[thejackyltm]

So my "crazy" question is when ever I have the radio on, and the windows/sunroof down/open the speakers crack. Anyone know why this is? I don't have it up too loud as soon as I put the windows up and close sunroof it goes away. Makes it annoying as all hell to even have windows down with the radio on. Which sucks. ANy clue?

[thejackyltm]

anyone input?

[alexwhittemore]

Originally Posted by thejackyltm

So my "crazy" question is when ever I have the radio on, and the windows/sunroof down/open the speakers crack. Anyone know why this is? I don't have it up too loud as soon as I put the windows up and close sunroof it goes away. Makes it annoying as all hell to even have windows down with the radio on. Which sucks. ANy clue?

I've never noticed that myself. I'll see if I can notice anything, but in my 328i with hifi I don't think I have that problem.

The one thing that jumps to mind is: do you turn the stereo up when the windows are cracked to match the volumes? The effect of cabin gain with your windows closed is very noticeable such that if you want the stereo at the same perceived volume with them down, you'll have to turn it up much higher - perhaps you're going into the range where it starts distorting. Or if you're using a device on aux in, make sure it's not cranked all the way - it'll distort within the top 5-10%. But you say the volume isn't too loud, and I wouldn't characterize that kind of distortion as cracking or popping, so I'm stumped.

[mob17]

I had the exact same problem in my base stereo car. I used to drive along at 40mph+ with the windows closed at a certain volume with no distortion. Once i rolled the drivers window down they started to distort, the volume was never touched. To get around this i just used to either turn the volume or bass level down.

I don't know what it could be but ever since i replaced my OEM woofers with aftermarket ones they haven't had the same problem.

[thejackyltm]

Originally Posted by alexwhittemore

I've never noticed that myself. I'll see if I can notice anything, but in my 328i with hifi I don't think I have that problem.

The one thing that jumps to mind is: do you turn the stereo up when the windows are cracked to match the volumes? The effect of cabin gain with your windows closed is very noticeable such that if you want the stereo at the same perceived volume with them down, you'll have to turn it up much higher - perhaps you're going into the range where it starts distorting. Or if you're using a device on aux in, make sure it's not cranked all the way - it'll distort within the top 5-10%. But you say the volume isn't too loud, and I wouldn't characterize that kind of distortion as cracking or popping, so I'm stumped.

Nope, I don't touch the volume at all. I can keep it at same level, soon as i roll windows down-bam distortion. I turn it down but it doesn't seem to have any effect. Really kind of shitty when you think about it that I've never heard of a car having this kind of problem. Especially a car of this caliber that you can't even listen to the radio with the windows down. I just have a stock no hi fi system.

[thejackyltm]

Originally Posted by mob17

I had the exact same problem in my base stereo car. I used to drive along at 40mph+ with the windows closed at a certain volume with no distortion. Once i rolled the drivers window down they started to distort, the volume was never touched. To get around this i just used to either turn the volume or bass level down.

I don't know what it could be but ever since i replaced my OEM woofers with aftermarket ones they haven't had the same problem.

you said you replaced the woofers? My distortion is coming from the door speakers. What did you go with??

[alexwhittemore]

Originally Posted by mob17

I had the exact same problem in my base stereo car. I used to drive along at 40mph+ with the windows closed at a certain volume with no distortion. Once i rolled the drivers window down they started to distort, the volume was never touched. To get around this i just used to either turn the volume or bass level down.

I don't know what it could be but ever since i replaced my OEM woofers with aftermarket ones they haven't had the same problem.

Wow, that's just insane. I haven't noticed anything, but I've got hifi, sorry.

On the plus side, the system isn't so hot to begin with anyway - if changing your drivers seems to fix it, well, might as well take the hint :P. Even with hifi, I'm quite sure that I'll replace my drivers and put in a standalone amp before too long.

[mob17]

Yeah its insane how a car of this quality has one of the worst audio options in the industry! Good thing is we can upgrade relatively easily.

Mine were definately the woofers distorting. I think the problem may be to do with pressure, fitment or that they are just not great speakers. You could try and take your door panel off to see what its like back there, and check to see if the speaker is fitted air tight. Same with the woofer if thats distorting.

This is a perfectly reasonable enough excuse to upgrade your audio

Edit: i went with Jehnert XE200. But with most speakers you need an amp, apart from BSW i THINK. Also something to flatten that EQd signal from the HU will do wonders.

[thejackyltm]

well good deal...thanks guys for your input and help!