I have a non L7 US E60; 2006 525xi. This unit has the MP3 capable CD player in the dash, and a CD changer in the glove box. I also had the dealer install the aux input (yes I removed the little circuit board which did make a difference).

Now I am interested in possibly upgrading the speakers, with a minimum of fuss if possible.

First, does anybody have the diagrams of the speaker that are currently in this car? I think it has two less speakers than the L7, but I am not sure exactly what is missing compared to the L7. Does this car have the tweeters installed in the front door panels? I know in Europe the lower models do not, but I am not sure in the U.S.

Second, I think the low bass is pretty weak. Apparently the SWS8 is an option, from Earthquake sound. Some people have posted that a new version specifically for our BMWs is coming; lower ohm rating and perhaps better seals. Anybody have that confirmed?

Just open to some ideas. By the way, I have the folding rear seats which reduces subwoofer in the trunk options.

 

Snuffy...

hey there, it looks like you are thinking about my next mod as well, as I have the non-L7 set up . I think I am going to start with just upgrading my subs and amp 1st, then think about other speakers if need be. Aside from the Earthquake SWS-8, I think Pioneer is also making a shallow 8" woofer now, so you could also check that out. Also for $300 on Ebay there is some vendor who is selling 2 Earthquake SWS-8 and an amp, which is not a bad deal. I havent seen anything on Earthquakes website about the 2 Ohm version. Check these links for info..

http://www.earthquakesound.com/sws.htm

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Pro...TS-SW841D?tab=B

As for the extra speakers between L7 and non-L7, L7 = 13 speakers and Non-L7 = 10 speakers. There has been some previous postings on this same issue, so you may want to do a search. I know for sure there is a center channel in the dash on the L7 that we dont have, and there may be either 2 mids in the front doors.

Below is what the non-L7 has

2 tweeters in the A-pillars
2 speakers in the front doors
4 speakers in the rear parcel shelf
2 subwoofers under the front seats


Ill be curious to see how your upgrade turns out....as I planning on doing mine sometime next month once I decided on what speakers I will go with. Good Luck and keep us posted if you get a speaker diagram, that would be handy.

 

A local specialist told me that his recommendation was to add a 10 inch sub and a new amp to my E60. This would cost $700.

My gut is that the earthquake option is worth pursuing. They do in fact have a 2 ohm impedance speaker; SWS8XI.

Are we sure that the 525xi 2006 takes an 8 inch speaker as a drop in? Both the local installer and earthquake wanted me to verify that I don't need a 6.5 inch.

 

Yep...8" drop in... see posting below.

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=...mp;#entry685106

I would PM Bruce if you have specific questions as he's way knowledgeable on the subject, also he has his upgrade in the DYI section.

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=47747

Honestly I would try just the 8" upgrade and amp 1st, then build from there. I am not sure if you are a DYI'er but if you are it probably can be done for less then $400, then you can use the extra $300 for other mods.

 

Just read Bruce's write up. This is the easiest (and less expensive) way to upgrade your hifi (code 676, standard US) system. A 10 inch sub won't add much bass to the interior, the SWS-8 will provide a powerfull bass, even more bass than the Logic 7.

 

Is there any info on this anywhere? There's nothing on the Earthquake website.

 

Why do you need the 2 Ohm version? It's only to replace the OEM 8 inch of the Logic 7 system.

 

My understanding is that the 2 ohm version will have more output than the 4 ohm version. So if you do not plan on upgrading the amplifier, this is supposedly the way to go.

I would love input from people that upgraded the speakers, either 2 or 4 ohm, who did not change the electronics in any way.

 

The earthquakes need a lot more power to move them, whether 2 or 4ohm. I wouldnt bother with this upgrade if you are not doing the amp, it will degrade the sound. Infact if you are choosing one or the other I'd say do the amp and keep the stock speakers.

 

try these guys

http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/