Basic BMW E46 Touring build

Hey everyone! Just thought I would post up some pictures of my install in our new to us BMW.

My last install was a "peroid correct" system in my 93 Escort. All the gear was from the early 90's and was installed in the same fasion, eg - flexstone paint, carpet, etc.

The new car has a bit of a different goal in mind. First off I wanted to keep the factory head unit as I really don't like how the aftermarket decks ruin the flow of the dash. Second, I wanted to use as much of my equipment that I already had, and finally the hatch still has to be useable and retain the spare tire.

So right away I bought a USA Spec unit to control my iPod from the factory deck. I would also need a LOC to tap into the factory system, so I got a Cache Audio 6ch LOC. Eventually I want to run the system active but for now the front speakers will be running passive. Front stage will be a set of Diamond Audio D3 separates, and a Clarion 10" for the sub stage (Came highly recc from a local shop for the price). I couldn't decide if I wanted to use my Art amps or my eD Nine4 for power but decided on the eD just because it blends in a bit better.

Running wires





Trying to decide on a layout



Tweeters in factory locations





Starting on trim rings for mids



LOC and x-overs wired up



Amp installed



What it looks like with the cover down, and then the spare tire panel goes over the amp



So I still need to install the mids up front, build a sub box, and tap the LOC into the factory wiring. Trying to get it finished in the next week or so.

Awesome work so far! My old MTX sub amp just blew out and I had to order an Alpine as a replacement. It's a shame elemental designs dosen't make their amps anymore since they have gone out of business. I'm still trying to decide where to place my new Alpine amp since it's bigger than the one it replaced. Thinking about building an amp rack where the spare tire went.

Originally Posted by albarran9

Awesome work so far! My old MTX sub amp just blew out and I had to order an Alpine as a replacement. It's a shame elemental designs dosen't make their amps anymore since they have gone out of business. I'm still trying to decide where to place my new Alpine amp since it's bigger than the one it replaced. Thinking about building an amp rack where the spare tire went.

Thanks! I really wanted to run 2 eD amps but they won't fit in the space that I have available. I am thinking about ditching the spare tire and building my sub box down there instead.......

Just a few updates, got my LOC and amp wired up to the factory wires from the head unit, and the door speakers installed. I still need to add some more deadner to the doors, and build the sub box. Got the system up and running with my 8" eD sub out of the truck in the trunk for now. I must say that I am really happy with the front stage as it is using the stock locations. The Diamond D3's were also pinched from my truck and I loved how they sounded in the truck (great mid bass response) and I was happy to see that they sound just as good in the car.

Going to save up some $$ for some new amps, but just going to enjoy what I have for now.

A few pics from last night,

Speakers mounted to baffles and ready to go in



LOC wiring at factory amp connector



Mid mounted to door panel

I'm in the process of doing my Touring right now. I'll be using Focal Access 6.5 components in the front and rear of it, and a JL Audio 12w6 woofer in the tire well. with a RF 600a5 powering everything. Love the install so far.

Very nice.

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using Bimmer App

dang! keep it up I am subscribed to this!

looking sweet, keep up the awesome work

OP are your mids 6.5"?

Originally Posted by albarran9

OP are your mids 6.5"?

Yup, and they fit perfectly in the door too.

More updates, I finally got around to building my sub box. Got it hooked up and it sounds pretty good Just need to set the levels and play with the crossover a bit more and it should be good to go.

Cutting up some MDF,





Hurricane nuts installed



Look mom - no seams!



I screwed the speaker wires right onto the terminal cup



And in the car





I need to make a speaker grill still but I want to integrate the BMW logo into it somehow, will have to think about it.

Excellent work. Subscribed.

Did you cut out the doors to fit the speakers? If so, how did you go about it? Angle grinder? Dremel?

Originally Posted by drumsauce

Did you cut out the doors to fit the speakers? If so, how did you go about it? Angle grinder? Dremel?

I have a panel cutting tool from Snap-on that I used and then my cut off wheel on the parts of the door that are 2 layers of steel. Worked out good!

Originally Posted by Derek325

I have a panel cutting tool from Snap-on that I used and then my cut off wheel on the parts of the door that are 2 layers of steel. Worked out good!

What's your plan to protect the front door speakers now that you cut the door steel?

I know that water runs freely back there, (hence the vapor barrier) when it rains or you wash your car.

Following this thread too.....just got my 325iT a few weeks ago.

Originally Posted by Lufeco

What's your plan to protect the front door speakers now that you cut the door steel?

I know that water runs freely back there, (hence the vapor barrier) when it rains or you wash your car.

Following this thread too.....just got my 325iT a few weeks ago.

I need to address that still - probably just going to use some tin and sound deadner to make a splash sheild above the speaker.

This is insane, I need to see your car!

Where did you get the felt to cover your sub box? Any tips or guides for cutting MDF rings? I'm about to start mine soon, this looks great!

Art Series <3

Trying to track down a A200.2 to finish my amp rack

Nice build!

If you ever decide to modify/replace your rear mid-bass units, I'd love to see your DIY!