4" Speaker Options?

[Slade]

So what have you guys used to replace the 4"factory speakers in the rear? I'm aware of the limitations because of the casing the speakers have to fit inside, what is the maximum depth/height that will fit? Anyone able to find anything that fits, and are happy with the quality?

[Godthing]

Interested to know as well as I will be responsible my system quite soon.. Any one done custom sound with custom enclosures? if so plz post pics! I really wanna start dressing my girl up!

[zoner]

I have 4" Polk db series drivers in place of the stock rear drivers. I don't think it required much, if any, modification to fit and the sound is nice. The only real upgrade is that it is a two-way speaker vs. the factory full-range driver (better range; better power handling), but you're not really going to get any substantial upgrade in bass- it is still, after all, only a 4" driver. A subwoofer or entirely different speaker layout is required if you really want to turn it up.

[Godthing]

Originally Posted by zoner

I have 4" Polk db series drivers in place of the stock rear drivers. I don't think it required much, if any, modification to fit and the sound is nice. The only real upgrade is that it is a two-way speaker vs. the factory full-range driver (better range; better power handling), but you're not really going to get any substantial upgrade in bass- it is still, after all, only a 4" driver. A subwoofer or entirely different speaker layout is required if you really want to turn it up.

Rodger that! I I'm really still figuring out why to do.. I was talking to sum ppl about a mini amp under the dash but I wanna install the 98 m3 dash before I do that.. After I put in the s52 I'm not worried about weight anymore so I feel like I can play a bit!

[Slade]

All the info I've find on this cars audio.... I think I have something unique. I have 2 speakers in each door, one near the floor on each side, two 4" speakers in the rear, and two 2" tweets just above those. 10 speakers in total, never heard of so many in such a small car, and they're all blown out. Previous owner loved his music, and loved playing it way too loud.

[zoner]

Originally Posted by Slade

All the info I've find on this cars audio.... I think I have something unique. I have 2 speakers in each door, one near the floor on each side, two 4" speakers in the rear, and two 2" tweets just above those. 10 speakers in total, never heard of so many in such a small car, and they're all blown out. Previous owner loved his music, and loved playing it way too loud.

Nothing especially unique about that- the 10-speaker "HiFi Loudspeaker System" was a factory option (an upgrade from the 6-speaker "base" system) on later E36 models. Apparently what is rare is having the 10-speaker system with a matched factory subwoofer. I've yet to see one, but realoem does list the factory sub as an option for our cars.

[Godthing]

Originally Posted by Slade

All the info I've find on this cars audio.... I think I have something unique. I have 2 speakers in each door, one near the floor on each side, two 4" speakers in the rear, and two 2" tweets just above those. 10 speakers in total, never heard of so many in such a small car, and they're all blown out. Previous owner loved his music, and loved playing it way too loud.

Man ain't that abouta bltch... A classic example a good idea with a bad impimentation... A sad face. Did he have a sub?

[familytruckster]

I am using Dayton Neosym woofers in all 4 locations. Fit is good, so was the price. Really happy with the sound too.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=290-212

Though I just checked and they are out of stock until 5/8/2012

[Godthing]

Originally Posted by zoner

Nothing especially unique about that- the 10-speaker "HiFi Loudspeaker System" was a factory option (an upgrade from the 6-speaker "base" system) on later E36 models. Apparently what is rare is having the 10-speaker system with a matched factory subwoofer. I've yet to see one, but realoem does list the factory sub as an option for our cars.

You beat me to the punch

[zoner]

Originally Posted by familytruckster

I am using Dayton Neosym woofers in all 4 locations. Fit is good, so was the price. Really happy with the sound too.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=290-212

Though I just checked and they are out of stock until 5/8/2012

+1 for Parts Express- I've turned to them in the past for speaker/sound projects. You didn't encounter any clearance issues (either with mounting or with playback travel) with the high-excursion drivers?

[familytruckster]

Originally Posted by zoner

+1 for Parts Express- I've turned to them in the past for speaker/sound projects. You didn't encounter any clearance issues (either with mounting or with playback travel) with the high-excursion drivers?

The rear is fine. TONS of room. It's close in the front. I have the high pass filter on set at like 80 or 100 so excursion isn't an issue.

I have a 8" sub and a punch 100 to install. I need to build the box. Debating on a flush FG enclosure or just an MDF box. Still sounds decent enough.

[jca]

I was able to put a pair of 6" Blaupunkt coaxial speakers in the front kick panels without too much trouble...just had to make some radial straight cuts outward from the original openings, then tap the metal in a bit with a hammer, to enlarge the opening sufficiently.

In back, I found a pair of 4" triaxial speakers at Walmart, by Schoshe, for 24 bucks! I had my doubts until opened the box up to take a look. They are just fine and are much beefier that the oem's. They install easily without having to hack away at the oem mounts, and they sound good. Best bargain in speakers I've ever found.

[Slade]

Originally Posted by Godthing

Man ain't that abouta bltch... A classic example a good idea with a bad impimentation... A sad face. Did he have a sub?

I wish, but no sub.

What I really wish was that the previous owner had a little self control and didn't blow every damn speaker in the car. Replacing 5 pairs of speakers is not going to be cheap. This weekend I'll have to test each speaker to see if any of the pairs actually survived. Doesn't sound like it though.

[jca]

I'll bet that the two sets of tweeters are fine. I would replace the kick panels first, the 4" rears second, then the mid range and tweets last. Just me.

[Slade]

Originally Posted by jca

I'll bet that the two sets of tweeters are fine. I would replace the kick panels first, the 4" rears second, then the mid range and tweets last. Just me.

Hope you're right, and I had a similar mentality about the replacement order. I'm going to replace the 5 1/4" and 4" now because those units are clearly shot, and if any of the smaller speakers are apparently destroyed after a closer inspection... just going to disconnect them for now and replace them whenever I get around to it. And if any of those smaller pairs are still in good shape, awesome bonus.