Alpine Hifi upgrade

AlanQS · 04-09-2009, 01:18 PM

Two of the four channels on the Alpine amp are specifically for the sub woofers so that's why you're not getting any bass yet.

E92 LeMans · 04-10-2009, 03:20 PM

I have been looking at wire in door seal and there is a big power cable on drivers side seal is this the one that was causing problems to other peoples install but I have followed instructions as retro fit and it says run cables down either side of the car.

On plus side I fittted the tweeter grill that was supplied wrong by bmw it was supprising how much wind niose came from there without the corners on there !

E92 LeMans · 04-11-2009, 02:55 PM

Well got it finished today what a difference it make but then have been used to no subs for a couple of days so i guess that makes it sound even better.

I am well please with results just got to put a few trims back on and all donre but I have a nice sound now!

What setting are you guys using?

ScottC25 · 04-12-2009, 06:59 PM

Hi there, new to the forum but interested deeply in this thread.

I have some car audio kit in my garage already that came out of my E46 so looking not to spend a fortune.

Does anyone know if BMW/Alpine will sell the wiring harness as a standalone, I already have a 4 channel Alpine amp that I could use. I am going to lift the boot floor tomorrow to see whether it would fit into the slot that has been used. I may well just purchase the whole kit but feel its worth at least exploring whether some of my existing stuff can be used.

Is the amp with the kit powered directly from the battery in the boot, or is it of a low enough output level to be taking a feed from somewhere else like one of the blaupunkt amps.

Finally, the guy who used to do this work for me is no longer involved, can any one recommend a reputable(and inexpensive) fitter in the West of Scotland.

Thanks

Scott

AlanQS · 04-12-2009, 08:48 PM

I don't know anyone Scott, but I got Park to fit mine for 2.5 hours of labour - they did a fine job, no radio interference or anything.

nosher70 · 04-15-2009, 03:54 PM

Hello again,

Thanks for your responses, at speed and with windows open, there is a lot of "bafflie" noise being emitted from the mirror triangle speakers and upon seeking advice a friend suggested that it is air re-circulating around the speakers and going back in to them? he suggested also that i remove the door panels and put a "shed" load of silicon in place....

If this is the problem then does it mean that BMW have incorrectly fitted the kit?

Another person also said that (obviously) you shouldnt have the windows open as air con is fitted!!

But, again, I feel the Alpine kit was a worthwhile investment and I have no intention of getting a sub/aftermarket system fitted at all

any ideas please?

E92 LeMans · 04-15-2009, 07:19 PM

Did you get new new foam wedges for behind tweeters?

Taffy_g · 04-18-2009, 07:26 PM

got a bit of a question regarding this kit.

my assumption was that the alpine loom linked into the original wiring loom.

after receiving my kit, and the seeing the connectors, it appears i have to actually cut wires.

my question is. say i take the sub for example. if i cut the 2 wires going to/from the sub, do i connect the amp onto the 2 wires going to the sub rather than the ones to the headunit? or... do i then crimp the +/+ wires into one end of a connector, and then attach the alpine kit into the other end?

EDIT: after delving into the cars loom a bit more, i found the 2 joints each side to split and link into.

its all fitted and sounds a lot better now.

for those that have it fitted or know their stuff, when i turn the radio on after the cars been turned off for a little bit, it takes a few seconds to get sound through the amp driven speakers. is this just the amp powering up? or is something wrong?

E92 LeMans · 04-20-2009, 05:59 PM

Yes that is just the amp coming on mine does the same! Most amp will work like this

Just a quick to anyone thinking of doing this upgrade Do it well worth the money I thought it was good but then I compaired it to a car at work which has bmw upgraded hifi and the alpine beat it hands down!

AlanQS · 04-20-2009, 06:35 PM

+2 on the Alpine amp coming on a fraction after the original system.

nosher70 · 04-21-2009, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E92 LeMans

Did you get new new foam wedges for behind tweeters?

erm, dont know as the kit was ordered and fitted at the same time thru a main dealer.......is there an easy way to check this? and if they havent, i assume they will fit these under warranty/poor installation??

thanks

JLR1969 · 04-21-2009, 03:14 PM

The only way to check is to remove the covers and look behind to actually see them.

As I am aware you need to remove the trim and door panel to do this.

On a positive if one side is done then the other should be also

AlanQS · 04-21-2009, 06:30 PM

When ordering the parts, they should have advised you that these extra items would be needed. But if they didn't and you didn't, I'm not sure that it would be regarded as their fault.

raj55 · 04-23-2009, 01:00 AM

Does any one have instructions on how to remove the upper window trim sill on a E91? I have ordered the Alpine kit and I now realise that in the E91 the tweeter housing is integrated (as one piece) with the upper window trim. That means I have to replace the whole trim that does not have the housing/grill for the tweeter with the one that has a housing for the tweeter. Please help.

raj55 · 04-23-2009, 12:21 PM

No one has removed an upper window trim sill (black plastic) in the E91? Please help if you can.

RagingKileak · 04-23-2009, 12:26 PM

FYI guys.

My kit arrived yesterday and I can say that the box was HUGE it must be 4 feet square to accomodate the Saloon door mouldings...

Matt

raj55 · 04-23-2009, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RagingKileak

FYI guys.

Saloon door mouldings...

Matt

Is that the door trim that is so big? Please post pictures if you change your door trim for the tweeter installation.

RagingKileak · 04-23-2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raj55

Is that the door trim that is so big? Please post pictures if you change your door trim for the tweeter installation.

Will do mate.

And yes - the Saloon kit comes with much larger door mouldings - all the way round the door frame so its very large.

Looks a bit tougher than the Coupe, but only marginally.

Matt

raj55 · 04-24-2009, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkeynuts

Thanks for that Robbie99.

Does anyone know what the score is with the BMW warranty? After doing a bit of research, am I right in thinking that the worst-case is that it could invalidate a warranty claim only if it relates to the Audio system?

The Swedish BMW dealer says that if the work is carried out in a expert manner (done according to the instruction) the warranty is intact. I mentioned that I would be doing it mysel and that seemed to be acceptable as long as it was done properly.

RagingKileak · 04-24-2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raj55

The Swedish BMW dealer says that if the work is carried out in a expert manner (done according to the instruction) the warranty is intact. I mentioned that I would be doing it mysel and that seemed to be acceptable as long as it was done properly.

BMW supplied me with the manual on CD and a hard copy, the bloke was more than happy with me fitting it and was a genuinely nice bloke, which is in my experience the first time I have been happy with anything to do with a BMW dealer...

Matt

raj55 · 04-24-2009, 01:14 PM

I am eagerly waiting for my packet from the dealer and ofcourse photo description from Matt before I get going with my installation. Finding the right wires is going to be challenging but I have done some thing similar in a RAV4 before and let's hope I can do it here without breaking any plastic trim! The waiting is killing me!

RagingKileak · 04-24-2009, 02:48 PM

OK guys well I am taking pics as we go.

So far we have the front door cards off, the new speakers and tweeters in without a hiccough and working off the standard amp so wiring is ok.

We have also fitted the new amp into the boot - lo and behold when I got there because my car has DAB - it already has an amp which has complicated things no end.

Anyway, we have worked round it and have now removed the back seats and side seals.

Soon will come some wire splicing I suspect...

Matt

04-09-2009, 01:18 PM	#89
AlanQS Colonel 247 Rep 2,816 Posts Drives: Jaguar XE P250 HSE Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 430i m-sport G ... [0.00]	Two of the four channels on the Alpine amp are specifically for the sub woofers so that's why you're not getting any bass yet.
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04-10-2009, 03:20 PM	#90
E92 LeMans Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 296 Posts Drives: E92 330d M Sport Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: London iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 M235i [0.00] 2007 330d M Sport [0.00]	I have been looking at wire in door seal and there is a big power cable on drivers side seal is this the one that was causing problems to other peoples install but I have followed instructions as retro fit and it says run cables down either side of the car. On plus side I fittted the tweeter grill that was supplied wrong by bmw it was supprising how much wind niose came from there without the corners on there ! __________________
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04-11-2009, 02:55 PM	#91
E92 LeMans Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 296 Posts Drives: E92 330d M Sport Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: London iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 M235i [0.00] 2007 330d M Sport [0.00]	Well got it finished today what a difference it make but then have been used to no subs for a couple of days so i guess that makes it sound even better. I am well please with results just got to put a few trims back on and all donre but I have a nice sound now! What setting are you guys using? __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-12-2009, 06:59 PM	#92
ScottC25 Second Lieutenant 118 Rep 265 Posts Drives: M4 Competition xDrive Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (0)	Hi there, new to the forum but interested deeply in this thread. I have some car audio kit in my garage already that came out of my E46 so looking not to spend a fortune. Does anyone know if BMW/Alpine will sell the wiring harness as a standalone, I already have a 4 channel Alpine amp that I could use. I am going to lift the boot floor tomorrow to see whether it would fit into the slot that has been used. I may well just purchase the whole kit but feel its worth at least exploring whether some of my existing stuff can be used. Is the amp with the kit powered directly from the battery in the boot, or is it of a low enough output level to be taking a feed from somewhere else like one of the blaupunkt amps. Finally, the guy who used to do this work for me is no longer involved, can any one recommend a reputable(and inexpensive) fitter in the West of Scotland. Thanks Scott
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04-12-2009, 08:48 PM	#93
AlanQS Colonel 247 Rep 2,816 Posts Drives: Jaguar XE P250 HSE Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 430i m-sport G ... [0.00]	I don't know anyone Scott, but I got Park to fit mine for 2.5 hours of labour - they did a fine job, no radio interference or anything.
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04-15-2009, 03:54 PM	#94
nosher70 Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: late 06 320i ES saloon Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: uk iTrader: (0)	suffering from major wind..... Hello again, Thanks for your responses, at speed and with windows open, there is a lot of "bafflie" noise being emitted from the mirror triangle speakers and upon seeking advice a friend suggested that it is air re-circulating around the speakers and going back in to them? he suggested also that i remove the door panels and put a "shed" load of silicon in place.... If this is the problem then does it mean that BMW have incorrectly fitted the kit? Another person also said that (obviously) you shouldnt have the windows open as air con is fitted!! But, again, I feel the Alpine kit was a worthwhile investment and I have no intention of getting a sub/aftermarket system fitted at all any ideas please?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-15-2009, 07:19 PM	#95
E92 LeMans Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 296 Posts Drives: E92 330d M Sport Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: London iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 M235i [0.00] 2007 330d M Sport [0.00]	Did you get new new foam wedges for behind tweeters? __________________
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04-18-2009, 07:26 PM	#96
Taffy_g New Member 0 Rep 21 Posts Drives: E91 325D Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cardiff iTrader: (0)	got a bit of a question regarding this kit. my assumption was that the alpine loom linked into the original wiring loom. after receiving my kit, and the seeing the connectors, it appears i have to actually cut wires. my question is. say i take the sub for example. if i cut the 2 wires going to/from the sub, do i connect the amp onto the 2 wires going to the sub rather than the ones to the headunit? or... do i then crimp the +/+ wires into one end of a connector, and then attach the alpine kit into the other end? EDIT: after delving into the cars loom a bit more, i found the 2 joints each side to split and link into. its all fitted and sounds a lot better now. for those that have it fitted or know their stuff, when i turn the radio on after the cars been turned off for a little bit, it takes a few seconds to get sound through the amp driven speakers. is this just the amp powering up? or is something wrong? Last edited by Taffy_g; 04-19-2009 at 05:10 PM..
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04-20-2009, 05:59 PM	#97
E92 LeMans Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 296 Posts Drives: E92 330d M Sport Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: London iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 M235i [0.00] 2007 330d M Sport [0.00]	Yes that is just the amp coming on mine does the same! Most amp will work like this Just a quick to anyone thinking of doing this upgrade Do it well worth the money I thought it was good but then I compaired it to a car at work which has bmw upgraded hifi and the alpine beat it hands down! __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2009, 06:35 PM	#98
AlanQS Colonel 247 Rep 2,816 Posts Drives: Jaguar XE P250 HSE Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 430i m-sport G ... [0.00]	+2 on the Alpine amp coming on a fraction after the original system.
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04-21-2009, 03:14 PM	#100
JLR1969 Major General 1837 Rep 7,000 Posts Drives: Kubota GR1600 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: England iTrader: (1)	The only way to check is to remove the covers and look behind to actually see them. As I am aware you need to remove the trim and door panel to do this. On a positive if one side is done then the other should be also
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-21-2009, 06:30 PM	#101
AlanQS Colonel 247 Rep 2,816 Posts Drives: Jaguar XE P250 HSE Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 430i m-sport G ... [0.00]	When ordering the parts, they should have advised you that these extra items would be needed. But if they didn't and you didn't, I'm not sure that it would be regarded as their fault.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-23-2009, 01:00 AM	#102
raj55 First Lieutenant 28 Rep 303 Posts Drives: E91 2009, 320i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: SWEDEN iTrader: (0)	Does any one have instructions on how to remove the upper window trim sill on a E91? I have ordered the Alpine kit and I now realise that in the E91 the tweeter housing is integrated (as one piece) with the upper window trim. That means I have to replace the whole trim that does not have the housing/grill for the tweeter with the one that has a housing for the tweeter. Please help.
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04-23-2009, 12:21 PM	#103
raj55 First Lieutenant 28 Rep 303 Posts Drives: E91 2009, 320i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: SWEDEN iTrader: (0)	No one has removed an upper window trim sill (black plastic) in the E91? Please help if you can.
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04-23-2009, 12:26 PM	#104
RagingKileak Brigadier General 195 Rep 4,655 Posts Drives: M3 CS Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Yorkshire iTrader: (2)	FYI guys. My kit arrived yesterday and I can say that the box was HUGE it must be 4 feet square to accomodate the Saloon door mouldings... Matt
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04-24-2009, 01:14 PM	#109
raj55 First Lieutenant 28 Rep 303 Posts Drives: E91 2009, 320i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: SWEDEN iTrader: (0)	I am eagerly waiting for my packet from the dealer and ofcourse photo description from Matt before I get going with my installation. Finding the right wires is going to be challenging but I have done some thing similar in a RAV4 before and let's hope I can do it here without breaking any plastic trim! The waiting is killing me!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-24-2009, 02:48 PM	#110
RagingKileak Brigadier General 195 Rep 4,655 Posts Drives: M3 CS Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Yorkshire iTrader: (2)	OK guys well I am taking pics as we go. So far we have the front door cards off, the new speakers and tweeters in without a hiccough and working off the standard amp so wiring is ok. We have also fitted the new amp into the boot - lo and behold when I got there because my car has DAB - it already has an amp which has complicated things no end. Anyway, we have worked round it and have now removed the back seats and side seals. Soon will come some wire splicing I suspect... Matt
	Appreciate 0 Quote