[Narcosis]

I'm scoping out my system upgrade, and am looking for options on mounting my XD600/6. My car has the base stereo upgrade - no OEM amps.

There's a location next to the TCU where the amp fits well. Might anyone know what's on the other side of that sheet metal? If I drill there will I end up piercing the fuel tank? A concern for this location is airflow.

I could fabricate a mounting plate and secure it to the brackets already there, but my fab skills leave a lot to be desired. I want stealth

Thanks in advance.

[ctuna]

Why not put in the stock amp position?
Like most people do . Its out of sight and vented.

[e90bmw328i]

Originally Posted by ctuna

Why not put in the stock amp position?
Like most people do . Its out of sight and vented.

+1

Don't drill holes in the metal. You might compromise the integrity of the frame. Keep the amp in the same place as stock amp.

[Narcosis]

Thanks guys. When I pulled up the left hand storage bin there didn't appear to be any room under it. I need to remove all of the trunk trim to check it out.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by Narcosis

I'm scoping out my system upgrade, and am looking for options on mounting my XD600/6. My car has the base stereo upgrade - no OEM amps.

There's a location next to the TCU where the amp fits well. Might anyone know what's on the other side of that sheet metal? If I drill there will I end up piercing the fuel tank? A concern for this location is airflow.

I could fabricate a mounting plate and secure it to the brackets already there, but my fab skills leave a lot to be desired. I want stealth

Thanks in advance.

That location is OK... just use Velcro.

[tdgesq]

A number of people place their amp in that location when they don't have room in the OEM compartment. If you're paranoid about adequate ventilation (like me), buy a $4 fan from Parts Express.

[Narcosis]

The OEM amp location didn't leave enough room due to the depth of the CD bin. I was able to source a flat panel replacement for the bin (BMW part # 51477139049).

In this image ( http://www.oemautopartsplus.com/cata...3/vid/21958532 ) my car came with part #11, it's being replaced with part #12. $9.31 plus shipping from getbmwparts.com.

I'm waiting on some installation bits and pieces to show up, once they do I'll get the install done.

My list:

OEM Headunit
JL Cleansweep
JL SES
JL XD600/6
Focal 100KRS components
Earthquake SWS-8's, 4 ohm version
Technic 2/4 harness

I've got an E92, the HU will power the rear OEM drivers. 2 channels of the XD600 will drive the Focals, and the SWS-8's will each get a pair of bridged channels.

If the SWS-8's don't provide enough bottom end, I've got a JL 10W3-D4 sub in a sealed box and my old reliable SoundStream Class A 6.0 to drive it sitting on a shelf in the garage.

Has anyone fabricated a mounting plate for the XD600 in the OEM location? If so, please share what you did.

[mathematics]

Yeah, went through that a few weeks ago with a customer's car. He had the deeper tray and we didn't realize it until after the amp was mounted there. Problem was solved with the flat tray.

[cdgatti]

I cut a piece of mdf to approximately the shape of the amp area floor and drilled 2 holes for the bolts that hold down the stock metal amp rack. Screwed amp to the board and bolted the board to the car. I used some little rubber nubbies on the other side of the board to make it more level and not rock on the bolting points.

[bmw325i]

Originally Posted by cdgatti

I cut a piece of mdf to approximately the shape of the amp area floor and drilled 2 holes for the bolts that hold down the stock metal amp rack. Screwed amp to the board and bolted the board to the car. I used some little rubber nubbies on the other side of the board to make it more level and not rock on the bolting points.

I did the same but I used particle board since it is harder to strip when screwing into it. I used wood glue to attach a strip of particle board on the other side so it is level.

[Narcosis]

I've started a mock up, and due to saying "take whatever you need from the garage" to my 24 yr old son, I have zero metric bolts in the chest. Might someone know offhand what size the bolts are which hold the OEM amp mount bracket in place?

edit: a swag at home depot was correct, m5-.8.