[pkirk]

In the DIY forum azwillnj posted a nice installation guide for SWS-8 as replacement of OEM underseat sub. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163804

This forum is a better place for my questions and was hoping someone could help me better understand 2 things:

1) A plastic frame came with my SWS-8 speakers (see below). Is that used in the installation? If so, under or above the speaker flange? If under then does it raise the speaker enough to avoid the grinding procedure specified in the DIY guide?

2) I noticed that the author of this DIY chose not to reinstall the speaker grates becuase there are some issues with fit, which require spacers to ensure no interference during operation.

What are some thoughts on this? I think it is a good thing for avoiding rattles or interference from the grate, but what about the potential for larger dirt/debris contacting the speaker.

Is this really something to worry about or is it considered no problem becuase it is back away from the part of the carpet that feet and debris contact?

[Technic]

You do not use that SWS-8 frame: you can either break the ribs (if any) in the bottom of your OEM enclosure so your SWS-8 can be installed without requiring a spacer or you can get a jtsherri spacer here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=314849

[pkirk]

Originally Posted by Technic

You do not use that SWS-8 frame: you can either break the ribs (if any) in the bottom of your OEM enclosure so your SWS-8 can be installed without requiring a spacer or you can get a jtsherri spacer here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=314849

Wouldn't the SWS-8 frame act as a spacer just like jtsherri's is underneath the flange? I am assuming there is some reason it won't work??

Any opinion on leaving off the speaker grill?

[slade1274]

The hole for the stock access plug needs to be covered to utilize the enclosure as it was designed...... I did mine out of mdf and used foam weather strip to ensure the seal.

[pkirk]

Originally Posted by slade1274

The hole for the stock access plug needs to be covered to utilize the enclosure as it was designed...... I did mine out of mdf and used foam weather strip to ensure the seal.

Nice job - thanks for sharing!

What thickness MDF did you use? Did it make it so that you didn't need to file the bottom of the enclosure?

Did you install the grill? If so did you add spacers underneath the grill?

[slade1274]

1/2" MDF

Partly, but the other part was to enclose the hole that would have been left by the stock wire clip

Grill fits well, but had to trim the floor pad for driver clearance.... this is a 135i though; pretty sure they are the same part numbers so it should be a mute point.

[kaigoss69]

You guys with these fancy ass router setups make me sick

[mech888]

Where are you guys getting the best prices on the sws8s??

[slade1274]

PM VP Electricity as he indicates he can match prices.

[pkirk]

Originally Posted by mech888

Where are you guys getting the best prices on the sws8s??

Check ebay:

Lots of options for $99 ea including shipping from sonicelectronix. This is a really good price. I bought through thier website last week for $111 ea Didn't find anything good listed on ebay at the time.

[VP Electricity]

Uh, prices for 4 and 2 ohm on eBay usually differ. And add in shipping.

We sell a kit with metal rings to solve that sizing problem.