Hello all, I'm new to the forum and have a 1997 318i with the hk stereo system (each speaker has its own amp). I'm looking at aftermarket systems and have been told by a few installers that I will need to have the car rewired.
After looking at the forum I'm seeing many folks installing their own systems using the crutchfield harness. But with my hk system running speakers at 2ohms, won't I ruin the speakers or new receiver since they are pushing 4ohms? What are my options? HELP!!!
i had an audi, and the speakers in that all had little amps on them. the wires to the speakers were tiny little thin things and would sound shite if used to power standard speakers. if your bmw has these little amps on the speakers, there will be 3, or 4 thin wires going to each of them. my advise would be to just run some new speaker cable. it shouldn't take long, and the end result will sound alot better imo.. good luck with it!
If you dont mind me asking, what is wrong with your HK's, my dad has a 96 with HK's and it sounds very very nice. Are they just all blown or something?
Originally posted by GabeC328i@Apr 11 2005, 09:27 PM If you dont mind me asking, what is wrong with your HK's, my dad has a 96 with HK's and it sounds very very nice. Are they just all blown or something?
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The deck is a turd. Illumination comes and goes and is only a tape deck. So, I'm needing to replace the deck with a cd player. That's where the headache begins.
Originally posted by schneidmj+Apr 12 2005, 08:07 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(schneidmj @ Apr 12 2005, 08:07 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-GabeC328i@Apr 11 2005, 09:27 PM If you dont mind me asking, what is wrong with your HK's, my dad has a 96 with HK's and it sounds very very nice.* Are they just all blown or something?
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The deck is a turd. Illumination comes and goes and is only a tape deck. So, I'm needing to replace the deck with a cd player. That's where the headache begins.
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I know what you mean. Replace it. I have a 97 328i w/ HK system too,
and the deck was a bit cheesy, kept chewing tapes. I bought a cheap $60 MP3 CD player/stereo. The thing fits in perfectly, no harness needed, not bolts, nothing. The speaker work fine. The e36 can take any standard stereo easily, the stereo sits in like the computer, and A/C module, very easy to pop-out/in. BMW is GREAT. Anyway, all u need is to buy a bmw stereo connection, and antenna connection. You have to find a special car audio store, since BESTBUY didn't carry them. Total about $40. The only thing is the car will play a single tone on rare occasions to let you know your using a aftermarket radio. LOL.
The audio forum is your friend. Most of us have this same system setup in our cars, and I would say that most of us have replaced the head unit. You will need a wiring harness and antenna adapter. I bought all my stuff from crutchfield, but circuit city and ultimate electronics carried them both. I recommend crutchfield or a local stereo specialist though. They just tend to know more about stereos than the "high school" kid(no offense to anyone) that is working part time at bestbuy. The stereo guys the own a store make that their life.
It all depends how familiar you are in wiring. i did my own system its a 1997 328IS it was a little trick when i was looking for the Ignition Wire where there is one identical to it but if u use it, you system is gona sound funny once the car is moving
Originally posted by schneidmj@Apr 11 2005, 09:50 AM Hello all, I'm new to the forum and have a 1997 318i with the hk stereo system (each speaker has its own amp).* I'm looking at aftermarket systems and have been told by a few installers that I will need to have the car rewired.*
After looking at the forum I'm seeing many folks installing their own systems using the crutchfield harness.* But with my hk system running speakers at 2ohms, won't I ruin the speakers or new receiver since they are pushing 4ohms?* What are my options?** HELP!!!
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you don't need to rewire the car; in fact, BMW uses twisted-strand speaker wires, which are fine as it. i installed a high-end system using the factory HU and CD changer and A/D/S amp, speakers and subs with factory wiring (except for the subs) and it sounds fine.
If you simply want to upgrade your speakers, Bavarian Soundwerks has a speaker upgrade package that is plug-and-play.
__________________ <span style='color:blue'>The ONLY place to go for high-end audio equipment for your E36 or E46 BMW is <span style='font-size:11pt;line-height:100%'><a href='http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/index.php' target='_blank'><span style='color:red'>Bavarian Soundwerks</span></a></span> BMW enthusiasts who also are audiophiles. They're the best! (No, I do not work for them, nor am I affiliated with them in any way.)</span>
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