You people suck. 12 years later, I finally replace speakers.

[c-bass]

Originally Posted by kspark

Just finished replacing the front 6 speakers. Pretty simple. I would rate the project a 3/10 for difficulty.

I used 6.5" Infinity Primus PR6510CS components and 2.75" Memphis PRX27s. Wasn't hugely impressed with the build quality of either, but for less than $150 for all 6 I can't complain.

The dash mid-ranges were simple to install. It'd be a 5 minute job if the speakers were a direct swap, but modifying the Memphis ones took a while. I used a dremel to grind down the edge and enlarge one mounting hole. They definitely didn't look good, but they fit.

(I also punctured one of the Memphis cones. Tool slipped when grinding. The damaged speaker seems to work fine, but I bought a 2nd set. If anyone makes the same mistake let me know, I have a spare).

The 6.5" Infinity speakers fit the doors perfectly. I just bent the tabs to a 45 degree angle, and they held the speakers in place securely when I pushed them into the OEM surrounds.

If they were any bigger, they would not fit, so I appreciate the tip in this thread about that model.

Tweeters were super easy- pretty much a direct swap. I didn't even use silicone sealant there. Infinity provides a bit of foam tape I used.

The new speakers sound MUCH better.

I did add some sound deadening mat while I was in there - brand was Noico in 80 mil, used about 6 sqft. I have no idea what difference that made in sound quality, if any, but I noticed the doors feel a bit sturdier too. Only took a few minutes so I'd recommend it. You can cut the mat up and use it to tape wires down too.

Next project will be trying to add some low-end range.... I have a JL 10" W0 I'd like to squeeze in somewhere.

Anyone know if it's better to swap the DSP mini-subs, or just add the aftermarket sub+amp off a line out?

Sound deadening will add mass to the panel you're sticking it on lowering the resonant frequency aka it will make things heavier so they don't vibrate as much. The doors being made up of big flat pieces of metal are a perfect candidate for sound deadening and will make them sound more solid.

As far as the factory sound system. Brand new out of the box is was meh at best. My friend was showing off her brand new 330 convertible with the fancy premium sound system. It wasn't good at all and once you factor in the cost of this from BMW you would have been WAAAAAAAAAAY better off going aftermarket.

Trying to restore a factory BMW audio system is like an onion milkshake...doesn't make any sense