Can I install an aftermarket amp and sub while using the stock sound system?

[N55_NOLE]

I'm taking delivery of a 2011 135i sometime this April at the PDC and had a question for all you audio gurus.

I ordered my 1 with the HK premium audio package and I really want to put in one of my JL Audio 10w7v1. Is it possible to just install the sub and an amp while leaving the rest of the system in tact? I already have a JL 500/1, but if it is only possible with another amp, that is something I would definitely consider. Has anyone else on the board tried this with an older car? I tried searching, but the site won't let me search for "JL". What do you guys think? Is this something I could do without voiding my warranty? Thanks in advance!

[mineo77]

yep, really common thing to do. There are tons of post and even a DIY with information on this site.

anything you do, that BMW doesnt do could possibly void part of your warrenty

[jtsherri]

Check my signature. I'm running the same setup in a custom fiberglass enclosure built by TPLSM3.

[mineo77]

Originally Posted by jtsherri

Check my signature. I'm running the same setup in a custom fiberglass enclosure built by TPLSM3.

TPLSM3 enclosures are by far the best around. I have one and along with every owner of one and EXTREMELY pleased. He is still making them and at a wicked good deal.

[N55_NOLE]

Thanks so much guys! I love this forum! Do y'all have any recommendations on using the search function?

[mineo77]

Originally Posted by N55_NOLE

Thanks so much guys! I love this forum! Do y'all have any recommendations on using the search function?

here is a list of good info:

Critical Post that made things much easier,

Mineo77's Install
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=339041

pinternational's install
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=364202

jtsherri's Install
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=308823

escobar929's DIY
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=334350

AndyM Trim Removal DIY
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=212647

AndyM Center Console Removal DIY
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213833

Symbilink Patch
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/...w-harness.html

E91 Audio Upgrade
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=417164


also check out the DIY amp subwoofer install
Contact Ben for custom sub enclosure

[TPLSM3]

Tim pretty much gave you ALL the threads you gotta check out! Most if not all people are running the factory headunit. Don't forget that one of the most important things about the factory headunit is that it is your on board computer system as well. I have done many enclosures for other forum members. Let me know if you have any questions!

[N55_NOLE]

Thanks Mineo, those links are awesome! I'm so glad I'll be able to run my subs and amp! What a productive first post! Now the only question is whether or not I should use both my w7s or just one. Do you think the stock electronics could support two 500/1s? Also what do you think will be voided on my warranty? Just the sound system, battery and alternator, or do y'all think there will be broader warranty implications? Thanks again everyone!

[escobar929]

warranty wise the only thing you will have to worry about is if something goes wrong on the radio cause of the wiring job, as long as someone who knows what they are doing is doing the job, you should be ok

the only thing that should be diff from my DIY guide is the wiring, you are the first w/ the HK audio, so it may/may not be diff, but something to check into

as for how many speakers, i only run 1 10w6 w/ a JL 500/1 amp and its plenty loud, i had my gain down and recently turned it up just a notch, now its perfect (note, my gain is still at less than half) so 2 10w7 might be a bit much

hit up Ben for one of his boxes, by far the cleanest set up and it wont use hardly any of your trunk space

this is how mine looks, w/ out the battery cover

[N55_NOLE]

Sounds great! Maybe I can sell my other w7 and 500/1 for enough to pay for the box from tplsm3 and all the parts needed for install! I'll be sending him a pm after I take delivery in May. Once I get everything installed I'll be sure to make a new thread detailing how everything went in with the HK stereo and my impressions on the whole system.

I'm thinking a DIY of this proportion might be a little out of my league, so I'll probably let a local shop do it when the time comes, but I'll be sure to get as much info back from the installer as possible so I can give advice to future HK users looking to do the same thing.

Escobar, your set up looks great, very clean! I'm even more excited to get my 1 now! This will definitely be my first mod along with some gauges...

[TPLSM3]

Running 2 of the W7s will IMO be overkill. I run one W6 10" powered by the JL 500/1 and it definitely has more than enough bass. Most of us that have added just the sub & amp will have setups like the one pictured. Here's my setup