So this is pretty picture-heavy. I know I'm not the first to put an Alpine PDX-5 amp in a coupe, but I did do several unique things with this install.
#1: I made made custom MOLEX harnesses for all the speaker wires (you can see my MOLEX planning .ppt on the laptop in one of the pics), and
#2: I installed a grill on Dom (MisterX)'s custom sub enclosure.
#3: I modified the rear-most trunk floor panel to allow it to be opened WITHOUT removing the subwoofer (link to thread)
WOW. I know, it's just amazing how different this install is. Yeah, not really, but here's my thread anyway.
Just a note for posterity (and searches):
Factory front components (3-way) are: 5.25" front 'woofer' in the kick panel, midrange in door (front of triangular bit in the door), tweeter in door (back of that same bit).
Rear speaker is something ridiculously small like 2", but in a much larger mounting plate (4" or 5.25").
It is possible to fit certain 6.5" and 6.75" speakers in the front kick panel locations. For the rear overhead hatch speakers, 4" 2-way speakers are a very easy fit, but the holes may accommodate larger speakers (5.25" or 6.5"). I used the former, but can't confirm the latter.
Stereo build includes:
Alpine CDA-9884
Alpine PDX-5
6-channel Monster RCA
Alpine SPX-17REF 6.5" components in front
Infinity 5.25" components (woofer only) in rear
MisterX sub enclosure (see repair pic - used silicone to patch hole)
Elemental Designs 10" 4-ohm DVC sub
I used steel plate for the mounting shelf, trimmed and painted with high-temp engine enamel. I lifted the amp off the plate (for cooling, not really as much of an issue with these digi-amps, but still, always a safe bet) by using some nylon bushings, which were epoxied to the shelf and then painted as well. In order to mount the shelf, I used several custom-bent aluminum stock pieces and attached them to the hard points for the OEM amp/CD changer rack.
I did have to notch out the metal in the kick panel area for the speakers to fit, then I cut out the plastic kick panels themselves so that they fit around the speaker grilles - I will eventually clean these up - you can see a bit of the square grill 'molding' in the pic of the panel, as well as some flashing from my trim job.
The first two pics show the mess of wires from my first install, plus the shelf-mount aluminum brackets and the early stages of the shelf itself. The rest are just progress-pics. Any questions, just ask.
Anyhow... enjoy (and please pardon the filthy car)
MOLEX scheme by BMWBergy, on Flickr
Z3M Stereo 203 by BMWBergy, on Flickr
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2kBoyvQ]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2kBs8ia]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2kBs8hD]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2kBoyuC]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2kBoyx8]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2kBs8mg]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2kBoyxi]
Last edited by BMWBergy; 02-13-2021 at 07:20 PM.
DIY/Project Links:_TC Kline D/A & Suspension Refresh_|_Oil/Engine Cooling Options / Install_|_
Dinan/Fikse FM-5 Build_|_Stereo Install_|_HID Retrofit_|_
Looks good!
OT: Do you have details on the ///M caps covering the rear shocks? The varying height from side-to-side looks like these unscrew - haven't seen this design before.
Looks great man. I need to this on my Coupe. Stock audio blows
Thanks. I should add that while I like the stereo I installed in my WRX (MB Quart components, Alpine amps, Eclipse HU) just a bit better (mostly for the staging - midrange placement in lower door panel instead of kickpanel), this setup in the coupe really sounds GREAT, and I'm quite pleased that I spent the money on this equipment - and did the whole install myself.
Please keep in mind that this is only my second/fourth full stereo install (1st: WRX, 2nd: Z3M, 3rd: E30 325is, 4th: Z3M round 2), and all with basic hand tools, a Dremel, and an 18V cordless drill - hence the lack of polish.
Unfortunately I just realized that I left the key word 'STEREO' out of the title... that won't help when people try to search. Oh well...
Okay - the caps... from what I understand, these are from an E46 M3 - they cover the front strut top access point (on the strut tower brace). RealOEM lists them as 'Covering Left' and 'Covering Right'. P/Ns are 51717895251 and 51717895252 respectively. Price is listed as $8.27 each. The original (previous) owner had the coilovers installed - and at the time had the trim/foam cut out and the caps installed.
03 Covering left 1 51717895251 $8.27 03 Covering right 1 51717895252 $8.27
HOWEVER, I know some people think the larger access holes are annoying, and prefer smaller access points with small 1" plugs. I had no choice, but think these are great trim bits - except they don't physically attach to anything. I have a solution - I just haven't taken the time to actually build it.
Last edited by BMWBergy; 08-22-2013 at 07:09 PM.
DIY/Project Links:_TC Kline D/A & Suspension Refresh_|_Oil/Engine Cooling Options / Install_|_
Dinan/Fikse FM-5 Build_|_Stereo Install_|_HID Retrofit_|_
DIY/Project Links:_TC Kline D/A & Suspension Refresh_|_Oil/Engine Cooling Options / Install_|_
Dinan/Fikse FM-5 Build_|_Stereo Install_|_HID Retrofit_|_
I hear ya on that one... mine was just a like 24 hour straight though process, since I only had one car but it definitely wasn't hard at all.
Still searching for my feedback gremlin though after rewiring it twice now, and using 2 sets of rca's I have no idea where it is coming from, but I just kinda deal with it at this point.
~Ken~ '99 M coupe THE "original" TT Stage 3 - HTA3586R; 701 whp 672 wtq @ 26.5 psi ; NeverSell - CoupeCartel
Fortunately, IIRC, very little feedback on this system - I'm not sure I've ever heard it actually... I had an E36 328i years ago that had a terrible whine to the aftermarket stereo. Glad it's notably absent, or at least not notably present...
Last edited by BMWBergy; 05-03-2010 at 01:06 PM.
DIY/Project Links:_TC Kline D/A & Suspension Refresh_|_Oil/Engine Cooling Options / Install_|_
Dinan/Fikse FM-5 Build_|_Stereo Install_|_HID Retrofit_|_
Very impressive work. It all looks stock!
Fleet:
2003 BMW Z4 Roadster 3.0i
2013 Jeep JK Wrangler Unlimited
Thanks!
If anything, I wish I could have found a slightly longer piece of steel for the base plate, so that I could have mounted both Alpine crossovers on it, not just the one. Oh well, it still works where it is, and it's covered up, so no big loss.
Details on the MOLEX plugs:
1. All the MOLEX bits are .093" pin, and were purchased from VETCO in WA.
2. I paid roughly $45 for all the MOLEX components, including the pin extractor tool, tax, and shipping. I'd say that's a very good deal.
3. The best part of the MOLEX harnesses is that if I decide to reinstall the stock system, I'll simply build matching male MOLEX plugs onto the appropriate wires from the HK/OEM harness, and it will be plug-and-play...
DIY/Project Links:_TC Kline D/A & Suspension Refresh_|_Oil/Engine Cooling Options / Install_|_
Dinan/Fikse FM-5 Build_|_Stereo Install_|_HID Retrofit_|_
Where do I get a net like that?
"If the Corvette is a rebellious child of the extended automotive family, the M coupe is the blackest of sheep." - via Car & Driver
DIY/Project Links:_TC Kline D/A & Suspension Refresh_|_Oil/Engine Cooling Options / Install_|_
Dinan/Fikse FM-5 Build_|_Stereo Install_|_HID Retrofit_|_
That CD changer cover is $75 something bucks from the dealer.
E36/8 2000 M Coupe Cosmos Black/Black
Shark, Conforti CAI, B&B Exhaust, H&R, Bilstein, AKG Subframe/Diff, UUC TME Red/Caps, Swapped Front Hats, Ice>Link.
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Dinan/Fikse FM-5 Build_|_Stereo Install_|_HID Retrofit_|_
Thanks for the writeup and pics. Bookmarked for when I tackle this over the summer. You've also solidified my choice of going with an Alpine PDX-5 amp.
2002 M coupe - Imola/Imola, 18" BBS LM, Wilwood BBK, TC Kline S/A coilovers, Supersprint V2 stepped headers, SS Section 1 race cats, SS Section 2 X-pipe, SS Race exhaust, 3.73 differential, Sport mode, Dinan ECU
2008 M3 sedan - Melbourne/Black, 6MT, AA test pipes, Dinan exhaust, BPM Sport tune, Dinan intake, Swift springs
In my search for a How To on gaining access to the top of the rear shocks (so I can adjust these Konis) I found this thread with this cargo net. So, bumping this from the grave to ask about the part number for this cargo net? I'm still a newb when it comes to realoem. I think I found what I'm looking for, but the image doesn't look like you can slide the hooks around to turn it into a triangle.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...46&hg=51&fg=95
I found some other threads in my searching, but they were all related to the factory cargo net, cargo cover, or even front foot-well nets. Any help would be appreciated.
"If the Corvette is a rebellious child of the extended automotive family, the M coupe is the blackest of sheep." - via Car & Driver
Clean install! Love the work, and I'd love to hear it some time in person!
www.facebook.com/Undr8dEmpireLlc Instagram: @UNDR8D_EMPIRE
Scarlet V2 - #Project333Ti - http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...(-Project333Ti)
DIY/Project Links:_TC Kline D/A & Suspension Refresh_|_Oil/Engine Cooling Options / Install_|_
Dinan/Fikse FM-5 Build_|_Stereo Install_|_HID Retrofit_|_
I'm seriously jealous. I've been looking into redoing the audio on the DD, and I'm obsessed with the cleanliness of this install. May I steal your brain and hands when I do mine? I'll put em back after I'm done.
'02 M Coupe, Estoril Blue on Estoril
'02 M Coupe, -???-Who knows-???-
‘02 M Coupe, Alpine White on Black
'06 M Coupe, Interlagos Blue/Black Carbon Leather
’99 M3 Coupe, Technoviolet/Black
’04 VW R32, Reflex Silver/Black Cloth
Last edited by BMWBergy; 01-03-2014 at 10:11 PM.
DIY/Project Links:_TC Kline D/A & Suspension Refresh_|_Oil/Engine Cooling Options / Install_|_
Dinan/Fikse FM-5 Build_|_Stereo Install_|_HID Retrofit_|_
I'm going to be using the custom enclosure with a 10". Though I kind of wish I could figure out a way to work in a square sub.
Right now I'm wondering if I should go all out and incorporate tweeters in with my install.
'02 M Coupe, Estoril Blue on Estoril
'02 M Coupe, -???-Who knows-???-
‘02 M Coupe, Alpine White on Black
'06 M Coupe, Interlagos Blue/Black Carbon Leather
’99 M3 Coupe, Technoviolet/Black
’04 VW R32, Reflex Silver/Black Cloth
DIY/Project Links:_TC Kline D/A & Suspension Refresh_|_Oil/Engine Cooling Options / Install_|_
Dinan/Fikse FM-5 Build_|_Stereo Install_|_HID Retrofit_|_
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