basis stereo is weak, how to upgrade?

m1sleeve · 10-21-2022, 10:41 AM

I have the basic stereo and thought is was always a little weak for a convertible. I just got a loaner s30 with the harmon kardon, holy crap! night and day. is is possible to upgrade?

StanDiego · 10-21-2022, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m1sleeve

I have the basic stereo and thought is was always a little weak for a convertible. I just got a loaner s30 with the harmon kardon, holy crap! night and day. is is possible to upgrade?

I don't have any experience with this but it's a place to start:

https://www.bavsound.com/pages/build...?preselect=BMW

CJ421 · 10-21-2022, 05:08 PM

Bavsound is the go-to for aftermarket BMW audio upgrades.

Charles

6MT4me · 10-22-2022, 09:30 PM

I have a 2020 40i with the basic system. Looked at the bavsound options, speakers delivered and sent back. Found an installer in my area who handles higher end installations. Facial makes speakers just for BMWs. I have Focals at home, their products are always a step up from the ordinary. The Z4 basic and HK amps are built into the headunits annd are not separate. The subwoofer and rear speakers need access thru the roof compartment, too. I replaced the front 3 with professional installation(I watched it done). Not as simple or as easy as the bavsound videos look. Sound was transformed, even without a new subwoofer. I can add an amp with equilibration at a later time, but this was very cost effective. Remember, these are convertibles with loud exhausts, too. Highly recommended and worth slightly higher cost and effort

6MT4me · 10-22-2022, 09:32 PM

Focal, not Facial....lol. Equalization...too

Bayernzeit · 10-28-2022, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6MT4me

Focal, not Facial....lol. Equalization...too

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6MT4me

Focal, not Facial....lol. Equalization...too

I had Focals installed all around in my 135i Cabrio and will do the same for my 40i too at some point. Love the brand and I think they've got a leg up on the H/K products.

mjposner · 02-19-2023, 09:03 AM

Does the base system have subs under the seat?

RigaTony1982 · 02-19-2023, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjposner

Does the base system have subs under the seat?

I believe it does. I think the 2 extra speakers in the HK system are tweeters. Big think is the more powerful amp.

StanDiego · 02-19-2023, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjposner

Does the base system have subs under the seat?

I doubt it. The subs on the HK systems are mounted on the panel behind the seats.

RigaTony1982 · 02-19-2023, 05:57 PM

I’m 99% the subwoofers are under the seats. Also, confirmed the main difference is 2 extra tweeters plus the upgraded amp. Page 42 here:

https://g29.bimmerpost.com/forums/at...4&d=1569377335

StanDiego · 02-19-2023, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RigaTony1982

I’m 99% the subwoofers are under the seats.

You may be right but I looked under the seats this afternoon and found nothing but carpeting. I believe the woofer (one on each side) is the larger, lower speaker in this photo of the rear panel.

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RigaTony1982 · 02-19-2023, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StanDiego

You may be right but I looked under the seats this afternoon and found nothing but carpeting. I believe the woofer (one on each side) is the larger, lower speaker in this photo of the rear panel.

Attachment 3110027

Yeah, I’m just going off the description on BMW’s website:

“ Harman Kardon® surround sound system with 408-watts. This 12-speaker sound system includes tweeters, midrange speakers, and 2 bass speakers located under the front seats. This multi-channel system makes the car's cabin a colorful sound experience.”

I do know on my previous M340i with Hi-Fi they were under the front seats.

BMWGirlFL · 02-19-2023, 06:27 PM

Different parts. Same location.
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RigaTony1982 · 02-19-2023, 08:08 PM

Ha. So apparently “under seats” means behind the seats.

rtxiii · 02-19-2023, 10:06 PM

Here's my set up:

Audison has plug and play sound systems for our cars and that's what I went with.

The OEM amplifier is still in the car.

I can never go back to the OEM base sound system after this upgrade.

Amplifier: AP F8.9 Bit Processor
DIGITAL REMOTE CONTROL: Audison DRC
Door Component Speakers: BMW K4E
Rear Co-Axial Speakers: BMW X4E
Subwoofers: APBMW SB-2
Center Console: Center K4M
Plug&Play T-Harness: APBMW REAMP 2

StanDiego · 02-19-2023, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtxiii

Here's my set up:

Audison has plug and play sound systems for our cars and that's what I went with.

The OEM amplifier is still in the car.

I can never go back to the OEM base sound system after this upgrade.

Amplifier: AP F8.9 Bit Processor
DIGITAL REMOTE CONTROL: Audison DRC
Door Component Speakers: BMW K4E
Rear Co-Axial Speakers: BMW X4E
Subwoofers: APBMW SB-2
Center Console: Center K4M
Plug&Play T-Harness: APBMW REAMP 2

Interesting. Using the Configurator on their website, I see an option for the E89 but none for our G29. Perhaps I need to find a local distributer.

Did you have the base system or the HK audio?

Westside Guy · 02-20-2023, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RigaTony1982

Ha. So apparently “under seats” means behind the seats.

I noticed their location the first week I took ownership of my car and was tweaking the sound system's settings. I make sure that whenever I place anything in that net storage area behind the seats that I don't block any speakers and only use that area for small objects like Totes umbrellas, baseball caps, etc.

kingkakyle · 02-20-2023, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RigaTony1982

Ha. So apparently “under seats” means behind the seats.

Also according to my window sticker, I have a "40/20/40 Split Rear Seat" included.

Seems like they copy paste from other vehicles and call it a day lol.

rtxiii · 02-20-2023, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StanDiego

Interesting. Using the Configurator on their website, I see an option for the E89 but none for our G29. Perhaps I need to find a local distributer.

Did you have the base system or the HK audio?

I'm on the base system. The car looks stock as the speakers and subwoofers is a direct plug in to existing ones. The amplifier is installed just beside OEM amplifier.

StanDiego · 02-21-2023, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingkakyle

Also according to my window sticker, I have a "40/20/40 Split Rear Seat" included.

Seems like they copy paste from other vehicles and call it a day lol.

...and the owners manual includes instructions for rear seat entertainment.

mjposner · 02-21-2023, 06:00 AM

RTXiii who did your install? How much better does it sound?

rtxiii · 02-23-2023, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjposner

RTXiii who did your install? How much better does it sound?

I'm in Bangkok so I found a shop who installs a lot of Audison systems. They are one of the top 2 car audio shops in Bangkok.

https://www.facebook.com/MirageHiend...26452040215918

Another important thing is that they have installed for another Z4 G29 from their social media posts so I get peace of mind from the fact that they have done it before. I don't want to be the guinea pig car where they can mess up or damage the car during installation.

I also got them to install sound deadening mat around the rear panels where the subwoofers are because it rattles from certain bass frequencies at a high volume.

They also tuned the sound to my preference.

I'm very happy with the sound system - big, big difference in terms of the clarity, staging (I tuned it in a way so it sounds the same from both the driver and passenger side) and the beefier bass from a more powerful amplifier.

10-21-2022, 10:41 AM	#1
m1sleeve Registered 2 Rep 1 Posts Drives: BMW Z4 Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: California iTrader: (0)	basis stereo is weak, how to upgrade? I have the basic stereo and thought is was always a little weak for a convertible. I just got a loaner s30 with the harmon kardon, holy crap! night and day. is is possible to upgrade?
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10-21-2022, 05:08 PM	#3
CJ421 Brigadier General 1559 Rep 4,109 Posts Drives: BMW M3 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Blue Bell, PA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2024 BMW M3 Sedan [9.50]	Bavsound is the go-to for aftermarket BMW audio upgrades. Charles __________________ 2024 BMW M3 Sedan Frozen Pure Grey II/Fjord Blue, 6MT Past: 2021 Z4 M40i Frozen Grey II/Black Alcantara \| 2017 F30 340i Mineral Gray/Coral Red, 6MT \| 2011 E92 335i Le Mans Blue/Black, 6MT
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10-22-2022, 09:30 PM	#4
6MT4me E90 M3 and Z4 35i 28 Rep 61 Posts Drives: M235i cab mineral grey Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	I have a 2020 40i with the basic system. Looked at the bavsound options, speakers delivered and sent back. Found an installer in my area who handles higher end installations. Facial makes speakers just for BMWs. I have Focals at home, their products are always a step up from the ordinary. The Z4 basic and HK amps are built into the headunits annd are not separate. The subwoofer and rear speakers need access thru the roof compartment, too. I replaced the front 3 with professional installation(I watched it done). Not as simple or as easy as the bavsound videos look. Sound was transformed, even without a new subwoofer. I can add an amp with equilibration at a later time, but this was very cost effective. Remember, these are convertibles with loud exhausts, too. Highly recommended and worth slightly higher cost and effort
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10-22-2022, 09:32 PM	#5
6MT4me E90 M3 and Z4 35i 28 Rep 61 Posts Drives: M235i cab mineral grey Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	Focal, not Facial....lol. Equalization...too
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02-19-2023, 09:03 AM	#7
mjposner Brigadier General 898 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 40i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Southwest Florida iTrader: (3)	Does the base system have subs under the seat? __________________ Previous BMW: 16 M4, 13 M6; 14 M235i, 12 BMW M3; 11 BMW M3; 08 BMW M3; 08 BMW Z4M; 04 X3; 02 M3 Convertible; 02 M3; 00 M Roadster; 94 325 convertible; 92 325i Convertible; and 85 635csi My Car Photo Blog: http://carfisheye.blogspot.com/
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02-19-2023, 05:57 PM	#10
RigaTony1982 Colonel 2596 Rep 2,062 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW Z4 M40i Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW Z4 M40i [7.75]	I’m 99% the subwoofers are under the seats. Also, confirmed the main difference is 2 extra tweeters plus the upgraded amp. Page 42 here: https://g29.bimmerpost.com/forums/at...4&d=1569377335
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02-19-2023, 06:27 PM	#13
BMWGirlFL Colonel 6288 Rep 2,355 Posts Drives: Z4 M40i Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 Z4 M40i [9.89] 1989 325is (Retired) [9.00]	Different parts. Same location. Last edited by BMWGirlFL; 02-19-2023 at 06:36 PM..
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02-19-2023, 08:08 PM	#14
RigaTony1982 Colonel 2596 Rep 2,062 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW Z4 M40i Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW Z4 M40i [7.75]	Ha. So apparently “under seats” means behind the seats.
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02-19-2023, 10:06 PM	#15
rtxiii New Member 66 Rep 20 Posts Drives: Z4 G29 s30i Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: Bangkok iTrader: (0)	Here's my set up: Audison has plug and play sound systems for our cars and that's what I went with. The OEM amplifier is still in the car. I can never go back to the OEM base sound system after this upgrade. Amplifier: AP F8.9 Bit Processor DIGITAL REMOTE CONTROL: Audison DRC Door Component Speakers: BMW K4E Rear Co-Axial Speakers: BMW X4E Subwoofers: APBMW SB-2 Center Console: Center K4M Plug&Play T-Harness: APBMW REAMP 2
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02-21-2023, 06:00 AM	#21
mjposner Brigadier General 898 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 40i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Southwest Florida iTrader: (3)	RTXiii who did your install? How much better does it sound? __________________ Previous BMW: 16 M4, 13 M6; 14 M235i, 12 BMW M3; 11 BMW M3; 08 BMW M3; 08 BMW Z4M; 04 X3; 02 M3 Convertible; 02 M3; 00 M Roadster; 94 325 convertible; 92 325i Convertible; and 85 635csi My Car Photo Blog: http://carfisheye.blogspot.com/
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