M5 audio upgrade - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Redder than red · 22nd January 2003, 23:47

Have std (very) UK M5 audio system no dsp.

Spoken to several specialists and all suggest different
things, I would like to upgrade with 6x9s in the back shelf
decent speakers and tweeters in the front and amps
to suit with a Mission (thats a maker not a position)
sub and amp in the boot.

From experience would like 6x9s as better sound than
std speaker size upgrade.

Has anyone fitted 6x9s in the shelf - assume some cutting
as I had to do on the E34 but that had a stealth shelf to cover.
Sub in boot - will it work ok as BM trunk / boot area welll sealed.

Any ideas on amp hook ups - the head unit is in dash / cd in boot
and I'm told the amp is boot mounted - nothing obvious.

Advice welcomed or an alternative upgrade that works.

Cheers.

MIB · 22nd January 2003, 23:58

You got me.

How can you expect people to keep reading after they see 10 Ferrari's. LOL It took me awhile before I saw the 1/24th scale.

Congrats.

Redder than red · 23rd January 2003, 00:10

MIB

Yup, the 1/24th bit seems to have been missed by a few
in the past - if they were 1/1 would I be on this board
or asking how to etc...?

Nope - someone else would be and I'd be sunning my toes.

Cheers

MAH · 23rd January 2003, 00:26

Don't use 6X9. You don't see oval speakers in a home speaker so don't use one here. You can purchase direct replacement speakers that are made to fit into the openings from the factory. I forget the manufactorer, but I am sure someone will remember the name here.

Mark

Need4Spd · 23rd January 2003, 02:48

I agree you should not go oval. 6x9s are for trucks and Buicks driven by people who can't hear.

If you are going to replace the speakers go with Boston Acoustics (pro series or the new Z series reference speakers) or MB Quarts. They can be fitted behind the stock grills so no one knows you have an upgraded system except you and the people you let listen to it. You can fit some nice round 8" or 10" bass drivers on the rear shelf (use two). Use a good amp like a JL Audio 500/5 (500w, 5ch.), and it'll be better than the M Audio. Consult a quality installer.

Boston Acoustics Z Reference Speakers

JL Audio 500/5 Amp

Teutonaddict · 23rd January 2003, 17:07

I'm literally in the middle of my audio upgrade, after accumulating the component parts over a year ago. I'm following the instructions found in the links below.

I'm replacing the factory mids and tweets with MBQuart component drivers from the RSB-215 Referenz set (likely since updated). I've added a separate subwoofer amp (using speaker-level inputs) and two 10" a/d/s/ sub drivers to the rear deck.

In a simpler move, others have had considerable success replacing the stock "bass" speaker set-up with the M-Audio subwoofers (2x10") for fairly low cost (when purchasing from a mail-order BMW Parts dealership).

If I were to do it all over again, I'd probably go the M-Audio upgrade route. Fabricating a platform for mounting the rear 10" subs and amp was quite a challenge for the DIY'er!

http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/t...%20Project.htm

http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/tips_pages/DSP.htm

Redder than red · 23rd January 2003, 23:15

Need4spd & guys..

Thanks for the info - local (UK) specialist installed 6x9s
in the old 3.8 M5 and naturally I assumed......

I'll check out the links, assume from what you are saying
the subs should not go in the trunk as it is well sealed.

I am V V cautious about getting this right 1st time so
all tips are appreciated.

Need4Spd · 24th January 2003, 01:50

As to putting subs "in the trunk," that would be the boot, right? Putting them on the rear package shelf so the drivers radiate into the passenger compartment, and the rest of the speakers hang down into the boot, would be fine. That's how the M Audio system has their subs mounted. Just don't put one of those tube-type bazooka subs in the trunk. Actually, those things are pretty junky anyway and I wouldn't want one anyhow.

Teutonaddict · 24th January 2003, 05:10

Quote:

Originally posted by Redder than red
...assume from what you are saying
the subs should not go in the trunk as it is well sealed...

Actually, you could install a sub in the trunk. Installing the M-Audio subs in the pre-drilled locations under the package shelf is a "free-air" or infinite baffle set-up. On my two prior 540i/6-speeds, I did a sealed box install very similar to the one shown here:

http://www.nextmill.net/bmw540/subbox/

I had a single 10" sub in a small sealed box, firing through the ski-sack pass-thru. I actually bought a pre-fabbed enclosure box from Crutchfield (.67 cu. ft. Q-Logic box, designed for use in pick-up trucks), and installed the amp on the back of the box.

It made for a pretty tidy install, that improved audio performance by leaps and bounds!

MAH · 24th January 2003, 19:34

Has anyone replaced the subs that come with the M-Audio? Did it help with the stock amp? I will change out all of the speakers except the subs in my 2001, but I have not heard anyone mention that it would be advantagous to exchange the subs. MB Quarts are the way to go with the other speakers.

Mark