Car audio upgrade

[V 02]

Hi,

I’m interested in the upgrade of my 2017 BMW 330e (F30-LCI) existing base audio system.

Currently the car has a 6 speaker audio system which consists of 4 mid ranges, 2 underfloor subs, no separate amp, no DSP, and no tweeters.

I am not on a huge budget but I have worked the following out as a fairly straightforward upgrade to my existing system.


Amplifier: Audiotec-Fischer Helix M-FOUR 4 channel DSP Amp (with inbuilt 64bit DSP)

Front speakers and tweeters: Audiotec-Fischer MATCH UP42BMW-FRT.2 100mm Two Way Component System

Rear speakers: Audiotec-Fischer MATCH MS 4X-BMW.2 2-Way 4in Coaxial Speakers

Parcel shelf speakers: Harman/Kardon for BMW parcel shelf 2x speaker 2x tweeter 65139368383 (unamped due to the 6 channel DSP amp being much more expensive)

Subwoofers: Audiotec-Fischer MATCHUP BMW 8in Underseat Subwoofers (Upgrade for existing subs) 200W RMS

EQ setup: Bimmercode head unit coding of HiFi 9 speaker loudsystem
DSP setup (Audiotec-Fischer 64bit DSP inbuilt to M-FOUR amp)

Harnessing: BMW T Harness hardwiring

Tweeter trims: OEM BMW HiFi unbranded tweeter and window trim part numbers 51337323506/7

All with 4ohm impedance and I reckon the Helix will have enough power to drive these speakers to a good level.


What are everyone’s opinions on this setup? Any costcutting changes you would make?

[Bungleaio]

I wouldn't bother upgrading anythng in the back and spend all the budget on the underseats, front door speakers, amp/dsp and if the budget allows tweeters for the front.

[mbug]

I would save your money and not replace the speakers, you can get fantastic results from a new amp/DSP alone(as long as it has been tuned).

I upgraded the system in my 2017 M6 Gran Coupe with a Helix DSP, it I was to do it all again I would leave the stock speakers in place. It is tempting to replace the speakers especially when you are taking the door cards off to deaden the doors, however I think the money would be much better spent on the source end.

[V 02]

Today:

Front door speakers taken out - Audison in

Front tweeters in - Audison (none previously)

Rear door speakers out - H/K

Rear tweeters in - Audison (none previously)

Both woofers out - Earthquake SWS-8XI in (6.5 in midbass woofers out, replaced with 8in subwoofers)

All doors and parts of floor and boot sound deadened with Dodo Mat Pro

Nextbase dash cam front and rear hard wired up

Audio system coded to HiFi

Door bolts tightened and sealed



To do:

Match Amp and DSP needs to be fitted (apparently this build turned into a complete nightmare as there is no amp in the car, so ran out of time today)

All speaker wires to be replaced with 14 gauge Oxygen free copper wire

All audio harnesses to be replaced with custom , extended ones.




Impressions:

Without the amp, clarity has become exceptional whereas the base audio system was just vile. There is less distortion at all volume levels.

Also without an amp, it sounds very underpowered, as expected. After coded to Hi-Fi for a flat EQ, There is little bass and “punch” but as mentioned clarity is exceptional. The subwoofers don’t even sound like they are there at all.


The F30 doors which normally sound to me, quite cheap for a BMW, now close with a solid, and extremely satisfying thunk without being too heavy regardless. Much less flex in the car.


All my issues will be solved with the Match amp being fitted in 2 weeks. Bring that on! Such a shame that absolutely nothing in this build turned out to be plug and play except the Audison front speakers.

[Legacywr]

A 2017 BMW came without tweeters in the front, I find that quite unbelievable…

[Andeh1]

Would also recommend some sound deadening as well whilst you're there!

[V 02]

Andeh1 said:

Would also recommend some sound deadening as well whilst you're there!

Yep all sound deadened

[Bungleaio]

Legacywr said:

A 2017 BMW came without tweeters in the front, I find that quite unbelievable…

Until the E36 a head unit was an optional extra.