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Thread: Speaker upgrade question

  1. #1
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    Speaker upgrade question

    I have a 1994 325i and probably much like most, my rear deck speakers are shot. I’ve thought about different ways to go about upgrading them. But for now I think I might just go with the newer E36 OEM 6X9 setup. With that being said, I was wondering in anyone has done this and if so, what are your thoughts? Also, I was told that if I decide to go this route, try to get a set out of a 3 Series from 2011 and up because those speakers are better quality.
    Last edited by JasonMHorn; 06-16-2018 at 04:00 PM.

  2. #2
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    Quote Originally Posted by JasonMHorn View Post
    ...try to get a set out of a E36 from 2011 and up...
    2011 and up?

  3. #3
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    Production of US bound E36 ended in 1999, AFAIK.
    Euro production ceased in ~2000.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by bluptgm3 View Post
    Production of US bound E36 ended in 1999, AFAIK.
    Euro production ceased in ~2000.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Sorry, I meant from a 3 Series not E36. I edited the OP.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by Bostongruen View Post
    2011 and up?
    Sorry, I meant from a 3 Series not E36. I edited the OP.

  5. #5
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    The speaker mounts changed on a std E36 to a E46.

    The 4x6 adapter was invented for more bass but the 328 have a new box for a larger speaker too
    E36 HK system had 4x6
    Note the use of a 3 tab speaker mount on the E46 6.25 inch

    Stock 325



    328




    HK upgrade





    E46

    Last edited by gc325is; 06-17-2018 at 12:59 PM.

  6. #6
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    Speaker upgrade question

    Bavarian Sound Works offer an E36 HK and non-HK kit.


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    Last edited by bluptgm3; 06-16-2018 at 11:13 PM.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by JasonMHorn View Post
    I have a 1994 325i and probably much like most, my rear deck speakers are shot. I’ve thought about different ways to go about upgrading them. But for now I think I might just go with the newer E36 OEM 6X9 setup. With that being said, I was wondering in anyone has done this and if so, what are your thoughts? Also, I was told that if I decide to go this route, try to get a set out of a 3 Series from 2011 and up because those speakers are better quality.

    ALL E36 stock speakers are shot at this point.


    I put kicker 6x9 components in my deck about 2 years ago and IMO they are an adequate improvement in base. Good compromise between a base box and not ruining your trunk. I'd probably just go the easier route and put coax in though if I had to do it again. Mine are amped with 100w RMS too so they can move. The rear deck grills are a PITA with the speaker foam backed grills. I just removed my foam because it was completely shot. I'd also redo your purple (assuming black interior) rear deck fabric with headliner material while you're at it.

    This is what I used:
    https://www.amazon.com/Kicker-43CSS6...kers+component

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by wgknestrick View Post

    ALL E36 stock speakers are shot at this point.


    I put kicker 6x9 components in my deck about 2 years ago and IMO they are an adequate improvement in base. Good compromise between a base box and not ruining your trunk. I'd probably just go the easier route and put coax in though if I had to do it again. Mine are amped with 100w RMS too so they can move. The rear deck grills are a PITA with the speaker foam backed grills. I just removed my foam because it was completely shot. I'd also redo your purple (assuming black interior) rear deck fabric with headliner material while you're at it.

    This is what I used:
    https://www.amazon.com/Kicker-43CSS6...kers+component
    I appreciate the advice. My interior is grey. I was thinking about going with 6X9 so I started looking into them. I saw that some people recommend the brackets from Amazon that allow the speakers to go into the stock area. I like that idea but I don’t like how the speaker is partially block. But I guess that’s the best option for keeping things looking stock as possible. So with my mind made up in going that direction and looking a little more into it I thought about going with a used set of OEMs from a parts car. I figure this way I get the bracket and a pair of HK for a cheap enough price. It’ll work for now and eventually I can just upgrade the speakers and use the bracket.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by bluptgm3 View Post
    Bavarian Sound Works offer an E36 HK and non-HK kit.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Yes I saw that. I would really love to replace all of my speakers with the Bavsound Kit but unfortunately at this time, I really don’t have the money. That’s another reason why I decided to look for an OEM pair from a parts car.

  9. #9
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    HK system has to be retrofit in complete form, no partial retrofit.
    Amp and wiring included.


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  10. #10
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    Aftermarket speakers are going to be cheaper and aren't that hard to install. If you buy them from Crutchfield, they even include free instructions and all the bits and bobs you'd need to do it.

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by wgknestrick View Post

    ALL E36 stock speakers are shot at this point.
    Not mine.

  12. #12
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    My HK Sound is just fine. Original owner 1999 M3, my wife’s third owner 1998 Sedan M3 has a blown tweeter.
    My sons 328 HK Sound is just fine…


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  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by bluptgm3 View Post
    HK system has to be retrofit in complete form, no partial retrofit.
    Amp and wiring included.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    That’s not true. I had a pair (just like the ones above) in my hand the other day and my plug plugged directly into it. I didn’t buy them because the guy was asking to much for them IMO.

  14. #14
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    You can swap parts but they were not designed for the same system.
    Normal cars have a 4 ohm rear speaker
    HK rear speakers are marked 2 Ohms and 3 Ohms

    You will thus alter the sound balance of the car sound system. More important will the amp be damaged?

  15. #15
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    Has anyone installed the Bav Sound HK Kit in their car? How do you like it so far?

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