Prepping for new speaker install!

[Drummer$Dude]

Hello all. I know there are a number of threads in the forum regarding replacing the standard BMW speakers but wanted to create a new thread documenting my speaker choices and install, etc.

This all started when the cover which hides the speaker opening between the seats popped off while driving. One of the two locking tabs along the top of the cover had broken off. I had never removed this cover and thought it odd that it just randomly popped off. When I looked closer the 2nd tab was cracked and easily bent over which explained why it wouldn’t stay put.

I have always been dissatisfied with the stereo sound in my Z4 as it just has the base Professional head unit and crappy base speakers. One of the limitations of buying a used Z4 here in Michigan. It’s a pretty rare car around here.

So, if I’m going to replace the broken cover I might as well buy the cover which allows a speaker between the seats.

The Alpine S2-S40C is a good starting point for me. Definitely better than the stock speakers but very affordable and they are the right size and have the correct mounting setup. On the 4” midrange the two extra mounting points can be removed. I’ve attached photos for your reference.

[B21]

Good to know of another brand that can be used in the Z4…

What are you doing to upgrade the amp ?

[Drummer$Dude]

Originally Posted by B21

Good to know of another brand that can be used in the Z4…

What are you doing to upgrade the amp ?

I haven’t settled on an amp but am leaning towards the Rockford Fosgate R2-500X4 - Prime Series 4-channel car amplifier — 75 watts RMS x 4 into 4 ohms. I figured I’d start with the speakers, then install the amp.

Subwoofer will be a compact powered sub and I haven’t decided on which one yet.

[B21]

Interested how you would integrate a middle rear speaker into a stereo image without a DSP?

[Drummer$Dude]

Originally Posted by B21

Interested how you would integrate a middle rear speaker into a stereo image without a DSP?

https://www.termpro.com/asp/pubs.asp?ID=115

I plan on the “bridged stereo” method used in the linked article. The $300 - $400 USD for a decent DSP really isn’t my budget as of now. Speakers, amp, replacement head unit and associated cables and wiring will come first and am starting with the speakers.

I will also need to get the single DIN mount adapter sorted. From what I’ve read the aftermarket adapters for the e89 are pretty useless. I have some ideas about that and will post that info once I have it worked out.

[B21]

Interesting article..in part I was aware of the throth my work with DSPs…

Not wishing to diss your work..the issue from an audio perspective is that placing a centre stage speaker behind you is contrary to the logic of maintaining a cohesive music and speech sound stage…however if you’re happy then that’s all it matters..and with accord to your budget issues.

For sure better quality speakers is a major step forward..

[Drummer$Dude]

Originally Posted by B21

Interesting article..in part I was aware of the throth my work with DSPs…

Not wishing to diss your work..the issue from an audio perspective is that placing a centre stage speaker behind you is contrary to the logic of maintaining a cohesive music and speech sound stage…however if you’re happy then that’s all it matters..and with accord to your budget issues.

For sure better quality speakers is a major step forward..

Agreed about the DSP. I’ve only put about 200 miles on my Z4 this summer and my budget is tight so I’m considering expense versus reward. That said, it needs to be done right so I will work a DSP into the budget once I replace all the speakers, buy the amp, etc.

I just received the front center dash speaker/mount today. Purchased used from eBay for $65 and the Alpine mid is a perfect fit. It doesn’t seem possible to buy just the mount. I’ll get my heat gun out this weekend so I can soften up the glue holding the factory tweeter in place. In this photo I haven’t installed the Alpine mid yet.

[B21]

An uprated central speaker will make audio much crisper and cleaner..

[MRCW]

Wanting to increase some bass... let us know what you plan on the way of subs...

[Drummer$Dude]

I don’t have an install update just yet, however I was reading thru a thread on another forum regarding the stereo setup on the e89’s and the footwell speakers are actually summed together. I’ll post that thread link here as it’s an interesting read.

[B21]

Originally Posted by Drummer$Dude

I don’t have an install update just yet, however I was reading thru a thread on another forum regarding the stereo setup on the e89’s and the footwell speakers are actually summed together. I’ll post that thread link here as it’s an interesting read.

They are summed on the 676 hi fi dsp /amp

On the base stereo and the 677 to fi dsp / amp they are fed individually

[Drummer$Dude]

Resurrecting a thread I started last year. I'm still purchasing items for my stereo upgrade with the DSP being the last bit remaining to purchase. I have been working on re-modeling the front porch on my house (it's a 35 foot long porch) so money is being spent on that rather than the DSP. The pics show what I have bought so far with descriptions. I have a few other bits and pieces that aren't included in my list, mostly some tools to aid with installation.

I want to buy a DSP with 8 channels out and it must accommodate speaker level inputs from the stock head unit. Integrated Bluetooth is a must as well.

Channels 1 & 2 = Left/Right door speakers
Channels 3 & 4 = Left/Right rear corner speakers
Channels 5 & 6 = Left/Right footwell speakers
Channel 7 = center dash speaker
Channel 8 = powered subwoofer if needed

[B21]

Audiotec Fischer

Match 10 DSP with a Bluetooth HEC card..


Simples..

[Y888]

i loved the factory sound system in my e64,just looked up the option code and its
S677 HiFi System Professional DSP,if i would to upgrade the z4 i would chase for a used factory one

[B21]

Originally Posted by Y888

i loved the factory sound system in my e64,just looked up the option code and its
S677 HiFi System Professional DSP,if i would to upgrade the z4 i would chase for a used factory one

Having had both 676 677 systems in my 20i and 35is E89 I would strongly disagree…they are both very poor when compared to a decent modern DSP with decent speakers..FWIW

Maybe other chassis’s implementation was different..on the E89 none of the audio systems are of any quality compared to say a stock Volvo sound system..

[Drummer$Dude]

Originally Posted by B21

Audiotec Fischer

Match 10 DSP with a Bluetooth HEC card..


Simples..

I believe Audiotec Fischer is not available in the US and they are over my $$$ budget. JL Audio is a possibility, Audio Control as well. I read about the Hertz DSP but those generally get bad reviews due to hardware failure. Memphis Audio has a DSP that may be suitable.

https://www.memphiscaraudio.com/product/viv68dsp/

[B21]

Originally Posted by Drummer$Dude

I believe Audiotec Fischer is not available in the US and they are over my $$$ budget. JL Audio is a possibility, Audio Control as well. I read about the Hertz DSP but those generally get bad reviews due to hardware failure. Memphis Audio has a DSP that may be suitable.

https://www.memphiscaraudio.com/product/viv68dsp/

AF is widely available in the US..but if it’s too expensive then…

https://www.crutchfield.com/shopsear..._up_10dsp.html

You’ll need a minimum of 9 amp channels to drive a full set of what would have been a 677 type system..since the subs consume power 10 amp channels is preferred or 8 amp channels plus a DSP feed to a seperate sub amp..

Many ways to skin the cat..

[Drummer$Dude]

The beauty of having the base US spec stereo system is that the car is almost a blank canvas.

Having 8 channels will be enough for me as I'm not bi-amping the door tweeters and will use the included passive crossovers for those.

"IF" I decide a subwoofer is needed it will be a low profile powered subwoofer and that will just use the remaining output. I had decided not to bother with the speaker between the seats. I mostly listen to rock-n-roll, never rap or other bass heavy music.

My audio decisions are based on $$$ and the amount of time spent driving my Z, which this year hasn't been that much. Maybe 30 miles a week. If this was a daily driver I would feel better about investing more $$$ into the stereo, but it's a life balance. Plus, I still want to buy that mid-rise car lift.

[cinellipro]

Great write up. Has anyone installed the Alpine S2 S40 drivers in the two space behind the seats? The S2 S40 has the tweeter integrated in front of the woofer.
Cheers!!

[B21]

Originally Posted by Drummer$Dude

The beauty of having the base US spec stereo system is that the car is almost a blank canvas.

Having 8 channels will be enough for me as I'm not bi-amping the door tweeters and will use the included passive crossovers for those.

"IF" I decide a subwoofer is needed it will be a low profile powered subwoofer and that will just use the remaining output. I had decided not to bother with the speaker between the seats. I mostly listen to rock-n-roll, never rap or other bass heavy music.

My audio decisions are based on $$$ and the amount of time spent driving my Z, which this year hasn't been that much. Maybe 30 miles a week. If this was a daily driver I would feel better about investing more $$$ into the stereo, but it's a life balance. Plus, I still want to buy that mid-rise car lift.

Of course each to their own…I spend quite a bit of time in my car when I’m out touring…just done another 10k mile year spread out over say 50 days of driving …so for me it’s worth the investment…

[Drummer$Dude]

Originally Posted by cinellipro

Great write up. Has anyone installed the Alpine S2 S40 drivers in the two space behind the seats? The S2 S40 has the tweeter integrated in front of the woofer.
Cheers!!

Yes, that’s what I bought for that location and the fit is perfect.

[cinellipro]

That's great news. I'll be following your need. Cheers!!