[In2Deep1080]

Well after running a search and also looking at the article on bimmer.roadfly.org on installing and wiring an aftermarket amp and speakers, I decided to take out the liner in my vert to check out the amp and also the smaller seperate amp for the HK sub. Well, only problem is that it IS NOT there in the vert. The wires that run to the HK sub (which I used to feed my line out converter for my current aftermarket amp/sub install) lead towards the driver side, then towards the back driver's side seat and then into the rear panel where it just disappears. So question is, where is the HK amp for the vert located at? Is it going to be a pain in the butt to take it out and place a nice aftermarket 4 channel amp in its place? Also, for those sub experts out there, where exactly did you tap into the factory wiring for your line out converter for the best SQ? Hope to get some answers and TIA.
Jay Sidhu

[TomDac]

I think it's in the trunk on the passenger's side opposite the CD changer, which is on the left side. I THINK.

[ahr]

Originally Posted by In2Deep1080

Well after running a search and also looking at the article on bimmer.roadfly.org on installing and wiring an aftermarket amp and speakers, I decided to take out the liner in my vert to check out the amp and also the smaller seperate amp for the HK sub. Well, only problem is that it IS NOT there in the vert. The wires that run to the HK sub (which I used to feed my line out converter for my current aftermarket amp/sub install) lead towards the driver side, then towards the back driver's side seat and then into the rear panel where it just disappears. So question is, where is the HK amp for the vert located at? Is it going to be a pain in the butt to take it out and place a nice aftermarket 4 channel amp in its place? Also, for those sub experts out there, where exactly did you tap into the factory wiring for your line out converter for the best SQ? Hope to get some answers and TIA.
Jay Sidhu

If you're interested I have a custom made subwoofer box and JL audio 10" sub specifically made for a 3 series convertible. I had it in my 330Cic before removing it once I sold the 'vert for my M3 coupe. I also have a 250 watt JL Audio amplifier that I had connected to the sub.
They both worked very well and complimented the Harmon Kardon system to the point that it wasn't worth changing out the rest of the speakers. Just the added bass was enough to make the system much better.
If you're interested PM me and we can talk pricing.
Alden

[M3Tech]

Originally Posted by In2Deep1080

Well after running a search and also looking at the article on bimmer.roadfly.org on installing and wiring an aftermarket amp and speakers, I decided to take out the liner in my vert to check out the amp and also the smaller seperate amp for the HK sub. Well, only problem is that it IS NOT there in the vert. The wires that run to the HK sub (which I used to feed my line out converter for my current aftermarket amp/sub install) lead towards the driver side, then towards the back driver's side seat and then into the rear panel where it just disappears. So question is, where is the HK amp for the vert located at? Is it going to be a pain in the butt to take it out and place a nice aftermarket 4 channel amp in its place? Also, for those sub experts out there, where exactly did you tap into the factory wiring for your line out converter for the best SQ? Hope to get some answers and TIA.
Jay Sidhu

It is located behind the left rear armrest panel...

[Rob's Archive]

If you have any other questions or are looking into a setup, I just spoke with Jason at Bavarian Sound the other day and he made mention that they have a sub setup availible for the Cab sometime soon.

[In2Deep1080]

Originally Posted by M3Tech

It is located behind the left rear armrest panel...

Just what I was looking for! Now only question is how do you get that rear panel off, what size replacements do I need for those rear speakers, and what size dimension amp can fit in there that allows the rear panel to get back on without a problem? Thanks.
Jay Sidhu

[M3Tech]

Originally Posted by In2Deep1080

Just what I was looking for! Now only question is how do you get that rear panel off, what size replacements do I need for those rear speakers, and what size dimension amp can fit in there that allows the rear panel to get back on without a problem? Thanks.
Jay Sidhu

Those are a lot of questions, not the only question...

For the rear left panel removal you need to remove two Torx T20 screws at the armrest. Once you do that, just pry the panel out, it is held by pins.

The speaker looks like 100mm.

If you are going full aftermarket amplification, I do not see how you are going to fit an aftermarket amp where the HK is. At least any decent aftermarket amp, running 4 sets of speakers and a sub, will be almost twice as big in size as the OEM just because it will be pumping more power out. More power, bigger and better components, bigger heat sinks... bigger enclosure.

As an example, my JL 250/1 running two subwoofers is bigger in size that the OEM running 10 speakers.

[In2Deep1080]

Originally Posted by M3Tech

Those are a lot of questions, not the only question...

For the rear left panel removal you need to remove two Torx T20 screws at the armrest. Once you do that, just pry the panel out, it is held by pins.

The speaker looks like 100mm.

If you are going full aftermarket amplification, I do not see how you are going to fit an aftermarket amp where the HK is. At least any decent aftermarket amp, running 4 sets of speakers and a sub, will be almost twice as big in size as the OEM just because it will be pumping more power out. More power, bigger and better components, bigger heat sinks... bigger enclosure.

As an example, my JL 250/1 running two subwoofers is bigger in size that the OEM running 10 speakers.

Ok so I finally decided that I would take this rear panel off to get access to the amp and see the wiring. I took the two bolts out under that rear arm rest, and have been trying to pull the panel out. No luck thus far. That damn thing is in there and I am afraid that if I pull any harder it is going to break itself or break something else. It does seem that the top of it has a lip that tucks under the top piece (the one that makes the window sill back there). So did I forget something? Is there a particular direction I am supposed to pull this panel. Any help would be great. Thanks.
Jay Sidhu

[torresmd]

You must first pull off the speaker covers, then you will notice more screws, it will come off now.

[In2Deep1080]

Originally Posted by torresmd

You must first pull off the speaker covers, then you will notice more screws, it will come off now.

Well I went back to the car as soon as I posted earlier and was able to get it off. You do not pull of the speaker covers, as the one for the woofer can't even be pulled off IMHO. I had to end up taking out the plastic piece that is on the inside of the door next to the seat...wow is that thing held in by enough heavy duty clips! Then it was a matter of sliding my hand up the rear panel, finding the clips, and poping the panel there...came out beautifully! Anyhow, I took the stock speaker out and the HK amp. That thing is even smaller in person than in pics. It is probably about 1/3 the size of my new JBL/Crown mono amp for my sub. There is no way that any aftermarket 4 channel amp will fit at the stock HK amp location. I need to figre out where to put my 2 amps now. I need to definetely have one concealed as I will be using an MTX 4 channel amp for the front and rear speakers. Any ideas on where I can hide an amp in the trunk of the vert?
Jay Sidhu