What are my options to upgrade my factory system

Vesco · 12-02-2009, 08:21 PM

Hello, I just bought a 2010 135i

and to my surprise the factory system (6 speaker) is awful

. Why awful? because as I start to put the volume up (close to max or if I add bass), a weird static loud noise starts to sound in the front speakers. (in addition the sound is not so clear)
I had a 2002 330i and I had no issues with the audio.

Is this weird noise common? How can I make it go away?

Will changing all speakers (no amp) make the sound substantially better?
(I was considering the Focal)
Do I need an amp? I went to four installers and they all have a different opinion,
One said that I need a processor and an amp and speakers..ect $2K.
Another from a Big Chain told me that the 135i uses fiber optic and they are not allowed to install Amp in cars with fiber optic.
Another said that replacing the speakers would not help at all, that what I need is an amp.
(the dealer said that if I add an amp I would lose the warranty).
Is it so difficult?
BSW said that they will have a plug and play, but they don't say when?

_____________
Thank you, any ideas would be highly appreciated

Technic · 12-02-2009, 08:35 PM

Your system is the easiest to upgrade. Look at the sticky for details about your system.

kmarei · 12-03-2009, 12:35 PM

biggest bang for the buck is changing the amp
i would recommend a smaller amp that fits the area at the back left where the amp goes on the cars that have an amp
i did that to my car and the system sounds much better
even the OEM speakers sound good with more power
i put an amp that puts our 50 watts per side for the front and rear
and 50 watts to each sub under the seat
made a world of difference
and if you put the amp in the stock location
the dealer won't know you have one
unless they take out the left trim panel in the trunk and go looking for it
you can do what i do
i lock the trunk and give them the valet key so they can't open the trunk

bradford · 12-03-2009, 01:07 PM

Can you simply replace the amp with no other ill consequences? Or is there some form of processing going on at the amp level?

I've got 3 PPI PowerClass amps from back when PPI actually made awesome quality stuff. They will accept speaker level inputs but I would prefer to eliminate the OEM amp and use a PPI 4 channel one instead. (I have the 2008 base stereo system)

I presume there are line level inputs from the head unit to the amp that are terminated in an OEM harness? If anyone could confirm it would be appreciated. I could just grab those four wires and splice on an RCA termination instead.

Sorry for the questions - I don't pick up my 135i until this weekend and the search had conflicting info.

kmarei · 12-03-2009, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradford

Can you simply replace the amp with no other ill consequences? Or is there some form of processing going on at the amp level?

I've got 3 PPI PowerClass amps from back when PPI actually made awesome quality stuff. They will accept speaker level inputs but I would prefer to eliminate the OEM amp and use a PPI 4 channel one instead. (I have the 2008 base stereo system)

I presume there are line level inputs from the head unit to the amp that are terminated in an OEM harness? If anyone could confirm it would be appreciated. I could just grab those four wires and splice on an RCA termination instead.

Sorry for the questions - I don't pick up my 135i until this weekend and the search had conflicting info.

from my understanding
the base 6 speaker system does not have an amp
the speakers are run direct from the head unit
so you if you wanted an amp, you would need to run wires from the back left of the trunk (where you will out the amp) to the head unit where they would be then connected to the wires going to the speakers

what head unit do you have?
i don't know if the base stereo has line level outputs or not
you could use the speaker outs the way you described

bradford · 12-03-2009, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmarei

from my understanding
the base 6 speaker system does not have an amp
the speakers are run direct from the head unit
so you if you wanted an amp, you would need to run wires from the back left of the trunk (where you will out the amp) to the head unit where they would be then connected to the wires going to the speakers

what head unit do you have?
i don't know if the base stereo has line level outputs or not
you could use the speaker outs the way you described

Well that sucks. I hate running the cabling up and down the car. Was hoping to do some "one stop shopping" in the trunk with two amps, a sub...VOILA.

bradford · 12-03-2009, 01:28 PM

Actually, it looks like the base system (I'm in the US) does have the trunk mounted amp, assuming the sticky applies to all model years...

"The BMW "HiFi" system is the standard offering in USA/Canada, and includes 10 speakers, 2 "Mid Range" in the doors, 2 "Treble" in the door pillars, 2 "Mid Range" in the rear parcel tray, with 2 tiered "Treble" mounted over the Mids, and 2 "Bass" speakers under the front seat.

The BMW "HiFi" system uses a dedicated external analogue Amplifier mounted in the trunk of the car. The Amplifier consists of 2 X 40 Watt Channels and 6 X 25 Watt Channels, driving the Bass and Treble/Mid speakers respectively. All signals from the HU to the Amp are analogure transmitted using dedicated copper cabling through the car.

The Head Unit for the "HiFi" system is always the Professional Unit.
The USB port has not included in this offering, and must be purchased as an Optional Extra. This may have changed in '09 USA/Canada models, but should always be checked with the dealer. An Auxilliary (Aux) port is included in this system, which allows for the connection of an external audio device."

kmarei · 12-03-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradford

Actually, it looks like the base system (I'm in the US) does have the trunk mounted amp, assuming the sticky applies to all model years...

"The BMW "HiFi" system is the standard offering in USA/Canada, and includes 10 speakers, 2 "Mid Range" in the doors, 2 "Treble" in the door pillars, 2 "Mid Range" in the rear parcel tray, with 2 tiered "Treble" mounted over the Mids, and 2 "Bass" speakers under the front seat.

The BMW "HiFi" system uses a dedicated external analogue Amplifier mounted in the trunk of the car. The Amplifier consists of 2 X 40 Watt Channels and 6 X 25 Watt Channels, driving the Bass and Treble/Mid speakers respectively. All signals from the HU to the Amp are analogure transmitted using dedicated copper cabling through the car.

The Head Unit for the "HiFi" system is always the Professional Unit.
The USB port has not included in this offering, and must be purchased as an Optional Extra. This may have changed in '09 USA/Canada models, but should always be checked with the dealer. An Auxilliary (Aux) port is included in this system, which allows for the connection of an external audio device."

i was going by what he said
he said he has 6 speakers
6 speakers is not the HIFI system

bradford · 12-03-2009, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmarei

i was going by what he said
he said he has 6 speakers
6 speakers is not the HIFI system

Yeah I was talking about me.

Technic · 12-03-2009, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradford

Yeah I was talking about me.

You should start you own tread then...

bradford · 12-03-2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

You should start you own tread then...

You are correct.

Tangential threads don't work out so great in the crappy UBB format. I'm not used to it yet, sorry.

Vesco · 12-03-2009, 06:19 PM

I think my Stereo system is the professional:
4 channels
6 loudspeakers
• 2 mid-range loudspeakers, front 100 mm
• 2 mid-range loudspeakers, rear, 100 mm
• 2 bass loudspeakers, 160 mm
Bandwidth: 50 Hz to 14,000 Hz
Max. acoustic pressure 98 dB
Amplifier power: depends on radio,
radio: 4 x 15 W (4 Ω)

Will changing all speakers make the sound substantially better?
adding an amp sounds complicated

Technic · 12-03-2009, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vesco

I think my Stereo system is the professional:
4 channels
6 loudspeakers
• 2 mid-range loudspeakers, front 100 mm
• 2 mid-range loudspeakers, rear, 100 mm
• 2 bass loudspeakers, 160 mm
Bandwidth: 50 Hz to 14,000 Hz
Max. acoustic pressure 98 dB
Amplifier power: depends on radio,
radio: 4 x 15 W (4 Ω)

Will changing all speakers make the sound substantially better?
adding an amp sounds complicated

Your system is the Stereo. Your HU is Professional.

15W per speaker will not do too much for your sound quality, regardless of the speakers that you could buy: you need to change the speakers and add an amp. If you want to really tune your system then you could add a processor between the OEM HU and the amp, but that's not a requirement.

What's your budget?

Vesco · 12-03-2009, 07:13 PM

$1200 to $1800

atr_hugo · 12-03-2009, 07:25 PM

Be careful using the stickies as a guide for a 2010 car. They were put up before the earth cooled. There have been changes to what BMW is calling the base audio system (dare I use the dreaded term, 'decontented'? ; -).

Nicky G · 12-03-2009, 08:52 PM

hahah we have like 3 threads going on this exact same topic now.

I am also doing research on upgrading the 2010 base system. I'll definitely add a 10" sub int he trunk, and an amp, and replace speakers, but I'm not yet decided on whether I'll get four nice 4" speakers (two component for front, two coax for rear), or do something with the speaker locations under the two front seats, or.... I'm almost at the point of deciding on doing two amps, so I can run six channels, each independently amplified, and have something nice for mid-bass under the seats, and STILL have four nice 4" setups being run on rear deck and in the doors... Ahhhh, decisions, decisions!!!!

Technic · 12-03-2009, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vesco

$1200 to $1800

Example

Front speakers: Rainbow SLC NG 4" 2-Way Component System http://www.woofersetc.com/p7045/SLC-...ent-System.htm

Front tweeters mounting pods:

- Left door mount: 51 33 7 199 597 ($39)
- Left door seal: 51 33 7 199 589 ($12)
- Right door mount: 51 33 7 199 598 ($39)
- Right door seal: 51 33 7 199 590 ($12)

Rear speakers: Rainbow KX 100 Installer 4" Coaxial Speakers http://www.woofersetc.com/p7188/KX-1...l-Speakers.htm

Underseat Woofers (2): http://cgi.ebay.com/EARTHQUAKE-SWS-8...item53de0c2351

Amplifier: JL Audio G6600 http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-JL-AUDIO-G66...item439ba964ca

Processor (optional): Audison Bit One (see an Authorized Audison/Hertz/Electtromedia dealer)

Custom interconnect audio harness (plug at the back of OEM HU/iDrive so you do not need to cut any OEM wires) :
- American International EWH-1010 harness: http://cardiscountstereos.com/catalo...ct+%23=EWH1010
- Metra 71-9003: http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_s...l/71_9003.html

Assorted RCA cables, 12 gauge wires for underseat woofers and amp installation kit: $100

Total cost (DIY): $1900 (with processor), $1200 (without processor)

Sound improvement: Priceless.

12-02-2009, 08:21 PM	#1
Vesco Registered 1 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 135I Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: San Juan iTrader: (0)	What are my options to upgrade my factory system Hello, I just bought a 2010 135i and to my surprise the factory system (6 speaker) is awful. Why awful? because as I start to put the volume up (close to max or if I add bass), a weird static loud noise starts to sound in the front speakers. (in addition the sound is not so clear) I had a 2002 330i and I had no issues with the audio. Is this weird noise common? How can I make it go away? Will changing all speakers (no amp) make the sound substantially better? (I was considering the Focal) Do I need an amp? I went to four installers and they all have a different opinion, One said that I need a processor and an amp and speakers..ect $2K. Another from a Big Chain told me that the 135i uses fiber optic and they are not allowed to install Amp in cars with fiber optic. Another said that replacing the speakers would not help at all, that what I need is an amp. (the dealer said that if I add an amp I would lose the warranty). *Is it so difficult?* BSW said that they will have a plug and play, but they don't say when? _____________ Thank you, any ideas would be highly appreciated
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12-02-2009, 08:35 PM	#2
Technic Lieutenant General 2309 Rep 13,014 Posts Drives: 2021 i3S, 2024 i4 M50 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Florida iTrader: (18)	Your system is the easiest to upgrade. Look at the sticky for details about your system.
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12-03-2009, 12:35 PM	#3
kmarei Major General 688 Rep 6,845 Posts Drives: 2018 Audi RS5 coupe Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Reston, VA iTrader: (34) Garage List 2018 Audi RS5 [0.00]	biggest bang for the buck is changing the amp i would recommend a smaller amp that fits the area at the back left where the amp goes on the cars that have an amp i did that to my car and the system sounds much better even the OEM speakers sound good with more power i put an amp that puts our 50 watts per side for the front and rear and 50 watts to each sub under the seat made a world of difference and if you put the amp in the stock location the dealer won't know you have one unless they take out the left trim panel in the trunk and go looking for it you can do what i do i lock the trunk and give them the valet key so they can't open the trunk
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12-03-2009, 01:07 PM	#4
bradford Major 28 Rep 1,035 Posts Drives: 2008 SGM 135i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chicago > * iTrader: (4)	Can you simply replace the amp with no other ill consequences? Or is there some form of processing going on at the amp level? I've got 3 PPI PowerClass amps from back when PPI actually made awesome quality stuff. They will accept speaker level inputs but I would prefer to eliminate the OEM amp and use a PPI 4 channel one instead. (I have the 2008 base stereo system) I presume there are line level inputs from the head unit to the amp that are terminated in an OEM harness? If anyone could confirm it would be appreciated. I could just grab those four wires and splice on an RCA termination instead. Sorry for the questions - I don't pick up my 135i until this weekend and the search had conflicting info.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-03-2009, 01:28 PM	#7
bradford Major 28 Rep 1,035 Posts Drives: 2008 SGM 135i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chicago > * iTrader: (4)	Actually, it looks like the base system (I'm in the US) does have the trunk mounted amp, assuming the sticky applies to all model years... "The BMW "HiFi" system is the standard offering in USA/Canada, and includes 10 speakers, 2 "Mid Range" in the doors, 2 "Treble" in the door pillars, 2 "Mid Range" in the rear parcel tray, with 2 tiered "Treble" mounted over the Mids, and 2 "Bass" speakers under the front seat. The BMW "HiFi" system uses a dedicated external analogue Amplifier mounted in the trunk of the car. The Amplifier consists of 2 X 40 Watt Channels and 6 X 25 Watt Channels, driving the Bass and Treble/Mid speakers respectively. All signals from the HU to the Amp are analogure transmitted using dedicated copper cabling through the car. The Head Unit for the "HiFi" system is always the Professional Unit. The USB port has not included in this offering, and must be purchased as an Optional Extra. This may have changed in '09 USA/Canada models, but should always be checked with the dealer. An Auxilliary (Aux) port is included in this system, which allows for the connection of an external audio device."
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12-03-2009, 06:19 PM	#12
Vesco Registered 1 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 135I Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: San Juan iTrader: (0)	I think my Stereo system is the professional: 4 channels 6 loudspeakers • 2 mid-range loudspeakers, front 100 mm • 2 mid-range loudspeakers, rear, 100 mm • 2 bass loudspeakers, 160 mm Bandwidth: 50 Hz to 14,000 Hz Max. acoustic pressure 98 dB Amplifier power: depends on radio, radio: 4 x 15 W (4 Ω) Will changing all speakers make the sound substantially better? adding an amp sounds complicated Last edited by Vesco; 12-03-2009 at 06:40 PM..
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12-03-2009, 07:13 PM	#14
Vesco Registered 1 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 135I Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: San Juan iTrader: (0)	$1200 to $1800
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12-03-2009, 07:25 PM	#15
atr_hugo No longer moderate 325 Rep 4,401 Posts Drives: '13 135i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: - iTrader: (0)	Be careful using the stickies as a guide for a 2010 car. They were put up before the earth cooled. There have been changes to what BMW is calling the base audio system (dare I use the dreaded term, 'decontented'? ; -).
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12-03-2009, 08:52 PM	#16
Nicky G Private First Class 13 Rep 197 Posts Drives: 2010 135i (M Sport, Premium) Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Baltimore, MD USA iTrader: (1)	hahah we have like 3 threads going on this exact same topic now. I am also doing research on upgrading the 2010 base system. I'll definitely add a 10" sub int he trunk, and an amp, and replace speakers, but I'm not yet decided on whether I'll get four nice 4" speakers (two component for front, two coax for rear), or do something with the speaker locations under the two front seats, or.... I'm almost at the point of deciding on doing two amps, so I can run six channels, each independently amplified, and have something nice for mid-bass under the seats, and STILL have four nice 4" setups being run on rear deck and in the doors... Ahhhh, decisions, decisions!!!!
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