Speakers/amp/etc

I'd certainly look to do it in 3 stages. Add a sub first to see if that satisfies your needs. If not you can then try upgrading the factory speakers and if that doesn't do it then amplify the updated after market speakers rather than power them off the head unit. There are some creative sub solutions that go under the seats if taking up boot space is an issue, but it's a long time since I rigged up a decent install so can't comment on quality.

In terms of install, any sub will need an amp (some solutions combine the two). You will need to run a remote power lead out of the head unit to the amp, a permanent 12v feed to the amp, an earth lead from the amp to the car body and then an RCA cable from the "sub preout" from the head unit to the amp. Then if the sub/amp are not combined, some hefty speaker wire from the amp to the sub.
 
I must stress it's a wet finger in the air type answer - should not be taken literally by the OP as a recommendation to buy, but as an idea in the bag as how to approach it. It does look pretty OEM.
 
Thats probably going to be too expensive. If I spend $500 on just the sub then by the time I've got the speakers, amp and the original cost of the head unit I'm running into thousands which probably isn't sensible :p
 
"Zenclosures" Enclosure;

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/edit - $139 plus shipping..
 
[TW]Fox;21767918 said:
Is there any way to do the sub thing without making my boot look like I hang around in McDonalds carpark?

Guess its just a case of connecting the sub-out from the head unit to the amp, and then the amp to the sub?
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Sadly, the answer is almost no. The chav in me really wants to add a sub my BMW. I'm planning to use a very low profile, slot ported box

See if you can find one of those rockford low profile 8inch box.

Connection wise it is how you said
 
[TW]Fox;21768130 said:
Thats probably going to be too expensive. If I spend $500 on just the sub then by the time I've got the speakers, amp and the original cost of the head unit I'm running into thousands which probably isn't sensible :p
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I think that includes the amp. As has been stated, just try out getting a sub first before the other speakers. All it seems you need here is that sub/amp kit and an amp installation kit (which aren't very expensive at all).


EDIT:
100% Complete System
Includes absolutely everything you need: amp, subwoofer, installation hardware, wiring. Just buy and install.
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SMed said:
I think that includes the amp. As has been stated, just try out getting a sub first before the other speakers. All it seems you need here is that sub/amp kit and an amp installation kit (which aren't very expensive at all).
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Could you link me to some suggested solutions? :)
 
Fox - Unless I've read it wrong that SubAmp kit is everything you need to start with. If its not enough, you can upgrade just the speakers later.

$500 dollars is only £309 ... a Sub + Amp + enclusure + wiring kit etc is going to cost close to that anyway.. aswell as not looking anywhere near as neat.
 
[TW]Fox;21768158 said:
Could you link me to some suggested solutions? :)
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Check my edit, it includes literally everything. :)

Looks like a good piece of kit. Takes up very very little boot space, and no boot floor space at all. You can't even see the speakers so very little risk of looking like a chav. You won't need to buy anything else right now.
 
[TW]Fox;21768158 said:
Could you link me to some suggested solutions? :)
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caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/13981.html

something like that would include everything you need. I have one myself, providing you don't go silly with the gain levels it provides nice bass without being chav. It also has a remote gain control which although a little gimmicky means I can have the gain wound up a little higher when in non residential areas then turn it down to accommodate passengers that aren't fond of lots off bass or so I don't annoy local residents.
 
[TW]Fox;21768130 said:
Thats probably going to be too expensive. If I spend $500 on just the sub then by the time I've got the speakers, amp and the original cost of the head unit I'm running into thousands which probably isn't sensible :p
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It is expensive.

However as an idea you can steal their setup with a cheaper, adequate subwoofer of your choice.
- Buy the sub you want.
- Box it in MDF (a sheet of MDF from B&Q is what? £10?).
- Line the outside of your box in black carpet to match the boot http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2M-x-1-6M...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item45fc880ca9
- Mount in the same position as they have by using custom made aluminum/steel brackets of your choice.

It will look OEM and sound better than what you currently have. From what I've seen manufacturers will charge you as much as £60+ just for a carpeted box for the sub that you want.
 
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[TW]Fox;21768203 said:
+shipping
+10% import duty
+20% VAT on the total

:p
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If your going to spend £500 quid anyway, why not spend a little bit more and do it properly....

I'd be amazed if one of the US BM forums didnt have some sort of deal with that kind of site, why not look into it and see what they can do? I ordered some S2K stuff from US distributors, and lots of them offered decent discounts which covered the VAT + extra postage costs... drop them a line and see what they cna do it for

Lots also mark it as gift.... *cough*
 
Ricochet J said:
It is expensive.

However as an idea you can steal their setup with a cheaper, adequate subwoofer of your choice.
- Buy the sub you want.
- Box it in MDF (a sheet of MDF from B&Q is what? £10?).
- Line the outside of your box in black carpet to match the boot http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2M-x-1-6M...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item45fc880ca9
- Mount in the same position as they have by using custom made aluminum/steel brackets of your choice.

It will look OEM and sound better than what you currently have. From what I've seen manufacturers will charge you as much as £60+ just for a carpeted box for the sub that you want.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a fun project. I'd prefer to do this than spend up to £400 for what the BSW kit.
 
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