E36 M3 Convert Stock speaker sizes or alarm recommendations?

wsmc831 · 04-14-2003, 08:30 AM

I bought a 99 m3 convert several weeks ago, unfortunately there have been delivery problems and it's finally moving. I'm trying to find the stock speaker sizes so I can start buying upgrades and I've seen 5.5 inch seperates in the front and 4 inch seperates in the rear.

Can anyone give me a yea or nea that these are the sizes for sure? I briefly rode in a friends 98 this weekend and it really looked like they were the same size front/rear.

Not sure if there were differences in the two years. If it means anything, it has the stock cd changer...maybe means premium system with certain sized speakers?

ugh...I have to do something....money was paid 3 weeks ago and the damn thing still isn't here!

also, anyone have any alarms they really like? Probably my first purchase for it, and haven't seen too much in the way of convertible specific systems, other than just sensor add ons...

thanks for any info, looking forward to officially joining the group of people that actually smile when they drive a cage (I'm mainly a bike guy....).

castlesteve · castlesteve's Garage

there are something like 10 speakers in your car of various sizes... and I wouldnt guess the sizes. Also, your car has the alarm circuits built in... all you have to do is add the optional brain. There is a wiring harness and you just plug it in. I havent checked but im sure they have the kit here.

wsmc831 · 04-18-2003, 06:11 AM

Thanks Steve. so far I've found out the front speakers consiste of 5.25, 4 and tweeter. The closest match I've found is the Focal 165v3 which has a 6.5 inch woofer. I'm hoping that i can mount the larger speaker in the 5.25 hole, even if i have to do a bit of modifying. Since it's the kick panel I would guess there's room...but we'll see.

I did do a bit of research on alarms, and found the stellar(?), so that's on the way with the radar sensor and all other bells and whistels available..interested to see if the top really can go up and down with the remote..providing it's not latched I'm assuming.

Thanks!

blueaudis4 · 04-22-2003, 11:48 AM

i would use mb quart or rainbow speakers. the sound quality is amazing and they are german made, perfect match for a german car.

wsmc831 · 04-22-2003, 11:57 AM

Thanks. I gave up on mbquarts cause I couldn't find a set that matched, and their website was horrible to navigate. Bought a set of focal components for the rear, and will see if I can get a 6.5 inch in the kickpanels so I can use the Folcan 165v3 set. I bought a stellar alarm with all the bells and whistles plus the radar ad-on, and will be building two enclosures on either side of the trunk for my current 12 inch drivers.

actually just had the car delivered 4 hours ago, already had to get it washed and filled up, and my first engine light came on (brake light switch, no big deal).

I'm just SO looking forward to registering it, still have to pay 8 percent sales tax here in the great state of California.

I'm not used to such a fast car..I usually have my fun on two wheels...but it IS a very nice car, glad I bought it.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 04-22-2003, 12:01 PM

I have MB Quart speaks in my car, awesome speakers. Almost no distortion. They are expensive, but well worth the money.

blueaudis4 · 04-22-2003, 12:06 PM

my friend had focals and i liked them as well, i just thought might as well go german all the way

wsmc831 · 04-22-2003, 12:34 PM

Thanks, I've never actually had Focals, but heard good things about them. and I'm not all that worried being a convertible and all....

I see it does have a little 89 inch sub in it...would have never guess, the head unit must be seriously underpowered.

but I'll fix that ;-)

wsmc831 · 04-22-2003, 12:38 PM

while I've got your attention....how's the electrical system in these cars? my last car I had the generic marine battery off a battery isolator, power distribution and 1 farad worth of caps...

I'd really prefer not to put another battery in this, anyone think just a 1 farad cap will be enough to keep the system running ok?

rockford punch 800
jbl that's 150 rms per side I believe
Hifonics at 100 rms

not huge, but should be ok, that rockford is one heavy duty amp....

RRysedorph · RRysedorph's Garage

Start with a yellow top Optima Battery. There is also a new item called "BATCAP" made right here in Alabama that is unreal. You can probably find out on the net about them.

hoog23 · 04-30-2003, 06:14 AM

The conv takes a special battery since it is monted in the trunk (special size - can't match aftermarket) and since the battery is used as a dampening device in the cab - you need a vibration resistent battery.

Interstate indicates that they have a battery that fits - only it doesn't fit.

I found the only choice was a oem bmw battery.

wsmc831 · 04-30-2003, 06:22 AM

LOL..figures, damn proprietary crap! Thanks for the info though. I ended up buying the Focal set, I'm pretty sure I can fit the 6.5's in the kickpanel, but I'll probabaly have to cut them out and have the grills on the outside...but it'll work.

As far as the battery goes, I guess I'll start with stock battery and a 1 farad cap and see how it goes.

RRysedorph · RRysedorph's Garage

First of all, an optima battery can be mounted sideways, upside down, whatever. Also, with a little creativity you can do anything. The optima is a spiral cell battery so it is vibration resistant. Secondly, many E36's have a space under the hood where you can place another battery as well, by moving the Positive Terminal. Another hint is that when running speaker wires in the front, it's much easier to go from the driver's side to the passenger side under the dash. It's nearly impossible getting wire to go "from" the pass. side w'o major dissassembly.

hoog23 · 04-30-2003, 12:16 PM

Let us know how the alarm works out. I need one also. I was thinking of going with a stock and then maybe adding a proximity sensor to the trunk light.

wsmc831 · 12:26 PM

Ok.

well, the alarm went in Saturday. I'm going to be calling the tech support center of the manufacturer again today as I can't seem to get the window/convert top control to work.

I've talked with Ian at Autowerks and was very pleased with his help, and so far the guys supporting the stellar seem fine to, unfortunately the directions for this 550 dollar alarm (including the radar sensor) are worth about 47 cents.

seriously lacking, and I'm a systems admin who likes technology and gadgets and I can't figure it out....

but the install is pretty painless, remove the glovebox, plug in main unit, run the led to a knockout panel above the gearshift, run valet switch right next to it, as well as radar sensor (need to get it somewhere out of sight still), then just splice into the factory alarm horn plug right behind the right headlight.

but everything else on the alarm works fine, locks the doors when you start the car, unlocks when you shut it off, plus all the other standard stuff alarms do....

as long as I can figure out this window/top thing, I'll be very pleased.

hoog23 · 05-01-2003, 05:25 AM

Try searching on bimmerforums - maybe you will find some info on the alarm?

wsmc831 · 05-01-2003, 05:56 AM

I think I'm down to it being the alarm (hopefully). It will not go into 'bmw' mode, and to raise the top and windows I have to hit the 'arm' button, but it only goes up a bit, then I have to hit it again..and so on. I'm going to call tech support one more time, then I'm getting another alarm to try...

RRysedorph · RRysedorph's Garage

This may not be applicable, but a great place to get answers on many stereo and alarm questions is "the12volt.com". Register at the "install bay" and you can get access to wiring diagrams, forums, etc. FREE