Re: 99 E39 & a/d/s stereo equipment... (archive)

Because my job (prior to March 1) involved evaluating various new car audio products and systems, I've actually had quite a few configurations of the P840 since it was installed. The configuration I recommend to someone who does not have a full acoustic lab at their disposal like I do is:
channels 1/2 to the front (335is) tweeters through the passive (335is) crossovers set to "bi-wire" mode
channels 3/4 to the rear (A5is) speakers through the passive crossovers of the (A5is) set for conventional single-amp use.
channels 5/6 bridged and 7/8 bridged and sent to the front (335is) woofers through the (335is) passive crossovers.
The BMW midranges are left disconnected.
The P2110 drives the sub.

The actual configuration that I personally like the best, and what I am currently running, is like this:
ch 1/2 front a/d/s/ 335is tweeters using the P840's active crossover set around 5kHz.
ch 5/6 front BMW midranges, again using the P840's crossover set for a bandpass of approx 2kHz-5kHz
ch 7/8 front a/d/s/ 335is woofers set for a low pass of approx 2kHz.
ch 3/4 running the rears as above.
I say "approx" on the crossover frequencies since the final positions were determined by acoustic measurement and listening, so I don't really know the exact electrical crossover point.
The only thing wrong with this combination which makes me hesitate to recommend it universally is that it is very easy to make it sound REALLY BAD with the wrong adjustments! This is where the acoustic lab's measurement equipment comes in really handy.

:And, what are the dimensions of your sub box?

I do not use a box. I have the 310rs running free-air mounted on a wood panel firing through the ski-bag opening. (Remember, this is an E34, not an E39). The low "Q" design of the 310rs lets it be used this way without getting muddy or boomy sounding.

: I want to do the upgrade but fear that the door panel's will not seat exactly as they do now - noise free.

That should not be a problem if you're careful. BMW assembly methods tend to be pretty well designed and are not as fussy as, say, a Mitsubishi. With reasonable care it should go together well.

: I was considering just wiring in a new amp and sub and not replacing the speakers. Does anyone know the max power handling of the stock system's speakers?
The Nokias I took out of my car are rated at 40W. Mids and tweeters will handle considerably less, but of course when they are crossed over, they only get a portion of the signal, so even if the amp is rated higher they do not actually get more than a few watts sent to them.

Best regards,
Bob

Follow Ups:

Bob, could you rate the different setups ... Glenn 07:56 5/27/99 (2)
- Re: Bob, could you rate the different setups ... Bob Hazelwood 08:24 5/28/99 (1)
  - Wow! Thanks Bob ... Glenn 08:50 5/28/99 (0)

[ Follow Ups ] [ 5-series (E39) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.