speaker/amp help plz

Hey guys I am doing an install for a buddy in his e46 coupe. He's looking to replace the front speakers and do an amp as well just to get more power. I have done many installs before just never on a bmw. My question for u is if i went with polk audio db5251 or alpine type r SPR-13s and ampd them where would u recommend mounting the amps since with the coupe id rather not do it under the seats cause they move alot to leet passengers in. And what would u do with the stock amp/how is it bypassed? If i were to just install the speakers alone and run them through the stock amp i can toss the crossovers correct(cause itll have stock ones)? TIA

I wouldn't use the oem amp. It is anemic in power and the oem system is crossed over for a 3-way system. You will have better results using new speakers + new amp. For signal, tap into the oem amplifier's inputs (set of wires with brown/orange grounds). cut harness and reuse oem wiring to speakers. If the amplifier can not take balanced differential signals, get an adaptor that can

There is some tricky stuff when trying to upgrade the audio system in the E46 Coupe, and much of it depends on his stock system.

First question is: Nav or No Nav?
Second question is: HK or non-HK? (DSP or no DSP?)

To make it simple, if he doesn't have a DSP, you will need to bypass the Audio Input using a SVEN4 (which i happen to have, and am selling, for $40). If he does have a DSP, you can use the audio output from the dsp, and either hardwire RCA inputs, or use the SVEN4 to make it easier.

Crossovers: Yes, you can keep the stock crossovers if you keep the stock amp, but keep those crossovers around! If you ever want to replace the OEM amp (which you will) you will need them (The OEM amp is a 12 channel built in crossover amp)

Polk or Alpine sound good, and hit hard, but for a more refined sound, I vote Boston Acoustics. I have heard them all, and like BA the best, but you can't go wrong with any of the 3.

If you have more questions, feel free to PM me.

-Matt

Originally Posted by diablo666l

There is some tricky stuff when trying to upgrade the audio system in the E46 Coupe, and much of it depends on his stock system.

First question is: Nav or No Nav?
Second question is: HK or non-HK? (DSP or no DSP?)

To make it simple, if he doesn't have a DSP, you will need to bypass the Audio Input using a SVEN4 (which i happen to have, and am selling, for $40). If he does have a DSP, you can use the audio output from the dsp, and either hardwire RCA inputs, or use the SVEN4 to make it easier.

Crossovers: Yes, you can keep the stock crossovers if you keep the stock amp, but keep those crossovers around! If you ever want to replace the OEM amp (which you will) you will need them (The OEM amp is a 12 channel built in crossover amp)

Polk or Alpine sound good, and hit hard, but for a more refined sound, I vote Boston Acoustics. I have heard them all, and like BA the best, but you can't go wrong with any of the 3.

If you have more questions, feel free to PM me.

-Matt

Lies. There are far more than those 3. I wouldnt even consider running polk or alpine speakers period.

I have a similar question(sorry to jack your thread op), I'm looking to upgrade the speakers and the amp in my M3 w/hk(it sucks)! Now without spending a ton of money, I'm thinking 5.25 components in the front, but I was told today that stock are 6.5 in the doors? I was planning to use 6.5 components in the rear deck. Is that the right size? The speaker brands I was looking at are: Alpine, Pioneer, BA, or Infinity(trying to keep it around $150 or less a pair). I was also told Alpine has the most bang for the buck in reliable, brand name amps? Thoughts or recommendations? Subs will come later. I'm not trying to make a concert sound in this car, but something better than the HK. Thanks!!

I would do 6.5's up front (a little trimming might be required). This will get you better midbass up front, where it matters. You can use 5.25's in the back if you want.