Subwoofers not working

[kakugo]

Hello,
I realized that in my new E89, with the Hi-Fi Professional option, there is no perceivable sound coming from the sub-woofers behind the seats, even with the bass setting set to maximum. Clearly this is not normal but I was wondering if somebody else had the same problem.

[Land_Shark]

Did you check on your amplifier and if all cables were properly and tightly fixed?
Next you will need to look at the rear Sub-woofers and see if the cables are correctly placed.
Third you might want to check on your equalizer (if the bass 20/25 HZ are on level 0 or above)

[Nicktian]

My x3 have the same problem. Don't know why

[Constant.S]

Check the fader/balance option maybe?

[Putzo]

I know this is an old post, but I wanted to throw in that I have the same problem. My 2012 35is has about 240 km on it and I noticed almost immediately that there is nothing coming out of either sub. All other speakers appear to be firing normally and, surprisingly, the bass isn't terrible, but it sure isn't great. This is with all conceivable bass settings set to max. No, I have not checked the amplifier/driver connections, I'll let the experts look at it.

I have an appointment to have it looked at on May 16, 2013. I'll report back on the results.

[jparnes1]

Adjust the fader to max rear and see if any sound comes out. If yes, then just adjust the fader as necessary. If not, get it fixed.

[Putzo]

I played around a bit more last night and did set the fader all the way to the rear. I was still able to hear sound, but most of it was coming from the speakers under the seatbelts - not the subs.

I was actually able to get something to come out of the subs, finally, but I only really noticed it with the volume at a nearly ear-splitting level. I still only heard rather than felt the bass, as compared to my 335i (with subs under the seats), where you feel it as well. I tested them side-by-side with the same CD. I even tested against my spouse's Nissan Juke (factory Rockford Fosgate with a single 8" sub). The Z4 came up the big loser.

Does anyone know if the amp running the subs actually has any kind of adjustment on it? I guess for starters, where is the amp even located?

Off to search the rest of the forum!

[dr_mikee]

Originally Posted by Putzo

I played around a bit more last night and did set the fader all the way to the rear. I was still able to hear sound, but most of it was coming from the speakers under the seatbelts - not the subs.

I was actually able to get something to come out of the subs, finally, but I only really noticed it with the volume at a nearly ear-splitting level. I still only heard rather than felt the bass, as compared to my 335i (with subs under the seats), where you feel it as well. I tested them side-by-side with the same CD. I even tested against my spouse's Nissan Juke (factory Rockford Fosgate with a single 8" sub). The Z4 came up the big loser.

Does anyone know if the amp running the subs actually has any kind of adjustment on it? I guess for starters, where is the amp even located?

Off to search the rest of the forum!

I have the exact same situation as yourself, so I'm very curious to see what the outcome of all this will be.

[ManiacGT]

Originally Posted by Putzo

I played around a bit more last night and did set the fader all the way to the rear. I was still able to hear sound, but most of it was coming from the speakers under the seatbelts - not the subs.

I was actually able to get something to come out of the subs, finally, but I only really noticed it with the volume at a nearly ear-splitting level. I still only heard rather than felt the bass, as compared to my 335i (with subs under the seats), where you feel it as well. I tested them side-by-side with the same CD. I even tested against my spouse's Nissan Juke (factory Rockford Fosgate with a single 8" sub). The Z4 came up the big loser.

Does anyone know if the amp running the subs actually has any kind of adjustment on it? I guess for starters, where is the amp even located?

Off to search the rest of the forum!

I know of no adjustment, but the amp is located in the boot/trunk on the bulkhead behind the lining material. I believe its the box on the right as the box on the left is COMBOX. From what I recall, but I'm sure you'll find it.

Kinda glad I didn't get the supa-sound system now (not helpful I know, I'll go now lol...)

[Putzo]

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

I know of no adjustment, but the amp is located in the boot/trunk on the bulkhead behind the lining material. I believe its the box on the right as the box on the left is COMBOX. From what I recall, but I'm sure you'll find it.

Kinda glad I didn't get the supa-sound system now (not helpful I know, I'll go now lol...)

Thanks for that, Maniac, I'll check to see if I can get at it without destroying anything. If not, I'll probably keep the appointment at the dealer and just play dumb. Then, at least, they can tell me why it's "operating within factory tolerances" and is still totally weak-sauce.

[ManiacGT]

Originally Posted by Putzo

Thanks for that, Maniac, I'll check to see if I can get at it without destroying anything. If not, I'll probably keep the appointment at the dealer and just play dumb. Then, at least, they can tell me why it's "operating within factory tolerances" and is still totally weak-sauce.

I hope you get it sorted out. I have the stock setup and I'm quite happy with it, I did add the tweeters though. The balance isn't quite right but I can't be bothered spending silly money for what will be a reasonable improvement, money lost when ultimately I sell the car.

[Putzo]

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

I hope you get it sorted out. I have the stock setup and I'm quite happy with it, I did add the tweeters though. The balance isn't quite right but I can't be bothered spending silly money for what will be a reasonable improvement, money lost when ultimately I sell the car.

Yep. If they tell me "it is what it is", I'll just learn to live with it...

... in epic style.

[InsanePineapple]

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

I hope you get it sorted out. I have the stock setup and I'm quite happy with it, I did add the tweeters though. The balance isn't quite right but I can't be bothered spending silly money for what will be a reasonable improvement, money lost when ultimately I sell the car.

I've the base system too. It's kind of terrible. In fact, I'm on a work trip right now and have a Ford C-MAX rental that has a better sound system