to say that I was once an owner of an '05 Astra (company car - horribe - now long long gone) which had better audio in it.
Car Audio Direct sounds good - thanks Mr Sukebe. I think my budget is £300 max which aint much but I cant really justify massive expenditure on car audio (well I can but the missus will hit the roof given current state of mortgage repayments)...
I will look in to both...
PS - This is my first BMW and when I first hit the stereo on I thought I would be guaranted a solid sound system - how wrong I was.... I am ashamed to say that I was once an owner of an '05 Astra (company car - horribe - now long long gone) which had better audio in it.
Edited by bags on Friday 4th May 10:53
The stereograms in the E46 are indeed, sh1te!
However there are a few things you can do without having to fill the boot with banging subs (innit).
You can install a Sony XM423SL which the boys on Here rave about.
I have one and it certainly raises the game, however now the speakers are being overwhelmed and I'll probably think about upgrading them at some point so will watch this thread with interest.
I believe the rears are a bit of a pig to get at, though there are a few online guides floating around the interweb that show step by step piccies.
However there are a few things you can do without having to fill the boot with banging subs (innit).
You can install a Sony XM423SL which the boys on Here rave about.
I have one and it certainly raises the game, however now the speakers are being overwhelmed and I'll probably think about upgrading them at some point so will watch this thread with interest.
I believe the rears are a bit of a pig to get at, though there are a few online guides floating around the interweb that show step by step piccies.
Just had a chat to Car Audio Security who were helpful. The chap was desperately trying to push the benefits of a sub in the boot and an upgraded HU but I need the space on a regular basis and like the factory fitted look so it's not an option on either. The verdict was probably a set of front speakers and a small amp (which hopefully can be installed under one of the front seats.... £300 installed should be managable and should provide an notable improvement. I know it's not amazing but it should meet my requirements. Im off to see them over the weekend and also pop into Finsbury Park Audio to see what they suggest.
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