My new amplifier upgrade

[Shonky]

Better quality is arguable IMO.

I actually am currently running half and half. My right side died and I replaced with a similar unit using a quality amplifier part. But I only wired in the two right hand channels as an experiment.

Aside from a minor level difference (new amp is a bit louder so need to adjust balance) I don't hear a significant difference. Of course audio quality is very subjective.

Either way it's the simplest fix and definitely DIYable if you can solder.

[WestBankM4]

Hi All, I’m going to try and revive this thread as it’s now 2026; and my HK amp has died on the passenger channels. It started as a cracking popping sound like an aux cord being adjusted. To now the passenger speakers no longer are receiving voltage. I have also confirmed there is no break in the wires.

My question has anyone tried amps from other newer chassis codes. Or on eBay do I have to replace with exact part number amp from an E46 convertible?

If half your speakers are working and the other half are not, it's your BM54 my friend. I had the exact same symptoms, the good news is, if you want to replace it, you can buy a used one from eBay from a Land Rover L322, they're all made by Becker. There's also a guy in the UK that can do the repair for you as well as "upgrade" the amp units inside of the BM54 giving better sound quality than factory. https://carphonics.co.uk/

[Shonky]

Hi All, I’m going to try and revive this thread as it’s now 2026; and my HK amp has died on the passenger channels. It started as a cracking popping sound like an aux cord being adjusted. To now the passenger speakers no longer are receiving voltage. I have also confirmed there is no break in the wires.

My question has anyone tried amps from other newer chassis codes. Or on eBay do I have to replace with exact part number amp from an E46 convertible?

Are you sure it's the HK amp? The BM54 is still in the chain and the hybrid amp modules in them are known to fail. Can check the inputs to the HK amp if you want but I'll bet it's your BM54.

[Markbo925]

Hi All, I’m going to try and revive this thread as it’s now 2026; and my HK amp has died on the passenger channels. It started as a cracking popping sound like an aux cord being adjusted. To now the passenger speakers no longer are receiving voltage. I have also confirmed there is no break in the wires.

My question has anyone tried amps from other newer chassis codes. Or on eBay do I have to replace with exact part number amp from an E46 convertible?

[ugaexploder]

I was looking into this Audiotec Fischer Match UP 7 BMW amp and noticed that it can be installed on many different BMW platforms such as F30, E90, G01, etc...since I guess most N/A cars are equipped with Hi-Fi stereo as standard. I was wondering, has anyone considered trying an amplifier from some of the later model cars to see if it's better than the Hi-Fi amp in the E46?

[GreyM340i]

Any update? How do the new speakers sound?

It’s been great so far however I need a little more DSP tuning. I might take it to a local place to have a pro tune it with a microphone. I also purchased the matching mid driver so it will be a true 3 way setup like the stock system.

[I M Legend]

Just wanted to update this post with my next upgrade while searching for better sound in my M3. Just got my new 6.5” Morel Virtus Nano Carbon 62 speakers. Super unique with the unbelievably thin woofers. Will be installing this weekend so I hope it’s a good upgrade over my 5-1/4” Bavsound door speakers.

Any update? How do the new speakers sound?

[maw1124]

LMK how that install goes. I may use a pair for these fronts, but more likely for another car.

Cheers,

maw

[GreyM340i]

Just wanted to update this post with my next upgrade while searching for better sound in my M3. Just got my new 6.5” Morel Virtus Nano Carbon 62 speakers. Super unique with the unbelievably thin woofers. Will be installing this weekend so I hope it’s a good upgrade over my 5-1/4” Bavsound door speakers.

[GreyM340i]

Thanks, how would you rate your head unit?

I love it as it does everything I wanted plus the sound quality is great. Plus after the last update in December the CarPlay drop out issues are gone. Only thing I would say that would make it better is if the screen resolution was higher however most headunits are about the same. Don’t get me wrong it’s not bad however I figured in 2023 we would have OLED screens on everything lol.

[MathewM3]

I used the parts from the guy below. Everything worked perfectly.

https://shop.enfigcarstereo.com/bmw-3-series-1999-2006-e46-radio-replacement-parts/

Thanks, how would you rate your head unit?

[GreyM340i]

Did you use an installation kit for the Sony XAV-X6000 or did it come with something manageable for the installation?

I used the parts from the guy below. Everything worked perfectly.

https://shop.enfigcarstereo.com/bmw-3-series-1999-2006-e46-radio-replacement-parts/

[MathewM3]

Hey everyone! Just wanted to share my experience with upgrading my audio in my M3. The original system was a Hi-Fi system however the previous owner upgraded the speakers to BavSound speakers and a older Dynavin double din head unit. After receiving the car I changed the head unit out to a just released Sony XAV-AX6000 unit and even found a great deal on a now discontinued BavSound 10” powered subwoofer that mounts to the rear deck.

Did you use an installation kit for the Sony XAV-X6000 or did it come with something manageable for the installation?

[jylee05]

Thanks again!

[GreyM340i]

GreyM340i did you have any issues with getting sound out of your rear deck speakers? i installed the amp and generally sounds good, but noticed i’m not getting any music out of the L/R rear deck speakers. i’m wondering whether my software settings are off?

That’s weird. Mine is working fine when I fade front to back. Maybe reset the settings try it before loading the file again.