Are people Satisfied with their Sound Systems?

[CTE34]

Well I ask this because from reading the e36 boards, Everybody hates the stock sound system. Is the speaker systems different in the E34 and the E36? I know that its a 10 Speaker system in my car, but it seriously needs more punch, 5.25 speakers do nothing in the low deparments. Are you people happy with your cars audio system, if not what have you done to them to make it even better, I have read the e34.net info, but I would like to hear what fellow Bimmerforums E34ers have done.

[Kudo540]

I'm fairly happy since I add the 12" JL sub. I made even the highs sound better.

[DaveH-530i]

I've got the stock sound system (2003 530i) and it's not at all up to par with the rest of the car ... I'd almost say it sucks. Frankly, I expected a lot more from BMW. I had a mid-grade American sedan before this and the stock sound system in it blew the doors of this one. Maybe I should have opted for the upgraded sound system, but I felt that $1800 to add a cd-changer and sub-woofers was a bit much.

[SecretAznSauce]

Originally posted by Kudo540
I'm fairly happy since I add the 12" JL sub. I made even the highs sound better.


free air ???i need more bass also but dont want to lose the trunk in the process

[shragon]

i added a 12" sub and amp to the stock e34 system, so it sounds decent now. however, nothing like the guys that get all crazy with their ICE.

[GriMpY]

Originally posted by SecretAznMan4u
free air ???i need more bass also but dont want to lose the trunk in the process

I have two 12" subs and there is still room, not as much as before but pretty enough for me.

Space I have is where the inner rubber attachment on the carpet is and out. There is more room than my previous SC400 with nothing in the trunk.

:b_blue:

[SecretAznSauce]

well the sc trunks are pretty stupid. about a golf bag fits in there. We used to own 2 95 Sc3's. About a golf bag or 5 grocery bags fit in there. stupid gas tank in the trunk.. how ever the 12" nakamichi fitted quite nicely in the deck lid

[GAGsTer]

You know, if this is a case of RTFM, then call me stupid, but I did not know this: there is a LOUD setting on the radio. If you hold BASS and TREBLE regulators at the same time (pressing on the +!) it will change from ON to OFF and back. That makes the sound just a tad better.
HTH.

[SecretAznSauce]

really let me try this after the 8 o clock meeting

[Stephen]

I have the upgraded sound system from BMW and it was worth every penny. It sounds great. 2000 BMW M5.

[SecretAznSauce]

Originally posted by Stephen
I have the upgraded sound system from BMW and it was worth every penny. It sounds great. 2000 BMW M5.

[Mr Project]

I'm not real crazy about my stock E34 system. I'm looking at options right now, and will probably try to use some old decent-quality stuff I have laying around for budget reasons. If/when I get it put together, I'll post up my progress. It won't be as nice as Dogger's, though. :)

[Dark Helmet]

the original 1983 cassette deck/AM/FM in my E28 sounded at least as good as the upgraded HK system in my 2000 Z3...




























OK, maybe not, but it wasn't much worse! :D:D wife's E39 touring sounds pretty good, but my fairly basic system in my old integra (head, amp, subs, infinity co-axials) was MUCH better than any stock BMW system.

[ShowTime 525]

We have an old saying in the car audio industry..."Friends don't let friends drive with stock tunes". Therefore my factory stereo is no longer.

:D

[MMurph]

I have a 540i with the 10 speaker system, but I as not very happy with it. The low frequency response is pathetic. My problem is how to install the sub(s) without giving up trunk space. Any suggestions? BTW I want to keep the spare tire in. :evil2

[SecretAznSauce]

i am thinking about adding a free air

[mspeed76]

have you guys heard the Logic 7 systems in the 5 and 7 series?

it sounds pretty good

[Bimmerdan83]

You think your stock stereo is bad go back to the early 80's with the 4x6 speakers all around even with upgrades the front speakers are so poorly placed that it's hard to get any good sound without cutting up the car.
2 MTX Thunder 6000's
http://www.e282.homestead.com/files/Subs.jpg takes some space but nothing major
More
http://www.e282.homestead.com/stereo.html

[Mr Project]

Has anyone tried installing a sub in the rear parcel shelf of an E34? I've kicked around the idea, but I haven't looked at it in detail yet... maybe it's not feasible.

[SecretAznSauce]

i will attempt an free air 10" sub this weekend. only problem with free air the bass is not as tight and requires much more power to run. oh well worth a try. may also try a baffle with it

[mpowernyc]

good speakers won't really make a difference until you install a power amp.
Just adding a amplifier to the stock speakers will drastically improve the sound.You'll be amazed at the sound quality difference.

[GAGsTer]

But what are the options for a replacement? Do you know any write-ups on this?

[MMurph]

I recently found full installation instructions for the front, rear and subwoofer. The instructions include pics. Go to www.bmwtips.com, click accessories link and go to the bottom of page. Click to Brian Lewis' Silver 540i page. He installed MB Quart separates in the front and rear and a 10' sub with a sealed enclosure. Great setup without modification to wiring or factory head unit.

[Jewels530i]

I have the premium sound package in a 04' 530i. Logic 7. I have no complanints, it's awesome. Rocks when you want it to, and is very similar to surround sound when turned on in the theatre sound choice. Also classical music is very delightful. It has 13 speakers, and two subwoofers.

[Mblaster]

My car still has the factory stereo. It was top shelf for that year and it's really not that bad. 6cd in the trunk, plenty of punch though a sub would be nice. For the real tunes I roll down the windows, shut off the radio and crank up that S38 to high volume. Thats what I'm talkin about.

[MaloventEvil]

i dont think my car has a sub... the output isnt as loud as i would want.... at high speeds, i cant even drown out hw noise with my car's system. is that normal or is something wrong (maybe its because i like to keep my window open when going fast and blasting the music?)? :dunno

-Aurash
:redspot

[E34_525i]

I'm not a fan of real loud bass and having subs in the trunk, im happy w/ the system in my '95 525i ... works for me