Latest Audio Mod on M3 with BSW/Rainbow Speakers
 

Okay, as you know, BMW audio system just plain suck. The standard speaker system in BMW really has no bass and lack of clarity. Also, despite getting the H/K upgrade, there wasn't really much of an improvement and plus, there was really not much increase bass.

The highs & mids were not as clear. It was actually quite muddy.

Actually the X5 DSP system had better mids and highs than the E46 H/K system.

Well, I improved the bass output with using JL Audio Stealthboxes (two 8" free-air subs). Check it out here:

http://www.xoutpost.com/other-bmws/17...dio+Stealthbox

Well, the bass was better, but the remaining H/K mids/highs/mid-bass were not as clear. Actually, the mids were sounding a little muddy and lack of clarity of the vocals. Even when on Sirius "talk/news" channels, newscaster voice was not as clear.

Well, BSW started to sell Rainbow speakers for their Stage I upgrades. However, since I already had JL Audio Stealthboxes, I didn't need subs nor did I need rear mid-bass woofers since the JL Audio speakers were already there.

However, I did get replacement Rainbow 2-way speakers, I think it is a 6.25" woofer for the bottom of the door and 1" Silk-dome tweeter. Also, got the BSW mid speakers replacements for the front doors and rear side panels.

Since I ordered the Rainbow Speakers and BSW Mids at the same time, BSW actually pre-installed the BSW mids with the Rainbow tweeters.

Once installed, you could hear the difference in clarity with the mid-bass, mids, and highs. You don't realize what you are missing until you get the upgraded speakers. It matched well with the JL Audio Subs.

Here are the pictures of the install with the help Custom Cellular's install guy. He also installed my JL Audio Stealthboxes before.

Enjoy the pics:
Here are the pictures of the door with the door panels removed. You can see where the stock speakers are located. You can see the side air-bag module on the door as well.

Here you can see the comparison between the BMW's H/K Speakers and BSW's Rainbow/BSW speakers.

You can see the difference on quality of material with the woofers. Also, the BSW mids are definitely are better made. It was hard to see the Rainbow silk dome tweeter, but they definitely sound MUCH better than BMW H/K's tweeter.

You can see how everything fits and it is definitely plug 'n play.

I also got a pair of replacement BSW 2.5" mid speakers for the rears. They definitely clarify the vocals much better!!

The location of the rear mids in the E46 coupe are above the rear side arm rest. You just remove the panel out enough to get your hands in where the rear mids are.

BMW "glued" an adaptor piece to the H/K mids. The adaptor just screws in place in the rear side panel.

You can see the BMW H/K Mids and BSW Mids side-by-side. Yes, the BSW mids are definitely much better quality.

You do remove the adaptor piece off the H/K mids and using a hot glue gun, you glue the BSW mids to adaptor piece.

Well, enjoy the pics.

However, this thread is worthless without actually listening to the stereo system live!;)

Kewl mod and kewl pics! The only thing that sounds sweeter than your audio setup is your motor at 7k rpm.

I may have missed it before, but what source(s) are you listening to in that car, IPOD or CD?

Currently, the stock BMW AM/FM Radio, In-Dash CD, BMW 6-disc CD Changer, Sirius Sat Radio, and AUX input for iPod.

I am definately upgrading my speakers in my X, no dsp and it is on of the worst sounding systems I have ever heard, my E46 H/K system sounds like a show winner compared to it

Gotcha. Enjoy!

great write up and cool mod:thumbup:

Excellent write-up!!! I'm very glad to hear that you are happy with the upgrade.

Very Very Good Write up!