E60 amp installation
06-22-2012, 10:12 AM
#1
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Looking for a place to install an amp in the trunk and just wondering if the location below is safe.
A few things, no I can't install it in the left corner of the trunk (as per Bruce's DIY), it's too wide, the spare wheel is in the trunk so can't put it in there
and I don't want to drill the rear seats.
Was thinking to just add something like a bit of plywood to the area below (its Styrofoam) and place the amp on that.
Should be good since I don't carry anything with the car.
Is there a reason not to put it there?
A few things, no I can't install it in the left corner of the trunk (as per Bruce's DIY), it's too wide, the spare wheel is in the trunk so can't put it in there
and I don't want to drill the rear seats.
Was thinking to just add something like a bit of plywood to the area below (its Styrofoam) and place the amp on that.
Should be good since I don't carry anything with the car.
Is there a reason not to put it there?
06-22-2012, 04:58 PM
#2
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Optimal location is in the left corner since there is a vent there, but if it doesn't fit not much you can do there. The location you marked-up in red is pretty much the only option unless you attach it somehow to the underside of the rear deck.
If you place it on plywood in that location, just make sure to secure the plywood somehow. You don't want the amp to shift and leave the bare power wire in the trunk. Good luck.
If you place it on plywood in that location, just make sure to secure the plywood somehow. You don't want the amp to shift and leave the bare power wire in the trunk. Good luck.
06-23-2012, 01:57 AM
#3
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I was thinking about underneath the rear shelf but the manual and also the audio installer suggested never to that since the amp will die in a few months due to improper ventilation, being upside down.
06-26-2012, 01:21 PM
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Are you also installing a sub? I did and mounted the amp on the sub box. I also had heard that the amp needed ventilation but I just didn't want to drill and mount on the underside of the deck. I did on an old M3 I had and for several years no problems at all.
06-27-2012, 10:04 AM
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That's what we did for my car. Metal frame attached to underside of rear deck, and then all componets mounted to the rack. Minimal screws going into the car frame, and max retention of truck space. The only thing to keep in mind is that if your amp is very high-current, then you'll want an amp with an internal fan to aid in cooling. However, I am running my Audison LRx4.1k amp under the deck with no problems.
06-27-2012, 01:36 PM
#8
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That's what we did for my car. Metal frame attached to underside of rear deck, and then all componets mounted to the rack. Minimal screws going into the car frame, and max retention of truck space. The only thing to keep in mind is that if your amp is very high-current, then you'll want an amp with an internal fan to aid in cooling. However, I am running my Audison LRx4.1k amp under the deck with no problems.
It will work not for more than a few months if the car gets used a lot, apparently.
However, I am running my Audison LRx4.1k amp under the deck with no problems.
06-27-2012, 03:02 PM
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My Ride: 2005 545i (SMG)
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M-tech kit
Sport Package
Premium Sound
Satellite Radio
Active Cruise
Comfort Seats
Navigation
Folding rear seats
Putting the amp upside is the biggest no-no if it only has passive cooling, that's according to the Alpine manual and any audio installers I've asked. Being a 5 channel amp that might be the case, Alpine MRX-v70, anyone has any experience with that one?
It will work not for more than a few months if the car gets used a lot, apparently.
For how long? My only concern is lifespan since getting good amps in Europe is a bit of a gamble so I'd need to get one from the US and I don't want to go through the hassle of sending it back in 3 months for example.
It will work not for more than a few months if the car gets used a lot, apparently.
For how long? My only concern is lifespan since getting good amps in Europe is a bit of a gamble so I'd need to get one from the US and I don't want to go through the hassle of sending it back in 3 months for example.
