Alpine Hi-Fi System kit

BBK · 11-04-2010, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWRX

Thanks for your input. As has been well documented, everything BMW and audio is much cheaper in the land of the sinking dollar.

I guess we can be thankful we all still have jobs and can afford it

tyorll · 02-08-2011, 07:50 PM

Just a heads up to any Aussies with the stock base stereo system, this can be done DIY for ~$600. It adds an alpine amp to the bootwell (where there is a space manufactured for it), and replaces the 4" front door speakers with a set of splitters 4"mid range and tweeters (these fit in a specific tweeter housing that replace the stock corner panels (mirror quadrant).

The friendly Germans sell this part quite cheaply (google translate ftw!). I bought mine from this guy:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....=STRK:MEWNX:IT

cost ~$600 AUD shipped including the two factory corner panels with tweeter fittings.

I installed it today myself with some basic tools (screwdrivers, torx set, pliers, adjustable spanner). My fingers are very sore. Only hickup was when I crimped one of the wires for the left front splitter, I hadn't removed the plastic entirely (it was dark) and it obviously wasn't producing any sound when I turned the car on praying everything would work! Took about 30 seconds to determine where the problem was (adjusting fader/balance to ensure it was just the front left speakers not working) and I uncrimped the connection in question, removed the plastic completely from the wire tip, recrimped and I've been smiling ever since.

Sound has been transformed from mediocre, to incredible. Especially brilliant for such a cheap cost! The only thing that you might want to add to this retrofit are some 8" subs under the seat to replace the stock ones. It has enough base for me, but I expect people that listen to a lot of dance/trance stuff at volume might expect more base. But the mid range and high range is incredible.

For further details about this kit and detailed install instructions you can follow this thread:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=182752

P.S. - did I mention this is a factory retrofit? I don't need to claim aftermarket sound system if I ever resell the car!

Cruiser · 02-09-2011, 05:48 AM

Yep, also fitted this last month.

While there is a fair bit of online help via the forums (esp babybmw), don't let anyone tell you it is straight forward in convertible... because the vertical part of the back seat is fixed and contains the solid metal pop-up roll bar unit.

As such you have to get very creative to get those cables through....while avoiding the existing looms where RF interference can be picked up.

Anyway, certainly a good bang for buck.

Harlequin · 03-15-2011, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBK

Thats crap... I was quoted and even an email sent out to BMW owners quoting $13** installed by Westside and Brisbane BMW.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omarko

Would u still have a copy of that email? Anyone? Ta

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBK

Yes I have it :-)

It quotes it $1385 and has a 'brochure' about it attached. PM me your email and I can forward it to you.

Any chance you STILL have that letter? Bought my 135 from Brisbane BMW 2 weeks ago and they just quoted me $1500 parts and $600 Labor...

- Harlequin

sparoz · 03-15-2011, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harlequin

Any chance you STILL have that letter? Bought my 135 from Brisbane BMW 2 weeks ago and they just quoted me $1500 parts and $600 Labor...

- Harlequin

That was a very long time ago...

BMWRX · 03-15-2011, 02:38 PM

I had mine done only about six months ago and although I can't remember the exact price, it was sub-$1500 installed.

Harlequin · 03-15-2011, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparoz

That was a very long time ago...

Realise that but I don't see any reason for the price to be $2100 when our dollar is stronger now that it was then...

- Harlequin

BMWRX · 03-15-2011, 07:38 PM

Give Westside a call (same mob as Brisbane BMW) and say that other club members had it done there recently for a cheap price. Ask for David in the service department.

Harlequin · 03-15-2011, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWRX

Give Westside a call (same mob as Brisbane BMW) and say that other club members had it done there recently for a cheap price. Ask for David in the service department.

Will give that a try. Thanks.

- Harlequin

QSH17Z · 03-16-2011, 01:13 PM

If you're prepared to do a little work yourself and order the kit from Europe you should be able to have it for around $600 in total or less than half what BMW will charge you.

Bimmer_Freak · 03-16-2011, 05:33 PM

^ Would your BMW dealership be willing to install it, even though you didn't buy it from them?

BMWRX · 03-16-2011, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer_Freak

^ Would your BMW dealership be willing to install it, even though you didn't buy it from them?

They probably will but not for the same price they'd charge for installation had you purchased it from them.

Aries932 · 03-16-2011, 05:53 PM

I would really suggest against this...if someone installs a sound system that is supposed to be a hifi system and they are only somewhat impressed I would suggest away from doing it yourself.

I have not done too much work with the 135i's, but you would be better off paying that kind of money for the BSW kit and doing the install yourself.

Otherwise if you want to get an amazing speaker set up go with the following.

MB Quart's - D series...these speakers are clear as day. If you want clarity they are the speakers you want to go with.

Rainbow - If you are looking for speakers with "warmth" these are amazing. Don't get me wrong they are also very clear..but more smooth in a sense.

CDT Audio - These while expensive are some of the best speakers you can buy on the market. The sound is absolutely mind blowing. If you have $1500 replace your speakers with these speakers and amps. Seriously absolutely phenominal sound.

As for where to get them the best site is
www.woofersetc.com

They are the best priced site out there with regards to audio speaker and their customer service is amazing. You can call them and usually they will be able to get you all set up with regards to what you want.

Harlequin · 03-16-2011, 06:00 PM

So I spoke to the dealer and they've come back to me with $1850 installed. No Deal.

- Harlequin

BBK · 03-16-2011, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harlequin

So I spoke to the dealer and they've come back to me with $1850 installed. No Deal.

- Harlequin

What did they say when you showed them the quote of $1385?

Harlequin · 03-16-2011, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBK

What did they say when you showed them the quote of $1385?

They just said they'd see what they could do... The email they've sent me says that they've asked for "financial relief" from BMW on the parts and a reduction in service charges from their Service Department.

Apparently this all adds up to $250 off the initial price... That's still the most expensive quote on this thread...

- Harlequin

wmj73 · 03-16-2011, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harlequin

So I spoke to the dealer and they've come back to me with $1850 installed. No Deal.

- Harlequin

Thats RIDICULOUS

bfi2906 · 03-16-2011, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aries932

MB Quart's - D series...these speakers are clear as day. If you want clarity they are the speakers you want to go with.

Do you happen to know which D series fit the 1 Series Coupe?

BBK · 03-16-2011, 09:15 PM

BMW need to start thinking about their audio systems. 4" in the doors is just stupid... But it's really the depth that is the problem!

Harlequin · 03-16-2011, 09:32 PM

Thinking about buying the set from schmiedmann.com and putting it in myself.

Comes out to under $500 including shipping.

I've been doing my own Audio installs for almost 20 years but was prepared to pay a premium to have it done by BMW - hassle free and warranty.

$1350 is a little too much of a premium...

(I know I'll have to get the Tweeter Grilles separately - does anyone know a good place to get them?)

- Harlequin

cozza · 03-17-2011, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harlequin

Thinking about buying the set from schmiedmann.com and putting it in myself.

Comes out to under $500 including shipping.

I've been doing my own Audio installs for almost 20 years but was prepared to pay a premium to have it done by BMW - hassle free and warranty.

$1350 is a little too much of a premium...

(I know I'll have to get the Tweeter Grilles separately - does anyone know a good place to get them?)

- Harlequin

I'd also be interested in purchasing the system from Schmiedmann, but I'm not too confident on installing it. How long would it take and how involved would it be?

Brissie · 03-17-2011, 02:12 AM

[QUOTE

(I know I'll have to get the Tweeter Grilles separately - does anyone know a good place to get them?)

- Harlequin[/QUOTE]
You can get them from bmminiparts, uk site, posted for less than half of what the dealer will charge you. It would have taken them 6 weeks to order from germany if no stock in oz. Took about 2-3 weeks from uk. Dealer wanted $120 or more EACH from memory. Do a search on this site for the part number.

02-08-2011, 07:50 PM	#112
tyorll Private First Class 9 Rep 175 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	DIY Just a heads up to any Aussies with the stock base stereo system, this can be done DIY for ~$600. It adds an alpine amp to the bootwell (where there is a space manufactured for it), and replaces the 4" front door speakers with a set of splitters 4"mid range and tweeters (these fit in a specific tweeter housing that replace the stock corner panels (mirror quadrant). The friendly Germans sell this part quite cheaply (google translate ftw!). I bought mine from this guy: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....=STRK:MEWNX:IT cost ~$600 AUD shipped including the two factory corner panels with tweeter fittings. I installed it today myself with some basic tools (screwdrivers, torx set, pliers, adjustable spanner). My fingers are very sore. Only hickup was when I crimped one of the wires for the left front splitter, I hadn't removed the plastic entirely (it was dark) and it obviously wasn't producing any sound when I turned the car on praying everything would work! Took about 30 seconds to determine where the problem was (adjusting fader/balance to ensure it was just the front left speakers not working) and I uncrimped the connection in question, removed the plastic completely from the wire tip, recrimped and I've been smiling ever since. Sound has been transformed from mediocre, to incredible. Especially brilliant for such a cheap cost! The only thing that you might want to add to this retrofit are some 8" subs under the seat to replace the stock ones. It has enough base for me, but I expect people that listen to a lot of dance/trance stuff at volume might expect more base. But the mid range and high range is incredible. For further details about this kit and detailed install instructions you can follow this thread: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=182752 P.S. - did I mention this is a factory retrofit? I don't need to claim aftermarket sound system if I ever resell the car!
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02-09-2011, 05:48 AM	#113
Cruiser Private 0 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 125i M-Sport Convert Manual Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern Beaches SYDNEY iTrader: (0)	Yep, also fitted this last month. While there is a fair bit of online help via the forums (esp babybmw), don't let anyone tell you it is straight forward in convertible... because the vertical part of the back seat is fixed and contains the solid metal pop-up roll bar unit. As such you have to get very creative to get those cables through....while avoiding the existing looms where RF interference can be picked up. Anyway, certainly a good bang for buck.
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03-15-2011, 02:38 PM	#116
BMWRX Major 98 Rep 1,092 Posts Drives: F82 M4 CP Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Brisbane, Queensland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW M4 [0.00]	I had mine done only about six months ago and although I can't remember the exact price, it was sub-$1500 installed. __________________ 2017 BMW M4 Competition - Mineral Grey 2009 BMW 135i - Titan Silver - SOLD
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03-15-2011, 07:38 PM	#118
BMWRX Major 98 Rep 1,092 Posts Drives: F82 M4 CP Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Brisbane, Queensland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW M4 [0.00]	Give Westside a call (same mob as Brisbane BMW) and say that other club members had it done there recently for a cheap price. Ask for David in the service department. __________________ 2017 BMW M4 Competition - Mineral Grey 2009 BMW 135i - Titan Silver - SOLD
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03-16-2011, 01:13 PM	#120
QSH17Z Private First Class 9 Rep 157 Posts Drives: F06 640d Gran Coupe Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane iTrader: (0)	If you're prepared to do a little work yourself and order the kit from Europe you should be able to have it for around $600 in total or less than half what BMW will charge you. __________________ Imola Red II / M Sport / Alcantara / Gloss Black Grilles
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03-16-2011, 05:33 PM	#121
Bimmer_Freak Private First Class 13 Rep 151 Posts Drives: 2011 135i DCT Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	^ Would your BMW dealership be willing to install it, even though you didn't buy it from them? __________________ Current: 2011 135i DCT M-Sport - Space Gray\| black leather/Poplar grain\| Business Nav\| Sunroof - *SOLD!*
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03-16-2011, 05:53 PM	#123
Aries932 Captain 37 Rep 611 Posts Drives: AW 2011 135i DCT Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Woodland Hills, CA iTrader: (3)	I would really suggest against this...if someone installs a sound system that is supposed to be a hifi system and they are only somewhat impressed I would suggest away from doing it yourself. I have not done too much work with the 135i's, but you would be better off paying that kind of money for the BSW kit and doing the install yourself. Otherwise if you want to get an amazing speaker set up go with the following. MB Quart's - D series...these speakers are clear as day. If you want clarity they are the speakers you want to go with. Rainbow - If you are looking for speakers with "warmth" these are amazing. Don't get me wrong they are also very clear..but more smooth in a sense. CDT Audio - These while expensive are some of the best speakers you can buy on the market. The sound is absolutely mind blowing. If you have $1500 replace your speakers with these speakers and amps. Seriously absolutely phenominal sound. As for where to get them the best site is www.woofersetc.com They are the best priced site out there with regards to audio speaker and their customer service is amazing. You can call them and usually they will be able to get you all set up with regards to what you want.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-16-2011, 06:00 PM	#124
Harlequin Brigadier General 331 Rep 4,021 Posts Drives: F32 Coupé Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Brisbane, Australia BMW Club QLD Member iTrader: (5) Garage List 2015 428i M-Sport [8.40] 2012 1M Coupé [9.25] 2011 135i M-Sport [9.14]	So I spoke to the dealer and they've come back to me with $1850 installed. No Deal. - Harlequin __________________
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03-16-2011, 09:15 PM	#129
BBK Banned 87 Rep 3,070 Posts Drives: A boring one... Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i [5.76]	BMW need to start thinking about their audio systems. 4" in the doors is just stupid... But it's really the depth that is the problem!
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03-16-2011, 09:32 PM	#130
Harlequin Brigadier General 331 Rep 4,021 Posts Drives: F32 Coupé Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Brisbane, Australia BMW Club QLD Member iTrader: (5) Garage List 2015 428i M-Sport [8.40] 2012 1M Coupé [9.25] 2011 135i M-Sport [9.14]	Thinking about buying the set from schmiedmann.com and putting it in myself. Comes out to under $500 including shipping. I've been doing my own Audio installs for almost 20 years but was prepared to pay a premium to have it done by BMW - hassle free and warranty. $1350 is a little too much of a premium... (I know I'll have to get the Tweeter Grilles separately - does anyone know a good place to get them?) - Harlequin __________________
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03-17-2011, 02:12 AM	#132
Brissie Lieutenant 36 Rep 579 Posts Drives: 135 Join Date: May 2009 Location: brisbane, Oz iTrader: (0)	[QUOTE (I know I'll have to get the Tweeter Grilles separately - does anyone know a good place to get them?) - Harlequin[/QUOTE] You can get them from bmminiparts, uk site, posted for less than half of what the dealer will charge you. It would have taken them 6 weeks to order from germany if no stock in oz. Took about 2-3 weeks from uk. Dealer wanted $120 or more EACH from memory. Do a search on this site for the part number.
	Appreciate 0 Quote