M3 retro fitting Harmon Kardon

[colinrob]

Hi anyone know if it is possible to retro fit Harmon Kardon in a E46 and if the answer is yes how much?

[m3desmo]

Is more than likely possible, buying the components from a dealer, as I can't see the wiring being any different between cars specced with it and those without.

As an aside, why bother with the Harman Kardon upgrade. I have it as a factory installed option in my M3 and don't actually use it that much. The GruppeM exhaust and that addictive engine note mean that I prefer to turn the stereo down and listen to the music from the engine instead (and that's even after 2 1/2 years of ownership!!).

Just a thought!

[hughjayteens]

It isn't at all economically feasible and it sounds pants anyway!

For similar money to the HK system (£900 or so) you could get something far far better.

Drop me a mail if you want any specifics.

Cheers

Chris

www.prestigeaudio.co.uk

[DJFish]

AFAIK, to retro fit HK in any E46 you have to take out all the seats and interior and replace the entire stereo wiring loom.

[rob05]

IMO a waste of time and money and as already suggested you can find a better system for less.

[mpwr321bhp]

I looked into it with my old E36 theres a company www.bavariansoundwerks.com they do some nice packages for BM's quite good prices too.

[colinrob]

Thanks for the help looks like an aftermarket upgrade then

[castex]

HUgh-j-teens is absolutely correct. HK in E46 sounds like cack.
Start with Alpine, see what nakamichi have on ebay, move along from there.
Best of luck,
T

[hughjayteens]

We have just launched a couple of BMW specific packages which might be worth a look - not done on for an E46 coupe yet but am happy to make the guinea pig!

www.prestigeaudio.co.uk/auto/in-car-audio.php

Cheers

C

[Zod]

hughjayteens said:

We have just launched a couple of BMW specific packages which might be worth a look - not done on for an E46 coupe yet but am happy to make the guinea pig!

www.prestigeaudio.co.uk/auto/in-car-audio.php

Cheers

C

I'll sound one note of caution: £900 is very little to spend on a proper audio install. That would just pay for the speakers.

[stuthemong]

Zod, lol. If he was happy going after the HK system methinks he won't be too fussed if he doesnt get the rainbow platinums.

If it were me, i'd get a line level convertor from the HU (big call I know, not best for SQ but you save the cash on a HU, and retain the dash and steering wheel controls). £300 4ch amp, £300 sub + box, £300 front 2 way comps. Would sound pretty good for the money, and a night/day improvement over your standard system. (use your current hu amp to power your rear fill).

IMO the source quality from the BM headunits is 'okay' - certainly the amp + Speaker upgrade will make it sing

hth

[Zod]

stuthemong said:

Zod, lol. If he was happy going after the HK system methinks he won't be too fussed if he doesnt get the rainbow platinums.

If it were me, i'd get a line level convertor from the HU (big call I know, not best for SQ but you save the cash on a HU, and retain the dash and steering wheel controls). £300 4ch amp, £300 sub + box, £300 front 2 way comps. Would sound pretty good for the money, and a night/day improvement over your standard system. (use your current hu amp to power your rear fill).

IMO the source quality from the BM headunits is 'okay' - certainly the amp + Speaker upgrade will make it sing

hth

The sound form the standard business HU is abysmal. The Professional one is OK.

[foz01]

Chris you got mail re my E39

[stuthemong]

The sound is normally awful because the amps have no power, and the speakers suck. The actual signal is normally OK on modern stuff IMO, though if you have specific knowledge of this system then fair play.

Edited by stuthemong on Thursday 5th October 13:12

[hughjayteens]

Zod said:

hughjayteens said:

We have just launched a couple of BMW specific packages which might be worth a look - not done on for an E46 coupe yet but am happy to make the guinea pig!

www.prestigeaudio.co.uk/auto/in-car-audio.php

Cheers

C

I'll sound one note of caution: £900 is very little to spend on a proper audio install. That would just pay for the speakers.

Well clearly I am aware of that, but the reality of the matter is that many people are horrified at the prospect of spending £900 on a sound system for a car that they feel should sound good from the factory. I think you'd be very pleasantly surprised at how good a £900 install can sound if done properly!

[foz01]

Chris did you get my e mail?