Group Buy: Bavarian SoundWerks Speaker Upgrades for Z4 Coupes and Roadsters

[HOG4DNR]

Kind of off topic, but can someone tell me the difference between the stereo types? Premium, Hi-Fi or Basic.

Thanks

[pokeybritches]

Originally Posted by shakib

noob question. how would i know what system I have? I have navi btw

Enter your VIN: http://www.bmwmdata.com/Home.html

[RCNet]

Originally Posted by HOG4DNR

Kind of off topic, but can someone tell me the difference between the stereo types? Premium, Hi-Fi or Basic.

Thanks

I don't know if I know the answer as it seems way to overly complex.

In the US they offered two choices, at least for the Z4M. Both had 10 speakers, but the optional/upgraded one included DSP, a couple of improved speakers, and more power as best I can figure out. They are referred to by different names depending on where you look. Here is what I think I understand, but may be entirely wrong.

Base system is shown as:
2006 Z4M Brochure - Anti-theft AM/FM/CD audio system with Radio Data System and 10 speakers
Production/Build Option - HIFI LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM (S676A)
RealOEM.com Parts Diagram & TIS - HIFI SYSTEM

Optional system is shown as:
2006 Z4M Brochure - THX Certified premium audio system with upgraded audio power, Carver technology and 10 audiophile-quality speakers, including 2 subwoofers
Production/Build Option - HIFI SYSTEM PROFESSIONAL (S677A)
RealOEM.com Parts Diagram & TIS - TOP-HIFI SYSTEM

From the speaker point of view, both systems have the same front tweeters and woofers (based on part#), but different mid-range speakers. In the rear there are different mid-range speakers and the HiFi has woofers where the Top-HiFi shows sub-woofers.

[RCNet]

I looked at the TIS and getting to the rear mid-range speakers pretty much means dismantling all of the trim behind the seats. You start with the door to the compartment between the seats and just expand from there until you get to removing the covers for the speakers. I'm pretty impressed that the BSW tech did it in under 2 hours.

With that being said, I'd still be interested in an upgrade that included replacements for the rear mid-range speakers. Mine sound terrible and even with the extra effort, I'd be willing to spend the time upgrading them to achieve the "stunning" results.

Halston,

What about offering a Stage 1 as you've proposed and a Stage 1+ which includes the rear midranges as well. Of course the + option could be with all the proper disclaimers that it isn't for DIY'ers? I'm also wondering if you are using the same upgraded mid-range speakers for front and rear, or did you design them separately. I noticed that with the BMW factory systems, the same mid-range is used in both places. If this is also the case for your upgraded mid-ranges, would it be possible to offer them as individual parts, so those of us interested could buy a Stage 1 and then just add two extra mid-ranges al a carte.

I'm still interested in upgrading if it is a "complete" upgrade. My interest begins to fade if I'm just upgrading part of it and need to make up the difference with the fader knob.

[Shipkiller]

Search is your friend...


http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63030

[ScottinSSMD]

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

interested as well, i believe i have premium - or whatever was equipped with the 07's that have navi

+1, but want more specific info. Gains? What parts? DIY or specialist necessary? Any coding issues come along with swapping out when we have navi? Subscribed.

[santov]

I'm sending Halston another email to see if they've had any movement. Seems like the front package is around $280, which seems like a good deal (door drivers only).

With enough interest they'll develop the rear kit. I don't care how much work it is to get into the rears, I'd buy the upgrade at the right price.

[CFoote]

Originally Posted by santov

I'm sending Halston another email to see if they've had any movement. Seems like the front package is around $280, which seems like a good deal (door drivers only).

With enough interest they'll develop the rear kit. I don't care how much work it is to get into the rears, I'd buy the upgrade at the right price.

The rear speakers are simply 4" drivers and do not have any strange impedances (they are 4 ohms), which means you can go and buy any off the shelf 4" set. I installed a set of Alpines which were co-axials and the sound is much improved. If Bavarian does not want to sell you a set then you have a lot of other options.

Of course, installing any aftermarket speakers will require drilling a couple of new holes as the OEM speakers have strange mounting points, but that was the only tricky part of the install.

Chris

[pokeybritches]

Originally Posted by CFoote

The rear speakers are simply 4" drivers and do not have any strange impedances (they are 4 ohms), which means you can go and buy any off the shelf 4" set. I installed a set of Alpines which were co-axials and the sound is much improved. If Bavarian does not want to sell you a set then you have a lot of other options.

Of course, installing any aftermarket speakers will require drilling a couple of new holes as the OEM speakers have strange mounting points, but that was the only tricky part of the install.

Chris

Thanks for this.

I believe they are also the same as the door panel speakers, so if all else fails you can just put in the same ones in the rear that BSW uses in the doors. I'd prefer a less generic approach though.

[chanzs]

Any updates on this?

[santov]

Update:

I emailed Halson and he's checking with his lead installer to see if the rear kit is feasable for BSW.

I'm hoping they get a front kit and a rear kit going. I'll keep you guys posted as soon as I hear something.

-V

[santov]

So there was another thread going that was tracking the news of these speakers. Since I started the group buy thread I figured I'd do some followup with Halston.

Some time last month they released the Z4 fronts, but the drivers were quickly used in a different kit for X5s (the drivers are the same shallow depth).

Last week BSW announced they were back in stock, and no rear kit is planned. If we want a group buy let's get an updated interest list going.

I'm really dissapointed it took BSW this long to get them, only to end up with 4 drivers in the doors. AT $259 I think the price is fair, but could be better. When I upgraded the 6x9 speakers in my Jeep with Kickers, I believe they cost $180. I know, apples to oranges, but the bigger speakers were cheaper, and probably sounded better.

Here's a link to the goods:
http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/pr...-03-08-E85E86/

[vicj]

I am totally disappointed by what BSW offers. I had already replaced the metal tweeters years ago in mine, with one-inch silk domes...not three quarter inch like BSW is offering. For $260 I can buy quality drivers for front AND rear. Besides, anyone who thinks replacing four drivers out of ten is going to lead to "stunning" improvement in the sound quality are going to be stunningly disappointed, I believe. Good kuck...

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by vicj

I am totally disappointed by what BSW offers. I had already replaced the metal tweeters years ago in mine, with one-inch silk domes...not three quarter inch like BSW is offering. For $260 I can buy quality drivers for front AND rear. Besides, anyone who thinks replacing four drivers out of ten is going to lead to "stunning" improvement in the sound quality are going to be stunningly disappointed, I believe. Good kuck...

if you can source us plug-n-play parts for $260, please list here. i'm interested in upgrading the speakers.

[vicj]

Well, nothing else is "plug and play" of course. You'll have to have some basic skills. My disappointment stems from the half-way solution. Obviously, the new drivers will have less efficiency than the old, leading to less output from the same amplifier, leading to a LESS balanced sound, and certainly less front stage. The rears will become louder in comparison. Also, their "stunning" upgrade does nothing to address the REAL deficiency in the system, the transition between midbass and midrange frequencies.
The Premium version of this system is not a bad factory system at all. Would I have used metal drivers? Certainly not. But just replacing those drivers will lead to larger issues. Your stage WILL move back, and down. It's simple physics.
So, while not "plug and play", there are Many brands of four inch drivers that will fit. That's not the issue. The Hard thing to find are the six inch midbass drivers that are 2 ohms. Hard to find quality replacements that will fit AND match up with whatever mids you choose. Obviously, BSW had the same difficulty sourcing a driver like that.
i generally really like BSW's packages, and have installed four or five of them personally. This one, however, is an overpriced, half-done job.

[krnnerdboy]

Originally Posted by santov

So there was another thread going that was tracking the news of these speakers. Since I started the group buy thread I figured I'd do some followup with Halston.

Some time last month they released the Z4 fronts, but the drivers were quickly used in a different kit for X5s (the drivers are the same shallow depth).

Last week BSW announced they were back in stock, and no rear kit is planned. If we want a group buy let's get an updated interest list going.

I'm really dissapointed it took BSW this long to get them, only to end up with 4 drivers in the doors. AT $259 I think the price is fair, but could be better. When I upgraded the 6x9 speakers in my Jeep with Kickers, I believe they cost $180. I know, apples to oranges, but the bigger speakers were cheaper, and probably sounded better.

Here's a link to the goods:
http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/pr...-03-08-E85E86/

does anybody know the specifics of the speakers? I know that they are custom, but simple facts like RMS handling, frequency response, sensitivity?

so these seem to be replacing just the tweeters and the 2.5" mids...not a bad price if it's tuned the way they say it is...

[l4zy]

i may consider trying them out since they have the 100% satisfaction guarantee. anyone in LA area planning on getting them? i'd love have a listen before i go through the trouble myself

[CFoote]

Originally Posted by krnnerdboy

so these seem to be replacing just the tweeters and the 2.5" mids...not a bad price if it's tuned the way they say it is...

We have no idea on specs. I do know the door speakers are 4" though, not 2.5".

Chris

[Halston@bsw]

We just finished our crossover networks and are in process of bench testing the speakers. I just spoke with my lead install tech so very soon we will release full spec sheets. Ones that are not just made up but from actual testing.

Happy to setup Z4 Stage 1 orders. As said by users on this forum we do offer a very strong guarantee. Try them out. The Z4 system sounds great!

[CFoote]

Any update on this?

[santov]

It kind of fizzled since nobody was interested in paying $250 for only door speakers.

BSW didn't come through on an upgrade kit that included rears or subs. Getting to the door speakers is relatively easy. I'm sure it's easy to find a good 5.5" speaker for cheaper than $250 (maybe less with a group buy discount).

[CFoote]

Originally Posted by santov

It kind of fizzled since nobody was interested in paying $250 for only door speakers.

BSW didn't come through on an upgrade kit that included rears or subs. Getting to the door speakers is relatively easy. I'm sure it's easy to find a good 5.5" speaker for cheaper than $250 (maybe less with a group buy discount).

I'm with you. OK, sounds good...