Speakers vs Amplifier

[Trees]

My stereo plays but no bass, is there a way to tell if it’s the woofers or the amplifier. Dealer says it’s either the woofers or the amplifier so I should replace both. Not surprised they said this, throttle actuators were bad and they told me it’s the battery and it will cost $800 for new battery. I bought actuators changed them myself car running great.

[dar2008]

Originally Posted by Trees

My stereo plays but no bass, is there a way to tell if it's the woofers or the amplifier. Dealer says it's either the woofers or the amplifier so I should replace both. Not surprised they said this, throttle actuators were bad and they told me it's the battery and it will cost $800 for new battery. I bought actuators changed them myself car running great.

What audio option does your car have?

1. Base audio = no separate amp
2. Hifi, option 676 = analogue amp
3. Logic 7, option 677 / HK, option 688 = digital amp @ 420w
4. Individual, option 752, digital amp @ 825w

You can check your audio option number by entering your full VIN in one of the online decoders like www.mdecoder.com

[Trees]

Individual 752

[wyatth]

Has it always been this way for you, or does it sound like something recently gave out?

I am suspicious that an amplifier could cause a bass issue while everything else works fine, so I suspect it's the woofers. You can scour for used Individual Audio woofers here, or get drop-ins from Bav Sound, Bimmertech, etc.

[Trees]

Thanks will try the woofers, everyone I spoke to seems to think it’s the woofers.

[CamasM3e93]

Originally Posted by Trees

Thanks will try the woofers, everyone I spoke to seems to think it’s the woofers.

A couple woofers will run you $600. Spend $15 for a multimeter you can figure it all out in 20 minutes. Two speakers failing independently seems weird to me whereas an amp electrical component failure would take out one speaker section and you would lose both subs, both door speakers, etc.

[dar2008]

Originally Posted by Trees

Individual 752

Apologies for the obvious question, but I assume the bass is turned up? Might be worth adjusting the equaliser settings too.

[Trees]

Thanks man will double check the equalizer settings, other settings are correct

[RocketyMan]

Similar to what was mentioned by dar2008, you can adjust the fader and balance. I would do this so you can isolate just one speaker, and then just put your hand over the subwoofer under the seat with it turned up. Feel/hear to see if it is functioning--put your hand close to it and feel low freq vibrations. Then change over to the other side to verify.

Might be the easiest way.

You mentioned you have individual audio system--which is awesome.

(ASSuming you have an E92--since your signature of vehicle isn't specific enough)

The amplifier should be located in the truck, here:


It might be worth inspecting the connector also to make sure no corrosion is found, compromising any connection to the speakers.

[Ultimatemj]

FWIW, the 752 Individual is much higher quality than the large majoirity of stock systems. That said, some love the DIRAC processing, some don't because it "overly anchors" the center image, but the issue is it is anemic below 320Hz.

Check out MusicarNW...they are not "inexpensive" but (if you are a music lover) their add on systems transform the system into something you will literally look forward to driving to be able to listen to your system.

Regarding your current output issues, it is highly likely the underseat woofers are trashed...and will need replaced. Good news is the MusicarNW approach doesn't rely on putting super expensive woofers or oddball flat subs under your seats.

Their approach replaces(and increases) the underseat amplification, narrows the range of sound played through the under seat woofers (to just midbass 320-80Hz), and adds a subwoofer capable of providing a bottom end with clear dynamic range.

Maybe they can point you to someone in your area to hear it in advance...most owners of it will enjoy showing it off

[Trees]

Thursday while I’m off I will take a look at the amplifier to see if any loose connections. Not getting any response from the woofers at all

[Redd]

Unlikely loose connections, the amp connector block is pretty solid. You can take off the connector and give it a good spray with electronic cleaner, but I'm pretty sure it's your subs. Mine failed the same way, both at the same time. One showed some coffee damage (from previous owner) but both stopped working at the same time.

[RocketyMan]

Originally Posted by Trees

Thursday while I’m off I will take a look at the amplifier to see if any loose connections. Not getting any response from the woofers at all

Thanks for reporting back. It's good to check the easy/simple things first. Next would be to verify the wiring. It'll take removing the seat either way. Just like what was suggested, someone could've spilt a sugary drink all over it...which could ruin the speaker and maybe even the amp.

Here is the pin out for the subwoofers on the P752. Looks like 8, 18 and 6, 16. Sometimes I test speakers with just a little 9 volt battery to see if it makes any noises. But anyway, make sure the wiring is solid, too either way.

Let us know what you find out!

[dar2008]

Originally Posted by Trees

Thursday while I'm off I will take a look at the amplifier to see if any loose connections. Not getting any response from the woofers at all

Just read that you have an E93.

Water ingress can be a major issue on these, especially if the drain plugs become blocked.

There's one on each side of the car, underneath the rear passenger sides. They have a habit of blocking up and retaining the water in the side panels.

Eventually this water builds up so much, it can slosh over into the sides of the boot where the amplifier and battery are located and cause untold damage.

So it's definitely worth looking at the amplifier to see if there is any sign of water damage.

This video shows you how to clear the drains out. It should be regular routine maintenance on these cars every couple of years, especially if they sit outside in rain for extended periods.

[amrazM]

physically take out the subs and inspect the little wire that runs from the plug to the coil on the sub. thats usually what goes bad.

[nycplumber]

What Amraz said. The wire that goes to the speaker seperates from the cone. It can be soldered back together by someone competent. Do not buy BavSound ghost speaker to replace them. You will blow them or your amp in short time. The replacements are 8ohm if you need to find a replacement. I personally just added a trunk sub that sits on the left side of the trunk in an OEM looking enclosure (musiccar style). I bought a harness from technic and I have more bass than 99% of people would ever want.

[Trees]

Thanks for all the help guys, it was in fact the woofers, picked up a pair from junk yard. Paid $250, saved s whole lot of money thanks to all you knowledgeable members. Dealer wanted to replace amplifier and speakers at a cost of $4000. I asked if they tested the woofers and was told it’s too much work to get to speakers because it’s under the seats. It took me 90 minutes to replace both woofers.

[RocketyMan]

Awesome! Thank you for reporting back!

[CamasM3e93]

Originally Posted by Trees

Thanks for all the help guys, it was in fact the woofers, picked up a pair from junk yard. Paid $250, saved s whole lot of money thanks to all you knowledgeable members. Dealer wanted to replace amplifier and speakers at a cost of $4000. I asked if they tested the woofers and was told it’s too much work to get to speakers because it’s under the seats. It took me 90 minutes to replace both woofers.

Too hard to get to the subwoofers to perform a diagnostic….FFS. On the bright side though, now you know you can't trust that dealership's service department….and you learned the lesson for free instead of after paying for an expensive and overpriced repair. Personally, I'd post that little kernel on their online reviews.

[Redd]

Testing the subs involves playing a song and sliding your hand under the seat to see if it vibrates lol. Definitely avoid that dealer going forward.