cleung

mObridge converter to convert the fiber optic signal, then go to audison bit one or other similar oem integration unit.

cmybmw

i have just installed the 2 x 8" earthquake subs under the front seats and a larger amp in the boot, the sound is increadable compared to the stock system. it is a must have on an e60, i would recommend it to any one. i got the subs in america and shipped them to australia cause i couldn't find them is here. the sound quality is just unspeakable. this should be everyones first mod.

CodeTitan

I have a 2010 528i with the standard audio system. I too think that the sound leaves a lot to be desired and am looking at upgrading the speakers. Does my car come with subwoofers? I moved the drivers seat all the way forward to take a look and found something that looks like a speaker grill (see included photo). Is this where the subwoofer is?

subterFUSE

I recently did a major stereo upgrade, and I am having major problems with the car afterward. Active Steering Malfunction due to a "hardware fault" in the AFS control module. BMW says I must replace the module. Cost = $1700. While we do not know whether or not the stereo is the direct cause of the fault, the timing of the failure (upon delivery of my car from the stereo shop) is OBVIOUSLY suspect. My part is on order now, and I plan to replace the module late next week. I will report back to let everyone know how it goes.

What I can tell you is this..... The E60 is not just a car. It is a computer on wheels. A very temperamental computer, at that. Anything you do which interacts with the electrical system in this car can potentially have adverse effects on the various components. I am very hopeful that we are able to fix my Active Steering and continue to use my new stereo system. Otherwise, this might be one of the most expensive mistakes I have ever made.

response_surface

can you detail the mods that were done. obviously more than just a speaker upgrade. i'd like to know so i don't make the same mistake.

png1966

Yes, those are the 8" subwoofers, one under each seat. I believe there are two sound system options in the states, Hi-Fi (called standard in the US) and "Top Hi-Fi", also called "L7". Both systems have the under-seat woofers; I have seen it stated that the woofers in the L7 are different (better quality) than those in the standard, but both systems have under seat subs.

I do not believe you can get an E60 in the states which does not have the under seat subs.

I previously owned a 2006 525i with standard audio. I upgraded the speakers (MB Quart) added amplification for all channels, and added a 12" in the trunk. I also applied an active crossover and turned the under-seat woofers into mid-woofers, leaving the >80Hz to the trunk sub. After extensive tuning, I was quite pleased with the system.

I now have a 2007 550i, CPO, with L7. I was surprised at how poor the audio system is. After working with it, I wonder if all the cabin speakers are blown. I have added a 12" in the trunk and added amplification for all 9 channels (Front Left, Front Right, Center, Rear Door Left, Rear Door Right, Rear Deck Left, Rear Deck Right, under-seat Left, under-seat Right). I have also added an active crossover to help with the tremendous gap in the lower mid-range.

I have ordered a set of MB Quarts for the rear deck, a set of MTX TX4001s for the front doors, and am still thinking about what to do for center and rear doors (small coaxial maybe?).

Anyway, the L7, to this point, has been very disappointing. In my opinion, an upgraded standard audio can easily surpass a stock L7 system.

einstein57

https://5series.net/forums/index.php...opic=78252&hl=

NavarroOne

I have a German 535D from late 2007 with stock European sound, i.e. the true basic. Will the BSW upgrade you outline fit that version or are you talking about an upgrade to the US standard version, which really is the 2nd level, i.e. HI-FI option in Europe?

IceyTys

Yep, thats your 8" sub....one under each seat. I did the Sub/Amp upgrade, plus I replaced my rear deck speakers with some MB Quarts and it made a world of difference. I didnt mess with the front doors since I didnt want to screw around with taking off the door panels and all that mess, and I am pretty happy with how it turned out.

response_surface

so you are using standard 4 ohm speakers driven by the HU? how does it sound compared to the stockers?

i'm gearing up to do 4 mb quart qm100's (old school) driven off the HU for now and sws8 subs with amp. i'm working on the adaptor plates right now to put the mb's on the same hole pattern as the oem speakers. i had to procure a rotary stage for my mill to do it right.

i've compared the resistance of the oem (3.1 ohm) and mb (3.0 ohm),i know this is not the actual impedance but if they're that close how could it freak out the HU?

as can be seen in the pics the qm100's are exactly the same height of the oem speakers.

i got a brand new set of 4 qm 100s on ebay for 80 bucks, some guy on there is working with maxxsonics and is liquidating all the old mb quart inventory. he threw in 2 pairs of comp level x-overs for 40 bucks too. i've got 4 mb quart RTC 19 tweeters as well.

very soon Mr. Lifeson's guitar will sound correctly once again.

look for a post in the future called "poor man's BSW speaker upgrade", except this upgrade is with german made speakers!
actually i'm not poor, just a cheap b*st*rd