1M car audio info

[E30 Racer]

I've started a thread describing my system build. Since an appropriate 1M-specific subforum doesn't exist, I place it here:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=654680

[Fundahl]

Hey, it seems you are really good with the interior panels!

Since day one my car has this stupid rattle on the passenger side back seat panel. It happens any time there is a moderate amount of bass. If I press on the panel near the suede it goes away.

The BMW dealership says they can't hear it, but I KNOW they just don't want to deal with it.

Do you have any suggestions on stopping the rattle? I barely even use my "Premium" audio anymore because the rattle ruins it for me.

[flzrider]

Originally Posted by Fundahl

Hey, it seems you are really good with the interior panels!

Since day one my car has this stupid rattle on the passenger side back seat panel. It happens any time there is a moderate amount of bass. If I press on the panel near the suede it goes away.

The BMW dealership says they can't hear it, but I KNOW they just don't want to deal with it.

Do you have any suggestions on stopping the rattle? I barely even use my "Premium" audio anymore because the rattle ruins it for me.

A couple of people are having this same issue.

[Artemis]

In the "Tone" section of the iDrive menu, apart from tweaking the bass, also tweak the bass settings of the separate equalizer section + set the fader to 1/3 front and 2/3 rear.

As you seem to be a sound aficionado, I assume you definitely took care of this, but just want to make sure we can already rule out a mere settings issue.

No pun intended.

[superchargedman]

I just got the dealer electronics specialist to stick his head in while I cranked the bass. They're gonna go to work on it next time I'm in.

[clived]

Originally Posted by Artemis

+ set the fader to 1/3 front and 2/3 rear.

Really? Surely 2/3 to the front 1/3 to the rear if you want any soundstage at all? And the speakers in the rear suck compared to the fronts...

[E30 Racer]

Originally Posted by clived

Really? Surely 2/3 to the front 1/3 to the rear if you want any soundstage at all? And the speakers in the rear suck compared to the fronts...

Agreed. Unless you have demanding rear seat occupants, the rear speakers are best suited for rear fill at best. I left them disconnected in my build. 150W to the front components (tweeter/mid) and 150W to the 8" underseat woofers. Sounds great and hits hard. Unfortunately, it looks like a digital signal processor is the only way to bring a decent sound stage to HiFi systems...

[E30 Racer]

Originally Posted by Fundahl

Hey, it seems you are really good with the interior panels!

Since day one my car has this stupid rattle on the passenger side back seat panel. It happens any time there is a moderate amount of bass. If I press on the panel near the suede it goes away.

The BMW dealership says they can't hear it, but I KNOW they just don't want to deal with it.

Do you have any suggestions on stopping the rattle? I barely even use my "Premium" audio anymore because the rattle ruins it for me.

I fought chronic panel rattling within the depths of my E46 doors. Very frustrating for me and the service department that had to deal with me.

If you've been able to identify where, specifically, the rattle is coming from you're over half way there. Very carefully pull the panel and I'm sure the source will be obvious. If the rattle is between the panel and the body, 3M squeak reduction tape may help. 1/8" weather stripping (I can look up a part number if you're interested) might be a good alternative. If the source is the armrest or some internal bonding point, I'd try using the fabric side of adhesive-backed Velco or strip caulk.

Let us know how it works out...I may be adding a subwoofer later.

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by clived

Really? Surely 2/3 to the front 1/3 to the rear if you want any soundstage at all? And the speakers in the rear suck compared to the fronts...

Actually I drove for years with a 2/3 front and 1/3 rear set-up and "accepted" the bass buzz/resonance as an inevitable feature of the HK system. I was sceptical too about an inverted set-up when an M5 guy suggested to do so. Did it and never went back. Less in yer face. Louder. No (or minimal) bass buzz.

So indulge and try it for a day or so on a long journey: fader to 1/3 front and 2/3 rear + resist switching to your usual fader set-up and listen without prejudice. Crank up the volume and bass. Let us know whether you can/can't stand it. Might in the end be not your cup of tea or, on the contrary, a fine surprise.

[clived]

Artemis - ok, sure, I'll give it a go

[Fundahl]

I'll try it too, although honestly I was happy with the stock fader settings. The equalizer is tweaked to my liking however.

The thing is, my 135i never had the issue. So I'm definitely not going to lower the bass, it shouldn't rattle.

And E30 Racer thanks, I guess I'm gonna have to learn how to get that back panel off safely! I figured that is what it would come to, the techs keep saying they can't hear it when I leave it for testing, yet the 50 year old SA can hear it....

[sasquatch]

My rattle is coming from the passenger side B-Pillar. The dealer didnt want to do anything about it, so i'll try and take it apart myself and see what I can do to stop that annoying sound.

[flzrider]

Are there any DIYs on rear door panel removal? I tried looking but didn't find anything.

[Das Ein]

Originally Posted by Fundahl

Hey, it seems you are really good with the interior panels!

Since day one my car has this stupid rattle on the passenger side back seat panel. It happens any time there is a moderate amount of bass. If I press on the panel near the suede it goes away.

The BMW dealership says they can't hear it, but I KNOW they just don't want to deal with it.

Do you have any suggestions on stopping the rattle? I barely even use my "Premium" audio anymore because the rattle ruins it for me.

I have the same rattle.

[clived]

Ok, so I've tried the 2/3 rear setting - and I have to say that it is not, as I thought it might be, rubbish ;-) I think I'm right about poorer imaging but it does give quite a plesant, relaxed sound. I've only tweeked the treble so far so need to play with the equaliser. The buzz in my rear panel is still there though...

[E30 Racer]

Update: I added a Mosconi 6to8 DSP. It's a great little piece with an amazing amount of flexibility. The Bluetooth connector is really convenient. A nice alternative to the Audison BitOne.

[Mdawood]

Originally Posted by Das Ein

I have the same rattle.

as do i...