BMW Instalation Advice
03-21-2005, 04:57 PM
#11
Originally posted by PEI330Ci:
^^^Tom...you need some psyciatric help.
Ok, I'll bite.
The factory BMW stereo system (weather premium or regular) uses whats called a balanced differential output from the head unit. It uses a very high output voltage (it's almost 13 volts), coupled with a truly balanced signal line, and...(gasps for air) differential noise canceling circuitry. This makes the output direct from the deck incompatible with almost all aftermarket amplifiers. Stinger makes a device called the SVEN4 (look here http://peripheralelectronics.com/2002/loc.asp )that is able to convert this signal into something usable by an amplifier or signal processor. I am told (but haven't confirmed this with hardware) that Audio Control devices like the 3.1 and 4.1i can recieve this type of signal direct from the BMW source unit....but it's at your own risk if you want to try it.
With regard to the grounding:
I've found no issues with using the car body to do this. I currently have all my grounds routed directly to the battery, but I have tried my 2000 watt subwoofer amp grounded to the chassis and had no problems. My advice though, is get a good negative distribution block, and ground everything back to the battery.(It's in the trunk, so that shouldn't be hard) In a car like a BMW, it's a shame to cut or drill into it just to find a ground. (ha ha...look who's talking)
Talking about power:
The E46 chassis required a bit of juice to run all it's widgets and gadgets. As a result, BMW has installed a beefy alternator. (135 amps) It even has a factory ram air system that routes air through a snorkel mounted low in the bumper to the rear of the alternator where air is drawn in to cool the rectifiers. In a vehicle like the 320, there are slightly fewer power consuming goodies available than in my 330Ci. So I think you should at least have as good luck with your alternator as I have.(I've currently got just over 3000 watts on tap...but...I do have 2 Optima yellow top batteries.)
For amplifiers, I would visit your local dealer and let them help you with a better selection than what I can recomend myself online. Despite the moddest mountain of amps in my car, I'm a firm believer in quality over quantity. 50 watts each for the fronts, and rears is a good starting point. 200 to 300 watts is plenty for a quality subwoofer in a good box. Anything more is
excess in my opinion. (But we all dip into the excessive sometimes
)
Most aftermarket speakers are going to be difficult to mount in the factory BMW locations without modifying the interior panels. There are a few exceptions, in that there are speakers available specifically to fit into the factory E46 locations. This route is by far the most recomendable...as many on this board have heard of the huge efforts I have gone through chopping up my car to make stuff fit.
Here's what I'd recomend you look into to save a few headaches.
http://car.rainbow-audio.de/products...in=12&kfz=0203
Rainbow makes some of the most exclusive car audio speakers in the world. That know how (and german engineering I might add) get's used in every product that they make.
Your nearest dealer for Rainbow is Canadian Show Car.
With regard to subs... there are a plethora available that can easily suite your needs. A ported box is going to give you the most bang for the buck in this department.
Adam
^^^Tom...you need some psyciatric help.
Ok, I'll bite.
The factory BMW stereo system (weather premium or regular) uses whats called a balanced differential output from the head unit. It uses a very high output voltage (it's almost 13 volts), coupled with a truly balanced signal line, and...(gasps for air) differential noise canceling circuitry. This makes the output direct from the deck incompatible with almost all aftermarket amplifiers. Stinger makes a device called the SVEN4 (look here http://peripheralelectronics.com/2002/loc.asp )that is able to convert this signal into something usable by an amplifier or signal processor. I am told (but haven't confirmed this with hardware) that Audio Control devices like the 3.1 and 4.1i can recieve this type of signal direct from the BMW source unit....but it's at your own risk if you want to try it.
With regard to the grounding:
I've found no issues with using the car body to do this. I currently have all my grounds routed directly to the battery, but I have tried my 2000 watt subwoofer amp grounded to the chassis and had no problems. My advice though, is get a good negative distribution block, and ground everything back to the battery.(It's in the trunk, so that shouldn't be hard) In a car like a BMW, it's a shame to cut or drill into it just to find a ground. (ha ha...look who's talking)
Talking about power:
The E46 chassis required a bit of juice to run all it's widgets and gadgets. As a result, BMW has installed a beefy alternator. (135 amps) It even has a factory ram air system that routes air through a snorkel mounted low in the bumper to the rear of the alternator where air is drawn in to cool the rectifiers. In a vehicle like the 320, there are slightly fewer power consuming goodies available than in my 330Ci. So I think you should at least have as good luck with your alternator as I have.(I've currently got just over 3000 watts on tap...but...I do have 2 Optima yellow top batteries.)
For amplifiers, I would visit your local dealer and let them help you with a better selection than what I can recomend myself online. Despite the moddest mountain of amps in my car, I'm a firm believer in quality over quantity. 50 watts each for the fronts, and rears is a good starting point. 200 to 300 watts is plenty for a quality subwoofer in a good box. Anything more is
excess in my opinion. (But we all dip into the excessive sometimes
)Most aftermarket speakers are going to be difficult to mount in the factory BMW locations without modifying the interior panels. There are a few exceptions, in that there are speakers available specifically to fit into the factory E46 locations. This route is by far the most recomendable...as many on this board have heard of the huge efforts I have gone through chopping up my car to make stuff fit.
Here's what I'd recomend you look into to save a few headaches.
http://car.rainbow-audio.de/products...in=12&kfz=0203
Rainbow makes some of the most exclusive car audio speakers in the world. That know how (and german engineering I might add) get's used in every product that they make.
Your nearest dealer for Rainbow is Canadian Show Car.
With regard to subs... there are a plethora available that can easily suite your needs. A ported box is going to give you the most bang for the buck in this department.
Adam
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