E90 3 Series convertible aftermarket audio options

[jtonky]

Hi first time posting… I am looking for a 330d M sport with either Individual or Harman Kardon speakers but have been searching for a couple of months now I am thinking these are quite rare!
I have heard BMW business audio upgrade is only just better than the standard, but I don’t know anyone who can actually verify that and I have not heard it (people say stuff because someone else said it etc)
So I am thinking plan B, buy a something and do an aftermarket upgrade? Sorry if there is a thread about this somewhere, else can you link me?
I would basically be looking for a 330d M sport with professional sat nav and USB Interface with I Pod connection. Looking at Adds some say professional stereo but I don’t know if that’s just people getting confused, me among them.
Basically I want to upgrade the speakers to a more acceptable level, without a massive faff. Remove door cards / interior to replace existing speakers I can do. Anything more than that I don’t think I will attempt.
I wanted to understand what the individual or Harman kardon upgrade is, is it the same head unit / stereo but with a large amp tucked away somewhere with some bigger speakers? Or is there more to it?

Any advice on buying a 330d fit for an aftermarket upgrade would be very well received please, or should i extend the barge pole?

[Lloydm]

Hi,

Dont know if this helps but I have a 325i SE which has an AUX connection for an MP3 player but it doesnt have the usb connection, which you need if you want to control the tracks from the fitted stereo.

The stereo iteslf can accept a usb connection, so i can have the wiring it retro fitted. However BMW have quoted me £700 for this as they say they need to fit an additonal electonic unit and program the stereo to accept it. Too much for me, I'm happy to stick with the CD changer and AUX input.

I think if you are particular with the entertainment system, best to find a car which has what you want already fitted.

Lloyd.

[jtonky]

thanks Lloyd, usefull to know to look out for the usb connection. I been looking since christmas for somthing with the higher spec hifi fitted at factory, but nothing as yet, not even an add saying sorry already sold! v anoying. still i am hopful come new number plate time there will be some new cars for sale, will see. till then i am in my clio!

[Lloydm]

For me, the model, general spec and condition of the car was the most important, and it was the perfect colour combination too. Dont think I could have got a better car for the price. A USB would have been a bonus, but not essential.

Lloyd.

[yorkshire]

Hi,

Alpine do an upgrade for the speakers,it can be purchased through a BMW dealer, can't remember what I was quoted.

[jtonky]

thanks for that, that has pointed me in a good direction, a quick google let me to http://www.bmwland.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=88...
recons about £300 ish just for the kit... dont know if its the same fit for a convertable but its a start
also i am on the look out for places that will fit it (well) for you. i am working alot of dont have alot of time for a project. if its not silly money i might pay for some one else to do it, otherwise it will be a project for the back end of the summer lol

[Rabbo]

jtonky said:

thanks for that, that has pointed me in a good direction, a quick google let me to http://www.bmwland.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=88...
recons about £300 ish just for the kit... dont know if its the same fit for a convertable but its a start
also i am on the look out for places that will fit it (well) for you. i am working alot of dont have alot of time for a project. if its not silly money i might pay for some one else to do it, otherwise it will be a project for the back end of the summer lol

It's about £350 from Cotswold or bmminiparts and you can fit it yourself in a couple of hours. I did it myself to my 130i with the professional head unit and it's a marked improvement. Lots of "how to" guides around, so no excuse not to give it a go!

[StyleTechnik]

Not sure what the E90 HK is like compared to the E46 but the E46 is pretty pony.. i fitted JL Audio through out and believe They do some direct factory fit packages too. Cant recommend them enough

[Bezerk]

Have you listened to the HK system?
I have it in my E92, and it isn't that great.

Especially if you like music with a lot of bass.. there is sod all from the small under seat subs.