Premium Sound Transplant

[NYC6]

Just for arguements sake, has anyone had BMW or private installer remove Standard sound system and installed the Premium? The only 2010 car I could get with most of my options doesnt have Premium, which I wanted. I know I can go aftermarket but just kicking around ideas at this time. So has anyone done it or know somebody who has? Thanks.

[NYC6]

Anyone?

[Technic]

Originally Posted by NYC6

Anyone?

It is possible, but by the time you realize that the $3000 that you just spent just gave you a slightly different odor of crap it will be too late.

Go aftermarket and don't look back. The system that you have now is a much better platform for aftermarket, and it will sound several times better than the Premium will ever be.

[NYC6]

Originally Posted by Technic

It is possible, but by the time you realize that the $3000 that you just spent just gave you a slightly different odor of crap it will be too late.

Go aftermarket and don't look back. The system that you have now is a much better platform for aftermarket, and it will sound several times better than the Premium will ever be.

Thanks. $3000, is that about the number you think? One of my concerns with going full aftermarket is the coordination with the cars other electronics and getting everything working as well as a factory system(with much better sound quality,of course). I had a nightmare doing my JL speakers and Kenwood head unit in my Vette. JL Cleansweep and Foosgate units screwing up everything. Im kind of hesitant at this point. I couldnt get a 2010 car with Premium and I dont think the base system will cut the mustard.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by NYC6

Thanks. $3000, is that about the number you think? One of my concerns with going full aftermarket is the coordination with the cars other electronics and getting everything working as well as a factory system(with much better sound quality,of course). I had a nightmare doing my JL speakers and Kenwood head unit in my Vette. JL Cleansweep and Foosgate units screwing up everything. Im kind of hesitant at this point. I couldnt get a 2010 car with Premium and I dont think the base system will cut the mustard.

If you want to do the least amout of install hassle possible, this would be my recommendation:

- BSW speakers set: plug and play, no wires to split, cut or tap in the doors or in the rear deck.
- SWS-8 woofers under the seats: the least amount of modification woofer that you can install in the OEM enclosures, but still need some trimming. You will need to run new wires to those woofers, as they are connected in parallel to the door speakers.
- either the 3SIXTY.2 or the bit one.1 (my pick) as processor, depending on budget.
- JL Audio G6600 or wait for the XD600/6 coming in March, 6-channel amp to power all those speakers more than nicely.
- plug 'n play harness in the back of the OEM HU for speaker output/inputs and OEM remote turn on signal. Coming soon.

That's around $2000, but it can be lower depending of the level of install work that you would like. For example, the BSW speakers and the SWS-8 can be replaced by MB Quart and Kicker SSBM8 for less than half the total price of the BSW/SWS-8 combo. Sound should be the same, although the SSBM8 does not go as low as the SWS-8...

[NYC6]

Thanks again, whatever I do wont include BSW speakers though. I will use high quality,well known brand name speakers. I'll live with the system for a while and then figure out which route I'll take.

[mineo77]

look for plug and play type kits etc from MusicarNW. Ken (VP Electricity) is working on something. I would suggest contacting him directly, he has lots of good ideas and suggestions. Not to mention he knows our cars extremely well!

[plasar]

Hey NYC6, I'd say skip the premium sound, rip out the standard kit, sell it on eBay, and get a kick ass aftermarket system installed.

Your posting helped inspire me to write up my difficulties with the premium sound and share some kit that sounded great in some car audio store auditions.

Morel Speakers: Worth a Demo (+Dynaudio, +Mcintosh)

Of course, this is pricey stuff, and I don't think you recoup at resale, but just in case you can swing it, it will kick!

[NYC6]

Thats a good post.

I have more than $4000 invested in the Vettes System. I was hoping not to spend a bunch on a killer system, as much as I'd like to. The base isnt enough and a hi end is to much(right now). Thanks for the advice.