New Car, Horrible Audio

calimba · 12-01-2011, 12:53 AM

Hi all,

So I've been on a hunt for a used 335is as it was the only way I could fit it in my budget. I found it, but it came with the pansy base system. And it's bad. So I'm looking for some thoughts on a budget upgrade, somewhere between $500-$750. I don't have many speakers to replace so I'm hoping it's doable. I've got two floor woofers that need to go, then two 4"s in the back and two 4"s in the front that need replacements. I'd like two add two tweeters up front and perhaps a small amp to drive them all.

Can this happen with this kind of money?

Thanks!

kaigoss69 · 12-01-2011, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calimba

Hi all,

So I've been on a hunt for a used 335is as it was the only way I could fit it in my budget. I found it, but it came with the pansy base system. And it's bad. So I'm looking for some thoughts on a budget upgrade, somewhere between $500-$750. I don't have many speakers to replace so I'm hoping it's doable. I've got two floor woofers that need to go, then two 4"s in the back and two 4"s in the front that need replacements. I'd like two add two tweeters up front and perhaps a small amp to drive them all.

Can this happen with this kind of money?

Thanks!

Have you searched? There are plenty examples of low-budget base audio upgrades on the forum.

kaigoss69 · 12-01-2011, 08:01 AM

OK, you'll need:

- processor to reverse the base audio EQ to give your amp a flat signal: JL Audio Cleansweep
- 4-channel amp: JL Audo XD/400 (or you can buy my Kenwood XR-4S I still have in the closet

)
- 4" component speakers for front
- new OEM sail panel pieces to accept tweeters
- Underseat woofers: Earthquake SWS-8 or Kicker SSMB8 if you can find them...
- amp wiring kit, speaker wires

Pretty tough to keep this within your budget, even if you install yourself. Look at buying most of this stuff used and you may have a shot...

cptcrunch · 12-01-2011, 10:23 AM

Parts alone will be over your budget. Some available kits start in the low 1,000 range and can quickly get pricey.

monchito · 12-01-2011, 09:00 PM

I went with the flat subs from Hertz and their AMP. It's pretty good bass if your not into competition. It's just enough

rollinstone157 · 12-01-2011, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calimba

Hi all,

So I've been on a hunt for a used 335is as it was the only way I could fit it in my budget. I found it, but it came with the pansy base system. And it's bad. So I'm looking for some thoughts on a budget upgrade, somewhere between $500-$750. I don't have many speakers to replace so I'm hoping it's doable. I've got two floor woofers that need to go, then two 4"s in the back and two 4"s in the front that need replacements. I'd like two add two tweeters up front and perhaps a small amp to drive them all.

Can this happen with this kind of money?

Thanks!

Get in touch with VP Electricity...and with install costs, I'd say no. If I were you, I'd save up another $1000, and then you'll get a system many times better than what you could scrape together right now. Just try and live with the base system a little longer...even though it blows.

calimba · 12-02-2011, 12:31 AM

I didn't think it was possible either. I guess I can wait a few months. Thanks for the thoughts!

VP Electricity · 12-02-2011, 11:40 AM

The first thing I will mention is that you call the system the "base" system, but you don't mention your model year. The 335is is probably a 2010. We get many people inquiring who call their system "base" in that it's not Premium (i.e., not Logic 7 or harman/kardon-branded). But different model years had a different standard audio system, and many of the folks that contact us actually have a HiFi system (2010 and early 2011 are the years where US cars had Stereo as the base system).

You might think fewer people would complain about HiFi than base Stereo, but it's not as big a gap as you might imagine.

There is a page on our website to help you be certain.

It's cheaper to upgrade HiFi. Base Stereo cars are missing so much, and the signal has been so processed, that it is harder to work with and more costly. On top of that, a 335is being a coupe, there are fewer options for in-door speakers.

There was a forum member a while back who installed a set of tweeters and a small amp on some SWs woofers in a base Stereo car. He had his bass control down almost all the way and his treble down halfway all the time just to make it bearable.

If you made a shopping list and were into buying used gear, you might be able to come up with a decent system, but it would take a while. We can't hit that target.

calimba · 12-02-2011, 01:18 PM

It's a 2011 model, but there is no amp. So it looks like it's the 1st line on your site:
- base Stereo (deck power to 6 speakers)

Thanks!

VP Electricity · 12-03-2011, 03:15 PM

Well, the biggest challenge with the base Stereo system in the 3 is the processed audio out of the head unit. Whatever approach you take needs to correct that signal. We have packages which address that, and there are ways other than how we do it, but that's the most important component.

Technic · 12-06-2011, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calimba

Hi all,

So I've been on a hunt for a used 335is as it was the only way I could fit it in my budget. I found it, but it came with the pansy base system. And it's bad. So I'm looking for some thoughts on a budget upgrade, somewhere between $500-$750. I don't have many speakers to replace so I'm hoping it's doable. I've got two floor woofers that need to go, then two 4"s in the back and two 4"s in the front that need replacements. I'd like two add two tweeters up front and perhaps a small amp to drive them all.

Can this happen with this kind of money?

Thanks!

http://www.schmiedmann.com/3_series/...age1.htm#19444

calimba · 12-07-2011, 11:15 AM

Ohhh.. Thanks Technic, this sounds like it might fit the bill!

zanth119 · 12-09-2011, 04:03 PM

Check out Bavarian Soundwerks, they have an OEM-fitting E90 kit. I have the Stage I kit installed in my E46 convertible, made the factory HK system sound like Sparkomatics. The highs are extremely crisp, the low and mid frequencies improved as well. BSW has a bunch of install videos and good documentation, always a plus. I'll probably upgrade my E91 too after I get bored with the factory system...

VP Electricity · 12-09-2011, 06:13 PM

Be aware what you're getting... some folks have been surprised after buying systems that upgrade the mids and tweeters, and finding out that so doing didn't change their bass performance at all...

Aurich · 12-12-2011, 12:05 PM

I'm in the same boat, vanilla 335i not the s, but same crap base sound system. VP Electricity just sent me a ridiculously long and helpful email on the topic (ridiculous in a good way!). I'm not a car audio person, but I am someone with formal studio and sound training (I'm more experienced with Genelecs than Zapcos), and now that I understand the ins and outs of the setup I'm personally convinced that there is no real "budget" solution to fixing the base audio, BMW really screwed it too hard. It's frankly embarrassing that a car that stickers north of $50k could come with such terrible sound.

I doubt you'd be happy just swapping speakers. My suspicion is that anyone who's happily done that was starting from a better stock setup in the first place to drive them. *Maybe* if you at least were able to flash the godawful EQ preset out of the HU first you might be able to get somewhere better, my understanding is that's possible, but I don't know what's involved.

I'm too new to PM, but I suggest you ask VP Electricity to just forward you the email he sent me over the weekend, it's applies directly to you, and will give you a better understanding of what you're up against.

Aurich · 12-12-2011, 12:11 PM

Yeah, I just looked at the Bavarian Soundwerks upgrade package. Maybe they're awesome speakers for the price. The problem is they include upgrades for speakers that don't even exist in the base stereo setup. You know, little details like tweeters. That's how crummy it is.

nichojo · 12-12-2011, 12:42 PM

Remember, It looks like the Alpine kit requires a HU recode as well.

12-01-2011, 12:53 AM	#1
calimba New Member 1 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	New Car, Horrible Audio - Looking for Thoughts Hi all, So I've been on a hunt for a used 335is as it was the only way I could fit it in my budget. I found it, but it came with the pansy base system. And it's bad. So I'm looking for some thoughts on a budget upgrade, somewhere between $500-$750. I don't have many speakers to replace so I'm hoping it's doable. I've got two floor woofers that need to go, then two 4"s in the back and two 4"s in the front that need replacements. I'd like two add two tweeters up front and perhaps a small amp to drive them all. Can this happen with this kind of money? Thanks!
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12-01-2011, 08:01 AM	#3
kaigoss69 Brigadier General 300 Rep 3,969 Posts Drives: '08 335i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: JAX iTrader: (6)	OK, you'll need: - processor to reverse the base audio EQ to give your amp a flat signal: JL Audio Cleansweep - 4-channel amp: JL Audo XD/400 (or you can buy my Kenwood XR-4S I still have in the closet ) - 4" component speakers for front - new OEM sail panel pieces to accept tweeters - Underseat woofers: Earthquake SWS-8 or Kicker SSMB8 if you can find them... - amp wiring kit, speaker wires Pretty tough to keep this within your budget, even if you install yourself. Look at buying most of this stuff used and you may have a shot... __________________ Mobridge DA2 > JBL MS-8 > ARC XDi 600/4 > JBL Gti 408 Mids & Vifa OT19 Tweeters; PG Ti2 1600.5 > Morel HCW-10 & IDMax 15
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12-01-2011, 10:23 AM	#4
cptcrunch Captain Crunch 168 Rep 548 Posts Drives: 2016 340i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Cincinnati iTrader: (0)	Parts alone will be over your budget. Some available kits start in the low 1,000 range and can quickly get pricey. __________________ On Order (in transit): BMW iX 50, Oxide Grey Retired: BMW Welt Delivery 4/14/16: European Delivery - 2016 340i EBII/Saddle - ZMP \| ZCW \| ZDA \| ZLP \| ZTP \| M Adaptive \| Rear Shades \| MPPSK Before and After Dyno Retired: 2011 335D Space Grey/Black - ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| 6FL \| Sat Radio \| Nav \| $600 Base Audio Upgrade
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12-01-2011, 09:00 PM	#5
monchito New Member 0 Rep 16 Posts Drives: 2009 335i sport Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Hertz Sub I went with the flat subs from Hertz and their AMP. It's pretty good bass if your not into competition. It's just enough Attached Images
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12-02-2011, 12:31 AM	#7
calimba New Member 1 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I didn't think it was possible either. I guess I can wait a few months. Thanks for the thoughts!
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12-02-2011, 11:40 AM	#8
VP Electricity Brigadier General 289 Rep 3,201 Posts Drives: F34 xDrive Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: portland oregon iTrader: (3)	The first thing I will mention is that you call the system the "base" system, but you don't mention your model year. The 335is is probably a 2010. We get many people inquiring who call their system "base" in that it's not Premium (i.e., not Logic 7 or harman/kardon-branded). But different model years had a different standard audio system, and many of the folks that contact us actually have a HiFi system (2010 and early 2011 are the years where US cars had Stereo as the base system). You might think fewer people would complain about HiFi than base Stereo, but it's not as big a gap as you might imagine. There is a page on our website to help you be certain. It's cheaper to upgrade HiFi. Base Stereo cars are missing so much, and the signal has been so processed, that it is harder to work with and more costly. On top of that, a 335is being a coupe, there are fewer options for in-door speakers. There was a forum member a while back who installed a set of tweeters and a small amp on some SWs woofers in a base Stereo car. He had his bass control down almost all the way and his treble down halfway all the time just to make it bearable. If you made a shopping list and were into buying used gear, you might be able to come up with a decent system, but it would take a while. We can't hit that target.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-02-2011, 01:18 PM	#9
calimba New Member 1 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	It's a 2011 model, but there is no amp. So it looks like it's the 1st line on your site: - base Stereo (deck power to 6 speakers) Thanks!
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12-03-2011, 03:15 PM	#10
VP Electricity Brigadier General 289 Rep 3,201 Posts Drives: F34 xDrive Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: portland oregon iTrader: (3)	Well, the biggest challenge with the base Stereo system in the 3 is the processed audio out of the head unit. Whatever approach you take needs to correct that signal. We have packages which address that, and there are ways other than how we do it, but that's the most important component.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2011, 11:15 AM	#12
calimba New Member 1 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Ohhh.. Thanks Technic, this sounds like it might fit the bill!
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12-09-2011, 04:03 PM	#13
zanth119 Buy the ticket, take the ride! 6 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 2002 330cic, 2012 328ix Wagon Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Philly, PA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2012 BMW 328i xDriv ... [0.00] 2002 BMW 330cic [0.00]	Check out Bavarian Soundwerks, they have an OEM-fitting E90 kit. I have the Stage I kit installed in my E46 convertible, made the factory HK system sound like Sparkomatics. The highs are extremely crisp, the low and mid frequencies improved as well. BSW has a bunch of install videos and good documentation, always a plus. I'll probably upgrade my E91 too after I get bored with the factory system... __________________
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12-09-2011, 06:13 PM	#14
VP Electricity Brigadier General 289 Rep 3,201 Posts Drives: F34 xDrive Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: portland oregon iTrader: (3)	Be aware what you're getting... some folks have been surprised after buying systems that upgrade the mids and tweeters, and finding out that so doing didn't change their bass performance at all...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-12-2011, 12:05 PM	#15
Aurich New Member 1 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Coupe Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	I'm in the same boat, vanilla 335i not the s, but same crap base sound system. VP Electricity just sent me a ridiculously long and helpful email on the topic (ridiculous in a good way!). I'm not a car audio person, but I am someone with formal studio and sound training (I'm more experienced with Genelecs than Zapcos), and now that I understand the ins and outs of the setup I'm personally convinced that there is no real "budget" solution to fixing the base audio, BMW really screwed it too hard. It's frankly embarrassing that a car that stickers north of $50k could come with such terrible sound. I doubt you'd be happy just swapping speakers. My suspicion is that anyone who's happily done that was starting from a better stock setup in the first place to drive them. Maybe if you at least were able to flash the godawful EQ preset out of the HU first you might be able to get somewhere better, my understanding is that's possible, but I don't know what's involved. I'm too new to PM, but I suggest you ask VP Electricity to just forward you the email he sent me over the weekend, it's applies directly to you, and will give you a better understanding of what you're up against.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-12-2011, 12:11 PM	#16
Aurich New Member 1 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Coupe Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Yeah, I just looked at the Bavarian Soundwerks upgrade package. Maybe they're awesome speakers for the price. The problem is they include upgrades for speakers that don't even exist in the base stereo setup. You know, little details like tweeters. That's how crummy it is.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-12-2011, 12:42 PM	#17
nichojo Lieutenant 14 Rep 417 Posts Drives: 2011 328i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (1)	Remember, It looks like the Alpine kit requires a HU recode as well.
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