Here is a compilation of information about the E9X audio system and upgrades. This document is largely copied and draws heavily from:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323
INTRODUCTION
Select your system below:
If you are unsure, please reference the list above.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323
INTRODUCTION
- When it comes to upgrading the audio system, you don't need to cut or splice into any harnesses no matter which stereo is equipped with your vehicle. There are a few harnesses which are made that make this unnecessary.
- Technic aka Elias, sells standalone harnesses at http://www.technicpnp.com
- MusicarNW, aka VP Electricity makes a harness but it appears it is only sold as part of their complete systems. http://www.musicarnw.com/
- Metra harness, for people with aftermarket head units: http://www.metraonline.com/
- There are four different audio systems that come in the E9X with a few variations:
- Base/Stereo: 4 Mids + 2 underseats, no amp - Hint: look inboard of the mirrors at the A pillar...solid plastic instead of tweeters? --> Base
- HiFi (Option 676): 4 mids, 2 underseats, 2 or 4 tweeters, analog amp<--EASIEST TO UPGRADE Hint: look inboard of the mirrors at the A pillar...tweeters? Yes & Center speaker in Dash: No? --> HiFi
- Top Hifi/Logic 7 (Option 677)/Harman Kardon (Option 688): ~13 speakers, plus digital amp Hint: look inboard of the mirrors at the A pillar...tweeters? Yes & Center speaker in Dash: Yes? -->Top HiFi
- Enhanced Premium Sound / Individual Audio (Option 752) (Brochure): ~16 speakers, digital amp Hint: look inboard of the mirrors at the A pillar...tweeters? Yes & Center speaker in Dash: Yes? AND See through speaker grilles with yellow speaker cones --> Individual Audio
Note: Within each, there are varying power levels (and in some cases different speakers), depending on the brain of the system: Non I-Drive Business HU (Option 662) Professional HU (Option 663) I-Drive M-ASK (Business Nav) CCC (Early Professional Nav) CIC (Current Professional Nav) BUT...the important part is figure out your basic physical (amp+speaker) topology.
- Once you've identified your audio system, you'll need to choose the type of upgrades you'll be interested in doing. A lot of people rip out the speakers from the Base system, code their stereo to the HiFi system to ditch the internal EQ and add an amp and upgraded speakers. Those with the HiFi system tend to install an upgraded amp and better underseat woofers. And folks with the Top Hifi/Logic 7 system often add a line out converter(LOC) and bring a dedicated sub into the picture. We will cover all of these options and more.
Select your system below:
If you are unsure, please reference the list above.