installing component in front...

[regret]

Hi Guys, Got some qns to ask.....

Was told tat e46 front doors only allow for 5 1/4 speakers to be mounted from inside...if want to go for bigger ones..have to mount from outside....issit true? if tats the case, should l go for the first setup or the latter? My installer recommending me Etone for the 5 1/4....if want to mount outside he says CDT or MB quartz(can't remember which one exactly...)

Btw, was quoted...
$95 for the aftermarker bracket for my pioneer 9650
$280 for the steering wheel control adaptor
$450 for the speakers
$100 for the swapping of my current speakers over to the new car

Is the above rates considered ok? Last qn...can l still use the CD changer tat is default in e46 after changing to my 9650? Ur valuable inputs is much appreciated!

 

[yendor]

Re: installing component in front...

Paging for __iceman__ . . . .

Will __iceman__ pls respond.... heh heh...

you need to look for the ICEMAN to reply ICE qns....

 

[MRacer77]

Re: installing component in front...

regret, depends on how much you want to spend for your components? I know that there are 6 1/2 inch drivers out there which can fit into the e46. You can check out the DLS ultimate series, but these will set you back about $1200 for the 6 1/2 driver and tweeters... the labour seems a bit expensive too... I believe you cannot used the default CD changer in the e46 with your new headunit as the wiring is different.

 

[oneHeadlight]

Re: installing component in front...

Hi Guys, Got some qns to ask.....

Was told tat e46 front doors only allow for 5 1/4 speakers to be mounted from inside...if want to go for bigger ones..have to mount from outside....issit true? if tats the case, should l go for the first setup or the latter? My installer recommending me Etone for the 5 1/4....if want to mount outside he says CDT or MB quartz(can't remember which one exactly...)

Btw, was quoted...
$95 for the aftermarker bracket for my pioneer 9650
$280 for the steering wheel control adaptor
$450 for the speakers
$100 for the swapping of my current speakers over to the new car

Is the above rates considered ok? Last qn...can l still use the CD changer tat is default in e46 after changing to my 9650? Ur valuable inputs is much appreciated!

The installer probably isn't familiar enough with e46. Even if we don't talk about extensive work to your door, u can still mount a 6.5". U can consider DLS components, and Iridium, depending on who u buy from can set u back from $900 to $1300. There are lower range of DLS stuff which may be good enough if u are not an enthusiast. Eton upper end, like Discovery, is good but u need to know your budget. Otherwise, go to an installer to mod the door, it produces better sound definitely, becos its no longer mounted to the door panel, but to a cylinder which is mounted to the door itself.

as for labour charges..it varies depending on workmanship. I can recommend u a shop which does dirt cheap work...but u have to be there to supervise the whole process.

 

[kenntona]

Re: installing component in front...

Regret,

I am not ICE freak here, but has changed my speakers from Rockford to DLS Ultimate UR6S "Iridium". The 6.5" fits the front door panel. But only the Iridium UR6S, not other DLS range - the dimensions are different.

BTW, where are you gonna get your steering wheel control adapter?

 

[ykh1]

Re: installing component in front...

I have install my ride with 6 1/2 inch.....done at "Hong Guan". Give them a call or pay a visit to them, see wat Thomas can advise u.....

 

[regret]

Re: installing component in front...

l actually went to koncept audio..the installer is call Mok..he was previously from acoustics........wa...so my cd changer cannot use anymore? tats sad...

 

[regret]

Re: installing component in front...

actually the installer did advise me tat 6.5 inch can fit in...just tat cannot be concealed lor......can see the speakers.....will it look unsightly??? or will passengers accidentally kick onto it?

 

[ykh1]

Re: installing component in front...

actually the installer did advise me tat 6.5 inch can fit in...just tat cannot be concealed lor......can see the speakers.....will it look unsightly??? or will passengers accidentally kick onto it?

My 6.5" speaker is nicely conceal..........not sure how they do it. No harm giving them a call, at least got more option....rite

 

[Rastaman]

Re: installing component in front...

BTW, where are you gonna get your steering wheel control adapter?

Kenn, on the controller...i'm quiet sure Wo Kee Hong (Alpine) doesnt bring in the alpine steering controller coz i checked. What i did was i asked one of my mates comin down fm UK to get it for me...it was risky but what the heck, i did my homework on it cost me 40 pounds (sgd120..reasonable la) ..model no is KCE 164B for BMW 3 series. It fitted well , so now i still can control and skip songs via the steering control.

On the topic abt the speakers ..u can fit deeper 6.5 in speakers onto the doors if u modify certain parts and willing to spend some time. I have done mine DIY mind u (Alpine Type R) ..freaking long time with my dremel tool (door panel) and got my chaps to cut the door (small circles so the magnets have space) ... and it works !

 

[emiffy]

Re: installing component in front...

Can also mail order from the US; some places have it like Crutchfield. But seems Rastaman's contact better, only 40GBP.

Try also ebay, sometimes can see people selling...

 

[richlee7]

Re: installing component in front...

hi! 6.5" is no problem... u can install it internally. if u dun mind the cutting a little metal, u can install ANY 6.5" internally. But u nid a good guy who's familiar where to cut, where not to.

the 9650 Pioneer... was not aware that there is such thing as a steering adaptor for this headunit. Alpine, yes they do make, because basically the OEM headunit is made by Alpine anyway, so it's not difficult. I am not sure if ur installer means those aftermarket ones where they 'tie' to the steering wheel tho. Might be good if u clarify with them.

but maybe just one thing to clarify: why 9650? and basically is good sound all you are after? there are many ways to go about it... but if it is aesthetics of 9650, then no choice.

 

[regret]

Re: installing component in front...

eh actually 9650 is going to be brought over from my current car.....
sounds like Hong Guan is a good place to go....anyone can help me with the address? And probably who to look for?

Is it advisable to use my current set of component 6.5inch for the front den? or should l bring it to the rear and get another set of new front speakers? currently for my ride the rear is 6X9...so guess tat one have to throw away liao.....btw, they are JBL...heard my installer say it sucks!!

 

[__iceman__]

Re: installing component in front...

E46 doors can fit 6.5" speakers - you need an installer who is experienced.

First of all, the original speaker of the car is mounted on the door panel itself. Yes, that's the flimsy plastic piece. You don't want to have that if possible. A sturdy mounting should be locking the speaker onto the metal plate inside, and cutting a small hole to allow the door panel to be used as a speaker enclosure, and at the same time soundproofing the door to seal up the holes in the metal, and you'll immediately get much much much better bass.

If we ever meet, I can demo pounding bass that just comes straight out of your front doors.

THIS IS WHAT YOUR INTERNAL METAL PANEL LOOKS LIKE. Note there is a depression, but no holes for your speaker to be pumping into your door thru.

This is what was done. A hole was carefully cut, to allow the soundwaves to enter into the door, so as to use it as a speaker enclosure. NOTE that immediately behind the metal skin there lies a structural pillar, installer needs to be skilled not to cut too deep damage this.

My speaker is the Lotus Reference series, big magnet and needs sturdy mounting. Thick MDF rings were fabricated to mount speaker onto the metal.

Best part is that although it looks like a damn beefy and huge protrusion inside, the original door panel is able to fit in, and from outside it looks totally stock.

It depends on yr budget, if you really want something that rocks big time, PM me and I will demo to you.

Yes, the above was done at HG. Over the last few days, I was going there a few times, as they were working on a very delicious setup for a true blue M5. Using Alpine 701, 3 amps, 2x12" woofers, custom built front components etc. Previous week, they were working on a C55 AMG too.:whatthe:

 

[__iceman__]

Re: installing component in front...

Kenn, on the controller...i'm quiet sure Wo Kee Hong (Alpine) doesnt bring in the alpine steering controller coz i checked. What i did was i asked one of my mates comin down fm UK to get it for me...it was risky but what the heck, i did my homework on it cost me 40 pounds (sgd120..reasonable la) ..model no is KCE 164B for BMW 3 series. It fitted well , so now i still can control and skip songs via the steering control.

Good stuff! I always wondered whether the KCE164B will really work. What HU are you using? Do you have any idea if it will work with a DVA-310? What exact functions can you enjoy now? FWD/REV song/station selection, volume control, and anything else? Any shortcut to switch off the HU? One thing I hate about Alpine is that you need to depress mode button for 4 secs before it switches off. And I don't have a remote to do a direct switch-off.

 

[kenntona]

Re: installing component in front...

Rastaman/Iceman,

I could not find any information on KCE164B on the net. I am using Alpine CDA 9853 HU. Any clue where to get those? Wanna do a group buy?

 

[Rastaman]

Re: installing component in front...

Kenn...sorry its the KCE 864B my mistake. HU i have is the 9855. For yr info, i tried Crutchfield and they wont send it to S'pore+plus others on the net i found based in the UK, same situation-wankers !

Iceman - what i have now is vol control, cd-fwd/rev, change station, no shortcut to off the HU n tats it . Cant u buy the remote ??

Emiffy - my friend over in London has an m3 coupe and into ICE so he offred to pop by his fav store and get it for me.On the net ive seen prices quoted at least 60 pounds ! I dun think youll be able to get any cheaper. frt cost - priceless as he was on his way to S'ore

 

[oneHeadlight]

Re: installing component in front...

Hong guan is familiar with e46, and should do a decent job. BEfore going to any installer, do some homework on prices. U would be surprised at price differences. For eg., a particular brand/model sells at $2k at installer, when u can actually get for $1200.
Stick to reputable brands, or mainstream ones if u are not familiar with ICE stuff.

And then recently, there were batches of fake DLS and ROckford. Its best u decide your budget, your general setup (ie the whole works) before going shopping.

 

[regret]

Re: installing component in front...

Guys...My installer say my 9650 cannot be used cos when the panel slides down..it will hit the bracket....he is recommending me Clarion DXZ956MC...he say this model is the latest from Clarion...comparable with Alpine's 7998 series..any inputs?? Touch screen somemore!!

http://www.clarion.com.sg/products/...at=main_units&subcat=1dincd&model_no=DXZ956MC

 

[richlee7]

Re: installing component in front...

bro, if u still like your 9650, n you don't need to use the cd in your headunit (i.e. using the 12disc changer only), u can switch off the slide down at the system level setting, so u can solve this problem... just a little thot, unless u are swayed to get a new headunit, then there are umpteen possibilities... happy ICEing