Adding an aftermarket amplifier and subwoofers - plug and play
12-10-2007, 02:18 AM
#31
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My Ride: BMW E60 520d SE Saloon M47 2.0dTitanium Grey II, Grey−Dakota Leather, Visibility Package, Media Package, Through Load System, Lumbar support − fr seats, Automatic Air Conditioning−Advanced, High beam assistant, Hi−Fi Loudspeak
Model Year: 2006
A few more days of living with this and I think I'm happy with the results. No blown fuses or battery drain and the sound is quite good indeed.
12-10-2007, 09:52 AM
#32
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nice write up bruce 
did u do anything about the open holes in the enclosures or did u leave them open (i guess, like a ported enclosure)?
also, did u notice the enclosure on the right side (passenger side for US) didn't quite fit? I had to shave down some of the plastic on the bottom with a dremel tool.
btw, you can disable the speed control in i-drive settings.
did u do anything about the open holes in the enclosures or did u leave them open (i guess, like a ported enclosure)?
also, did u notice the enclosure on the right side (passenger side for US) didn't quite fit? I had to shave down some of the plastic on the bottom with a dremel tool.
btw, you can disable the speed control in i-drive settings.
12-10-2007, 10:00 AM
#33
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Model Year: 2006
I did not have to make any modifications to the enclosures on either side. The speakers simply dropped in. As for the holes you probably missed my post above where I wrote that I made Styrofoam plugs and squeezed them into the holes, it seemed pretty tight to me.
I don't recollect being able to disable the speed control, just simply reduce the effect of it.
Tomorrow I will know if BMW do a plug for the 4 pin speaker connectors. I don't know how I missed that and had to make up my own bad looking shrink wrapped plugs. But if the connectors are fine then I'll probably scream a bit but will be happy to have found it and will post it here for all to see.
I don't recollect being able to disable the speed control, just simply reduce the effect of it.
Tomorrow I will know if BMW do a plug for the 4 pin speaker connectors. I don't know how I missed that and had to make up my own bad looking shrink wrapped plugs. But if the connectors are fine then I'll probably scream a bit but will be happy to have found it and will post it here for all to see.
12-10-2007, 11:03 AM
#34
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Originally Posted by bruce_miranda' post='504618' date='Dec 9 2007, 05:52 AM
WDS is BMWs wiring diagram system. Dont even begin any electronic or wiring work on your car without it - but as mentioned don't trust is completely too, this is the second instance when the WDS has been wrong.
The amp does not stay on until the car goes to sleep. It stays on for a while. I know this because if I have the boot door open I can see the amp go off but the car has still not gone to sleep because I still get voltage from a lot of pins and also the boot light is still on.
I've not spent any time driving along with my new set-up so I do not know how I will like it yet. Another thing that is bothering me is the Speed Dependant Volume and will that mess up my tuning. On testing i was satisfied with the sound. I was expecting a lot more from it though. The Highs and Mids have been fine to my ears. It was just the bass that was lacking. Ofcourse now I do not have to turn the bass up from flat and neither is my fader turned back and the bass is fine.
I'll need to spend a few more days with the set-up before I'm 100% satisfied.
The amp does not stay on until the car goes to sleep. It stays on for a while. I know this because if I have the boot door open I can see the amp go off but the car has still not gone to sleep because I still get voltage from a lot of pins and also the boot light is still on.
I've not spent any time driving along with my new set-up so I do not know how I will like it yet. Another thing that is bothering me is the Speed Dependant Volume and will that mess up my tuning. On testing i was satisfied with the sound. I was expecting a lot more from it though. The Highs and Mids have been fine to my ears. It was just the bass that was lacking. Ofcourse now I do not have to turn the bass up from flat and neither is my fader turned back and the bass is fine.
I'll need to spend a few more days with the set-up before I'm 100% satisfied.
Bruce,
Based on your most excellent write-up, I'm going to move forward on this mod. Some things I hope you can clarify:
The WDS, where can I get one? The dealer?
I'm sorry, but I can't decipher the color codes for the pin locations you listed in part 1. Could you please spell out the color names and the termination names for me? Whats a SW vs. a WS? White with stripe??? What's an AZBL-??
After all of the discussion about where to get the 12V on/off power, are the pin locations, listed in part 1, still valid?
I could use a little more info on the custom cables you made for the speaker connections. What type are the connectors, and why the different lengths? Did you fabricate the spades or did you modfiy something?
Do you think you will have to perforate the oddment tray for air flow?
I now have to shop for an amp. Do you remember what the size physcal size limits were?
Last question, If you were considering adding an amp to the rest of the speakers, would you run new speaker wires from this amp to the speakers, or would you somehow tap into the existing harness?
Thank you. Your time on this thread is greatly appreciated.
12-10-2007, 11:23 AM
#35
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Model Year: 2006
The WDS, where can I get one? The dealer?
Search on eBay. The dealer will not let you have this.
I'm sorry, but I can't decipher the color codes for the pin locations you listed in part 1. Could you please spell out the color names and the termination names for me? Whats a SW vs. a WS? White with stripe??? What's an AZBL-??
GE Yellow
GN Green
GR Grey
RT Red
SW Black
BL Blue
WS White
BR Brown
AZB is the Line level outputs from the amp and ZB are the speaker connections.
After all of the discussion about where to get the 12V on/off power, are the pin locations, listed in part 1, still valid?
I didn't change anything. Yes part 1 still valid.
I could use a little more info on the custom cables you made for the speaker connections. What type are the connectors, and why the different lengths? Did you fabricate the spades or did you modfiy something?
The aftermarket speakers use a mini spade and a normal spade connection. They are on opposite sides of the speakers so the different lengths. I simply connected the spades to the BMW connectors as in my post. Tomorrow I may be able to confirm if you can get BMW OEM plugs for the speaker connectors too , that way you dont have to bother making a plug.
Do you think you will have to perforate the oddment tray for air flow?
No, the amp is quite cool and is just under the external air flaps.
I now have to shop for an amp. Do you remember what the size physcal size limits were?
This for me was the toughest bit. To find one that will drive 150W RMS per channel and be the correct size. Just ensure the amp is not wider than 23cm
Last question, If you were considering adding an amp to the rest of the speakers, would you run new speaker wires from this amp to the speakers, or would you somehow tap into the existing harness?
I would simply reuse the wiring that is there. I wouldn't dare go near the doors and have to deal with airbags etc.
Thank you. Your time on this thread is greatly appreciated.
I'm glad I could help and this time remembered to keep a camera in the car when doing the work.
Search on eBay. The dealer will not let you have this.
I'm sorry, but I can't decipher the color codes for the pin locations you listed in part 1. Could you please spell out the color names and the termination names for me? Whats a SW vs. a WS? White with stripe??? What's an AZBL-??
GE Yellow
GN Green
GR Grey
RT Red
SW Black
BL Blue
WS White
BR Brown
AZB is the Line level outputs from the amp and ZB are the speaker connections.
After all of the discussion about where to get the 12V on/off power, are the pin locations, listed in part 1, still valid?
I didn't change anything. Yes part 1 still valid.
I could use a little more info on the custom cables you made for the speaker connections. What type are the connectors, and why the different lengths? Did you fabricate the spades or did you modfiy something?
The aftermarket speakers use a mini spade and a normal spade connection. They are on opposite sides of the speakers so the different lengths. I simply connected the spades to the BMW connectors as in my post. Tomorrow I may be able to confirm if you can get BMW OEM plugs for the speaker connectors too , that way you dont have to bother making a plug.
Do you think you will have to perforate the oddment tray for air flow?
No, the amp is quite cool and is just under the external air flaps.
I now have to shop for an amp. Do you remember what the size physcal size limits were?
This for me was the toughest bit. To find one that will drive 150W RMS per channel and be the correct size. Just ensure the amp is not wider than 23cm
Last question, If you were considering adding an amp to the rest of the speakers, would you run new speaker wires from this amp to the speakers, or would you somehow tap into the existing harness?
I would simply reuse the wiring that is there. I wouldn't dare go near the doors and have to deal with airbags etc.
Thank you. Your time on this thread is greatly appreciated.
I'm glad I could help and this time remembered to keep a camera in the car when doing the work.
12-10-2007, 06:03 PM
#36
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yea, i did miss the post. glad you came up with a simple solution the holes. I left mine open for now. One of these days, I'll take my seats off and add some expandable foam to ensure a more sealed enclosure.
as for speed control, i set mine to the lowest level and i cannot tell if the volume increases as my speed increases.
glad you got it all done and documented. im sure this will become one of those sticky posts for others to reference when they do the SWS install.
as for speed control, i set mine to the lowest level and i cannot tell if the volume increases as my speed increases.
glad you got it all done and documented. im sure this will become one of those sticky posts for others to reference when they do the SWS install.
Originally Posted by bruce_miranda' post='505081' date='Dec 10 2007, 11:00 AM
I did not have to make any modifications to the enclosures on either side. The speakers simply dropped in. As for the holes you probably missed my post above where I wrote that I made Styrofoam plugs and squeezed them into the holes, it seemed pretty tight to me.
I don't recollect being able to disable the speed control, just simply reduce the effect of it.
Tomorrow I will know if BMW do a plug for the 4 pin speaker connectors. I don't know how I missed that and had to make up my own bad looking shrink wrapped plugs. But if the connectors are fine then I'll probably scream a bit but will be happy to have found it and will post it here for all to see.
I don't recollect being able to disable the speed control, just simply reduce the effect of it.
Tomorrow I will know if BMW do a plug for the 4 pin speaker connectors. I don't know how I missed that and had to make up my own bad looking shrink wrapped plugs. But if the connectors are fine then I'll probably scream a bit but will be happy to have found it and will post it here for all to see.
01-14-2008, 01:51 AM
#37
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Hi Bruce... Nice work 
like the mod UK system does lack alot..
I have a 2005 M sport with the basic sound system does this mean it has subs under the seats ??
I can feel the grills...
Also what amp did you use as I have had problems trying to find a suitable amp lastly what price did you get the sws8's at as you can only get them from US now i think..
Thanks
like the mod UK system does lack alot.. I have a 2005 M sport with the basic sound system does this mean it has subs under the seats ??
I can feel the grills...
Also what amp did you use as I have had problems trying to find a suitable amp lastly what price did you get the sws8's at as you can only get them from US now i think..
Thanks
01-19-2008, 09:30 PM
#38
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My Ride: Look At My Signature. -Other Rides and Previous Rides: 04 BMW X3 | 03 BMW 330i (Sold) | 05 BMW M3 (Gone)-
05 Infiniti G35 sedan, Premium Package, Bose Sound, HID, Sports Package, Hardwired Escort Passport x50 Blue Installed, New Transmission Installed, Navigation, Keyless Entry+Start
Other Current Ride.
my aftermarket is 2000 watts and it doesnt drain my battery. I found a power source and tapped it in as a remote connection. however im powering the amp through the battery, i have base even with car key not in the ignition and just turning on the radio without the key. the amp however shuts off awhile after the car is locked. or when the car sleeps.
01-20-2008, 04:09 AM
#39
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Model Year: 2006
Originally Posted by harmzz' post='517652' date='Jan 14 2008, 11:51 AM
Hi Bruce... Nice work like the mod UK system does lack alot..
I have a 2005 M sport with the basic sound system does this mean it has subs under the seats ??
I can feel the grills...
Also what amp did you use as I have had problems trying to find a suitable amp lastly what price did you get the sws8's at as you can only get them from US now i think..
Thanks
like the mod UK system does lack alot.. I have a 2005 M sport with the basic sound system does this mean it has subs under the seats ??
I can feel the grills...
Also what amp did you use as I have had problems trying to find a suitable amp lastly what price did you get the sws8's at as you can only get them from US now i think..
Thanks
01-20-2008, 08:58 AM
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My Ride: BMW 530d E60 '04
Originally Posted by bruce_miranda' post='520256' date='Jan 20 2008, 01:09 PM
The basic sound package in the UK has 2 mid-range speakers installed under the seats. They are connected in parallel to the front door speakers. You too can do the mod but it would mean a bit more rewiring to get the amp wires to the subs. I used an amp made by a German company called Xetec. For me it was the power handling and size that mattered the most and not the real brand of the amp, each SWS-8 needs to be driven by atleast 150W RMS. But I found the Xetec amp is a very fine sounding piece, I am very impressed. The Earthquakes are now only available via the US. So you do land up paying the import duty and get no warranty for them but they are much cheaper than buying it via the German websites that would do them in the past.
now i'm going to improve the sound in my E60 '04. I have the standart sound system (as i know). If the Earthquakes are now only available via the US, may be better option will be Pioneer TS-SW841D ? ( http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/products/25/13...841D/index.html )
And drive them by Pioneer GM-6300F. ( http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/products/25/29...300F/index.html )
Do you know - will they fit under the seats?
What you think?
Thanks.