1996 318i convertible speaker replacement help

[emust]

hey guys. I just bought a 1996 318i convertible and the car has 10 speakers. I believe this is called an HK system. The speakers are in bad shape and i need to replace them. after removing the door and back speakers, i realized that aftermarket speaker will not fit. does anyone know if i should buy factory speakers or if there are repalcement speakers out there to fit my car. I appreciate your help.

[1980 BMW 323is]

you could take the speakers out of the car and go to a local stereo shop. they'll get you the right size.

[jllphan]

Don't know about the convertibles, but I'm sure all the e36's are the same up front. As for those, replace with a good set of 5.25" seperataes. Maybe the Infinity Reference line, or the PolkAudio db series. This is a two way system that will replace your tweet (in the door) and the mid (in the kickpanel). As for the mid in the door, I would just disconnect and leave alone. You would need a large amp to really hear the difference between a two way and three way aftermarket seperates system, and besides, they are FAR more expensive. Not really cost effective.

As for the rears, if they are the same as the hardtops, it's a 4" seperate system.

[emust]

I currently have the following parts installed in my car:

Audiobahn A4401T AMP
Pioneer premier DEH-P460MP radio
18 inch audiobahn tube


Now I need to buy 5.25 speakers for the Front kick panel and two 5.25 speakers for the back. This is the only sizes my car fits.

Can someone take a look below and advise your best recommendation? Thanks for your help.


5.25 Speaker options:

Audiobahn ABC525T Component Speaker System 2 way
Infinity Kappa 52.5I 2 way
Kicker k525 2 way 2 way
Infinity reference 5002i 2 way
Sony XS-V1335X 3 way

[El Presidente]

Go for the refernce infinities. The Kappas are great, but you won't hear their full potential without a much better amp driving them.

[El Presidente]

Also are you sure they are 5.25 in the rear? All other e36 use 5.25 in front, 3.5 in door, tweet in door, 4 in rear, tweet in rear.

Also, for the rears, I suggest the reference coaxials. You'll save about $100 and the rotatable tweet will give near component performance. Since they are in thre rear, no point in spending that much.

[emust]

well i thought that i had a good amp!

this is the price i'm getting them for:

Audiobahn ABC525T Component Speaker System 2 way $ $74.99 a pair

Infinity Kappa 52.5I 2 way $75.00 a pair

Kicker k525 2 way 2 way $47.95 a pair

Infinity reference 5002i 2 way $48.00 a pair

Sony XS-V1335X 3 way $42.95 a pair


what is the difference between the kappa and the reference? I wont spend the money if i dont have to.

[El Presidente]

Where are you getting them from? I have at/near cost direct-ordering from Harmon International and even those prices are lower than mine.

The difference between the Kappas and the Reference is mostly the sensitivity; Kappas are 90dB, Ref are 92dB. The Kappas also use a better woofer material, and have slightly higher power handling abilities, plus a little more low end. Both use Infinities Plus One design, which gives it more area than most other speakers that size.

[El Presidente]

Ahh, nevermind.

Went and checked my model numbers. Thosed prices are good, but still a little higher. What you want is the Infinity Reference 5000CS up front though, and the Reference 5002i in the rear.

[emust]

here is the link. http://soundmart.zoovy.com/category/car_sp...5_25__speakers/

so kappas it is?

[El Presidente]

I'd really go for the Reference 5000CS up front. They will cost you more, but will be much more worth it. With the Pioneer HU or the HK amp, which ever is powering them, neither is really good enough to hear the full potential of the Kappas, so IMO they'd be a waste of money.

[emust]

Just so you know the front speakers will go in the kickpanel. do you know of any other stores with a good rep?

[El Presidente]

That wesbite looks pretty shady too...

"About us: We are a really great company, you should buy stuff from us and tell your friends!"

[El Presidente]

Like I said, I have direct ordering. I'm actually installing some a crapload of stuff for komodo9 on wednesday. It should arrive tomorrow.

He got the 5000CS, 2 12" 1230Ws, and the REF610A 645W RMS amp. I can also broker a deal if you like.

[emust]

since i dont have a place for tweeters on the kickpanel,
how would i install the 5000CS tweeters? also, will sound suffer if the 5000CS are by the kickpanel?