Did the stock sound system on your E39 satisfy you?

[lb5er]

I am asking specifically for the people that own a 525 or a 528. I am curious if it is okay to cruise around with the stock one b4 installing a brand new sound system "which is going to take some time and money ;)"

[Kudo540]

I am asking specifically for the people that own a 525 or a 528. I am curious if it is okay to cruise around with the stock one b4 installing a brand new sound system "which is going to take some time and money ;)"

I'm happy now that I added a JL 12" sub in the rear. It gave the stereo a much more rich sound. Even made the highs sound better. I have always had high end stereos but my sounds good for now. For this car I would rather spend it on performance.

[lb5er]

It's nice to know that you installed a 12' Sub, lots of respect for that. But my question was did it sound alright b4 you had any installments made. I mean does it sound the same if compared to brand new cars that come with the stock sound system today.

I'm real concerned because im going to buy a used E39 one soon. So please help with any info. Thanks

[Kudo540]

It's nice to know that you installed a 12' Sub, lots of respect for that. But my question was did it sound alright b4 you had any installments made. I mean does it sound the same if compared to brand new cars that come with the stock sound system today.

I'm real concerned because im going to buy a used E39 one soon. So please help with any info. Thanks

To be honest, my E39 stereo was the worst I had heard. Even my rental car had better sound and base. BMW makes great car but really bad stereo systems. But, I am very happy with the sound now witht the sub. I have heard the new HK systems in the brand with Bimmers and those aren't even that good in my opinion

[EndangeredBeatz]

Yea...
Mine sucks! & I have the DSP.
It's the worst....
This system is getting replaced real quick.

[Dwayne]

It's ok if you don't expect too much out of it. If you're just cruising around, it'll do ok, I have my stereo on 98% of the time I'd say. The bass lacks a bit though, so I might add in my subs from my bug sometime, but there's no rush.

Best thing to do, just take one of your favorite CDs and go listen to an E39 system and judge for yourself :)

[egertge]

i got a 97 540i in january, and was quite impressed by the stock system. I followed the settings i found on here some guy posted. it was how to set the equalizer, and it sounds good. better stock bass than anything ive ever riden in, or anything anybody else has ridden in stock ive talked to.

[lb5er]

R u serious, so it did sound good after all? I hope it does, plus where did u find the equalizer settings that you are talking about? I would like to have a look at that. Thanks

[DavidNJ]

I had a 98 and now an 01. Ordered the optional DSP in both. I think the DSP is ok, if anything, let down by the quality of the speakers and amp. In both cases I didn't really like the stock system at all, although it sounded better in 01 then in 98 (either it was better or my ears are getting worse).

The stock E60 system sounds better again, however I will order the Logic 7 system.

[lb5er]

I also want to ask if the sound will come out good if I use the tape deck as an aux for my cd or mp3 player because the car I might get might not have a CD player in it. Thanks

[egertge]

i just spent about an hour searching, and can't find that post that told how to set it. I used to have it bookmarked, but not anymore. It was something about turning the settings all the way down, then turning the volume way up, then slowly taking the settings up until there is distortion, then turning them down a notch. worked great, dont remember the specifics. anybody know the post i am talking about?

[mikemaster]

Check bmwtips under the stereo section.
The memory settings are there.

IMO the stereo sounds great when turned up, but at low volume almost puts me to sleep. Not sure why that is, but I noticed it the first time I drove it and still feel the same way 2 years later.

[lb5er]

I would like to know where is the in dash CD player inside a 525 or a 528 placed. Is it above the radio buttons? Or is it placed in the trunk?

[EndangeredBeatz]

I would like to know where is the in dash CD player inside a 525 or a 528 placed. Is it above the radio buttons? Or is it placed in the trunk?

You answered your own question "in dash." :eyecrazy:

Changers are in the trunk.

You better buy a 5.....you're doing alot of homework on them.. :stickoutt

That's good though.

[lb5er]

So there is a great chance to find a 96/97/98 525 or 528 with an in dash CD player??? i still didn't get a straight answer....

@Endangeredbeatz, yeah man i am doing alot of research cause i want to make sure that my purchase is perfected.

[SecretAznSauce]

its 97 and up for the e39. I think in dash cd were the "business cd" one? I dunno i have the dsp, add a sub and you will be happy. btw you want an e39? I am planning on selling mine. My goal to be debt free.(actually buying a newer house and I dont want a car payment)

[sde39]

you could easily fit a small 6 disk changer in the dash where the tape slot is.

Look around and youll find the make in-dash changers. This is just one i found in seconds

Gooooooogle rocks, i cant wait for gmail! (1gig free email storage, 10mb transfers...)

http://www.bluespot.co.uk/images/idca09_instal.jpg

http://www.bluespot.co.uk/stock_image/idc_a09.jpg

[sde39]

Here is one that came factory in a honda!

http://www.handa-accessories.com/pilot/PIL_6DiscInDash1.jpg

[sde39]

ok im post whoring....

But the creme' de la creme!!!
http://www.peakebmw.com/Accessories/autoaccess/auto22A.htm

A factory in-dash BMW changer! Although they dont have it in the dash, any competent installer could modify the brackets.

http://www.peakebmw.com/Accessories/autoaccess/images/22a.jpg

Nakamichi Six-Disc CD Player/Changer
-Changer E39 5 Series;E46 3 Series, 2-dr,4-dr;Z3 roadster, Z3 coupe 82 11 0 009 836 $ 595.00
-Universal Bracket All models shown above 84 11 0 006 459 $ 76.85
-Installation Cables (both required) CD cable 82 11 0 004 617 $ 15.00
(for vehicles w/o factory navigation or DSP amplifiers) Power cable 82 11 0 004 618 $ 8.30
-Installation Cables (both required) CD cable 65 12 8 369 830 $ 33.25
(for vehicles w/factory navigation or DSP amplifiers) Power cable 82 11 0 006 458 $ 19.95
-Installation Cables (both required) CD cable 82 11 0 006 457 $ 15.95
(for vehicles w/o factory navigation or DSP amplifiers) Power cable 82 11 0 006 458 $ 19.95
-Installation Cables (both required) CD cable 82 11 0 006 457 $ 15.95
(for vehicles w/factory navigation or DSP amplifiers) Power cable 82 11 0 006 458 $ 19.95