How to replace your speakers with something better !

[rs32]

I've posted this as it hopefully serves a purpose for any people wanting to get improved sound in their cars without cutting/drilling/fabricating anything. This isn't the most complex job in the world - but there's very little material out there for those who want to dabble in a bit of OEM+

Have been keen to improve the audio in the CSL as although it has an amazing soundtrack of its own, the speakers are woeful and do not do a 60k car justice - not even close.

The problem with the CSL is that BMW used a mish-mash of E46 audio components - so even clever companies like Rainbow did not make a kit as an OEM replacement.

So I decided to dig further, and came up with a plan. The rear shelf speakers (mid-bass) looked as if they were the same as the E46 Coupe front speakers, based on info from RealOEM.com. I had this checked via my trusted audio installers and Rainbow - and I was right.

However Rainbow only sell the front kit as a component set (mid-bass plus tweeter, all interconnected from factory), meaning I would need 2 front sets and some tweaking to complete the job.



So today I attacked the task of the rear shelf jobbies. Thanks to Rainbow for the clear instructions



A few tools needed, but nothing too exciting - main things were trim removal spatula and 8mm socket.



Here's the working area, not much space so it's all a bit fiddly.



OEM speaker in situ, having removed the grille and foam insert.





Undo the three bolts (this is the killer design issue with all the OEM replacement sets on the market - none of them are designed as single items with the 3 bolt pattern) - and remove the OEM speaker.





Compare OEM with Rainbow IQ-Line replacement. Notice the difference in magnet size, speaker cone materials and separate crossover for the Rainbow item. You can see why the OEM ones only cost about $30.





Now the tricky bit - need to remove the crossover for the tweeter connection, so carefully strip back the wire join shrink-wrap, chop the tweeter connection wires and tape up.



Leaving 2 "prepared" new speakers ready to be fitted.



Next problem - the new speakers have the crossovers cable-tied around the magnets and BMW did not allow for that extra width when they designed the mounting assembly for the OEM versions - so they needed sliding round on the cable tie and I also tidied the wire extension around the magnets so that excess cable would not get in the way when refitting.

Now link up the new speakers ot the OEM connectors - remembering that the speaker "phase" (positive/negative connections) needs to be right. I do this by listening and checking the movement of the speaker at a low test volume - pretty easy to tell when it's wrong. Then need to secure the connection with a bit more tape.



Carefully drop the new speaker into the OEM fitting, ensuring no wiring is trapped and allowing the large speaker assembly to fit into the OEM hole.

Replace OEM screws and job done. Foam insert and grille fits right back over the top no problem.



What about the sound ? With just the two rears done it's a SIGNIFICANT improvement - there is actually bass and mid punch now rather than some muddled farting noises. Clear, precise (OK not exactly competition standard) - but a great upgrade for the money (about £125 per pair) and when the fronts are done it will be an excellent sound.

Planning on doing the fronts tomorrow so will add more here when done