[mikeokimster]

Posting this here as well, since the activity on M3post for audio upgrades is nearly dead.

Background
I have a 2010 E90 M3 with the base sound system. Over the past few days I did some good reading from past threads on various audio setups and have narrowed down my choices to the following. I have seen some positive reviews with many different setups, but like to hear first hand experiences of what ended up working well long term.

Purpose of Upgrading
My intent of this upgrade is to gain clarity and crispness that the base tweeterless system seemingly lacks to exceed that of Logic 7.

I am no means a basehead and am more focused on mid and high frequency response. I am with the camp of people that prefer to just update the fronts, as the rears are more for fill.

The system must be easily reversible.

Budget
My budget is around 1k and need the system to be as plug and play friendly as possible while retaining the oem amp location.

Option 1 - The easy way out but fear potential future upgrades: ~$500
BSW stage 1
-Front pair of door speakers
-Front set of tweeters
-Front Tweeter Door frames
-Stock base amp
-Stock underseats

Option 2 - Slightly enhanced, but still PnP: ~580
Focal IFBMW-S
-Front pair of door speakers [$530]
-Front set of tweeters [incl]
-Front Tweeter Door frames [$50]
-Stock base amp
-Stock underseats

Option 3 - Enhanced ~$1200
Focal K2 100KRS
-Front pair of door speakers [$750]
-Front set of tweeters [incl]
-(2) cross overs[incl]
-Front Tweeter Door frames [$50]
-JBL MS-8 used[$400]
-Stock base amp
-Stock underseats

option 4: Any suggestions?

help needed
I am not sure as to which of the options above will require Technic's harness(hoping he still sells them). I am also not sure as to which of these options will require hifi coding(cost?).

[ctuna]

Jehnert Flatline 3 way kit around 600 bucks on ebay.
Much better speakers that will handle more power.
JL xd seires amp with 4 or more channels
(No reason and much downside to using a BMW amp
no power bad fidelity)
Technic Harness and connectors.
Coding or Clean sweep Technic also has recommended the
Diamond audio 3 way set as a cheaper alternative to Jehnerts.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1411521234

Substitute a Helix 82dsp if you are thinking of going to the next
level instead of a MS8, the Helix has 8 channels at 55 watts and DSP

There is no amp in a 2010 base system which is one of the problems.
Not sure if this apply's to the M3 but all US e90's

See

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323

The stock under seats will put out a little bass with more power but it
will be muddy.

Be sure you have identified your system correctly.
Cause if it has an OEM amp its not the base system and requires
a different approach.
The definition of base system is thrown around kind of loosely.

[bmwmsport]

+1 for the Jehnert flatline kit and Helix amp, that's what I'm doing in my '10 E90 335i.

[Ali-E90]

No tweeters = base audio, but as mentioned, also means no amp. All speakers powered by the HU. In addition, the HU has a factory EQ applied to boost the lows and highs in an attempt to make up for the lack of tweeters and only 6.5" woofers under the seats instead of 8".

I suggest:
1. Jenhert 3-way drop in kit (includes upgraded front mids and tweeters for the doors plus 8" woofers for under the seats)
2. JL XD amp, 4-6 channels
3. Recode HU to hifi to flatten the EQ, and convert the speaker level outputs to low-level for use with amp
4. Whichever technic harness is needed to make this work.

May not fit in your budget but this is really the way to go, whether you plan on doing future upgrades or not.

Good luck!

[bmwmsport]

ctuna can you provide ebay links?

[Dwtk]

One limiting factor I found is the head unit . If you don't have Idrive get a zenec 3215 . Performs all oem functions and you have pre outs for speaker and sub so you de couple bass from rest of speakers . Eg more control . You can also perform crossover on the head unit to door speakers . I recently did alpine upgrade . But wasn't happy with base . So now I bought a cheap 2 channel amp for 125w Rms per channel and some earth quakes 4 ohm. I wil be linking it to the sub out no the stereo . also I wouldn't go extreme on your speaker selection the alpine upgrade is a huge boost on the basic .

[Ali-E90]

Originally Posted by Dwtk

One limiting factor I found is the head unit . If you don't have Idrive get a zenec 3215 . Performs all oem functions and you have pre outs for speaker and sub so you de couple bass from rest of speakers . Eg more control . You can also perform crossover on the head unit to door speakers . I recently did alpine upgrade . But wasn't happy with base . So now I bought a cheap 2 channel amp for 125w Rms per channel and some earth quakes 4 ohm. I wil be linking it to the sub out no the stereo . also I wouldn't go extreme on your speaker selection the alpine upgrade is a huge boost on the basic .

If you're looking for more functionality in addition to sound quality, then yes, a new HU could help. Some still retain an OEM look, the new unit from Dynavin specifically seems to have excellent reviews and integrates very well into the E90 (including seat heater controls built in, and ability to operate with L7 - which you're not worried about anyway). If you choose to go this route, you no longer have to worry about coding or a Technic harness (don't quote me on the harness part) as I'm guessing you'll just run RCAs from the new HU to the amps.

This may not be as easily reversible as leaving the HU intact. If all you need is better audio, stick to the prior recommendations... but if adding navigation, Bluetooth, other additional functionality is of interest to you, then these are some additional options to consider.

Cheers.

[ctuna]

I would check and see what kind of deal 6spd coupe can give you on a
package before I start trying to piece things together from ebay .
Especialy if you are going for the Helix.
Because I think you will get some Technical Support from him .
6sp coupe at Unexpected Creations.

ebay link won't copy and work . Go to ebay search car speakers Jehnert.
They are there I just checked.

[Nelson@BimmerTech]

Originally Posted by ctuna

I would check and see what kind of deal 6spd coupe can give you on a
package before I start trying to piece things together from ebay .
Especialy if you are going for the Helix.
Because I think you will get some Technical Support from him .
6sp coupe at Unexpected Creations.

ebay link won't copy and work . Go to ebay search car speakers Jehnert.
They are there I just checked.

You get no technical support or warranty if you purchase the Jehnerts on EBay. Don Amann from Unexpected Creations is the U.S. Distributor, trust me you want to get it from him. The eBay seller is in Germany.

[Technic]

Is your M3 the only one in the USA without OEM tweeters and no OEM amp?

Originally Posted by mikeokimster

Posting this here as well, since the activity on M3post for audio upgrades is nearly dead.

Background
I have a 2010 E90 M3 with the base sound system. Over the past few days I did some good reading from past threads on various audio setups and have narrowed down my choices to the following. I have seen some positive reviews with many different setups, but like to hear first hand experiences of what ended up working well long term.

Purpose of Upgrading
My intent of this upgrade is to gain clarity and crispness that the base tweeterless system seemingly lacks to exceed that of Logic 7.

I am no means a basehead and am more focused on mid and high frequency response. I am with the camp of people that prefer to just update the fronts, as the rears are more for fill.

The system must be easily reversible.

Budget
My budget is around 1k and need the system to be as plug and play friendly as possible while retaining the oem amp location.

Option 1 - The easy way out but fear potential future upgrades: ~$500
BSW stage 1
-Front pair of door speakers
-Front set of tweeters
-Front Tweeter Door frames
-Stock base amp
-Stock underseats

Option 2 - Slightly enhanced, but still PnP: ~580
Focal IFBMW-S
-Front pair of door speakers [$530]
-Front set of tweeters [incl]
-Front Tweeter Door frames [$50]
-Stock base amp
-Stock underseats

Option 3 - Enhanced ~$1200
Focal K2 100KRS
-Front pair of door speakers [$750]
-Front set of tweeters [incl]
-(2) cross overs[incl]
-Front Tweeter Door frames [$50]
-JBL MS-8 used[$400]
-Stock base amp
-Stock underseats

option 4: Any suggestions?

help needed
I am not sure as to which of the options above will require Technic's harness(hoping he still sells them). I am also not sure as to which of these options will require hifi coding(cost?).

[mikeokimster]

Originally Posted by Technic

Is your M3 the only one in the USA without OEM tweeters and no OEM amp?

I guess so. In the drivers side aft trunk under the amp panel I do not have a amp there and blank tweeter window trims.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by mikeokimster

I guess so. In the drivers side aft trunk under the amp panel I do not have a amp there and blank tweeter window trims.

That was a factory mistake and if you were the original owner then you deserved a credit for the lack of standard equipment.

[ctuna]

What was the standard for the 2010 M3?
What is the default system ?

[Technic]

Originally Posted by ctuna

What was the standard for the 2010 M3?
What is the default system ?

HiFi... the USA M3 was not supposed to be decontented as the 3-Series Coupes and Sedans for MY2010.

[ctuna]

Did they put the amp in the same place ?

[mikeokimster]

My base e90 m3 system components

[Simon Harris]

Hi, I have just installed the Focal components with Gladen sub's and Mosconi 120.4 DSP. The change is dramatic. Total cost circa £850 and total OEM visual.IMO you certainly don't need to change the head unit.
Br
Simon Harris