BMW Z3 Roadster help

grey_goose · Post by **grey_goose** » Sat Sep 03, 2005 7:10 pm

Figured I'd ask about this in a place that wasn't trying to sell me stuff.

I have a Z3 that I want to completely redo. The problem is getting a system that sounds great at 90mph w/ the top down. The bigger problem is zero space.

I have room for 2x4" front, 2x5.25" rear, and 1x8" sub. I have a tiny, tiny trunk that I need to still use.

Here's what I'm looking at:
4" - Infinity Kappa 42.7i
5.25" - Boston Acoustics S55
8" - Polk Audio MM 2084

amp - Kicker KX350.4 (front + rear)
amp - MB Quart Reference RAA2400 (sub)

Now, I don't know much about car audio (I'm a computer guy), this is just based on things I've heard & read. What do you guys think? Will this do what I want? Are there better products or better values for what I want to do?

Thanks!

audiofreak12 · Post by **audiofreak12** » Sat Sep 03, 2005 7:36 pm

Well...Just a bit of info. I have a 1995 camaro convertible. I have moderate amount of bass with the top up(around 130). When i put the top down there's a roof and a plastic panel in my way so the bass is blocked. I have never seen a convertible with an extremly loud system in it. They are very inefficient and sound is lost through the top. The Mustang GT Convertibles that ford produced in 2002 offered a "mach 1000" stereo, and somehow engineered the bass to enter the cab with the top down, you might could use there ideas. I have seen alot of different way's gone around this to still here the bass with the top down. I have seen the support wall behind the back seat cut out to alow PVC pipe(usally 2") to run through it and modified under the rear seat. I have also seen people take out there back seat and build a wall. I am not even sure if you have a back seat but maybe that is of some help. Good luck, im still fighting with the top down, the other thing is, if you want bass any at all, then don't drive 90!

grey_goose · Post by **grey_goose** » Sat Sep 03, 2005 7:41 pm

The z3 has an optional rear window/curtain that keeps air from circling in so that an air bubble is made. i've heard other z3's that sound good, but the guy told me he had a BA ProSeries 5.4 end-to-end system. So I know it can be done :) Both those cars have back seats; the z3 doesn't. I'll acutually be using a custom enclosure for the sub:

audiofreak12 · Post by **audiofreak12** » Sat Sep 03, 2005 7:44 pm

That's cool that you use JL too, i do too...anyway...I'm sure it can be done, but not on my cheap ass budget. Good luck...might talk to Jared, im pretty sure hes a BMW fanatic, he might help!

Post by **GlassWolf** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 7:28 am

I'd look at Focal or Morel for a set of 5.25" or 6.5" separates, and fiberglass kickpods for them instead of using factory locations.
amplify them instead of relying on head unit power.
skip rear speakers entirely in that small topless car.
use an RE SE8 8" sub and feed it about 600wRMS in a vented enclosure.
you'll have a very nice system as a result.

sinister audio · Post by **sinister audio** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 11:18 am

i made a fiberglass box once for a bmw z3 to house a 12" w6v3. it fit in the corner and barley took up any room. would that be an option for you?

grey_goose · Post by **grey_goose** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 12:26 pm

kiki - i don't think kickpods are an option, as legroom on the drivers side is already tight for me... I'm 6'2 & this is a manual transmission car.

sinister - when you say the corner, are you talking about the trunk or the passenger side?

Post by **GlassWolf** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 12:34 pm

you can glass the lower door panels instead of the kick panels then.. either way gives better speaker placement and sizing

sinister audio · Post by **sinister audio** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 12:46 pm

in the corner on the trunk. here is a pic of it.

Jonathan · Post by **Jonathan** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 1:10 pm

How much $$$$ do we have to work with for all of this?