Bavarian Soundwerks releasing speakers soon

[CFoote]

Originally Posted by Loogey Clapp

Chris, can you tell me how you got access to the rear mids? I have a bum speaker back there that I want to replace with one of the ones I took out of the door. Does the cover just pop off or is there something more that needs to be done? If it is as easy as popping off a cover, I wonder why BSW didn't include replacements for the rear mids as well. Please let me know how you got access to the rear mids. Thank you in advance!!

Getting to the rear mids is a pain no doubt...its probably a 3 hour project to get everything installed if you have never done it before.

If you Google "CD Changer Z4 installation" your first search result should be a link to the instruction manual to install a CD Changer. It clearly outlines how to take the panels out much better than I could describe here. I can get everything apart in about 20 minutes now, but take your time and you'll do just fine

As I mentioned in my post above, the Alpine speakers fit just fine without any issue, however the OEM speakers use a 3 bolt mounting setup. The aftermarket Alpines can use 2 of these holes, but the third and fourth holes must be drilled. Very easy to do and you can always put the OEM back in without issue.

Chris

[aftercorbu]

Originally Posted by CFoote

Sorry, running a bit late on replying.... yes, 4 ohm with the Carver, which is what my '05 3.0 had and my current '06 M...so you are good there. And yes, the speakers fit behind the seats just fine, its more of a pain taking all the plastic panels out than anything else....

The OEM speakers do have three mounting holes -- with the Alpines I was able to use two of these and drilled a small hole for the third and fourth holes. Very easy to do, no issues, and no problems going back to OEM if you need to.

For wiring, I just found out which was + and - (google BMW wiring diagrams -- plenty of websites have the diagram for the E85/86) and you are good to go. I soldered the connectors on.

Chris

Got it thanks. Me thinks this may be worth it for a little better balance and fill . Already sounds much better with the BSW mids and tweeters.

[Loogey Clapp]

Originally Posted by CFoote

Getting to the rear mids is a pain no doubt...its probably a 3 hour project to get everything installed if you have never done it before.

If you Google "CD Changer Z4 installation" your first search result should be a link to the instruction manual to install a CD Changer. It clearly outlines how to take the panels out much better than I could describe here. I can get everything apart in about 20 minutes now, but take your time and you'll do just fine

Thanks Chris!! I will print the instructions out. It looks like I can start on Page 5, Step 18. I don't think I will need to take the center console out. It looks like I will have to wait until Spring when I take my hardtop off though.

[MHeavNC]

I asked Halston Pitman at BSW about the amplifier upgrade, and he said that it was still in the works and hopefully be ready this year... Just passing info along..

[604skyline]

am I correct to see that the price of the kit is now at $499? is this the same kit most were getting for around $259 or whatever, and was originally introduced at $299

just wondering why the price is now $499? for only 4 pieces?

[beta]

Woah they really jacked up the price.

[MHeavNC]

Noticed the 499.00 too.. What the hell? They better include more speakers for that price..

[mhughett]

I installed this kit about a year ago and got a group-buy price of just over $200 IIRC. I also bought the additional sound insulation. Even at that price, the improvement was only marginal. I just pulled up the web site and it appears to be the same setup--2 tweeters and two mid-range speakers. At $500 it's not worth it.

[antennahead]

Originally Posted by mhughett

I installed this kit about a year ago and got a group-buy price of just over $200 IIRC. I also bought the additional sound insulation. Even at that price, the improvement was only marginal. I just pulled up the web site and it appears to be the same setup--2 tweeters and two mid-range speakers. At $500 it's not worth it.

I found that if you have the Carver/Top Hi Fi system you're correct, marginal. Where it excels is for people with the basic systems (non-upgraded aluminum midrange speakers), the tweeters are better than both factory systems (tweets are the same in both regular and Top Hi Fi).

[mike519]

Yeah, saw the price jump. Not interested anymore.

Silly question, I have heard the whole Carver/Top HiFi definition before but really have no idea how to determine this. I have the 10 speaker system in my 2006 M Roadster with Nav. What exactly are the differences and how would I know?

[antennahead]

Originally Posted by mike519

Yeah, saw the price jump. Not interested anymore.

Silly question, I have heard the whole Carver/Top HiFi definition before but really have no idea how to determine this. I have the 10 speaker system in my 2006 M Roadster with Nav. What exactly are the differences and how would I know?

You have the Carver system since you have the M Roadster. On earlier model "non-Ms", the initial 10 speaker Carver system was an upgrade option.

[mike519]

So, when someone says "Carver/Top HiFi" they are talking about the same thing then, right?

The confusion for me comes in because I know a few cars also have the HiDef system. Not many, I know.

Do you know if there was a difference between the '06 and '08s? I do think the sound quality I hear in the M is not as good as I recall it was in my '08 3.0i but it might be just my imagination.

[antennahead]

Originally Posted by mike519

So, when someone says "Carver/Top HiFi" they are talking about the same thing then, right?

The confusion for me comes in because I know a few cars also have the HiDef system. Not many, I know.

Do you know if there was a difference between the '06 and '08s? I do think the sound quality I hear in the M is not as good as I recall it was in my '08 3.0i but it might be just my imagination.

Carver and Top HI are the same system. Bob Carver, originally of Sunfire audio fame, designed the subwoofers and tweeked the system, hence it being known as the "Carver" system. The "Hi Fi" system also has 10 speakers, but the subs are not the Carver subs. There are a good many threads here on how to set up the system to make it sound the best, check some of them out. I know for some reason BMW altered the factory EQ curves for the coupe when it came out, attempting to make the system "tuned" for the Coupe, versus the original tuning for the roadster. This removed too much bass according to most coupe owners. Not familiar with any differences from roadster to roadster. I assume your '08 was a roadster as well.

[mike519]

Yeah, both roadsters. Interesting about the different tune for the coupe. I hate the sound when top up...down sounds far better which is strange!