Budget Upgrade for E90 325i with Idrive

[skanps]

I'm a complete nuts on ICE but I do agree that the audio system in my 2006 E90 325i sucks....it just does unjustice to the rather quiet cabin in which I believe a better system would be very much enjoyable.

The problem is, I only know it sucks but no clue on how to make it better. Worse still, I spend only about an hour on the road everday and I'm not prepared to do anything major; just a budget of say about 1-1.5k. I've read quite some threads on the ICE session but sadly, I dont' quite understand a lot of those technical things like component speakers, processor, hi-lo converter, etc. That doesn't really matter cause I'm sure with my budget, there won't be much choice anyway:laughlik: .

My questions are:

1. What would be the best bang upgrade possible with this pathetic budget? I mean, what sort of hardware change would bring the best per-dollar-improvement? Speakers? adding an amplifier? Changing HU?

2. I keep seeing forumer saying chanign HU....on my 325 idrive, I don't see any HU (see, I'm an ICE nut ) how can a HU be changed? And if a HU is to be changed, would the new HU be able to cotrolled through the idrive?

3. Possible to make any change to whatever (HU or the like) such that there's ipod interfact (meaning real interface, not the AUX input...)

4. Which installer is recommended without me being chopped carrot? Seems like Soundwerk and Hong Guan are generally recommended for service, workmanship and knowledge of BM....do they entertain small budget upgrade like mine or will they lure me to spend more and more?.....

Sorry for the silly questions from this ICE nut Great day everyone!

 

[oneHeadlight]

Re: Budget Upgrade for E90 325i with Idrive

your budget doesnt really allow u to change headunit.

and u need to increase your budget by another 1.5k or so...and it could still be possible to have a decent system (stock HU), provided u are prepared to get some second hand stuff. Generally i do not recommened getting used speakers, unless u knw your stuff and u know the person very well. A decent set of speakers could easily set u back a few hundred dollars.

then u need at least one amp for those speakers. And going by the price of amps nowadays... bang for your buck means a decent brand, with the most power for every dollar.

after which u have to decide whether to get a decent sub, and an amp to go along. This could set u back another few hundred, second hand stuff.

installation , wires...fuse etc...costs money too....

but it will stil be a good upgrade from stock.

 

[armValkyrie]

Re: Budget Upgrade for E90 325i with Idrive

I'm a complete nuts on ICE but I do agree that the audio system in my 2006 E90 325i sucks....it just does unjustice to the rather quiet cabin in which I believe a better system would be very much enjoyable.

The problem is, I only know it sucks but no clue on how to make it better. Worse still, I spend only about an hour on the road everday and I'm not prepared to do anything major; just a budget of say about 1-1.5k. I've read quite some threads on the ICE session but sadly, I dont' quite understand a lot of those technical things like component speakers, processor, hi-lo converter, etc. That doesn't really matter cause I'm sure with my budget, there won't be much choice anyway:laughlik: .
.....

Bro skanps,

I have the same dilemma ... so far still hanging on with the stock unit and speakers...

till now have searched all other threads and noted it cost about 3k and above for a decent upgrade...

anyhow hope to have some ideas in this thread and perhaps we able to brainstorm something within the budget !!

cheers

 

[skanps]

Re: Budget Upgrade for E90 325i with Idrive

your budget doesnt really allow u to change headunit.

and u need to increase your budget by another 1.5k or so...and it could still be possible to have a decent system (stock HU), provided u are prepared to get some second hand stuff. Generally i do not recommened getting used speakers, unless u knw your stuff and u know the person very well. A decent set of speakers could easily set u back a few hundred dollars.

then u need at least one amp for those speakers. And going by the price of amps nowadays... bang for your buck means a decent brand, with the most power for every dollar.

after which u have to decide whether to get a decent sub, and an amp to go along. This could set u back another few hundred, second hand stuff.

installation , wires...fuse etc...costs money too....

but it will stil be a good upgrade from stock.

Thanks oneHeadlight. So if I understand correctly, the correct upgrade path should be:

1. change stock speakers to aftermarket one
2. Add amplifier to drive the new speakers (btw, what is driving the current stock speakers? The amplification from the stock HU?...then anyone know what is this stock HU?)
3. consider adding sub
4. if adding sub, gotta add amp to drive the sub (possible can get a better amp at step 2 that can drive the sub or must get a separate amp for the sub?)
5. Change HU

And probably, even if I get pre-owned stuff, I could have done only up to step 1 and 2 with 1.5K, right?

Would it be a meaningful difference to stretch to 2k? Also, any realiable installer that may offer pre-owned stuff?

Thanks!

 

[skanps]

Re: Budget Upgrade for E90 325i with Idrive

Bro skanps,

I have the same dilemma ... so far still hanging on with the stock unit and speakers...

till now have searched all other threads and noted it cost about 3k and above for a decent upgrade...

anyhow hope to have some ideas in this thread and perhaps we able to brainstorm something within the budget !!

cheers

Yeh lor bro armValkyrie, we know this quiet cabin definitely deserve a better audio system but these days try to keep low on spending....hope some bros can enlighten...

 

[Jason8822]

Re: Budget Upgrade for E90 325i with Idrive

Hi guys,

By changing HU, do you guys mean just by changing the original thing with another aftermarket unit from Sony or Pioneer?
If so, how do we control the functions in the new HU with our iDrive?
Or is it that we have to dig out the original casing and ask the installer to custom make a panel to mount our new HU?

Jason

 

[armValkyrie]

Re: Budget Upgrade for E90 325i with Idrive

Yeh lor bro armValkyrie, we know this quiet cabin definitely deserve a better audio system but these days try to keep low on spending....hope some bros can enlighten...

One of my close friend did the following with cost of approx 1.5k for his E90 320 :
a. change the stock speakers to a better quality ones
b. sub-woofer 10" i think, in a boom box and placed at the boot
c. small amp

He told me this is one of the most economical setup available... It does sound much betta than the stock...

changing of the stock speakers is good but i am not in favour of placing the woofer in the boot. E90 boot is inherently small and with the 10" woofer inside, storage would be much reduced...

Have checked with an audio shop about placing a small woofer (4" type?) under the passeger seat (ala BMW pro-audio7) but he dont recommend since there would be hardly any feel (power). Amp is also needed as BMW firewall (the wall between the boot and the cabin) is of "continenal" design (read strong and thick).

Still pondering....

Ideas??

 

[skanps]

Re: Budget Upgrade for E90 325i with Idrive

Hi guys,

By changing HU, do you guys mean just by changing the original thing with another aftermarket unit from Sony or Pioneer?
If so, how do we control the functions in the new HU with our iDrive?
Or is it that we have to dig out the original casing and ask the installer to custom make a panel to mount our new HU?

Jason

Hi Jason,

You're asking exactly what I don't know about HU or changing HU....what HU come with our IDrive BMW? Is it hidden in-dash (cause can't see it at all...)? If changing to an aftermarket HU, could it be operated (ie interface) with the IDrive and the buttons on the steering wheel?....

I'm looking for answers to this neebie questions....

 

[skanps]

Re: Budget Upgrade for E90 325i with Idrive

One of my close friend did the following with cost of approx 1.5k for his E90 320 :
a. change the stock speakers to a better quality ones
b. sub-woofer 10" i think, in a boom box and placed at the boot
c. small amp

He told me this is one of the most economical setup available... It does sound much betta than the stock...

changing of the stock speakers is good but i am not in favour of placing the woofer in the boot. E90 boot is inherently small and with the 10" woofer inside, storage would be much reduced...

Have checked with an audio shop about placing a small woofer (4" type?) under the passeger seat (ala BMW pro-audio7) but he dont recommend since there would be hardly any feel (power). Amp is also needed as BMW firewall (the wall between the boot and the cabin) is of "continenal" design (read strong and thick).

Still pondering....

Ideas??

Well, I doubt very much a 4" could qualify as a "woofer"....I reckon that for a woofer that intend to deliver low freq, its gotta be at the very least 8" or even 10"...

Hum...since you mention bootspace....well, dont' forget that we do not have spare tyre. Is it possible to make use of that space for a sub as well as some electronics such as amp?

Anyway, starting to feel a bit "encouraged" to hear about your friend achieving something much better than stock system with a budget similar to mine though...

 

[oneHeadlight]

Re: Budget Upgrade for E90 325i with Idrive

why ice always give people stress ah....how ironic.
it is supposed to provide enjoyment, but because of how the industry operates, it does give people headache.

firstly....for newbies, u need to use your judgement to see who talks the most sense...or figure out wats the most consistent message u get from different people.

I am honestly not convinced how 1.5k can get anything decent, unless u get good deals of used stuff. Then again, expectations are different. Many installers get away with it because most people forget that any sort of upgrade will be better than stock.

4" can never be a woofer...there is no way it can produce the low frequencies.
i wud say at least 10".

Go scan thru some of the posts...there are people selling used stuff...including me of cos.

For those with budget of up to 2.5k....forget about changing the headunit. The stock HU, has in-built amps but the power is not enough to drive out certain freq nice and good.

quick estimation....
front component speakers 2-way... decent enough i wud think $600 at least.
amp.... audison LRx series is pretty decent....now its now like 1.5k based on wat i heard.
installtion.... amp board, fuse, RCAs, hi-lo convertor...fuse holder... speaker wires..this should cost upwards of $600 easily.

all of u should meet up...at Hong guan or soundwerkx .... and see how it goes.
get them to break down the cost.
of cos different brands cost differently.

or if one of u wants to buy my stuff..i can point u to an installer...

 

[armValkyrie]

Re: Budget Upgrade for E90 325i with Idrive

why ice always give people stress ah....how ironic.
it is supposed to provide enjoyment, but because of how the industry operates, it does give people headache.

firstly....for newbies, u need to use your judgement to see who talks the most sense...or figure out wats the most consistent message u get from different people.

........QUOTE]

thanks bro....

newbies really have different expectations....

 

[Jiunn Siong]

Re: Budget Upgrade for E90 325i with Idrive

My two cents worth.

I've found over my lifetime dealing with upgrading aftermarket sound systems in numerous cars including comparisons across my cars (E36, E46, E53 and E92) that the biggest improvement you can get is by changing to a top end head unit.

Sure, amps help and so do component speakers but it is always the HU which is holding the largest improvement back.

I"ve spent anywhere from S$3,500 to S$8,000 in upgrading each of my last five cars and even done upgrades in stages and learnt the above.

I currently have a 12 speaker BMW DSP system with two subwoofers in my E53 and also a BMW 13 speaker Logic 7 system in my E92 335i and these still do not come near the system I had in my E46 (after market). [ok maybe the Logic 7 isn't that bad!]

A good installer is also recommended as proper positioning and mounting of speakers on a solid surface is critical.

I have used Tye Electronics all this while but your current budget will be a problem.

 

[oneHeadlight]

Re: Budget Upgrade for E90 325i with Idrive

absolutely right. rubbish in, rubbish out. but its poison !!!

 

[eric3417]

Re: Budget Upgrade for E90 325i with Idrive

Head Unit... Aha... Alpine F#1... My no.1 choice!

 

[skanps]

Re: Budget Upgrade for E90 325i with Idrive

My two cents worth.

I've found over my lifetime dealing with upgrading aftermarket sound systems in numerous cars including comparisons across my cars (E36, E46, E53 and E92) that the biggest improvement you can get is by changing to a top end head unit.

Sure, amps help and so do component speakers but it is always the HU which is holding the largest improvement back.

I"ve spent anywhere from S$3,500 to S$8,000 in upgrading each of my last five cars and even done upgrades in stages and learnt the above.

I currently have a 12 speaker BMW DSP system with two subwoofers in my E53 and also a BMW 13 speaker Logic 7 system in my E92 335i and these still do not come near the system I had in my E46 (after market). [ok maybe the Logic 7 isn't that bad!]

A good installer is also recommended as proper positioning and mounting of speakers on a solid surface is critical.

I have used Tye Electronics all this while but your current budget will be a problem.

Wow HU.......but then hor, is it possible to change a HU without affect the functionality of both the IDrive and the steering control? That could be a prime concern I do believe it would be one of the most effective upgrades but probably so looks like the dirtest and least straightforward path....:verysad: if IDrive and steering control is to remain intact...

 

[oneHeadlight]

Re: Budget Upgrade for E90 325i with Idrive

looks like poison is kicking in...

 

[Jiunn Siong]

Re: Budget Upgrade for E90 325i with Idrive

Sadly the last few times I did it, I had to sacrifice steering control, aesthetics etc.

I also bought an infrared transmitter which "gives you back" the functionality of your steering wheel controls. I also bought an Alpine iPod module (although this is not exactly high fidelity sound even in Apple Lossless format) for music selection convenience especially when driving to KL. You should have seen the amps in my display case in the boot! iDrive is a problem.

If you upgrade your amps, interconnects and component speakers, and you get a certain increase in sound quality say X, the (subsequent upgrade) of a HU can be (from my past experience on using several of the top end Alpine HUs) in the range of 3X to 4X. This is my very humble qualitative assessment/experience.

Whatever your intended upgrade, my suggestion is to listen to your target system and determine if you are happy with the improvement in sound quality for a certain $ amount then decide. I recommend this because I do not want to be disappointed with the upgraded sound and I always want to get value for my upgrades.

Bring along a nice female vocals CD to test the target system (Amanda McBroom, Tracey Chapman, Norah Jones, Clair Marlo). For bass, the Eagles Hell Freezes Over track 6 0:32 sec

I agree with oneHeadlight "source first".

The other thing is you only need ONE 10" sub-woofer so long as it properly positioned and installed on a solid backboard. 12" subs and more than one sub is overkill IMO.

In view of all my comments above, that is why I gave up and now have BMW DSP and BMW Logic 7 in my current two cars...I am still not fully happy with the current sound...[ok the Logic 7 is rather nice] but it is the best compromise and getting it right the first time.

If you are keen, you are welcome to have a listen to my BMW systems as a comparison but my previous systems were much better!

 

[oneHeadlight]

Re: Budget Upgrade for E90 325i with Idrive

i would totally disagree on your comments about 12" sub and using more than one sub. But thats another discussion altogether.

also budget pretty much would limit choices, thats a fact of life.
BUT even without changing the headunit, a good choice of speakers, and a proper amp, and proper installation will bring much life into the music.

so for those new to ice, do not fret, and dont get yourself stressed out.
i still maintain that the most minimum upgrade is as follows.

1. front component speakers.
2. amp for the speakers
3. subwoofer - this is a must, else its like eating chicken rice without the chilli
4. dedicated amp for the sub.

as for the brands and the models....really, its almost endless, but have a reasonable budget, and go for proper brands.

 

[armValkyrie]

Re: Budget Upgrade for E90 325i with Idrive

i would totally disagree on your comments about 12" sub and using more than one sub. But thats another discussion altogether.

also budget pretty much would limit choices, thats a fact of life.
BUT even without changing the headunit, a good choice of speakers, and a proper amp, and proper installation will bring much life into the music.

so for those new to ice, do not fret, and dont get yourself stressed out.
i still maintain that the most minimum upgrade is as follows.

1. front component speakers.
2. amp for the speakers
3. subwoofer - this is a must, else its like eating chicken rice without the chilli
4. dedicated amp for the sub.

as for the brands and the models....really, its almost endless, but have a reasonable budget, and go for proper brands.

Thanks bro oneHeadlight for the guidance....

will remember to have the chilli during the chicken rice meal!! :laughlik:

rgds

 

[oneHeadlight]

Re: Budget Upgrade for E90 325i with Idrive

don't say guidance la....just sharing what i know...just hope it helps.
i was in that situation before, once u decided....and take the plunge, all the stress is gone.