[el19]

Originally Posted by Norris83

Congratulations on the new car!
The speakers are all plug and play, including the speakers grills. You will find that the oem door grills are infused in plastic. I used a dremel tool to remove them. When you place the new grills, they come with screws that hold the new grills instead of that plastic that you removed. It's much better in my opinion just make sure you use the correct size screw. If you use the larger ones they could damage the grill and come out of the grill!

I find the sound is much cleaner and properly powered by the HK amp. I don't feel that there's a need to replace the amp or that the amp is under powered. I've always felt that the HK speakers were overpowered by the HK amp and that if I had the it cranked up high it would blow the speakers and the sound just becomes distorted after 75-80% volume. With these speakers it's much better sound quality and it can handle the power all the way to 95%. The subwoofers were a massive improvement over the hk ones! I would start with those.

Currently there's no aftermarket amp but once bavesound or bimmertech come out with one, you will have other options to get. My wife's G01 X3 it came with the Hi-fi standard system. I got the bimmertech amp, subwoofers and used the hk speakers off my car, it sounds much better than the oem hi-fi closer to the HK setup I had in my F10. For some reason the HK system in our G30 is lacking when I compare it to my F10 535i.

I appreciate all of your pioneering on these aliexpress speakers. One question I have. How are the ambient lights in the grills powered? The pictures don't really show the cabling or plugs.

[Norris83]

You're welcome! The ambient lights come with cables that plugs into the existing lights.
I watched the bavsound install YouTube videos. They were really helpful.

[el19]

Originally Posted by Norris83

You're welcome! The ambient lights come with cables that plugs into the existing lights.
I watched the bavsound install YouTube videos. They were really helpful.

Good stuff. I watched the install video on the stage 1 g30 replacement but didn't see those cables for the grills. Once everything comes in I'm sure I'll see it lol thanks again

[mittu]

Originally Posted by Norris83

You're welcome! The ambient lights come with cables that plugs into the existing lights.
I watched the bavsound install YouTube videos. They were really helpful.

Hi, Im a little late to this thread. In the process of doing what youve done. My question is, how have the replica subwoofers held up?

I ask because the HK ones are 8 ohms and the BW replicas are 4 ohms.
But saying that, reputable audio manufactures are advertising 4 ohm subs as direct drop ins.

Focal - 4 ohms
audison 4 ohms
bimmer tech - 7 ohms for HK hifi, but aslo stock 2, 4 ohm options
bavsound - 2 ohms for basic hifi, and 8 ohms for HK hifi

I'll give focal and audison a quick ring to double check their 4 ohm solutions are suitable for HK hifi.

by the sounds of your experience, the HK amp's held up fine with 4 ohm subs.

I do like a little spice to my bass, but dont want to risk burning the HK amp.

[Norris83]

Originally Posted by mittu

Hi, Im a little late to this thread. In the process of doing what youve done. My question is, how have the replica subwoofers held up?

I ask because the HK ones are 8 ohms and the BW replicas are 4 ohms.
But saying that, reputable audio manufactures are advertising 4 ohm subs as direct drop ins.

Focal 4 ohns
audison 4 ohns
bimmer tech 7 ohms
bavsound 8 ohns

I do like a little spice to my bass, but dont want to risk burning the HK amp.

The bass system is still going strong in my car. The subs pump better bass than the oem hk ones did.

[mittu]

Nice one. Appreciate the quick reply. Your comment about the HK speakers struggling at high volume is so true. The speakers sound like they're tearing themselves apart above 2⁄3 volume.

In a general setup, amps are supposed to be rated considerably higher than the speakers (better sound/ longevity), so it makes sense for it to run 4 ohms subs if the 8 ohm set cant handle the power.

I'll defiantly be swapping them out.

[mittu]

Originally Posted by Norris83

The bass system is still going strong in my car. The subs pump better bass than the oem hk ones did.

Also I forgot to ask you, if you'd had the car's audio processing algorithm/ sound profiles changed from HK to BW?

[Norris83]

Originally Posted by mittu

Also I forgot to ask you, if you'd had the car's audio processing algorithm/ sound profiles changed from HK to BW?

I didn't change anything other than all the speakers.

[mittu]

Originally Posted by Norris83

I didn't change anything other than all the speakers.

Its worth doing. A coder friend did it for me. Only took him a few minutes. BW processing algorithm even makes the HK speakers sound better. whether its basic hifi, HK or BW, I'm assuming the processing algorithm from each is tuned to the characteristics and response curve of their speakers.

The idrive sound menu will change to the BW setup, so it'll feel like OEM.

[mittu]

UPGRADING FACTORY UNDERSEAT SUBWOOFERS ONLY

Right, Ive been doing a little homework on these subs.
In total there are 4 factory setups. The impedance (Ω) varies depending on audio option, and some options aren't offered in all countries.

4Ω Base
2Ω Hi-Fi
8Ω Harman Kardon
? Bowers & Wilkins

In most European countries it starts with the Base (bollocks) option, and in the U.S. and other markets its Hi-Fi as standard.

BMW Specialist brands $500-600 (VERY PRICEY)
Bavsound - U.S. audio upgrades specialist, offer the Ghost line of direct swap subs.
All their options closely match factory impedance.
Bimmer Tech - Europe based, ship globally. Sell a whole host of products and service.
Their direct swap subwoofer offerings are similar to Bavsound, matching factory impedance.

With the OEM HK setup, the sub is 7-8Ω. From what I've gathered, the HK amp is comfortable running 4Ω subs. Established audio brands (Focal, Audison, etc.) all offer a 4Ω direct swap.

Cheaper less established brands $250-300 (generic model)
Once you start searching, you'll find there's a boatload of lesser-known brands out there: Musway, Eton, MB Quart, GRS, and the list goes on. All these subs look very similar and seem to be rebadged generic Chinese models - 2 common designs out there.
At half the price of a bmw specialist/ premium brand, they're great value for money and punch a decent bit of bass.

Best of both worlds $250-300
Premium subs at the price of cheap ones. Head over to AliExpress and pick up a set of Bowers & Wilkins replica subs. Hands down the best bang for your buck. Specs that match the premium stuff and genuinely very good quality (as testified by Norris83). Available in 2 and 4Ω options. Most sellers miss out the impedance in the description, so be sure to message them before buying. Takes a few weeks to arrive but Overall this is the best option.

https://www.just-sound.de/
If you live in Europe and don't feel comfortable buying from China or eBay, I've come across this German store who ship across Europe (incl. UK). They stock a range of brands and prices are very reasonable; sometimes put on decent sale. Ive only just ordered 2x Audison apbmw s8-4 subwoofers on sale, incl. delivery £207. In the Uk, a pair of these go for £450+. sounds too good to be true... Lets see if they show up.

I hope the above info, along with everything Norris83 has mentioned helps others looking to upgrade their setup.

[dy63]

Originally Posted by Norris83

You're welcome! The ambient lights come with cables that plugs into the existing lights.
I watched the bavsound install YouTube videos. They were really helpful.

So if i just want the ambient effect...is there any need to order the actual tweeters/speakers? Can i just order the speaker covers for both doors and they will come with the ambient lights?

[Norris83]

Originally Posted by dy63

So if i just want the ambient effect...is there any need to order the actual tweeters/speakers? Can i just order the speaker covers for both doors and they will come with the ambient lights?

Sorry for the late response. You can just get the grills but the original speakers are black so you definitely won’t see the light effects!
I’m happy that I got the entire setup, it definitely sounds better than the HK stock speakers. They look much better too.
If you wanted you can get the grills from these guys and get speakers somewhere else but I highly recommend getting them in a lighter color so the light actually reflects. Otherwise it’s a waste of money and work. It’s a lot of work to take off the door cards, best to have everything ready and do it once! It’s not good to take the door cards multiple times.

[Maxx Power]

My days of Boom-Boom and Doof-Doof are long gone but I still found the sound coming from the back of the car to be 'missing', so I decided to upgrade the rear shelf speakers from my Base system to a set of these B&W 'alternatives', just to try it.

I definitely think there is an improvement, not huge, but I no longer think about it or listen for it, so to me that makes this a worthwhile upgrade.

I tried all the coding changes, but tbh I couldn't hear any difference from any of them. Maybe because the Base system doesn't have an amp..(?)

[tuzii]

Originally Posted by Maxx Power

My days of Boom-Boom and Doof-Doof are long gone but I still found the sound coming from the back of the car to be 'missing', so I decided to upgrade the rear shelf speakers from my Base system to a set of these B&W 'alternatives', just to try it.

I definitely think there is an improvement, not huge, but I no longer think about it or listen for it, so to me that makes this a worthwhile upgrade.

I tried all the coding changes, but tbh I couldn't hear any difference from any of them. Maybe because the Base system doesn't have an amp..(?)

mate i also have the base system, I have the aliexpress H&K set, subs, tweeters and mids, i also coded the car to bang and olufsen.

however today i installed a audison 8.9 bit amp and my god its different, i thought it sounded good before but now its a different beast.

[Maxx Power]

Originally Posted by tuzii

mate i also have the base system, I have the aliexpress H&K set, subs, tweeters and mids, i also coded the car to bang and olufsen.

however today i installed a audison 8.9 bit amp and my god its different, i thought it sounded good before but now its a different beast.

Nice... Did they have to run any wires to be able to add the amp..?

I understand the base system doesn't have an amp so I presume everything is just connected to the back of the HU..(?)

[tuzii]

Originally Posted by Maxx Power

Nice... Did they have to run any wires to be able to add the amp..?

I understand the base system doesn't have an amp so I presume everything is just connected to the back of the HU..(?)

yeah, four different harnesses, not cheap, $700AUD for them alone.

this is the spec i have
https://au.audison.eu/spc-kit/?kit=3...33&y=15&type=3

they also separated the subs from the daisy chain they are in so its all different channels now.

peteinpa

[Volasko]

Originally Posted by Norris83

Sorry for the late response. You can just get the grills but the original speakers are black so you definitely won’t see the light effects!
I’m happy that I got the entire setup, it definitely sounds better than the HK stock speakers. They look much better too.
If you wanted you can get the grills from these guys and get speakers somewhere else but I highly recommend getting them in a lighter color so the light actually reflects. Otherwise it’s a waste of money and work. It’s a lot of work to take off the door cards, best to have everything ready and do it once! It’s not good to take the door cards multiple times.

This is going to sound a bit creepy, but I work literally up the road from you (unit at 3620A). I know because I see your beast parked everyday. In my defense it is a beautiful ride, so its hard not to notice. I cannot send PM's because of a previous forum infraction but would it be possible if you could reach out to me by email, I would love to check out a few things in person without creepily walking around your car one day at lunch lol

I just bought a 530e and I'm curious about some of the visual flares you added plus (if you're OK with it), I'd like experience the sound system in person as I'm very interested in doing the same. The stock HK system leaves much to be desired at the top end.

adamvolasko at hotmail dot com

[Norris83]

Originally Posted by Volasko

This is going to sound a bit creepy, but I work literally up the road from you (unit at 3620A). I know because I see your beast parked everyday. In my defense it is a beautiful ride, so its hard not to notice. I cannot send PM's because of a previous forum infraction but would it be possible if you could reach out to me by email, I would love to check out a few things in person without creepily walking around your car one day at lunch lol

I just bought a 530e and I'm curious about some of the visual flares you added plus (if you're OK with it), I'd like experience the sound system in person as I'm very interested in doing the same. The stock HK system leaves much to be desired at the top end.

adamvolasko at hotmail dot com

Hello Adam, sorry for the delays. thank you for reaching out I just sent you an email. You’re welcome to stop by whenever you see my car there!

[devil84]

Originally Posted by Norris83

That might be an issue down the road. I'm keeping all the oem parts until I sell the car. If I ever need to revert back to stock, I can easily do so.

The LED lighting is on the covers, however the original speakers are black vs B&W speakers are white/silver which reflects the light. The speakers give off a nice effect with the ambient lights. The oem grills/covers on the doors have tabs that need to be grinding off to take them off. I'm sure you can put them back if you use screws instead.

If the LED lights fail I would just disconnect them and keep those covers on as they look really nice still.

Hiya

I am thinking of this retrofit. Are they door grills difficult to remove. Is it reversible if you wanted to put car back to factory?

I also have focal esk100 front door speakers (which are yellow), I wonder if the light will give a good effect?

[WretchedRefuse]

Originally Posted by devil84

Hiya

I am thinking of this retrofit. Are they door grills difficult to remove. Is it reversible if you wanted to put car back to factory?

I also have focal esk100 front door speakers (which are yellow), I wonder if the light will give a good effect?

Probably the best way to answer that question is to watch this video. If you're not intimidated, then I'd argue that for you, they are not "difficult" to remove. The converse is also true. Is it reversible? I'd say in theory, yes, but in reality you will probably break some OEM part and make it non-reversible. In my case, I destroyed a connector and poked a hole in an OEM tweeter. As they say in the car mod biz: Oops. Not reversible for me.

[devil84]

I am talking about the speaker grill rather than the door cards.

[WretchedRefuse]

Originally Posted by devil84

I am talking about the speaker grill rather than the door cards.

Oops again. I can't speak to that one.