Spec me some ICE

[TW]Fox

[TW]Fox

[TW]Fox

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Joined
17 Oct 2002
Posts
160,280
I've threatened to do this so many times now I've lost count, and each time I get a load of advice then it all goes out of date. But anyway, I know where I'm going with the car so hopefully it's more relevant.

I'd like to overhaul the ICE in the car and I'm going to stick with the OEM head unit (As I'll be retrofitting the BMW 16:9 navigation and television in the new year).

This means I need 4 speakers and an amplifier. I'd favour a compact amplifier if possible as i intend to make the install as stealth and OEM looking as possible.

This is where it gets controversial. I'd like to include a set of 6x9's in the install.

Yes, yes, I know. 6x9's. The speaker of choice for the discerning chav in a Corsa. But there is good reason... I think.

I don't want to go to the hassle of having a sub in the boot because it's not particularly stealthy, the boot is a sealed enclosure anyway, etc.

The E39 has 6x9's as standard fitted under the parcel shelf so the theory is I can slip a set of aftermarket ones in there to provide me with some bass. Meanwhile, up front, I'll have a decent set of components fited in the original speaker positions in the doors.

So, I'm after:

1x Amp
1x Set of 5 1/2 components for the front
1x Set of 6x9's for the rear

Budget? Dunno, what do I need to spend? Lets say 300 quid for now. Can I get something that sounds pretty good for the money with this choice of setup?

Cheers guys.
 
I already have a Sony Sound on Top amp. Is this actually any good - could I use it to drive aftermarket speakers sufficiently? This would be very convenient if I could.
 
GT3 said:
It's not ideal but it is your only option if the headunit doesn't have pre-outs. It will be far better than driving speakers direct from the headunit.
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I doubt very much there are preouts.

Looks like I'm down to just needing some front speakers and 6x9's then - any advice? Am I thinking along the right lines? What sort of sound quality can I acheive from this setup?
 
So what can I do? I don't really know what I'm doing with ICE, hence thread :)

I'd just like to be able to listen to music with pretty decent sound quality etc :)
 
He had a hugely complicated professional install which bypassed the BMW navigation system entirely and had custom speaker mounts front and rear and a custom mounted head unit.

I have no desire to spend thousands of pounds on a stereo install :p
 
They look good.

I guess the 6x9's that are fitted as standard are not just subs - what will it sound like with 6x9 subs in the rear and speakers in the front? Will it sound odd compared to how it does now?
 
So does anyone want to have a go at speccing some specific speakers? I dont know whats good, what isnt and how much to spend :(
 
v0n said:
Out of curiosity - is there any point? The old 2d navigation in beemers is pretty poor by today's standards, it's worse than just about any £50 stand alone sat nav unit. Plus of course, usability of analogue TV is practically zero these days, especially in your neck of the woods.
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I'm not bothered about the navigation, I care about the look and functionality of the onboard monitor especially when used for Ipod control.
 
It's probably worth about 20 or 30 quid at the moment. Once I've retrofitted the M-Sport II steering wheel I estimate this value to climb to about £32.
 
Witor said:
Slight sidestep. Am I right in thinking one can replace the standard tape player in some E39's with a aftermarket one, and the little flap still hides it?
Click to expand...

No, the flap only hides the CD drive.

newradio.jpg
 
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