2010 328i e90 with 6 speaker system, what are my options?

Riick · 08-15-2014, 09:31 PM

It always sounded bad, but now my factory head unit is starting to "whine" and you have to tap it to make it stop. It's gotta go.

I heard the E90 with professional radio and no rear door speakers or tweeters is very easy to upgrade head units in due to no amp in the trunk.

I put the car in crutchfield and it told me I would need:
Metra 95-9306B Dash Kit
Metra 40-EU10 Antenna Adapter
Axxess BMRC-01 Wiring Interface
Scosche SLC4 Line Output Converter

I understand everything but the SLC4 line output converter. How does that come into play? I'm confused.

ctuna · 08-15-2014, 10:18 PM

Not really. Unless all you want is Head Unit Power.
Because you need a more extensive Harness to and
you have to compensate for the Head Unit eq if you keep it .
Plus the under seats and doors are wired in parallel.
There are lot of things you can do and they are well documented.
If you are looking for a sound quality upgrade read this.

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

If you are changing out the Head Unit for features read these
There can be side effects.

head unit
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=head+unit
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dynavin
http://www.janus-design.net/english/
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=355089
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=head+unit
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dynavin
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dynavin
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...light=retrofit
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=993447
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1016187
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dynavin

All of these things require some Bucks as what fits and what works
is limited for a good result.
I wouldn't be trusting crutchfield for this but you could call them.

Wongway · 08-16-2014, 12:10 AM

Or talk to jeffb335 and get the Dynavin N6 Multimedia GPS system at this link. There's tons of pictures of the unit as well as the unit being installed.
No need for the Metra 95-9306B Dash Kit (the whole unit is a perfect dash fit)
No need for Metra 40-EU10 Antenna Adapter (built into the Dynavin's Harness)
No need for Axxess BMRC-01 Wiring Interface (also built into the Dynavin's Harness)
(So far that's $230 savings from Crutchfield's prices)
No need for Scosche SLC4 Line Output Converter either because it's used to convert the speaker signals to something an amplifier can use, but you're not going there.

Depending on if you have that row of buttons below the AC controls, you might want to add that BMW Dash Kit on Crutchfield that moves that small row of buttons into the ashtray spot. ($20?)

Heck, jeffb335 might even have those too.

Only minus I could think of, is that you'd lose a CD player, however there is an option to add a separate DVD/CD drive under your glovebox here. Keep in mind, however, you could simply put all your CDs and more into a 64GB SD card, since the unit has that slot built right on the face.

Riick · 08-16-2014, 03:09 AM

I'm not spending $750 on a no-name brand stereo without HD radio. I listen to a few HD2 stations.

No other upgrades to the sound. Keeping the factory speakers. No add-on amps. Powered by the head unit. Just need a head unit that isn't dying a slow and annoying death. Looking at the Kenwood DDX471HD.

I want just plug and play as much as possible.

Wongway · 08-16-2014, 03:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riick

I want just plug and play as much as possible.

Plug and play isn't going to happen unless you ebay a used OEM unit that matches your old one.

The only thing on that list I see you won't need would be the Scosche SLC4 Line Output Converter. That's used for adding any number of aftermarket amps.

You may need to buy another unit along the lines of a PAC SWI-RC Steering Wheel Control Interface that might let you retain steering wheel control, though I'm personally not well informed on this. I'm pretty certain though, you'll lose steering wheel controls if you don't get something similar.

cdgatti · 08-16-2014, 03:41 AM

riick you are going down a path where you can very easily be into for alot more than $750. I would reconsider the dynavin n6, just to be sure.

Riick · 08-16-2014, 10:19 AM

I don't understand. My car's stereo has 6 speakers with no amp that connect to the factory head unit. It's like every other basic car in the world. What's so complicated about just unbolting the factory stereo and plugging an aftermarket one in with the Axxess BMRC-01 adapter?

cdgatti · 08-16-2014, 10:25 AM

read up... but the complication has to do with the fact that the radio is tied into so much of the cars electronics. In fact the dealer can not do software upgrades unless the factory radio is installed.

Wongway · 08-16-2014, 10:35 AM

The short answer is because that head unit both talks to and is part of the car's computer system. That's also why some people will keep their head units in the trunk somewhere to be wired in parallel so they maintain that ability. Also some dealerships are stupid and can't diagnose problems outside of what the car's computer tells them. Take out the head unit and you can break the ability for the (some)dealership to diagnose.

Riick · 08-16-2014, 10:56 AM

Well that's stupid. So you're saying I have to buy a $750 non-cd, non-dvd, non-HD radio to keep shit working?

Wongway · 08-16-2014, 11:09 AM

No, you can eBay another stock radio.

You could even spend more money and just buy a stock radio brand new.

There are other no name head units that claim easy integration as well similar to the Dynavin N6, though that typically comes with lesser quality and no support to get everything working properly. (Obviously the commensurate lower price).

Even the N6 doesn't solve the problem that dealers (some?) can't work around missing the factory head unit. It's simply the next best option.

But if you just want plug and play and everything to work, then yeah, you're going to have to figure out what head unit you have and eBay your unit. Used or new.

Edit:
You're not exactly giving those other head units a fair shake.
CD simply is replaced with SD card. USB allows for plugging various other media from iPods to memory sticks. Bluetooth audio streaming so you can stream from phones. Navigation. All while maintaining quite a few factory controls as well as factory audio notifications. But again the only true sticking point that EVERY head unit replacement has is that (some)dealers can't get past the fact they can't diagnose without the factory head unit present.

Riick · 08-16-2014, 11:30 AM

My car is under warranty and it was just in the dealer last week for a passenger airbag seat sensor. They also updated the car's software. Sure, it fixed the issue of the radio clipping (and weird shifting once and a while) but damn it sounds even worse now the audio is all washed out. Plus it has a leaky cap or something so every once and a while a good tap will get rid of an annoying sound it makes.

This is frustrating.

ctuna · 08-16-2014, 11:40 AM

There are several approaches to upgrading.
The best one is the amp speaker approach if you want better sound.
If you want a better head Unit its possible to do that and get around
all the barriers that the integrated system design that BMW and other
manufacturers use now , but it won't be cheap or uncomplicated to do it right.
Dynavin is on there third generation of BMW e90 specific Head Units
and its much improved. I agree with you that leaving out HD radio in the US is a big error as this is standard feature now in almost all Head Units.
Also I think just throwing a Head Unit in a car with this configuration is not going to give you vastly better sound.
You really need to do something with the speakers and amp.
BMW can't do diagnostics they claim without the original head
unit installed. There are ways around this see the links I gave
to you under Head Unit.

Wongway · 08-16-2014, 11:45 AM

Well, if you have to maintain dealer ability to diagnose and update, then you've got two options.

Buy an OEM unit (eBay or otherwise), or have your existing head unit in the trunk somewhere wired in parallel with whatever new head unit you get.

Riick · 08-16-2014, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

There are several approaches to upgrading.
The best one is the amp speaker approach if you want better sound.
If you want a better head Unit its possible to do that and get around
all the barriers that the integrated system design that BMW and other
manufacturers use now , but it won't be cheap or uncomplicated to do it right.
Dynavin is on there third generation of BMW e90 specific Head Units
and its much improved. I agree with you that leaving out HD radio in the US is a big error as this is standard feature now in almost all Head Units.

Oh my, I didn't even think about that. I can just amp the factory speakers (and upgrade down the road). That will fix A LOT. I don't care about features it just sucks to have a 2010 car that sounds worse than my 92 lexus I had years ago.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...on-XC1410.html

What about that? It just inputs from the factory speaker wires and outputs to the factory speaker wires. Power to the battery and ground. Done?

Wongway · 08-16-2014, 12:02 PM

Not knowing what your "leaky cap" issue is... It probably won't solve that issue, and you'll likely amplify that weird sound you're describing.

A forum member here makes and sells harnesses specific to our cars whether it's a basic audio system or any of the others on up to the logic7 equipped ones.

Again, probably not a huge help if your head unit is sending a weird signal out to your speakers. (Or an upgraded amp... Again not knowing what the problem with your head unit is, I'd worry about blowing speakers if I were to amp that signal)

Riick · 08-16-2014, 12:07 PM

Well I can fix the whatever weird sound my head unit makes by buying another factory one. It has a very very faint sound in the background just a constant high pitched hum. I didn't even notice it til recent, you can just tap the radio with your finger a few times and it goes away for a while.

Back to the making it sound better problem. Micro amp? Better speakers? That shouldn't effect anything when it comes to diag or upgrades right? Seems virtually plug and play I just hope it fits behind the radio.

ctuna · 08-16-2014, 12:10 PM

Riick · 08-16-2014, 12:16 PM

Yeah I don't care THAT much. I was just thinking microamp and upgraded factory speakers is a good solution to my issue.

ctuna · 08-16-2014, 12:42 PM

There is no room for an amp behind the radio .
If you decide to keep the radio and use it for the HU you need
one that has no issues with noise because if you amp it the noise
will become louder.

Riick · 08-16-2014, 12:46 PM

Okay let's get past the radio issue it's getting replaced

Wongway · 08-16-2014, 12:51 PM

Well in that case, figure out what you want to spend.

And start reading the audio sticky up top. You'll find plenty of options there.

08-15-2014, 09:31 PM	#1
Riick Banned 138 Rep 818 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	2010 328i e90 with 6 speaker system, what are my options? It always sounded bad, but now my factory head unit is starting to "whine" and you have to tap it to make it stop. It's gotta go. I heard the E90 with professional radio and no rear door speakers or tweeters is very easy to upgrade head units in due to no amp in the trunk. I put the car in crutchfield and it told me I would need: Metra 95-9306B Dash Kit Metra 40-EU10 Antenna Adapter Axxess BMRC-01 Wiring Interface Scosche SLC4 Line Output Converter I understand everything but the SLC4 line output converter. How does that come into play? I'm confused.
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08-15-2014, 10:18 PM	#2
ctuna Lieutenant General 2098 Rep 13,467 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Not really. Not really. Unless all you want is Head Unit Power. Because you need a more extensive Harness to and you have to compensate for the Head Unit eq if you keep it . Plus the under seats and doors are wired in parallel. There are lot of things you can do and they are well documented. If you are looking for a sound quality upgrade read this. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323 If you are changing out the Head Unit for features read these There can be side effects. head unit http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=head+unit http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dynavin http://www.janus-design.net/english/ http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=355089 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=head+unit http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dynavin http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dynavin http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...light=retrofit http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=993447 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1016187 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dynavin All of these things require some Bucks as what fits and what works is limited for a good result. I wouldn't be trusting crutchfield for this but you could call them. Last edited by ctuna; 08-15-2014 at 10:26 PM..
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08-16-2014, 12:10 AM	#3
Wongway Captain 29 Rep 609 Posts Drives: 328i xdrive Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (0)	Or talk to jeffb335 and get the Dynavin N6 Multimedia GPS system at this link. There's tons of pictures of the unit as well as the unit being installed. No need for the Metra 95-9306B Dash Kit (the whole unit is a perfect dash fit) No need for Metra 40-EU10 Antenna Adapter (built into the Dynavin's Harness) No need for Axxess BMRC-01 Wiring Interface (also built into the Dynavin's Harness) (So far that's $230 savings from Crutchfield's prices) No need for Scosche SLC4 Line Output Converter either because it's used to convert the speaker signals to something an amplifier can use, but you're not going there. Depending on if you have that row of buttons below the AC controls, you might want to add that BMW Dash Kit on Crutchfield that moves that small row of buttons into the ashtray spot. ($20?) Heck, jeffb335 might even have those too. Only minus I could think of, is that you'd lose a CD player, however there is an option to add a separate DVD/CD drive under your glovebox here. Keep in mind, however, you could simply put all your CDs and more into a 64GB SD card, since the unit has that slot built right on the face.
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08-16-2014, 03:09 AM	#4
Riick Banned 138 Rep 818 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I'm not spending $750 on a no-name brand stereo without HD radio. I listen to a few HD2 stations. No other upgrades to the sound. Keeping the factory speakers. No add-on amps. Powered by the head unit. Just need a head unit that isn't dying a slow and annoying death. Looking at the Kenwood DDX471HD. I want just plug and play as much as possible.
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08-16-2014, 03:41 AM	#6
cdgatti Colonel 262 Rep 2,547 Posts Drives: e90 328i Join Date: May 2011 Location: KY iTrader: (4)	riick you are going down a path where you can very easily be into for alot more than $750. I would reconsider the dynavin n6, just to be sure.
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08-16-2014, 10:19 AM	#7
Riick Banned 138 Rep 818 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I don't understand. My car's stereo has 6 speakers with no amp that connect to the factory head unit. It's like every other basic car in the world. What's so complicated about just unbolting the factory stereo and plugging an aftermarket one in with the Axxess BMRC-01 adapter?
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08-16-2014, 10:25 AM	#8
cdgatti Colonel 262 Rep 2,547 Posts Drives: e90 328i Join Date: May 2011 Location: KY iTrader: (4)	read up... but the complication has to do with the fact that the radio is tied into so much of the cars electronics. In fact the dealer can not do software upgrades unless the factory radio is installed.
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08-16-2014, 10:35 AM	#9
Wongway Captain 29 Rep 609 Posts Drives: 328i xdrive Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (0)	The short answer is because that head unit both talks to and is part of the car's computer system. That's also why some people will keep their head units in the trunk somewhere to be wired in parallel so they maintain that ability. Also some dealerships are stupid and can't diagnose problems outside of what the car's computer tells them. Take out the head unit and you can break the ability for the (some)dealership to diagnose.
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08-16-2014, 10:56 AM	#10
Riick Banned 138 Rep 818 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Well that's stupid. So you're saying I have to buy a $750 non-cd, non-dvd, non-HD radio to keep shit working?
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08-16-2014, 11:09 AM	#11
Wongway Captain 29 Rep 609 Posts Drives: 328i xdrive Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (0)	No, you can eBay another stock radio. You could even spend more money and just buy a stock radio brand new. There are other no name head units that claim easy integration as well similar to the Dynavin N6, though that typically comes with lesser quality and no support to get everything working properly. (Obviously the commensurate lower price). Even the N6 doesn't solve the problem that dealers (some?) can't work around missing the factory head unit. It's simply the next best option. But if you just want plug and play and everything to work, then yeah, you're going to have to figure out what head unit you have and eBay your unit. Used or new. Edit: You're not exactly giving those other head units a fair shake. CD simply is replaced with SD card. USB allows for plugging various other media from iPods to memory sticks. Bluetooth audio streaming so you can stream from phones. Navigation. All while maintaining quite a few factory controls as well as factory audio notifications. But again the only true sticking point that EVERY head unit replacement has is that (some)dealers can't get past the fact they can't diagnose without the factory head unit present. Last edited by Wongway; 08-16-2014 at 11:20 AM..
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08-16-2014, 11:30 AM	#12
Riick Banned 138 Rep 818 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	My car is under warranty and it was just in the dealer last week for a passenger airbag seat sensor. They also updated the car's software. Sure, it fixed the issue of the radio clipping (and weird shifting once and a while) but damn it sounds even worse now the audio is all washed out. Plus it has a leaky cap or something so every once and a while a good tap will get rid of an annoying sound it makes. This is frustrating.
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08-16-2014, 11:40 AM	#13
ctuna Lieutenant General 2098 Rep 13,467 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	There are several approaches to upgrading. There are several approaches to upgrading. The best one is the amp speaker approach if you want better sound. If you want a better head Unit its possible to do that and get around all the barriers that the integrated system design that BMW and other manufacturers use now , but it won't be cheap or uncomplicated to do it right. Dynavin is on there third generation of BMW e90 specific Head Units and its much improved. I agree with you that leaving out HD radio in the US is a big error as this is standard feature now in almost all Head Units. Also I think just throwing a Head Unit in a car with this configuration is not going to give you vastly better sound. You really need to do something with the speakers and amp. BMW can't do diagnostics they claim without the original head unit installed. There are ways around this see the links I gave to you under Head Unit. Last edited by ctuna; 08-16-2014 at 11:47 AM..
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08-16-2014, 11:45 AM	#14
Wongway Captain 29 Rep 609 Posts Drives: 328i xdrive Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (0)	Well, if you have to maintain dealer ability to diagnose and update, then you've got two options. Buy an OEM unit (eBay or otherwise), or have your existing head unit in the trunk somewhere wired in parallel with whatever new head unit you get.
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08-16-2014, 12:02 PM	#16
Wongway Captain 29 Rep 609 Posts Drives: 328i xdrive Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (0)	Not knowing what your "leaky cap" issue is... It probably won't solve that issue, and you'll likely amplify that weird sound you're describing. A forum member here makes and sells harnesses specific to our cars whether it's a basic audio system or any of the others on up to the logic7 equipped ones. Again, probably not a huge help if your head unit is sending a weird signal out to your speakers. (Or an upgraded amp... Again not knowing what the problem with your head unit is, I'd worry about blowing speakers if I were to amp that signal)
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08-16-2014, 12:07 PM	#17
Riick Banned 138 Rep 818 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Well I can fix the whatever weird sound my head unit makes by buying another factory one. It has a very very faint sound in the background just a constant high pitched hum. I didn't even notice it til recent, you can just tap the radio with your finger a few times and it goes away for a while. Back to the making it sound better problem. Micro amp? Better speakers? That shouldn't effect anything when it comes to diag or upgrades right? Seems virtually plug and play I just hope it fits behind the radio.
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08-16-2014, 12:10 PM	#18
ctuna Lieutenant General 2098 Rep 13,467 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	A lot of people have upgraded the base system A lot of people have upgraded the base system. They are as disgusted with it as you are . If you read the audio build thread the process is well documented and there are many examples. Since the speakers are cheap in the OEM system to you need to replace at least the front sets. Also you need to compensate for the boosted eq from the tweeterless head unit. It won't be cheap but the results can be outstanding. A typical upgrade would be Jl xd600/6 Technic Harness frequency flattening device/processor or recode of Head Unit to Hi Fi output. Upgraded front speakers for the doors with a component set and tweeters housed in bmw tweeter pods and upgraded floor speakers. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323 Some of the following have example of upgraded base stereo systems. Best System examples http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=level+3 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=445266 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=822366 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=826683 http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=634957 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=processor http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=727760 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ighlight=level http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=590420 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=581379 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=451941 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=540954 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=324214 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=495855 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=technic http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ghlight=Dotech http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...&highlight=BSW http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/...morel-jbl.html http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=494299 http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=550771 http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=540446 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=532585 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=amp+upgrade http://www.bilstereoforum.se/showthread.php?t=2356 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=833581 http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=443043 http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/...creations.html Base Stereo info (the ampless system) http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ighlight=graph If your radio is really making those sounds and you are under warranty I would get them to fix/replace that while you are still under warranty . If its defective and you decide you need to use it you will kick yourself if you don't. Last edited by ctuna; 08-16-2014 at 12:15 PM..
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08-16-2014, 12:16 PM	#19
Riick Banned 138 Rep 818 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Yeah I don't care THAT much. I was just thinking microamp and upgraded factory speakers is a good solution to my issue.
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08-16-2014, 12:42 PM	#20
ctuna Lieutenant General 2098 Rep 13,467 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	There is no room for an amp behind the radio . There is no room for an amp behind the radio . If you decide to keep the radio and use it for the HU you need one that has no issues with noise because if you amp it the noise will become louder.
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08-16-2014, 12:46 PM	#21
Riick Banned 138 Rep 818 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Okay let's get past the radio issue it's getting replaced
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08-16-2014, 12:51 PM	#22
Wongway Captain 29 Rep 609 Posts Drives: 328i xdrive Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (0)	Well in that case, figure out what you want to spend. And start reading the audio sticky up top. You'll find plenty of options there.
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