[fdriller9]

So I have been researching quite a bit about the SWS-8 upgrade and have picked up allot from both the forums and my mistakes. Here are just some of the things I had questions about and the answers I have learned. Please tell me if I am wrong in any of my answers. Also please add any questions you had and the answers you have learned by either asking here on the forum or asking another individual. I will add these questions to my thread (with permission granted of course). Maybe we can even include the HiFI and basic sounds systems as well.

NOTE: I am only answering these in a simple way. Most of the topics I am going to cover have DIY guides or threads already posted on the forums so SEARCH before asking how, what, where, can, do, and why questions! Also I'm not a professional. Over the past year I have researched the E90 stereo system to death. I know quite a bit but not everything.

Is the SWS-8 upgrade for me?

The upgrade is for those looking for an improved low to mid-range sound output. SWS-8s WILL NOT produce ground shaking bass. This is simply because of the size of the SWS-8 woofer. The SWS-8s are 8" shallow mount woofers that can only travel so far. If you want hard hitting bass, bass that will make drivers next to you stare, you need a 10" or 12" trunk sub in a proper enclosure.

Also, many have mentioned that mid-bass suffers while bass improves.
Here are some recommendation for dedicated midbass drivers:
Morel ADMW9
Morel MW166
Kicker SSMB8

Should the underseat subs be in stereo or mono?

The underseat subs can be setup either way. You can run a 2 channel amp with 2ohm SWS-8's OR a mono amp with 4ohm SWS-8's in parallel making a 2ohm load on the amp. The 2-channel route will give a slightly better "punch" because of the lower impedance of the 2ohm SWS-8s. Of course there are other options and setups (the ones listed being the most common) but it really depends on your application. I currently have the 4ohm SWS-8s wired in parallel down to 2ohms to a JL 500/1 and I am planning on adding a trunk sub. (SWS-8s high-passed at 60hz, Trunk sub low passed at 60Hz)

Update: Since writing this thread I have blown my SWS-8s. I now have my stock L7 woofers amped and bandpassed from 150Hz down to 65Hz. I also now have a trunk sub in a sealed enclosure, powered by the JL 500/1 that blew my SWS-8s.

2ohm or 4ohm?

The impedance of the factory underseat subs in the Logic 7 system are 4ohms. Therefore, if you are only upgrading the subs than 4ohm SWS-8's will be required. If you want to power the SWS-8's in parallel with an added amp that can handle a 2ohm load, you need the 4ohm versions.

The ideal way to run the SWS-8's would be in 2ohms on a 2-channel amp (in stereo).

Update: The above statement is true when running the underseats as dedicated midbass driver's. As someone mentioned in a later post, the stereo separation is very low at these frequencies so if you're running these for bass, mono is fine. Really it's up to you. I don't think an average enthusiastic can notice the difference between stereo and mono....however I haven't heard a stereo setup yet...so don't hold me to that.

Originally Posted by Technic

Note: the Logic7 OEM woofers are 4 ohms (70W), the HiFi woofers are 2 ohms (40W), the Stereo woofers (6.5") are 4 ohms (15W in parallel with the door full range).

How much power/what amp to get?

A 2-channel amp with 150W-200W RMS per channel is ideal for the SWS-8's (2 ohms versions). However, you can easily power them with a more powerful amp as long as the gains are set properly/not too high. A monoblock amp can also be used as well but keep in mind which application you'll be using them for (mid-bass or bass).

Amp Settings?

Make sure the gain on the amp is all the way down before starting up the system. Turn up your head unit volume to about 3/4 loud. Turn the gain up slowly until you hear distortion and back off a few clicks. You should run the gain low for a week or two to break-in the subs. The factory L7 amp low passes the sub outputs at around 150Hz....so if you're just swapping out the underseats and not adding a trunk sub, you don't need to set any filters...maybe a subsonic filter at around 30Hz.

Spacers?

Spacers are needed between the SWS-8s and the factory underseat enclosures in order to provide enough clearance for the slightly taller SWS-8s. < This is a must! Another spacer can be placed between the grill and the carpet. Some leave the grill off and others just use the spacer. Some even put the spacer and the grill under the carpet. In some situations, the spacer and grill need longer screws to secure them to the enclosure. (e.g. The spacer is on top of the carpet and then the grill is placed on top of the spacer.) You can either make your own or buy a set from one of the member on the forums.

The are also other methods like the following:

Originally Posted by 808MGuy

I did the trimming the ribs method as well as installed a foam/rubber gasket between the enclosure and the SWS. That lifted it up enough for me not to have to use a spacer.

This has been covered on the forum so please search.

Power and Ground?

Wire them directly to the battery with an inline fuse rated for your amp.

REM or Remote Turn On Lead?

A good LOC with a remote turn on trigger will eliminate the need for a REM wire. However if you need to run a REM wire (in the L7 system only), it will need to go up to the head unit. There is no REM lead in the trunk for the L7 system like the other systems have.

Member "Technic" has summed up this answer very well in another thread:

Pin 13 in the back of the OEM HU is the remote wire in all the OEM systems. Pin 10 is the exact same wire but at the OEM amp connector in the non-Logic7 system. Sometimes the wire will work directly with aftermarket amps, sometimes a 12V relay will have to be used -with the OEM remote as the trigger- to turn amps on, all depends of the amp chosen.

(Technic, hope you don't mind me quoting you.)

Also I beleive Technic makes a harness so you don't need to cut any OEM wiring...at the amp. Just plug and play.

Also if your amp accepts high level inputs, you can tap the outputs from your stock amp and wire them directly to your amp. Make sure setting are set correctly....signal level high, signal sensing on, etc.

Which wires to tap?

I tapped the sub outputs of the L7 system at the amp end as per this guide:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ubwoofer+guide

Update: Other systems require different wires to tap...just follow the guide. In general, you'll want to tap the sub wires. I believe the Standard system has a Full Range signal going to the rear deck speakers so for that system, tap the rear deck speakers.

Why do the side skirts rattle with the new SWS-8 upgrade?

The underseat enclosures are "ported" into chambers within the side skirts. The enclosures are "sealed." The increased movement of air from the more powerful SWS-8s create the rattling effect. Nothing can really be done about this. You could try blocking off the ports, however you will lose significant space and therefore decrease sound output. In short, blocking the ports is not recommended.

Useful Links:
SWS 8 upgrade with MTX amp
The DIY I followed to install my SWS-8s.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ighlight=sws-8

FULL SWS-8 sub and amp install, 34 pictures, step by step
Another DIY
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ighlight=sws-8

Ultimate Subwoofer Installation Guide (Instructions inside)
Great breakdown of OEM amp wiring harnesses.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ubwoofer+guide

"Short review: Custom Earthquake SWS-8 / SWS-8x spacers"
These are the spacers I used.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ighlight=sws-8

Logic 7 specs
PDF attachment in 2nd post.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ic+sound+specs

[Technic]

Note: the Logic7 OEM woofers are 4 ohms (70W), the HiFi woofers are 2 ohms (40W), the Stereo woofers (6.5") are 4 ohms (15W in parallel with the door full range).

Nice write up.

[VP Electricity]

If you can get them to sticky it I will PayPal you a dollar

[DigitalDawn]

I'm not looking for ground-shaking bass, just better performance than the stock Logic 7 subs in my E93.

How much better is the SWS-8 than the stock subs, using the stock Logic 7 amp? Is this worth doing without an add on amp?

[Technic]

Originally Posted by DigitalDawn

I'm not looking for ground-shaking bass, just better performance than the stock Logic 7 subs in my E93.

How much better is the SWS-8 than the stock subs, using the stock Logic 7 amp? Is this worth doing without an add on amp?

You can always install them and listen for awhile without adding an amp. If you are not impressed then you can add an amp using this: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=350532

[fdriller9]

Originally Posted by Technic

Note: the Logic7 OEM woofers are 4 ohms (70W), the HiFi woofers are 2 ohms (40W), the Stereo woofers (6.5") are 4 ohms (15W in parallel with the door full range).

Nice write up.

Thanks. I'll edit that and add this info to the thread of that's ok. I'm replying on my iPhone right now so it's a bit hard to edit right now

Originally Posted by VP Electricity

If you can get them to sticky it I will PayPal you a dollar

Haha. How can I do that?

Originally Posted by Technic

You can always install them and listen for awhile without adding an amp. If you are not impressed then you can add an amp using this: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=350532

Want me to link your thread to mine?

[Lee Rambler]

probobly worth noting that while the bass improves, the midbass suffers - for those who care...

[LaYzEe]

awesome writeup!

these subs are just perfect for my needs

[jtsherri]

Originally Posted by *********

Spacers?

Spacers are needed between the SWS-8s and the factory underseat enclosures in order to provide enough clearance for the slightly taller SWS-8s. < This is a must! Another spacer can be placed between the grill and the carpet. Some leave the grill off and others just use the spacer. Some even put the spacer and the grill under the carpet. In some situations, the spacer and grill need longer screws to secure them to the enclosure. (e.g. The spacer is on top of the carpet and then the grill is placed on top of the spacer.) You can either make your own or buy a set from one of the member on the forums.

"Short review: Custom Earthquake SWS-8 / SWS-8x spacers"
These are the spacers I used.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ighlight=sws-8

Thanks for the props!

[fdriller9]

Originally Posted by DigitalDawn

I'm not looking for ground-shaking bass, just better performance than the stock Logic 7 subs in my E93.

How much better is the SWS-8 than the stock subs, using the stock Logic 7 amp? Is this worth doing without an add on amp?

I think that's only a problem with mono setups. Stereo should sound better. I could be wrong though. I'll be swapping out my monoblock amp for a stereo one soon. Once I get my system sounding right with the new amp and a 12" Type-R in the trunk I'll post a little review.

[DFW_MThree]

nice write up i think this is the route i will be going for my car..and maybe adding a trunk sub later on.

[DFW_MThree]

where can i get the spacers that id need from? and id need a 2ohm or a 4ohm version of the SWS8s?

[fdriller9]

Originally Posted by jpurvis08

where can i get the spacers that id need from? and id need a 2ohm or a 4ohm version of the SWS8s?

Dude did you read? It's all explained in the thread. Read it over again then ask. I can understand if you have a little confusion about the impedance but the spacers? Check the links I provided.

[DFW_MThree]

Originally Posted by *********

Dude did you read? It's all explained in the thread. Read it over again then ask. I can understand if you have a little confusion about the impedance but the spacers? Check the links I provided.

you said you can make your own or buy a set from a member off the forums?..i wasnt sure if there was a specific person to go to that sold these "spacers" on here or not..and as far as the other question...i know you said if you want to pair it with another amp then get the 4 ohm version, but technics post after confused me slightly about which to get.Im no audio expert..in fact i know barely anything about audio,i never really looked into it, im a noob at audio stuff. As far as your question..yes i did read sorry to take up your precious time man

[fdriller9]

My bad didn't mean to sound pissed off or anything but I posted this so people could look at it and refer to it so they can search the forums. Both your questions have been covered in other threads. Its not a problem that you asked here...its just you could have easily found the answer. Now to answer your questions...I got my spacers from "jtsherri" (post #9). You can get them from him or make your own. You can also use dynamat and some have used some kind of weather strip thing...not sure on that one.

Originally Posted by *********

2ohm or 4ohm?


The impedance of the factory underseat subs in the Logic 7 system are 4ohms. Therefore, if you are only upgrading the subs than 4ohm SWS-8's will be required. If you want to power the SWS-8's in parallel with an added amp that can handle a 2ohm load, you need the 4ohm versions. The ideal way to run the SWS-8's would be in 2ohms on a 2-channel amp (in stereo).

[fdriller9]

Also, if you don't use spacers you'll need need to cut the fins or whatever on the bottom of the enclosure for it to fit.

[DFW_MThree]

Originally Posted by *********

My bad didn't mean to sound pissed off or anything but I posted this so people could look at it and refer to it so they can search the forums. Both your questions have been covered in other threads. Its not a problem that you asked here...its just you could have easily found the answer. Now to answer your questions...I got my spacers from "jtsherri" (post #9). You can get them from him or make your own. You can also use dynamat and some have used some kind of weather strip thing...not sure on that one.

its all good...thanks

[808MGuy]

Just a few observations from my short experience with the SWS.

Originally Posted by *********

Is the SWS-8 upgrade for me?

The upgrade is for those looking for an improved low to mid-range sound output. SWS-8s WILL NOT produce ground shaking bass. This is simply because of the size of the SWS-8 woofer. The SWS-8s are 8" shallow mount woofers that can only travel so far. They have a hard time hitting frequncies below say 60Hz. If you want hard hitting bass, bass that will make drivers next to you stare, you need a 10" or 12" trunk sub in a proper enclosure.

From my current experience with tuning my system, the SWS8 gives me usable output down to about 35Hz. From there the output drops off very fast. Do they hit hard? Well it depends on your defenition of hit hard but for most people I would say no. Do they give you full sound above 40 Hz? Yes.


Should the underseat subs be in stereo or mono?

The underseat subs should be run in stereo because they are responsible for most of the mid-range frequencies. They can be run in mono, however better sound quality can be reached in stereo.

Since I'm running mine at 80Hz and below, stereo separation is not that big an issue. I would like to run them in stereo but don't have the power at 4 ohms to do it.


How much power/what amp to get?

A 2-channel amp with 150W-200W RMS per channel is ideal for the SWS-8's. However, you can easily power them with a more powerful amp as long as the gains are set properly/not too high. A monoblock amp can also be used as well but keep in mind that they will sound better in stereo.

Based on the rating of my amp, I'm running 500W mono to the pair so 250W each and they seem to be fine even at very high volume.

Amp Settings?

Make sure the gain is all the way down before starting up the system. Turn the gain up slowly until you hear distortion and back off a few clicks. You should run the gain low for a week or two to break-in the subs. The factory L7 amp low passes the sub outputs at 150Hz. The SWS-8s have a difficult time hitting anything below 60Hz. So High-passing your amp at 60Hz should make the sound a bit cleaner/less distorted.

I still think crossing at 60 Hz is a bit of a waste. Of course, if you're going to use the SWS as dedicated midbasses then sure because you have a sub to take over after that but there are better drivers suited for that purpose since the SWS doesn't sound so good above 125 Hz either.

Spacers?

Spacers are needed between the SWS-8s and the factory underseat enclosures in order to provide enough clearance for the slightly taller SWS-8s. < This is a must! Another spacer can be placed between the grill and the carpet. Some leave the grill off and others just use the spacer. Some even put the spacer and the grill under the carpet. In some situations, the spacer and grill need longer screws to secure them to the enclosure. (e.g. The spacer is on top of the carpet and then the grill is placed on top of the spacer.) You can either make your own or buy a set from one of the member on the forums.

I did the trimming the ribs method as well as installed a foam/rubber gasket between the enclosure and the SWS. That lifted it up enough for me not to have to use a spacer.


Why do the side skirts rattle with the new SWS-8 upgrade?

The underseat enclosures are ported into the side skirts. The increased movement of air from the more powerful SWS-8s create the rattling effect. Nothing can really be done about this. You could try blocking off the ports, however you will lose significant space and therefore decrease sound output. In short, blocking the ports is not recommended.

I haven't heard mine rattle yet even at high volume. I did not block the ports and I didn't use any sound damping material in the enclosure.

[VP Electricity]

My SWS8 opened up on midbass a good bit after breaking in... but I'd still rather have a speaker stronger above 125-150...

We don't KNOW that those are ports, right? They might be passages to additional fixed chambers? That seems to be a point of confusion, isn't it?

[fdriller9]

Originally Posted by VP Electricity

My SWS8 opened up on midbass a good bit after breaking in... but I'd still rather have a speaker stronger above 125-150...

We don't KNOW that those are ports, right? They might be passages to additional fixed chambers? That seems to be a point of confusion, isn't it?

They are fixed chambers. I meant that they are ported into the sideskirts which have a fixed chamber in them. In one of the threads they talk about how big it is...I think its around 1.4 cu ft.

[Lee Rambler]

approximately 1.4ft3, from the best of my measurements and what I could see with the scope... could easily be a bit more or less. There was no port I could see. I did some more tinkering and I'm fairly sure it is indeed a "sealed" enclosure. I had the sill panel and rear sail panels out, and was playing some tones and sweeps, and it's amazing how much leakage there is at the pop clips when they are out. It actually seals up really well when you install them. I use the term sealed loosely because the "enclosure" as it is resonates quite easily, to be expected of thin gauge metal I suppose. With all the panels installed it isn't too noticable inside, though you can certainly hear it outside. I was trying to figure out a good way to damp it, but I think it would be pretty tough to get damping material every where in there...

[808MGuy]

Originally Posted by *********

They are fixed chambers. I meant that they are ported into the sideskirts which have a fixed chamber in them. In one of the threads they talk about how big it is...I think its around 1.4 cu ft.

I would agree that they are just passages to a larger fixed chamber. 1.4 cu ft is huge for an 8". I wonder why they decided to make it so big? Big is good for maximizing low end extension so maybe that was part of it.