My ICE plans

[Derektvy]

As requested by BMWSILVER I'm sharing my current little ICE mod project here. Pls feel free to give advice and directions. I hope those who are on a similar project could also share their ICE project intentions, experience and the $$$ involved. Mebbe a group buy could come out of this... Also hope that the experienced forumers can give a few pointers...

I'm a new player in the ICE mod and slowly learning new stuff everyday. Taking this like a short-time hobby. Quite fun to learn and go hunting for new stuff.

1. Headunit - I'm intending to get a Alpine CDA-9835. $700? Also comtemplating a Sony CDX-M9900 ($1k?) for the fancy screen. Wan to have a HU that plays MP3 on CDRs.

2. 1-din Housing adaptor - Need a adaptor for the BMW dash. Found them on UK websites at ard £15. Too bad it looks kinda plain and doesn't have the 'alucube' design to match. Searching for local shops that have this and the $$. Darren from Autotrend is able to get the norm plain black one but I haven't got back to him. Anyone noes any other places that have this or shops that are able to fabricate a chio one??? One fella in E46fanatics custom made and sold them.

3. Steering Wheel control adaptor - found some adaptors (wires+ connectors) available in uk (again). £30 for a Sony HU adaptor, £45 for a Sony HU adaptor. Darren says have to order in. I'm still searching ard locally.

4. Front Component Speakers - thinking of Alpine DLC-176A. Heard it's suppose to have good clarity. Haven't check the pricing yet. Previously got a guy in ICE forum letting go a 2nd hand one at $350. Any one selling off any spares?

5. AMP - Thinking of a 4-ch amp that gives 50W RMS. Sufficient? Any reccom?

6. Subwoofers - doing research now...

Hmmmm.. written quite alot here.. I guess the ICE mod is not a simple one. So many brands, makes and specs to look at. There's also limited chances to try-out and experiment. Den also got those installers pushing you their 'systems'. Really hard to decide for a newbie... I'll be checking out Tye Electronics soon.

So BMWSILVER, wat's ur plans? Getting a lanzar system like what Shaaz did?

 

[emiffy]

Derektvy,

check the previous threads, especially those from OneHeadlight. Most of your questions would be answered.

For Alpine CDA-9835, if you can wait a while, there is a new model just introduced in Japan/US, which I feel looks better and will better match with alucube or silver trim.

1-din housing adaptor - not too much choices.

Steering wheel control adaptor - apart from Sony, also check out Alpine and Blaupunkt

I have seen installs using the DLC-176A; they are slim enough to fit the front door housing. If your budget stretches, check out Focal and Rainbow as well. Both are highly recommended for SQ and they are slim.

Subwoofers -- check out JBL StealthBox if you want a "factory"-like fit.

Good luck!

 

[e46sg]

HI Derektvy,

1. I am also looking around for a HU recently and found that the 9833 and 9835 are of similar functionality, other than the display, so you might want to reasign some budget from there.

2. For installation of HU, you will need to run 2 - 3 RCAs to the AMPs depending on your setup, so there is some cost there to be considered.

3. For the front speakers, do consider the DLS speakers as well as what emiffy recommended for rainbows. Just for your info, there was a person on the ICE forum selling DLS UR6s for just 500. I purchased a lower end model for already 900 :twisted:
Those speakers will definitely outshine the Alpines and I know of some e46s ( i assume) which were able to fit it in the front door without having to cut a hole in the door panel. (something you have to decide on as well)

4. For the amp, if you are looking at a 4 x 50rms, you might want to consider getting a 2 channel amp with a higher RMS, it would give you better mileage for the dollar in terms of SQ. a 2x80rms would barely be enough and i would recommend a 2 x 150.

5. Finally for subs, if you are intending to mount the sub as a freeair, please note that I was told by a car exporter who was looking at my car for export, that cutting a hole in the speaker board for the sub would disqualify the car for export as it is "NOT APPROVED" :roll: Do take note of that but I do not know how true that is. But i know they will definitely mark down the price of your car.

Have fun shopping! It has just begun....

 

[T6]

5. Finally for subs, if you are intending to mount the sub as a freeair, please note that I was told by a car exporter who was looking at my car for export, that cutting a hole in the speaker board for the sub would disqualify the car for export as it is "NOT APPROVED" :roll: Do take note of that but I do not know how true that is. But i know they will definitely mark down the price of your car.

Bro, this is interesting. But if we want to export a ride, can't we juz fabricate a board and replace the one that has been cut? Moreover, this board does not affect chassis strength. :thinking:

 

[emiffy]

T6,

I think you may have to cut the metal part as well for the sub mounting; hence the "not approved"?

I didn't go for any subs precisely because of the need (well, at least 90% of all the people I spoke to...) said you need to cut for sub mounting. The JBL stealthbox looks very interesting, but a bit of a stretch... (budgetwise)

 

[BMWSILVER]

Re: My ICE plans

Hi ! Derektvy.

I want to listen to the Lanzar System before I commit

But Shaaz system is more than S$3K.

Anyone has installed Lanzar System <S$2K ?

See you at the Meet-up

 

[Derektvy]

Great to hear from you guys. My research topics have widened...

So I'll see guys at the meetup? Let's have a chat den.

 

[Ghostrider]

If you guys are interested...I can load out my system to let you guys test test....

I try to come by during Sun meetup....bring your fav CD to test.
Look for one beatup E34....that would be me.

 

[Derektvy]

If you guys are interested...I can load out my system to let you guys test test....

I try to come by during Sun meetup....bring your fav CD to test.
Look for one beatup E34....that would be me.

Thanks for the offer! I'll be looking for you on Sunday. Mine's a black 318 Sports Ed.

 

[e46sg]

Replacing board

5. Finally for subs, if you are intending to mount the sub as a freeair, please note that I was told by a car exporter who was looking at my car for export, that cutting a hole in the speaker board for the sub would disqualify the car for export as it is "NOT APPROVED" :roll: Do take note of that but I do not know how true that is. But i know they will definitely mark down the price of your car.

Bro, this is interesting. But if we want to export a ride, can't we juz fabricate a board and replace the one that has been cut? Moreover, this board does not affect chassis strength. :thinking:

Well it seems the usually inspect by looking in the trunk area, you cant hide that part.

 

[Ghostrider]

If you guys are interested...I can load out my system to let you guys test test....

I try to come by during Sun meetup....bring your fav CD to test.
Look for one beatup E34....that would be me.

Thanks for the offer! I'll be looking for you on Sunday. Mine's a black 318 Sports Ed.

Give me a tinker if you can't find me....96398517

But I will not be early...prob around 5 plus then I can be there....got some family gathering before that.

Remember to bring your fav CD...most of my can make it CD kenna cheong kong by my installer liao !! Baskit.....

 

[piggyboyz]

I have both my previous ride with free air subwoofer, with holes cut on the parsel shelf, and both car was exported out when i sold it off...

Absolutely no problem at all...... If u look at the bare metal of the parcel shelf, there is a designated cutting area for the car at the parcel shelf. In fact if u take the sound module upgrade for the HK, the hole will be cut for the mounting of the subwoofer as well..

Don let the dealer smoke out for lower price..... :screwedu:

 

[piggyboyz]

Re: My ICE plans

I want to listen to the Lanzar System before I commit

Anyone has installed Lanzar System <S$2K ?

Hi there,

I supposed when u say Lanzar system, u refering to Tye Electronic. I must say that in term of workmanship, they are pretty good but sound quality wise for the system leave much to be desired. I had my system done by them in my previous car and i dunno whether they have realised that already but in those days, they like to run their cabling on the power cable side and it always ended up with a lot of "aeroplane" sound.

Also, the amp they used are not in RMS so all in all, u r just getting a better sound compared to the stock, that's about it..

And if u r looking at speakers like dynaudio or boston pro series, u need to have min 100W (RMS) to run them, else they will ended up muddy, even though they are very good speakers.

 

[Ghostrider]

Boston Pro dun need that high power.

But if you are thinking of Dynaudio...if you do not have at least 150RMS per channel....forget about getting them to sing.

 

[BMWSILVER]

Re: My ICE plans

I want to listen to the Lanzar System before I commit

Anyone has installed Lanzar System <S$2K ?

Hi there,

I supposed when u say Lanzar system, u refering to Tye Electronic. I must say that in term of workmanship, they are pretty good but sound quality wise for the system leave much to be desired. I had my system done by them in my previous car and i dunno whether they have realised that already but in those days, they like to run their cabling on the power cable side and it always ended up with a lot of "aeroplane" sound.

Also, the amp they used are not in RMS so all in all, u r just getting a better sound compared to the stock, that's about it..

And if u r looking at speakers like dynaudio or boston pro series, u need to have min 100W (RMS) to run them, else they will ended up muddy, even though they are very good speakers.

Hi ! Alan.

Can I look at your ICE set-up today

 

[BMWSILVER]

If you guys are interested...I can load out my system to let you guys test test....

I try to come by during Sun meetup....bring your fav CD to test.
Look for one beatup E34....that would be me.

Thanks for the offer! I'll be looking for you on Sunday. Mine's a black 318 Sports Ed.

Give me a tinker if you can't find me....96398517

But I will not be early...prob around 5 plus then I can be there....got some family gathering before that.

Remember to bring your fav CD...most of my can make it CD kenna cheong kong by my installer liao !! Baskit.....

Hi ! Ghostrider and Derektvy.

I was looking for both of you at yesterday meet-up but couldn't find you guys

I have managed to listen to some brother with Lanzar System and Brother T6 Superior Sound System.

I would say T6 car sound system was ears opening for me

Anyway, thanks to Mr Gordon and T6 for showing me your ICE

See you aorund

 

[T6]

I have managed to listen to some brother with Lanzar System and Brother T6 Superior Sound System.

I would say T6 car sound system was ear opening for me

Anyway, thanks to Mr Gordon and T6 for showing me your ICE

See you aorund

U are welcome bro

 

[Ghostrider]

Sorry SliverBMW, I newbie so was like hiding here and there....but Derek called me on my mobile...I was parked behind those super chio Evos...behind those mobile toilet.

Damn...didn't know that someone running demo...if not I can kpo a bit.

Next time dude....you are free to give me a tinker anytime....will be glad to help out if I have the time.

 

[Derektvy]

Hi BMWSilver,

Apologies for the missed-event. I was taking part in the Finals for the F1 simulator challenge at Shaw and arrived late at 6+. Den we were in Ghostrider's ride checking out his setup till 7pm. Hence, that's mebbe why u couldn't find us.

Had a good discussion on ICE and would like to thank Ghostrider + his friend (Bernard?) for their tips. Would be heading down to Edisons to check out the 'DiamondHex' and 'CDT' speakers this week...

I would have loved to have a listen and 'open' my ears to T6's system too... Mebbe in the next meetup? My number's 98266778. I guess calling thru HP would be more efficient rather than roaming ard the carpark searching.


Cheers,

Derek.

 

[T6]

I would have loved to have a listen and 'open' my ears to T6's system too... Mebbe in the next meetup? My number's 98266778. I guess calling thru HP would be more efficient rather than roaming ard the carpark searching.

Derek,

I haven't had a chance to hear the ICE in other bros' rides so I daren't say mine damn tua kong. I inherited the ICE as it came with my ride which I bought second hand.

When quicksilver asked me my sub-woofer how many inch, I also dunno. I juz know the previous owner paid an obscene amt for the ICE and I have a Macintosh amp driving my speakers and Cadence amp driving my subs. All the stock speakers were replaced and extra speakers added. I dunno how many speakers I have and even Hong Guan which set up the ICE lost touch with how many times the previous owner upgraded the speakers with them :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: