Base upgrade for < $600 (2 options)

cptcrunch · 08-08-2015, 08:57 PM

Hi All

I have a 2011 335d with base audio (06/2010 build date) and after 4 years am getting around to an audio upgrade.

I'm wanting to spend less than $600 and have found two options. I'm curious, for those who have upgraded theirs, which is the "better" option. For reference, I listen to rock, techno and John Williams (pandora radio station) on a regular basis.

Option 1:
Alpine retrofit kit: $380
Logic 7 subwoofers: $160
Total cost: $540

Option 2:
DLS B5A 4" Comp: $87
Logic 7 subwoofers: $160
Alpine MRX F35: $175
Technic harness/cables: ~$160 (per previous forum post, not sure of current cost)
Total cost: $582

Alt Option 3 (added after the original post):
MB Quart QM-200.3 $230
Alpine MRX F35: $175
Technic harness/cables: ~$160
Total cost: $565

I'm inclined to go with the Alpine kit, but i'd rather spend the extra $42 if it'll be a better system. I've not found comparable kits/pieces that get me under my $600 budget to get rid of my base stereo equipment, but open to suggestions. I've read the audio sticky but some of the budget system posts are 4 years old, with links/products unavailable.

Good? Bad? Thoughts?

cdgatti · 08-09-2015, 07:10 AM

With the base stereo system you need to equalize the outputs before sending to an amp. Read up in the stickies how to upgrade the base system. You can use a JL cleansweep or a DSP or code your head unit to hifi.

ctuna · 08-09-2015, 01:14 PM

I mulled over trying to go cheap on this for awhile.
My experience with car audio was throw a head unit at
it an some slightly better speakers. After reading all the
stuff here and agonizing for a long time I decided to cough
up the Bucks on a known good solution that was in proportion
to the quality of the car. Because I didn't want to mess up
the car and I only wanted to do it once.
So VP kit it was.
I did self install to save some Bucks.
From my past experiences I was pretty sure I would do it
better than some of the people I had come across.
From what I understand the Alpine kit although better than stock
still is not nearly as good as most of the standard solutions
offered here.
Mainly the replacement of all fronts with a three way speaker kit from
Jehnert , Gladen, Diamond audio at least a JL audio amp or Helix dsp/amp or
Jl cleansweep or recoding.

Technic · 08-09-2015, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cptcrunch

Alt Option 3 (added after the original post):
MB Quart QM-200.3 $230
Alpine MRX F35: $175
Technic harness/cables: ~$160
Total cost: $565

You better get that MB Quart kit today at $230 shipped...

You will need the Stereo 2/4 harness with OEM speaker/woofer connectors with this combo plus OEM tweeter pods. If you send me the Alpine MRX high level inputs harness I can wired it directly to the Stereo 2/4 harness for free.

cptcrunch · 08-09-2015, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdgatti

With the base stereo system you need to equalize the outputs before sending to an amp. Read up in the stickies how to upgrade the base system. You can use a JL cleansweep or a DSP or code your head unit to hifi.

Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention that in the post. I'll be recoding the head unit to HiFi to get rid of the nasty EQ in the base system.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

I mulled over trying to go cheap on this for awhile.
My experience with car audio was throw a head unit at
it an some slightly better speakers. After reading all the
stuff here and agonizing for a long time I decided to cough
up the Bucks on a known good solution that was in proportion
to the quality of the car. Because I didn't want to mess up
the car and I only wanted to do it once.
So VP kit it was.
I did self install to save some Bucks.
From my past experiences I was pretty sure I would do it
better than some of the people I had come across.
From what I understand the Alpine kit although better than stock
still is not nearly as good as most of the standard solutions
offered here.
Mainly the replacement of all fronts with a three way speaker kit from
Jehnert , Gladen, Diamond audio at least a JL audio amp or Helix dsp/amp or
Jl cleansweep or recoding.

Thanks ctuna. I'll be tackling the install myself to save my money. Only unknown right now is recoding the HU to HiFi to get rid of the curve. I have a cable and software (I think) that will let me do that. If not, I'll have to take it to a local dealership $$. I've been debating (obviously) which kit to go with, and I think the alpine kit, while a good start, is not the best for the money.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

You better get that MB Quart kit today at $230 shipped...

You will need the Stereo 2/4 harness with OEM speaker/woofer connectors with this combo plus OEM tweeter pods. If you send me the Alpine MRX high level inputs harness I can wired it directly to the Stereo 2/4 harness for free.

MB Quart that good, in comparison to the Alpine speakers and logic 7? Hmm, might have to order that asap.

I have one of your harnesses, but i'm not sure which one. I'll PM you a picture of it and then we can work out what other harnesses I'll need. I'll definitely take you up on the mrx high level input wiring, so thank you for that

ctuna · 08-09-2015, 08:42 PM

Dealerships can often be clueless about recodes.
If Technic says that will work I would trust him on it.

cptcrunch · 08-10-2015, 01:27 PM

Awesome, thanks ctuna.

I ordered the MB Quart QM200.3BMW kit for $209 from vminnovations after coupon, and the Alpine MRX-F35 $175 from eBay. I'll shoot technic a PM about wiring the amp into the stereo 2/4 harness.

cptcrunch · 08-14-2015, 10:47 AM

Here is what I have ordered for the upgrade:

Alpine MRX-F35 amp - $175
(http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alpine-MRX-F...item5b029c57da)

MB Quart QM200.3BMW - $214
(http://www.vminnovations.com/Product...eo-System.html)
(with WEVALUEYOU coupon)

Technic harness with MB Quart adapter - $120

Rockford amp install kit: $40 from Amazon

OEM amp holder plus nuts/bolts: $30 from dealer

100' of 14 gauge speaker wire (unsure if needed): $20

Tweeter pods for front E90 doors: $55 from dealer

Total cost: $648.98 with $50 of possibly un-necessary parts

I'm confused on one part right now, and thats HU recode. Per technic a recode is not necessary, but others have mentioned that I should recode. Which way should I go? I always assumed I needed to recode and I'm not aware of the Alpine MRX-F35 being able to flatten the EQ.

To recode or not, that is the question.

bmw325i · 08-15-2015, 11:41 PM

I think you should recode to hifi and use the rca inputs.

Technic · 08-16-2015, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw325i

I think you should recode to hifi and use the rca inputs.

That is, if this particular Stereo OEM HU can in fact be recoded at all.

HiFi coding will make the rear speakers to have just a faint sound in this particular setup. And the MB Quart crossovers can neutralize the Stereo high boost without any DSP/recoding.

taibanl · 08-16-2015, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw325i

I think you should recode to hifi and use the rca inputs.

That is, if this particular Stereo OEM HU can in fact be recoded at all.

HiFi coding will make the rear speakers to have just a faint sound in this particular setup. And the MB Quart crossovers can neutralize the Stereo high boost without any DSP/recoding.

Any pro HU CAN be recoded, sometimes with difficulty. It is a question of SHOULD you. There was a long production run of HU with a high noise floor an this is exacerbated with low level hifi outputs.

In most cases i think a cleansweep type device with speaker level outs will get better results. N

cptcrunch · 08-16-2015, 09:55 PM

After talking with technic, I will not recode. The base stereo is so bad, that I know this upgrade is going to sound so much better. I'm going to 'leave well enough alone' and go from there.

If I had the budget, a 6 channel amp plus rca inputs would have been my route, but budget is what budget is.

I look forward to the upgrade in the worse way. After 4 years of ownership I've finally had enough and want this done asap.

Technic · 08-17-2015, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taibanl

Any pro HU CAN be recoded, sometimes with difficulty. It is a question of SHOULD you. There was a long production run of HU with a high noise floor an this is exacerbated with low level hifi outputs.

In most cases i think a cleansweep type device with speaker level outs will get better results. N

Not all the MY2010 OEM HU can be coded, even some CIC, taibanl.

Some MY2010 units were really stripped of features and functions in the USA.

Technic · 08-17-2015, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cptcrunch

After talking with technic, I will not recode. The base stereo is so bad, that I know this upgrade is going to sound so much better. I'm going to 'leave well enough alone' and go from there.

If I had the budget, a 6 channel amp plus rca inputs would have been my route, but budget is what budget is.

I look forward to the upgrade in the worse way. After 4 years of ownership I've finally had enough and want this done asap.

Just set the MB Quart crossovers to either -3 or -6db tweeter attenuation and they will sound fine without any DSP. Also, experiment with the Bass EQ at the Alpine amp (channel 3 and 4) and the MB Quart woofers.

I think that you will be impressed.

taibanl · 08-17-2015, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

Quote:

Originally Posted by taibanl

Any pro HU CAN be recoded, sometimes with difficulty. It is a question of SHOULD you. There was a long production run of HU with a high noise floor an this is exacerbated with low level hifi outputs.

In most cases i think a cleansweep type device with speaker level outs will get better results. N

Not all the MY2010 OEM HU can be coded, even some CIC, taibanl.

Some MY2010 units were really stripped of features and functions in the USA.

Are you making this claim also with respect to use of OPS or ICOM HEAD? By dealer with ISTA/P?

the reason i ask is because i have one of the problem radios/cars but dealer was able to do it with ista; patryk (really eugene) was able to do it with whichever device he sent me.

Of course i have not had every possible HU combo but im really confident that mine was as bad as it gets. Id happily buy you a beer if i am wrong.

cptcrunch · 08-17-2015, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

Just set the MB Quart crossovers to either -3 or -6db tweeter attenuation and they will sound fine without any DSP. Also, experiment with the Bass EQ at the Alpine amp (channel 3 and 4) and the MB Quart woofers.

I think that you will be impressed.

Do you have any recommended settings for the amp (gain, crossover)? Should the crossover mode be set to off or hp?

Technic · 08-17-2015, 07:19 PM

I found one CIC and one Professional radio, both from early MY2010 that nothing could make them code to HiFi. They were somehow fixed to Stereo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by taibanl

Are you making this claim also with respect to use of OPS or ICOM HEAD? By dealer with ISTA/P?

the reason i ask is because i have one of the problem radios/cars but dealer was able to do it with ista; patryk (really eugene) was able to do it with whichever device he sent me.

Of course i have not had every possible HU combo but im really confident that mine was as bad as it gets. Id happily buy you a beer if i am wrong.

Technic · 08-17-2015, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cptcrunch

Do you have any recommended settings for the amp (gain, crossover)? Should the crossover mode be set to off or hp?

Suggested crossover settings are posted in the forum...

taibanl · 08-18-2015, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

I found one CIC and one Professional radio, both from early MY2010 that nothing could make them code to HiFi. They were somehow fixed to Stereo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by taibanl

Are you making this claim also with respect to use of OPS or ICOM HEAD? By dealer with ISTA/P?

the reason i ask is because i have one of the problem radios/cars but dealer was able to do it with ista; patryk (really eugene) was able to do it with whichever device he sent me.

Of course i have not had every possible HU combo but im really confident that mine was as bad as it gets. Id happily buy you a beer if i am wrong.

Its really interesting the cause. I know the new "rev3" w/HD/BT/sirius HU have been easily coded by those putting them into pre-lci E90, they could code either by .trc file or by using SG reset. Mine could not be done via either method. It did take eugene a while but he got it to take eventually. Does the FRM control coding for the rest of the canbus components? Maybe its an FRM3 thing.

ctuna · 08-18-2015, 01:03 PM

In regards to reprogramming post 09.
Makan00 suggested and Icom a or Icom b cable
was needed. Also Bimmertech seems to be able to do this
with whatever they send out.

makkan00 · 08-18-2015, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

I found one CIC and one Professional radio, both from early MY2010 that nothing could make them code to HiFi. They were somehow fixed to Stereo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by taibanl

Are you making this claim also with respect to use of OPS or ICOM HEAD? By dealer with ISTA/P?

the reason i ask is because i have one of the problem radios/cars but dealer was able to do it with ista; patryk (really eugene) was able to do it with whichever device he sent me.

Of course i have not had every possible HU combo but im really confident that mine was as bad as it gets. Id happily buy you a beer if i am wrong.

I have done at least 70-90 standard radios to hi-fi mostly from MY2010/ 11.
And atleast 50-60 CICs.
With the right tools, you can always do it.
Exception is radio v3 without most loop at the back and hence they cannot be coded to L7.
HTH.

ctuna · 08-19-2015, 12:10 AM

So makkan00 is it the Icom a or b cable you use?
I believe the icomb is a most bus connection .
I wonder what the difference is between the icoma
and the standard ebay cables.
I could never get progman to run on my ebay cable but DIS57
did run. Kept saying it wanted a icom cable.

08-08-2015, 08:57 PM	#1
cptcrunch Captain Crunch 169 Rep 547 Posts Drives: 2016 340i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Cincinnati iTrader: (0)	Base upgrade for < $600 (2 options) Hi All I have a 2011 335d with base audio (06/2010 build date) and after 4 years am getting around to an audio upgrade. I'm wanting to spend less than $600 and have found two options. I'm curious, for those who have upgraded theirs, which is the "better" option. For reference, I listen to rock, techno and John Williams (pandora radio station) on a regular basis. Option 1: Alpine retrofit kit: $380 Logic 7 subwoofers: $160 Total cost: $540 Option 2: DLS B5A 4" Comp: $87 Logic 7 subwoofers: $160 Alpine MRX F35: $175 Technic harness/cables: ~$160 (per previous forum post, not sure of current cost) Total cost: $582 Alt Option 3 (added after the original post): MB Quart QM-200.3 $230 Alpine MRX F35: $175 Technic harness/cables: ~$160 Total cost: $565 I'm inclined to go with the Alpine kit, but i'd rather spend the extra $42 if it'll be a better system. I've not found comparable kits/pieces that get me under my $600 budget to get rid of my base stereo equipment, but open to suggestions. I've read the audio sticky but some of the budget system posts are 4 years old, with links/products unavailable. Good? Bad? Thoughts? __________________ On Order (in transit): BMW iX 50, Oxide Grey Retired: BMW Welt Delivery 4/14/16: European Delivery - 2016 340i EBII/Saddle - ZMP \| ZCW \| ZDA \| ZLP \| ZTP \| M Adaptive \| Rear Shades \| MPPSK Before and After Dyno Retired: 2011 335D Space Grey/Black - ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| 6FL \| Sat Radio \| Nav \| $600 Base Audio Upgrade Last edited by cptcrunch; 08-08-2015 at 09:44 PM.. Reason: added alt option 3
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

08-09-2015, 07:10 AM	#2
cdgatti Colonel 260 Rep 2,547 Posts Drives: e90 328i Join Date: May 2011 Location: KY iTrader: (4)	With the base stereo system you need to equalize the outputs before sending to an amp. Read up in the stickies how to upgrade the base system. You can use a JL cleansweep or a DSP or code your head unit to hifi. __________________ OEM Black grill and Blackline tails - LCI halogens with Lux V2 coded as DRL - 3M Crystalline - BMS PBX - OEM Euro Airbox with K&N - Hardwired CTEK - Bilstein B6 w/OEM springs and SP perches - Conti DWS06 - HiFi-Helix DSP - JLAudio HD/XD-Morel - CD changer trim - AE optical out
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-09-2015, 01:14 PM	#3
ctuna Lieutenant General 2045 Rep 13,364 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	I mulled over trying to go cheap on this for awhile. I mulled over trying to go cheap on this for awhile. My experience with car audio was throw a head unit at it an some slightly better speakers. After reading all the stuff here and agonizing for a long time I decided to cough up the Bucks on a known good solution that was in proportion to the quality of the car. Because I didn't want to mess up the car and I only wanted to do it once. So VP kit it was. I did self install to save some Bucks. From my past experiences I was pretty sure I would do it better than some of the people I had come across. From what I understand the Alpine kit although better than stock still is not nearly as good as most of the standard solutions offered here. Mainly the replacement of all fronts with a three way speaker kit from Jehnert , Gladen, Diamond audio at least a JL audio amp or Helix dsp/amp or Jl cleansweep or recoding. Last edited by ctuna; 08-09-2015 at 01:23 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-09-2015, 08:42 PM	#6
ctuna Lieutenant General 2045 Rep 13,364 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Dealerships can often be clueless about recodes. Dealerships can often be clueless about recodes. If Technic says that will work I would trust him on it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-10-2015, 01:27 PM	#7
cptcrunch Captain Crunch 169 Rep 547 Posts Drives: 2016 340i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Cincinnati iTrader: (0)	Awesome, thanks ctuna. I ordered the MB Quart QM200.3BMW kit for $209 from vminnovations after coupon, and the Alpine MRX-F35 $175 from eBay. I'll shoot technic a PM about wiring the amp into the stereo 2/4 harness. __________________ On Order (in transit): BMW iX 50, Oxide Grey Retired: BMW Welt Delivery 4/14/16: European Delivery - 2016 340i EBII/Saddle - ZMP \| ZCW \| ZDA \| ZLP \| ZTP \| M Adaptive \| Rear Shades \| MPPSK Before and After Dyno Retired: 2011 335D Space Grey/Black - ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| 6FL \| Sat Radio \| Nav \| $600 Base Audio Upgrade
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-14-2015, 10:47 AM	#8
cptcrunch Captain Crunch 169 Rep 547 Posts Drives: 2016 340i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Cincinnati iTrader: (0)	Here is what I have ordered for the upgrade: Alpine MRX-F35 amp - $175 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alpine-MRX-F...item5b029c57da) MB Quart QM200.3BMW - $214 (http://www.vminnovations.com/Product...eo-System.html) (with WEVALUEYOU coupon) Technic harness with MB Quart adapter - $120 Rockford amp install kit: $40 from Amazon OEM amp holder plus nuts/bolts: $30 from dealer 100' of 14 gauge speaker wire (unsure if needed): $20 Tweeter pods for front E90 doors: $55 from dealer Total cost: $648.98 with $50 of possibly un-necessary parts I'm confused on one part right now, and thats HU recode. Per technic a recode is not necessary, but others have mentioned that I should recode. Which way should I go? I always assumed I needed to recode and I'm not aware of the Alpine MRX-F35 being able to flatten the EQ. To recode or not, that is the question. __________________ On Order (in transit): BMW iX 50, Oxide Grey Retired: BMW Welt Delivery 4/14/16: European Delivery - 2016 340i EBII/Saddle - ZMP \| ZCW \| ZDA \| ZLP \| ZTP \| M Adaptive \| Rear Shades \| MPPSK Before and After Dyno Retired: 2011 335D Space Grey/Black - ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| 6FL \| Sat Radio \| Nav \| $600 Base Audio Upgrade
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-15-2015, 11:41 PM	#9
bmw325i Major General 237 Rep 5,118 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: United States iTrader: (8)	I think you should recode to hifi and use the rca inputs.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-16-2015, 09:55 PM	#12
cptcrunch Captain Crunch 169 Rep 547 Posts Drives: 2016 340i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Cincinnati iTrader: (0)	After talking with technic, I will not recode. The base stereo is so bad, that I know this upgrade is going to sound so much better. I'm going to 'leave well enough alone' and go from there. If I had the budget, a 6 channel amp plus rca inputs would have been my route, but budget is what budget is. I look forward to the upgrade in the worse way. After 4 years of ownership I've finally had enough and want this done asap. __________________ On Order (in transit): BMW iX 50, Oxide Grey Retired: BMW Welt Delivery 4/14/16: European Delivery - 2016 340i EBII/Saddle - ZMP \| ZCW \| ZDA \| ZLP \| ZTP \| M Adaptive \| Rear Shades \| MPPSK Before and After Dyno Retired: 2011 335D Space Grey/Black - ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| 6FL \| Sat Radio \| Nav \| $600 Base Audio Upgrade
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-18-2015, 01:03 PM	#20
ctuna Lieutenant General 2045 Rep 13,364 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Makann00 suggested and Icom a or Icom b cable In regards to reprogramming post 09. Makan00 suggested and Icom a or Icom b cable was needed. Also Bimmertech seems to be able to do this with whatever they send out.
	Appreciate 1 Quote

08-19-2015, 12:10 AM	#22
ctuna Lieutenant General 2045 Rep 13,364 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	So makkan00 is it the Icom a or b cable you use? So makkan00 is it the Icom a or b cable you use? I believe the icomb is a most bus connection . I wonder what the difference is between the icoma and the standard ebay cables. I could never get progman to run on my ebay cable but DIS57 did run. Kept saying it wanted a icom cable.
	Appreciate 0 Quote