E90 EPS upgrade options

[apexkingjusto]

Hey guys spent the last couple days searching and didn't seem to find anything that consolidated upgrade options for e90 sedans with eps. Lots of bits and pieces here and there. Wanted to put together what I've found to confirm if I am on the right page.

Option 1. Just replace factory amp with a better 6 channel
Option 2. Add sub and amp in trunk for additional bass/lower freq -or- just get musicar setup
Option 3. Do option 1 and option 2 -or- find a 9 channel amp
Option 4. Replace under seat subs with sws8's or there are a few alt. options
Option 5. Replace amp and speakers, get recoded down to hifi and install some sort of an aftermarket processor, however this may cause issues with echo in Bluetooth hands free. Also in the sedan we are fortunate to be able to fit more speaker options as depth is not as much of an issue, 54mm I believe.

Pretty much for all of these using the technic cable makes your life and install nice and easy.

I'm typically a fan of doing active setups with hi end receivers where we can cross over on the hu as well set TA. I assume none of this is possible via coding? I would also imagine the eps may have already been programmed for some of this?

I will probably start with sub and amp. If not happy from there add replacement 6 channel amp to power rest of car stock speakers. If not happy after that look for new speakers and some sort of processor. Hopefully I will be happy with just option 1 .

Thanks!

[IrishCoffee]

I guess it depends on what you aren't happy with.

I know for me just adding some additional bass made a big difference. The system sounds pretty good otherwise.

Some people just swap the underseat woofers out and report great differences. I just added a sub in the trunk and it made me happy.

[kmarei]

i'd do option 2
actually I did do option 2 on my last M3


there is a new JL amp that could power your fronts, rears and bridge the last 4 channels to power your under seat subs
http://www.jlaudio.com/xd800-8v2-car...plifiers-98259

so you can start with option 2, adding trunk sub with its own amp
and if you still think it needs more power
for the trunk sub amp, I would recommend the JL Xd600/1
great amp, and doesn't get very hot, but still puts out tons of power
add the amp for all the other speakers

[apexkingjusto]

I like the idea of just the sub in the trunk. I'm going to start with that. I have an old JL sub and an amp but think I will upgrade. What are people liking these days for single 10" subs and amps?

[kmarei]

Originally Posted by apexkingjusto

I like the idea of just the sub in the trunk. I'm going to start with that. I have an old JL sub and an amp but think I will upgrade. What are people liking these days for single 10" subs and amps?

If you have a JL sub, you can't really go wrong with those
I wouldn't upgrade the amp till you test it
you're gonna get an enclosure anyway, put your existing sub in it and you will have to do the wiring for the amp anyway
test with your existing amp
If you like it then invest in a new amp
if not, then at least you didn't spend a lot of money

[Technic]

Option 1 requires coding to HiFi, MOST termination and at least 7-channels of amplification.

Originally Posted by apexkingjusto

Hey guys spent the last couple days searching and didn't seem to find anything that consolidated upgrade options for e90 sedans with eps. Lots of bits and pieces here and there. Wanted to put together what I've found to confirm if I am on the right page.

Option 1. Just replace factory amp with a better 6 channel
Option 2. Add sub and amp in trunk for additional bass/lower freq -or- just get musicar setup
Option 3. Do option 1 and option 2 -or- find a 9 channel amp
Option 4. Replace under seat subs with sws8's or there are a few alt. options
Option 5. Replace amp and speakers, get recoded down to hifi and install some sort of an aftermarket processor, however this may cause issues with echo in Bluetooth hands free. Also in the sedan we are fortunate to be able to fit more speaker options as depth is not as much of an issue, 54mm I believe.

Pretty much for all of these using the technic cable makes your life and install nice and easy.

I'm typically a fan of doing active setups with hi end receivers where we can cross over on the hu as well set TA. I assume none of this is possible via coding? I would also imagine the eps may have already been programmed for some of this?

I will probably start with sub and amp. If not happy from there add replacement 6 channel amp to power rest of car stock speakers. If not happy after that look for new speakers and some sort of processor. Hopefully I will be happy with just option 1 .

Thanks!

[EliteM3]

I did Option#2 with Technic's harness, JL Amp and Solobaric Sub.

The Bass is great now, but the vocals are just so distant and/or lacking richness. The way around it is turning the stereo up much louder, but still not great.

Unfortunately, the EPS system was not designed for low volume usage (even though the car resets it there every time you turn it on).

Change the factory amp (which is the problem), and deal with bluetooth echo.

Double edged sword. So most of us just deal with it (after adjusting the EQ as best as possible).

[Technic]

Bluetooth echo is only present when a JBL MS-8 is installed, regardless of the OEM system.

[lorinzo]

I have stock enhanced premium audio.

I got to see and hear a Reus Systems upgrade at Bimmerfest last year. I was impressed with the quality of installation and most importantly, the sound.

Reus Systems installed a sub and amp, swapped the stock tweeters and installed a small speaker in the back of the rear view mirror.

I am very happy with the results!

[apexkingjusto]

Ok amp and sub it is! Technic ygapm!

Thanks gents!

[ijnoj09]

I just did option 2 using technic harness, JL xd600/1 amp and image dynamics idq12 and I'm more then satisfied with the EPS system now. The sub filled in the bass nicely where the EPS was lacking before.

[kmarei]

Originally Posted by ijnoj09

I just did option 2 using technic harness, JL xd600/1 amp and image dynamics idq12 and I'm more then satisfied with the EPS system now. The sub filled in the bass nicely where the EPS was lacking before.

Where did you mount the amp?
I had it underneath the trunk
For a totally stealth look

Here was my last install before I switched to a corner mounted box

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...13&postcount=1

[ijnoj09]

Originally Posted by kmarei

Where did you mount the amp?
I had it underneath the trunk
For a totally stealth look

Here was my last install before I switched to a corner mounted box

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...13&postcount=1

I mounted the amp in the same location you did... Amp fits so perfect there for a clean and stealth install... I just wish I did this upgrade sooner.

[EliteM3]

Technic, are you saying that if I replace the factory amp completely, with multiple aftermarket amps, and so long as I don't use the jbl ms-8, there will be no Bluetooth echo?