[MWPos]

Usual disclaimers; I am not an employee of the company.

I was disappointed with my car's audio system and it seems that most of us with the base audio feel the same. After driving in friends' cars with upgraded audio, I realized that I was not hearing my music the way it was meant to be heard. I started to read everything that you audio experts have posted regarding audio upgrades to our cars, and I admire the enthusiasm and expertise with which you write. With all of the technical discussion, it was clear that form-fit-improved-function was how I wanted to proceed, but the retail cost for this option was several hundreds of dollars above my price range so I just read with envy about how much more everyone was enjoying their music. I finally read one post where a member mentioned the BAVSOUND clearance store and lo-and-behold they had a set of opened-box returned speakers for my car. The price was right, and with other members' experience with the DIY way, I bought the returned set.

I won't bore you all with yet one more review of the install process. There are plenty of those floating around and I have no value to add to what has already been written. The only way I can add to the discussion is by reassuring all of you who have not yet upgraded your base audio to do so, and do it quickly. I am so thrilled with my BAVSOUND upgrade that I heartily endorse it. For the price and effort required, I am beyond pleased.

The one thing that I think is missing from other reviews of audio upgrades is a tangible description of the difference in the audio experience that the upgrade provides. My BAVSOUND upgrade allows me to hear the music with clarity and depth that I get no where else, sadly not even in my home. The best way I can think of describing the change is that previously when I listened to my music, it sounded muffled and dead as though coming from a car near mine, and not from within my own. Now with the BAVSOUND upgrade, I am in the music, and I can hear it and feel it first-hand.

That's the best way I can describe the BAVSOUND Stage 1 upgrade, and it is better than the HK OEM system that cost way more.

I did not consider the subwoofers because I have plenty of base for the types of music I enjoy.

If any of you locals want to hear the speakers, send me a note. I know of another member who has the subwoofers installed also for anyone wanting side-by-side comparison.

Thanks to you audiophiles for helping me to this decision! My ears are forever grateful to you!

And thanks to the BAVSOUND customer service and technical support staff for helping me make the purchase and install go so smoothly. One final note, BAVSOUND used to be named BSW (I did not know this), so reading older reviews of BSW will give you more data in case you are trying to make a decision.

[lsturbointeg]

Good stuff! I still have yet upgraded mine

[MWPos]

My teenage kids are getting annoyed with me because now that I can, I do play my music loudly! They are so PC! I am happy to report that although my kids get distorted at high volumes, the speakers do not

[ThaiBruin]

does this provide a tangible upgrade for HK systems? or is this more for the standard hi-fi system?

[MWPos]

I would probably not notice a difference from HK to my setup. I have heard from audio enthusiasts that they can and do hear better quality from BAVSOUND. I don't know if I would be able to tell a difference. does the HK setup come with more speakers than the base configuration?

[paul223]

Originally Posted by MWPos

I would probably not notice a difference from HK to my setup. I have heard from audio enthusiasts that they can and do hear better quality from BAVSOUND. I don't know if I would be able to tell a difference. does the HK setup come with more speakers than the base configuration?

Hk has 14 speakers, hi fi has 12. HK system can be improved by replacing front stage speakers, bav sound for plug and play or other 4" drivers like focal, rainbow. After market speakers give clarity and good mid bass response at higher volume.

[Desmond79]

Maybe because it's the holiday season, and about the only time of year it is quiet, but I have received no assistance from my simple pleas - the problem is not BavSound, it is BMW connectors - trying to disconnect them is pure hell for a newbie. I've installed Stage 1 and 2 in an e90, but the F10 is a more difficult install made tougher by BMW connectors - what should take 15 minutes is now 2 hrs because of the connectors - can't even change the center front speaker and I cracked one connection (the one to the old tweeter, so no harm, no foul - just my pride).

Got a quote for a Stage 1 install - 5 hr = $700 ? That's more than some attorneys or accountants - insane.

If I can resolve the connectors, I'd continue. Must pull down harder. But it will wait until the weekend. I'm not even driving the car. Glad I kept my e90 for now. It actually drives like a BMW (F10 suspension redo is next week). Color me frustrated at the moment - I apologize.

[MWPos]

When I was shopping for an installer, the quotes here in San Diego varied from almost $700 at the dealership to $300 at a well-reviewed high-volume small local shop.

[Desmond79]

Originally Posted by MWPos

When I was shopping for an installer, the quotes here in San Diego varied from almost $700 at the dealership to $300 at a well-reviewed high-volume small local shop.

I think $140 per hour is a bit much - more than this lawyer makes ... I need to be a BMW mechanic/installer.

Okay - BavSound told me to pull like heck on that connector with pressure - it took megaforce but it disconnected - Luckily, I broke the connector to the old tweeter, so it did not affect the install.

Waiting for the weekend to do the doors.

[MWPos]

My sister in law and her husband, both surgeons, had to call a plumber late on a weekend evening to attempt recover for a flushed ring...they got the bill and had the same thoughts as you, but not as tactfully put.

Back to the topic, congratulations on your progress so far! Can't wait to "hear" your review upon completion.

[jpt99]

Paul223
I have HK and am considering full Bav upgrade but may just do front stage. Would you recommend just doing the front doors without the center dash?

[MWPos]

My perception of where the sound in my car comes from is the front center speakers. Do you think it could be the windshield's angle that projects the sound? The doors seem to be a secondary sound source, that is, not quite as obvious. My fader and balance are both centered.

Because of my perception of where the sound comes from in my car, I recommend to for sure do all the front speakers, but once you have, you'll quickly do the rear as well because you will soon wonder what it is that you are not hearing from the rear set. It always works out that way for me

So, you might as well do them all at once.

To be sure I understand your question, what do you mean by front stage?

[jpt99]

You're probably right. Just don't feel like spending 5 hrs installing them. Ugh

[Desmond79]

Originally Posted by jpt99

You're probably right. Just don't feel like spending 5 hrs installing them. Ugh

Get the Stage 1 - the front center is a 10 minute job if you can disconnect the frackin' connector by pulling down with pressure and strength.

The 5 hours - not too difficult if I did an e90 alone. It's just a Saturday.

When you see the components, you'll know why - compare the Bavsound components with HK, and the quality. It's impressive. Before I installed on my e90 with base hi-fi, I did not even listen to music, the sound was dreadful. Now I can't wait with Stage 1 and 2 - the benefits are more obvious with higher volume. But the e90 is not a big cabin and not as many speakers - the F10 ought be a bit of a transformation.

I would also do Stage 2 - its benefits are seen more after several months of break-in. Or wait until next year's Black Friday sale, when it may be $100 off, or check the BavSound clearance center.

[MWPos]

...or we talk them Into a group buy....

[jpt99]

What's stage 2?

[jpt99]

I'm all in for a group buy!

[MWPos]

Originally Posted by jpt99

What's stage 2?

Stage 1 is doors and front and rear dash. Stage 2 is under-seat subwoofers

[jpt99]

Gotcha!

Who is interested in doing a group buy? I will coordinate it.

[Desmond79]

OP, I'd like to know how you got the rear door panels removed. Here is my latest saga:


Good news is that I installed all the FRONT speakers in Stage 1 and the subs of Stage 2 in the F10 535.

The BAD news is that I can’t, even using extreme pulling power, get the door panels off either rear door.

There is no video for the rear door anywhere on the F10— it is tight. I did my e90 stage 1 and 2 installation without emailing or calling, which means the F10 is a far more difficult and time consuming install. I keep on hearing the cork panel making noise but whatever tabs are there do not come out. I have the sunscreens in the rear doors, and having a video would help.

So it’s a day off, I’d like to complete the install, but cannot - thought the rear doors would be easier than front doors. So I’v got trim panels and handle covers all over my backseat These F10 rear doors are pure hell.

I guess the rears are for another day next week if I have time and my questions are answered. Happy New Year.

[MWPos]

Hi! I have no speakers in my rear doors...only front doors, front dash, and rear shelf.

[550iXDrive]

Originally Posted by DesmondF10

OP, I'd like to know how you got the rear door panels removed. Here is my latest saga:


Good news is that I installed all the FRONT speakers in Stage 1 and the subs of Stage 2 in the F10 535.

The BAD news is that I can’t, even using extreme pulling power, get the door panels off either rear door.

There is no video for the rear door anywhere on the F10— it is tight. I did my e90 stage 1 and 2 installation without emailing or calling, which means the F10 is a far more difficult and time consuming install. I keep on hearing the cork panel making noise but whatever tabs are there do not come out. I have the sunscreens in the rear doors, and having a video would help.

So it’s a day off, I’d like to complete the install, but cannot - thought the rear doors would be easier than front doors. So I’v got trim panels and handle covers all over my backseat These F10 rear doors are pure hell.

I guess the rears are for another day next week if I have time and my questions are answered. Happy New Year.

The shades that cover the rear quarter glass are in a vertical housing that splits the panes of glass on the rear doors and will pop off once you get them started with the plastic tool. These need to be removed before you'll be able to loosen the rear door panels and remove them. Be aware that the fasteners are tighter on the rear doors than the front doors for whatever reason. Once you get one of the fasteners loose, the rest should go easier. Good luck!