E93 Subwoofer options

lichtgelb · 12-21-2015, 09:08 AM

Just picked up a new to me E93. It has option 676 HiFi and iDrive. I want to add a 12 to the trunk but obviously there isn't a lot of room in there.

I was a car audio installer back in the 90's. I haven't done much car audio work since then so I'm a little behind on current tech. Back in the day we would add High to Low level adapters to add a subwoofer amp to factory systems. That was never an ideal setup. Is it possible to tap the factory pre-amp outputs to create a low level pre-amp to a sub amp?

gaza01 · 12-21-2015, 11:01 AM

jl shallow subs! I heard one of their 13" shallow subs in a e93...really good for what they are.

lichtgelb · 12-21-2015, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gaza01

jl shallow subs! I heard one of their 13" shallow subs in a e93...really good for what they are.

I worked for a JL Audio dealer back in the 90's. Their high Q subs were top notch and could deliver some incredible bass in a small enclosure.

tdgesq · 12-21-2015, 12:46 PM

If you have a ski pass, the best space-saving option is to run the sub IB through the ski pass. Many members here do that with very good sound quality results.

Because you have hi-fi, you have balanced output directly from the head unit. There is a harness sold by Technic that allows you to add a sub. I don't believe you need a LOC line driver, but you will need to purchase an amp that allows for balanced inputs.

rambca · 12-22-2015, 01:24 PM

Nowadays, many amps accept high level inputs so all you would have to do is tap into the rear speakers (or whatever is the most accessible) to get the input for your subwoofer amp. No LOC needed.

That said, if what you're looking for is more bass, upgrading the underseat woofers and amplifying them can make an amazing difference without compromising trunk space. I have upgraded 8" underseats and I hardly ever crank up the 12" Hertz Hi-Energy sub I have in the trunk (I have a remote gain control for it). The bass from the underseats is nice and tight and the staging of having the woofer in the front is really pleasant. Food for thought.

If you want a dedicated sub in the back you can get some pretty big sound out of some pretty small woofers. JL makes good stuff for sure but imo it's pretty overpriced. You can get some Pioneer woofers preloaded in a *tiny* box for a very reasonable price. I used to have the older version of the 10" and it surprised me.

bd5400 · 12-22-2015, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rambca

That said, if what you're looking for is more bass, upgrading the underseat woofers and amplifying them can make an amazing difference without compromising trunk space. I have upgraded 8" underseats and I hardly ever crank up the 12" Hertz Hi-Energy sub I have in the trunk (I have a remote gain control for it). The bass from the underseats is nice and tight and the staging of having the woofer in the front is really pleasant. Food for thought.

What are you using in the underseat woofers? Bavsound is finally shipping their ghost underseat woofers which are plug and play or have the option of being amplified for more power but there are very few first impressions out there as to whether they are worth it.

Lockman_321 · 12-22-2015, 05:06 PM

Where are you based mate? I went for a custom e93 12" enclosure that fits in the boot and allows for the hatch to come down. The guys who make this are based in the UK so not sure what countries they deliver to. Here is the link if you are interested. I managed to fit a 12" 1000rms sub in and I have to say even with base stereo (im planning to upgrade the speakers at some point) and a dynavin N6 headunit it sounds fantastic (I cant say what it would sound like with a stock head unit through using a LOC)

Here is the link to the enclosure if you are interested

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E93-Co...-/251460766541

lichtgelb · 12-23-2015, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bd5400

What are you using in the underseat woofers? Bavsound is finally shipping their ghost underseat woofers which are plug and play or have the option of being amplified for more power but there are very few first impressions out there as to whether they are worth it.

I haven't seen any speakers under the seat. I'll have to look and see if something is down there.

lichtgelb · 12-23-2015, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lockman_321

Where are you based mate? I went for a custom e93 12" enclosure that fits in the boot and allows for the hatch to come down. The guys who make this are based in the UK so not sure what countries they deliver to. Here is the link if you are interested. I managed to fit a 12" 1000rms sub in and I have to say even with base stereo (im planning to upgrade the speakers at some point) and a dynavin N6 headunit it sounds fantastic (I cant say what it would sound like with a stock head unit through using a LOC)

Here is the link to the enclosure if you are interested

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E93-Co...-/251460766541

I'm in the US but have seen those same boxes from the UK on ebay.

rambca · 12-23-2015, 12:21 PM

All E9X have woofers in the floor under the front seats. If you have HiFi you've got 8" underseat woofers. A custom-fit box for a 12" box will definitely get you the more bass but it still takes up a room. It's all a matter of how much bass you want and how important trunk space is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bd5400

What are you using in the underseat woofers? Bavsound is finally shipping their ghost underseat woofers which are plug and play or have the option of being amplified for more power but there are very few first impressions out there as to whether they are worth it.

Like I said you can get some really nice bass just upgrading the underseat woofers. My whole car shakes with just the underseats. I have these:
http://www.audiotec-fischer.de/lng/en/ms-8b-bmw2.html

They're not strictly plug and play but still very easy to install. They have higher power handling than the Bavsound woofers (150W vs 100W) and are significantly cheaper. Another very similar option (since I can't seem to find mine on eBay right now) would be the Earthquake SWS-8Xi. These woofers are extremely popular for upgrading the underseats and also boast 150W RMS power handling.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-x-Earthqua...oAAOSwfcVUBjuS

Half the price of Bavsound's while offering for better performance. Worth the extra manual labour in my opinion.

lichtgelb · 12-23-2015, 01:45 PM

I'll have to look under the seats tonight to see what's under there.

I ended up buying this for now. Amazon had a screaming deal on a used 12 and I should have it tomorrow. If it doesn't fit I'll use it in my E90. Looks like the thickest point is 11.5 inches so it should be close.

kaigoss69 · 12-23-2015, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lichtgelb

I'll have to look under the seats tonight to see what's under there.

I ended up buying this for now. Amazon had a screaming deal on a used 12 and I should have it tomorrow. If it doesn't fit I'll use it in my E90. Looks like the thickest point is 11.5 inches so it should be close.

Throw that piece of crap away as soon as it is delivered and do it right with an IB install or a custom sealed enclosure. You may think I'm a d!ck but you'll thank me later.

lichtgelb · 12-23-2015, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaigoss69

Throw that piece of crap away as soon as it is delivered and do it right with an IB install or a custom sealed enclosure. You may think I'm a d!ck but you'll thank me later.

I used to build custom enclosures when I did car audio for a living. Dual ported bandpass boxes were my specialty. There's not enough room for that and I'm not looking to relive my youth.

kaigoss69 · 12-23-2015, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lichtgelb

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaigoss69

Throw that piece of crap away as soon as it is delivered and do it right with an IB install or a custom sealed enclosure. You may think I'm a d!ck but you'll thank me later.

I used to build custom enclosures when I did car audio for a living. Dual ported bandpass boxes were my specialty. There's not enough room for that and I'm not looking to relive my youth.

If you can build band pass enclosures, you can build a baffle. IB is the way to go and there are many subs out there under $300 that will sound infinitely better IB than what you bought.

lichtgelb · 12-23-2015, 02:26 PM

I did a lot of IB setups back in the day and didn't really like the sound...too boomy. Maybe there are better drivers now because this was 20 years ago. I'm not trying to win any SPL contests right now.

mathematics · 12-23-2015, 03:11 PM

Yes, times have changed. IB sounds great with the right sub.

tdgesq · 12-23-2015, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lichtgelb

I did a lot of IB setups back in the day and didn't really like the sound...too boomy. Maybe there are better drivers now because this was 20 years ago. I'm not trying to win any SPL contests right now.

I don't think the concern is "IB or nothing else." I think the concern is that particular sub composition. A sealed 12 with an internal 300w rms amp that weighs 16 pounds? Something isn't right there. Btw, I don't run my subs IB either, but I am doubtful you will be satisfied with that product; particularly since you have some aftermarket car audio background.

Lockman_321 · 12-24-2015, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdgesq

I don't think the concern is "IB or nothing else." I think the concern is that particular sub composition. A sealed 12 with an internal 300w rms amp that weighs 16 pounds? Something isn't right there. Btw, I don't run my subs IB either, but I am doubtful you will be satisfied with that product; particularly since you have some aftermarket car audio background.

I have to agree with this. It's a 12" 300w so likely 150wrms. It would make more sense to just upgrade the underseats than buy that. Not trying to be horrible or anything. I just think you won't be satisfied with that.

Anyway let me know how you get on with it.

cs123819 · 01-10-2016, 06:29 PM

Swing by www.e93subwoofer.com, where you can get big bass in a small space. Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by lichtgelb

Just picked up a new to me E93. It has option 676 HiFi and iDrive. I want to add a 12 to the trunk but obviously there isn't a lot of room in there.

I was a car audio installer back in the 90's. I haven't done much car audio work since then so I'm a little behind on current tech. Back in the day we would add High to Low level adapters to add a subwoofer amp to factory systems. That was never an ideal setup. Is it possible to tap the factory pre-amp outputs to create a low level pre-amp to a sub amp?

mathematics · 01-10-2016, 06:30 PM

Installing a Brax Matrix in mine in a few weeks. Stay tuned

lichtgelb · 01-11-2016, 08:07 AM

I installed the Fosgate box and it's not bad for what it is. The sound quality is not great but not bad either. I think I can hear the box flexing as much as I do the 12 at high volume lol. It moves some air and that's all I wanted until I can do something much better. My E93 does not have a ski pass but I have a plan to create an opening and do something in a little smaller box with more power behind it. I would have built an enclosure out of MDF to begin with but I sold my table saw a few months ago and don't have any means to build a box right now.

As for upgrading the factory wiring....with the amp on the driver side and the battery on the passenger it couldn't be easier.

Way back when I worked for a Fosgate dealer we would have sold a boatload of these sub boxes if they had existed back then. I wouldn't say it's adequate for anything beyond adding some bass to an otherwise factory setup.

Hotbodyz · 01-11-2016, 08:54 AM

I have a e92 and just bought 2 10w6v3 JL
Focal krs 100 for the front.
helix dsp pro
JL 900/500.
Leave the subs that are under the seats.
Also got a great deal from a dealer on eBay for Focal krs 100. Paid 415 Canadian with shipping and no VAT. You have to pm him for no VAT and better price.

12-21-2015, 09:08 AM	#1
lichtgelb Lieutenant 107 Rep 485 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 335i Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Flyover Country iTrader: (0)	E93 Subwoofer options Just picked up a new to me E93. It has option 676 HiFi and iDrive. I want to add a 12 to the trunk but obviously there isn't a lot of room in there. I was a car audio installer back in the 90's. I haven't done much car audio work since then so I'm a little behind on current tech. Back in the day we would add High to Low level adapters to add a subwoofer amp to factory systems. That was never an ideal setup. Is it possible to tap the factory pre-amp outputs to create a low level pre-amp to a sub amp?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

12-21-2015, 11:01 AM	#2
gaza01 Colonel 105 Rep 2,692 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: London iTrader: (3)	jl shallow subs! I heard one of their 13" shallow subs in a e93...really good for what they are.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-21-2015, 12:46 PM	#4
tdgesq Private First Class 4 Rep 145 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Pacific N.W. iTrader: (0)	If you have a ski pass, the best space-saving option is to run the sub IB through the ski pass. Many members here do that with very good sound quality results. Because you have hi-fi, you have balanced output directly from the head unit. There is a harness sold by Technic that allows you to add a sub. I don't believe you need a LOC line driver, but you will need to purchase an amp that allows for balanced inputs.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-22-2015, 01:24 PM	#5
rambca Enlisted Member 0 Rep 45 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 28i Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Calgary, AB, Canada iTrader: (0)	Nowadays, many amps accept high level inputs so all you would have to do is tap into the rear speakers (or whatever is the most accessible) to get the input for your subwoofer amp. No LOC needed. That said, if what you're looking for is more bass, upgrading the underseat woofers and amplifying them can make an amazing difference without compromising trunk space. I have upgraded 8" underseats and I hardly ever crank up the 12" Hertz Hi-Energy sub I have in the trunk (I have a remote gain control for it). The bass from the underseats is nice and tight and the staging of having the woofer in the front is really pleasant. Food for thought. If you want a dedicated sub in the back you can get some pretty big sound out of some pretty small woofers. JL makes good stuff for sure but imo it's pretty overpriced. You can get some Pioneer woofers preloaded in a tiny box for a very reasonable price. I used to have the older version of the 10" and it surprised me.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-22-2015, 05:06 PM	#7
Lockman_321 First Lieutenant 48 Rep 313 Posts Drives: E93 Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Uk iTrader: (0)	Where are you based mate? I went for a custom e93 12" enclosure that fits in the boot and allows for the hatch to come down. The guys who make this are based in the UK so not sure what countries they deliver to. Here is the link if you are interested. I managed to fit a 12" 1000rms sub in and I have to say even with base stereo (im planning to upgrade the speakers at some point) and a dynavin N6 headunit it sounds fantastic (I cant say what it would sound like with a stock head unit through using a LOC) Here is the link to the enclosure if you are interested http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E93-Co...-/251460766541
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-23-2015, 01:45 PM	#11
lichtgelb Lieutenant 107 Rep 485 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 335i Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Flyover Country iTrader: (0)	I'll have to look under the seats tonight to see what's under there. I ended up buying this for now. Amazon had a screaming deal on a used 12 and I should have it tomorrow. If it doesn't fit I'll use it in my E90. Looks like the thickest point is 11.5 inches so it should be close.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-23-2015, 02:26 PM	#15
lichtgelb Lieutenant 107 Rep 485 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 335i Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Flyover Country iTrader: (0)	I did a lot of IB setups back in the day and didn't really like the sound...too boomy. Maybe there are better drivers now because this was 20 years ago. I'm not trying to win any SPL contests right now.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-23-2015, 03:11 PM	#16
mathematics Captain 69 Rep 994 Posts Drives: 08 328i e93 alpine white Join Date: May 2009 Location: Queens, NY iTrader: (0)	Yes, times have changed. IB sounds great with the right sub. __________________ iPhone 6 Plus (iTunes library/iTunes radio/Waze, etc) to Airport Express via AirPlay. Toslink out of Airport Express to Helix P-Six DSP. PHD AF 1.C tweeters, PHD FB 4.1 midranges. Jehnert Door Cards and mid-bass'.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-10-2016, 06:30 PM	#20
mathematics Captain 69 Rep 994 Posts Drives: 08 328i e93 alpine white Join Date: May 2009 Location: Queens, NY iTrader: (0)	Installing a Brax Matrix in mine in a few weeks. Stay tuned __________________ iPhone 6 Plus (iTunes library/iTunes radio/Waze, etc) to Airport Express via AirPlay. Toslink out of Airport Express to Helix P-Six DSP. PHD AF 1.C tweeters, PHD FB 4.1 midranges. Jehnert Door Cards and mid-bass'.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-11-2016, 08:07 AM	#21
lichtgelb Lieutenant 107 Rep 485 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 335i Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Flyover Country iTrader: (0)	I installed the Fosgate box and it's not bad for what it is. The sound quality is not great but not bad either. I think I can hear the box flexing as much as I do the 12 at high volume lol. It moves some air and that's all I wanted until I can do something much better. My E93 does not have a ski pass but I have a plan to create an opening and do something in a little smaller box with more power behind it. I would have built an enclosure out of MDF to begin with but I sold my table saw a few months ago and don't have any means to build a box right now. As for upgrading the factory wiring....with the amp on the driver side and the battery on the passenger it couldn't be easier. Way back when I worked for a Fosgate dealer we would have sold a boatload of these sub boxes if they had existed back then. I wouldn't say it's adequate for anything beyond adding some bass to an otherwise factory setup.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-11-2016, 08:54 AM	#22
Hotbodyz New Member 0 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335i xdrive coupe N55 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	I have a e92 and just bought 2 10w6v3 JL Focal krs 100 for the front. helix dsp pro JL 900/500. Leave the subs that are under the seats. Also got a great deal from a dealer on eBay for Focal krs 100. Paid 415 Canadian with shipping and no VAT. You have to pm him for no VAT and better price.
	Appreciate 0 Quote