Different EPS amps?

[Z K]

Just to update this thread. The dealer could not diagnose the problem because it was intermittent. Every time I went, they could not reproduce the problem.

I tried replacing the subwoofers with upgraded ghost subs... which did not solve my problem. My stock subwoofers looked fine. No broken speaker cables like some people have seen.

What I ended up doing was replacing the amplifier and that solved the problem. Somehow all channels worked except the subwoofer channels. Also, there's many different models of EPS (Individual Audio) amplifiers so I went through a few used amps before I found one that worked without re-wiring or coding. The newer EPS amps would work, but you need to re-pin the plugs and add new connectors to make it work. I ordered a new amp from the dealer but they were not able to give me the wiring diagram and a step by step on how to re-wire the harness and code the amp. They could do it for me and it was not cheap.

Since the amps are out of production, I had to rely on eBay and I'd pick up an amp when one showed up every few years. Real OEM helped as it had a list of which parts were directly compatible.

Anyway, happy my subwoofers finally work after 8 years of it not working.

Going on 12 years of happy ownership and still enjoying the M3!

[Redd]

Good lord u went all this time with no subs? Glad u finally got it sorted!

[Z K]

Originally Posted by Redd

Good lord u went all this time with no subs? Glad u finally got it sorted!

When I had the new car warranty, I tried to get it covered but they could not figure it out. After the warranty expired, I just lived with it as I only drive the car once a month or so.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by Z K

Just to update this thread. The dealer could not diagnose the problem because it was intermittent. Every time I went, they could not reproduce the problem.

I tried replacing the subwoofers with upgraded ghost subs... which did not solve my problem. My stock subwoofers looked fine. No broken speaker cables like some people have seen.

What I ended up doing was replacing the amplifier and that solved the problem. Somehow all channels worked except the subwoofer channels. Also, there's many different models of EPS (Individual Audio) amplifiers so I went through a few used amps before I found one that worked without re-wiring or coding. The newer EPS amps would work, but you need to re-pin the plugs and add new connectors to make it work. I ordered a new amp from the dealer but they were not able to give me the wiring diagram and a step by step on how to re-wire the harness and code the amp. They could do it for me and it was not cheap.

Since the amps are out of production, I had to rely on eBay and I'd pick up an amp when one showed up every few years. Real OEM helped as it had a list of which parts were directly compatible.

Anyway, happy my subwoofers finally work after 8 years of it not working.

Going on 12 years of happy ownership and still enjoying the M3!

Man I have a similar issue today, had water leak damage it though and now my sub on left front just makes popping and screeching noise. If I max the volume it muffles it out but still...

I'm in the opposite boat I think, I have the new amp with 3 separate plugs.

OP did you get an amp that matched part number on the the M3 diagram or no? I see a lot of similar looking amps with my same plugs but from a BMW X3 for example, much cheaper, not sure if it would work.

[Z K]

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

Man I have a similar issue today, had water leak damage it though and now my sub on left front just makes popping and screeching noise. If I max the volume it muffles it out but still...

I'm in the opposite boat I think, I have the new amp with 3 separate plugs.

OP did you get an amp that matched part number on the the M3 diagram or no? I see a lot of similar looking amps with my same plugs but from a BMW X3 for example, much cheaper, not sure if it would work.

It has to be one that matches the part on your car. If you look on realoem, it has a list of ones that are directly compatible so those work as well.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by Z K

It has to be one that matches the part on your car. If you look on realoem, it has a list of ones that are directly compatible so those work as well.

Damn alright, guess I'm back at the 700$ price range.

[Bouncer]

Originally Posted by Z K

It has to be one that matches the part on your car. If you look on realoem, it has a list of ones that are directly compatible so those work as well.

Not trying to be pedantic, but when you say "directly compatible" do you mean plug-and-play? Or do you mean "compatible, but you may have to re-wire/re-pin things". I'm looking at likely replacing my amp on my 09' e93 and I'm trying to find the newest model plug-and-play amp available as I've neither the expertise nor the tools to do re-wiring.

[Z K]

Originally Posted by Bouncer

Not trying to be pedantic, but when you say "directly compatible" do you mean plug-and-play? Or do you mean "compatible, but you may have to re-wire/re-pin things". I'm looking at likely replacing my amp on my 09' e93 and I'm trying to find the newest model plug-and-play amp available as I've neither the expertise nor the tools to do re-wiring.

When I say directly compatible I mean direct plug and play.