MB Quart Install - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Just GSin' · 12th March 2002, 05:10

I just ordered a pair of MB Quart Reference speakers for the door panels. I've installed many a stereo system (including a custom system on an 840i, which was reputed to have the 'most mileage of wiring' in 1994), the thing I learned was to listen to people who have done it before. So, any tips or guidance to the install of the 5 1/4 speakers and tweeters? The grill looks like it just pops out, how about the tweeter. Is it better to replace the door tweeter or the one at the pillar? I assume all grills pop out. Did you have to fabricate a male/female connector for the aftermarket speakers? Is it better to leave out the crossovers (due to DSP)? The more I am prepared to tackle this (as simple as it may be) the better the end result will be.
I've searched on stereo upgrades, a lot of info, but not very specific on the install.
Now, about those capacitors...

rvacha · 12th March 2002, 05:33

There is a good web site somewhere that walks you through this, but in a nutshell, you need a couple of hours to do the job. The bottom line is this - you cannot simply remove the grills - you must remove the entire door panel. Not horrible overall, but tedious for sure. It will also help to have a second set of hands to hold up the panel so you connect/disconnect some stuff and relocate the panel for reassembly. I spent a little extra time and photographed everything in there while I had it open - and then accidentally reformatted the camera memory - doh! Do both tweeters to get matched timber. If you are doing the rear deck as well, please note that I in particular couldn't get my speakers to fit inside the #$%&%*! speaker enclosures - there is very little depth in there to work with. If you have some extra time, you may want to consider ordering extra plastic quick fasteners just in case you break one pulling the panels off (I didn't, but the insurance was worth the $2.00)

I'll try to find the web site shortly

atomic80 · 12th March 2002, 05:36

I thought I'd save rvacha a trip and provide the instructions thanks to bmwtips.com.

Front speakers
Rear speakers

I didn't do this myself, I had a stereo shop replace my front door speakers in addition to adding an extra set of 1" tweeters to provide additional "fill." Sounds great! I would do it again if given the chance.

rvacha · 12th March 2002, 05:45

My lucky night!

http://www.nextmill.net/bmw540/fronts.htm and
http://www.nextmill.net/bmw540/rears.htm

The instructions are very accurate and helpful. Only error is in the rear instructions where 13mm and 10mm sockets sizes are accidentally flipped in the write-up

Good Luck!

rvacha · 12th March 2002, 05:46

Hummm...
Not shortly enough!

Thanks Jason!

Just GSin' · 12th March 2002, 05:53

Thanks guys! Exactly what I was looking for. Hmm, this board seems to provide immediate help to all my problems. Any suggestions about what to do about my ex-wife, and what is up with my current girlfriend?

And don't give me any of this....:pop:

atomic80 · 12th March 2002, 05:56

Quote:

Originally posted by Just GSin'
Thanks guys! Exactly what I was looking for. Hmm, this board seems to provide immediate help to all my problems. Any suggestions about what to do about my ex-wife, and what is up with my current girlfriend? And don't give me any of this....:pop:

Can't help you there with the wife/girlfriend...I've got enough problems with my own!

AndyMenard · 12th March 2002, 07:25

Quote:

Originally posted by Just GSin'
I just ordered a pair of MB Quart Reference speakers for the door panels. I've installed many a stereo system (including a custom system on an 840i, which was reputed to have the 'most mileage of wiring' in 1994), the thing I learned was to listen to people who have done it before. So, any tips or guidance to the install of the 5 1/4 speakers and tweeters? The grill looks like it just pops out, how about the tweeter. Is it better to replace the door tweeter or the one at the pillar? I assume all grills pop out. Did you have to fabricate a male/female connector for the aftermarket speakers? Is it better to leave out the crossovers (due to DSP)? The more I am prepared to tackle this (as simple as it may be) the better the end result will be.
I've searched on stereo upgrades, a lot of info, but not very specific on the install.
Now, about those capacitors...

Welcome to THE definitive source for E39 M5s!

I have MBQ's in my car, however I did not personally install them. But, I can tell you that you will not be able to use the new crossovers with your speakers because of the way the amp/DSP are setup ......... my understanding is that the crossovers are built-in?? and this presents somewhat of a problem!

Otherwise, still a great upgrade....as the the MBQ's will sound MUCH better than the stock speakers, especially in the 2000 cars, which did not have the M Audio option with the better speakers and subs.

atomic80 · 12th March 2002, 07:47

I also had a 1 farad capacitor installed in my M5 too. It made my bass a bit tighter than before and also gave me a slight improvement to my overall audio quality.