Buying a System for E36

[m3f_PiZark_bed94aaf5c]

i was interested in buying a sytem but i already have the HK system with the small sub in the trunk. I was thinking instead of just buying a new sub, if i just bought an amp and a faceplate, tried it out first. Then if i really didn't think it sounded that much better upgraded to JL sub. Should i just buy everything altogether at once or try it out in steps.

[m3f_magas_31467be082]

I would try steps.

The HK system is ok.. the front speakers tend to wear out, especially if you change the head unit. The operate on a low amps.. so any aftermarket system will most likely destroy em. Rear speakers are ok.

I just put in my system last week.

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=42400

JL audio is the best sub in my opinion. Go for a ported box. There is allotta insulation to get through and I find ported sound best in the m3.



I recommend figuring out your budget and going from there. I wouldnt skimp out too much for the headunit. I actually have my old one I am gonna sell. Its a fold out pioneer DEH-p8400. MP3 player.

So tell us how much ya hafta blow.

http://www.azone.ch/images/DEH-P8400MP.jpg

PM me if you are interested.

[m3f_Dakhar_517a2ad3bd]

Alpine 7998

JL Stealth

4x8 Pioneer Premier rear quarter pannel (yep had them cut & installed)

Boston Pro's front

Alpine 12 Disc in trunk

4x50 1x100 Kicker 5 ch. amp installed up side down under back window area (very clean and practical)

xm radio





2,500$



You can still find the 7998 Alpine. I chose that due to that it is in black trim and the colors can be set to match the amber lights of the BMW... Quality fit, awesome overall sound...



The 7998 was I beleive the top of the line for 2003, I got it new for 350$. It sold for 700$ back in its day, and it still can be found for 700 on the net...



The bass that the JL stealths for me, is very adequate, I did not want a system that woke up the neighborhood. I have been told at my office, they could hear my sytem in the office as I was parking the car..... So no, it will not peel the paint off, but does hit well, and you still have a trunk when it is all done...



I was like you, kind of looked around for cheaper ways to do a system... finally decided to rip it all out and replace it all... You could get you the same set up cheaper if you did the install yourself and checked out e-bay offers. You could also get the 8 inch adapters for the e36 rather than getting the stealth boxes, and save a juge chunk of money



I imagine you could do the same system for around 1000 on the low 1800 on the high if you searched around

[m3f_PiZark_bed94aaf5c]

i am looking to spend $1000

[m3f_///M3 FX_c539798270]

JL audio is the best sub in my opinion. Go for a ported box. There is allotta insulation to get through and I find ported sound best in the m3.



You had trouble getting through that backwall too ? I just replaced my whole system MBQuartz Crossovers and Point Sources and Sony Deck. Sounds Great. Only bad thing is that the speakers I put in didnt fit in the old Hk holes that were in the door So I haft to get those reupholstered.

[m3f_00poop6x_6dca3456a4]

$1000 for a whole system with a headunit? It can be done!



Lets start with a headunit, that is your source of sound and interaction. That 8400MP is a good head unit...you'll like it....if it's a good price then get it. I can get you the new one, same thing but color. Find it online NEW and I'll match it or even beat it--if you buy different things from me.



$400 shipped? $390 shipped? I'm guessing price....



I might as well be a vendor on here. Start some group buys on speakers, etc....I'll see how this goes cause I'm in college but the shop is in Houston--the rents own it.



Anyone want some Memphis amps? Speakers? Woofers? I'll be having Alpine soon, and MB quart as well. I can get a hold of Dynaudio's too.



Mainly I can get the basics like Sony, Kenwood, JVC Arsenal, Blaupunkt, Pioneer, Audiobahn...anything else just ask.

[m3f_magas_31467be082]

I was thinkin of getting like 250 for the 8400 PM me if interested.

[m3f_00poop6x_6dca3456a4]

This is a good buy right there considering it is in good condition. You better jump on it.



For new, the colored one, it's going to be atleast $370 shipped.



http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pio/pe/images/portal/cit_3442/63891892DEH-P8600MP_big%20copy2s.jpg

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pio/pe/images/portal/cit_3430/90400883Movie2_NightCrusing.gif



*EDIT* changed the pic

[m3f_salty_80d4b8491b]

i was interested in buying a sytem but i already have the HK system with the small sub in the trunk. I was thinking instead of just buying a new sub, if i just bought an amp and a faceplate, tried it out first. Then if i really didn't think it sounded that much better upgraded to JL sub. Should i just buy everything altogether at once or try it out in steps.

I'd say get a used BMW CD43 head unit, and upgrade the front speakers.....This will sound very good if you are not after high volume (Ear damaging)levels. Should cost about $600 or so.

[m3f_00poop6x_6dca3456a4]

I'd say get a used BMW CD43 head unit, and upgrade the front speakers.....This will sound very good if you are not after high volume (Ear damaging)levels. Should cost about $600 or so.





Wow, $600? If I want to look stock and sound good; I'd definitely go with the Nakamichi CD-400..like $300-$350



CD-400 (http://www.nakamichiusa.com/auto/CD400/)



I mean, look at the lights, perfect match....unmatched sound quality--simplicity!





*EDIT* Who cares about radio, just get Sirius or XM.



http://www.nakamichiusa.com/auto/CD400/images/cd400a.gif

[m3f_salty_80d4b8491b]

I seriously considered the Nakamichi, but I have heard about reliability problems with that model. The CD43 sounds completely different that the C-33. Thank goodness. There is a higher end Nakamichi model (CD-700) with no amp built in that really has some appeal.

[m3f_brob2k1]

I really hope i get this new job that i'm interviewing for. it will pay me 10,000 more which will let me pay my bills w/o a problem and also save at the same time... one of the first things on my list is a HU. I'm looking something that looks good w/ the car and has built in XM... I can't live w/o XM :-)



My girlfriend has it and its great. CH 12 all the time (bluegrass LOL) she hates it!

[m3f_m3fuz_1da011f372]

i am looking to spend $1000



I did it with a Alpine CDA 9835 and two JL Stealths with a Alpine MRV T-320 amp. Sounds a hell of alot better than the stock HK system. I found that the change in head unit from C33 to the Alpine unit was like night and day.

[m3f_Dakhar_517a2ad3bd]

I seriously considered the Nakamichi, but I have heard about reliability problems with that model. The CD43 sounds completely different that the C-33. Thank goodness. There is a higher end Nakamichi model (CD-700) with no amp built in that really has some appeal.





I don't beleive the Nak is XM ready, meaning it will not control an XM radio, and you would have to run your XM through the FM reciever... Kinda lame for the day and age....



But the Nak name demands respect

[m3f_salty_80d4b8491b]

I don't beleive the Nak is XM ready, meaning it will not control an XM radio, and you would have to run your XM through the FM reciever... Kinda lame for the day and age....



But the Nak name demands respect

No XM radio or Sirius in Canada as of yet. If i was in the States i would have this. the Nak 400 does have two remote line level inputs, which would work well for my ipod.