The BMW 320d Fanboy Thread

[Side Effect]

Thought I'd post an update here.

Things I've done to the car:

Installed new speakers and tweeters - I have the base sound system and the output was trash, so pulled the trigger on that.

PS. Bought tweeter trims from BMW. They gave me discount at least.

I'll get an amp next month as well as well.

Obtained software to code the vehicle. Eg. Change the radio's EQ curve - the coding options available does change the EQ curve, but the sound is harsh on them all. This will most likely change once I have an amp installed.

And coded auto-stop-start to default to the last setting used.

All done via Laptop and OBD cable.

In hindsight, it's probably better to buy BimmerCode or the MyCarly tools.

 

[Gtx Gaming]

Coding the auto start stop is probably one the best things to do!

Next stage 2 with hybrid turbo?

 

[Side Effect]

Coding the auto start stop is probably one the best things to do!

Next stage 2 with hybrid turbo?

Auto stop start is such a pain sometimes. The only benefit I see for it is sitting and waiting at roadwork stop and go's. I've read that it's not good for the engine either.

No performance upgrades yet! The Mrs freaks out already when she drives the car.

Tyres, brakes and amp is next.

 

[FiestaST]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1705828149492056304

 

[BouncyNinja]

Thought I'd post an update here.

Things I've done to the car:

Installed new speakers and tweeters - I have the base sound system and the output was trash, so pulled the trigger on that.

PS. Bought tweeter trims from BMW. They gave me discount at least.

I'll get an amp next month as well as well.

Obtained software to code the vehicle. Eg. Change the radio's EQ curve - the coding options available does change the EQ curve, but the sound is harsh on them all. This will most likely change once I have an amp installed.

And coded auto-stop-start to default to the last setting used.

All done via Laptop and OBD cable.

In hindsight, it's probably better to buy BimmerCode or the MyCarly tools.

i bought bimmercode with a OBDLink CX Bluetooth dongle, works like a charm

 

[Side Effect]

i bought bimmercode with a OBDLink CX Bluetooth dongle, works like a charm

Very nice. I am a bit jealous. Doing it via PC is a bit tricky.

E-sys is also not so user friendly. I can understand that because it's engineering level software. (And thank goodness I can read German).

 

[BouncyNinja]

Very nice. I am a bit jealous. Doing it via PC is a bit tricky.

E-sys is also not so user friendly. I can understand that because it's engineering level software. (And thank goodness I can read German).

BimmerCode lets you dig deep as well

 

[Side Effect]

BimmerCode lets you dig deep as well

Yeah, I'm jealous. Like a lot.

I enabled turning fog lights this afternoon. Getting to grips with the codes and the type of coding at least.

 

[Kung Fu Porkchop]

Thought I'd post an update here.

Things I've done to the car:

Installed new speakers and tweeters - I have the base sound system and the output was trash, so pulled the trigger on that.

PS. Bought tweeter trims from BMW. They gave me discount at least.

I'll get an amp next month as well as well.

Obtained software to code the vehicle. Eg. Change the radio's EQ curve - the coding options available does change the EQ curve, but the sound is harsh on them all. This will most likely change once I have an amp installed.

And coded auto-stop-start to default to the last setting used.

All done via Laptop and OBD cable.

In hindsight, it's probably better to buy BimmerCode or the MyCarly tools.

Can you give me some information on the speakers you installed and maybe on the amp that you're getting, please? I haven't looked at anything yet, but I am a bit bummed with the stock audio in my BMW and would like to get something better in future

 

[Side Effect]

Attach files

Can you give me some information on the speakers you installed and maybe on the amp that you're getting, please? I haven't looked at anything yet, but I am a bit bummed with the stock audio in my BMW and would like to get something better in future

Yeah, sure, no worries. I got some Ground Zero mids and tweeters. The place I went to sold them in a pack. (R4k) They're pretty much plug and play, but some wires need to be stripped. I also put in some sound deadening.

Front speakers & tweeters:

Car Audio Security

CAS is a leading UK retailer of car audio and vehicle security systems, offering stereos, speakers, dash cams, alarms, and professional installation services to enhance in-car entertainment and safety.

caraudiosecurity.com

Sorry, can't find a local link to these with the box.

Front tweeter trims: Parts Number (For an F30): 51337323507 (Left) & 51337323508 (Right). Phone BMW and ask for a discount. They're quite generous, otherwise you can get them from Quantro spares in PTA North.

For the rear speakers I'm going with these. These are what bimmer-tech sells (but I'm not paying $1220 for a whole set). So I'd rather get these for the back.

Bimmertech Alpha One A40 Midrange

"Alpha One was founded by a couple of guys passionate about modifying their BMWs in every possible way with a hefty focus on audio improvements.Our first big hit revolutionized the game of BMW audio upgrades with the world's first fully customized amplifier upgrade: the Alpha One Amplifier.While...

www.kiesmotorsports.com

These are the subs I'm looking at: (Another piecemeal buy). These are hella expensive imho. (R12 - 14k depending on conversion). You may need clips for these. Not 100%.

Here's the clip's part number. "under seat bass speaker connector: 61132360044"

Bimmertech Alpha One A90 Woofer 7 Ohm

Resistance 7 Ohm Diameter 255 mm Setting Regular Mount

www.kiesmotorsports.com

For the amp, I'm not 100% sure what exactly to get yet. You (apparently) need a 7 channel amp if you FA (or FDL) code the radio to HiFi

But I'm looking at this.

XM-GS6DSP 6/5 channel class-D Amplifier – Radiowaves

radiowaves.co.za

Need to consider a place that has stock. The above is 6/5 channel, so I need to confirm if I'll be able to get the woofers under the seats to work. So not 100% on the above amp.

Note: I plan on installing this in the boot, so you'll have to disassemble the entire bottom left trim inside the car for the wiring. In addition to that, I'm going to retrofit a combox which is also placed in the boot. Both will have the wires running down the left side of the car. And if you put the amp where I want to put it, left side of the boot below the tray, you'll need a new tray otherwise the amp will take the space of the deep tray. The right hand side of the car has most of the power cables, so it will cause interference.

Part number for shallow tray: 51477245912

The speakers and tweeters are quite sharp as the HU_ENTRY boosts the treble and bass a lot. It was a bit unbearable for me so I FA coded the EQ curve to HiFi. (676)

The sound should (in theory) improve a lot once I get the amp.

Edit:

So after typing the above I started messing with the coding again. I reverted the AUDIO_SYSTEM_CIC back to Stereo via FDL coding instead of HiFi (The 676 FA code mentioned). HiFi definitely needs an amp, otherwise the output is a bit lackluster. I had to play too much with my EQ on my phone and and iDrive.

In addition to that I changed the AUDIO_SYSTEM_VAR to Variant 3 (It's listed as Default, Var 1, Var 2, Var 3 on the software - So I guess the value is 4? Either way, last one on the list.)

It sounds quite a bit better. Here's a summary of the codes.

variant_1	0x00	Less bass compared to var2
variant_2	0x01	Less high frequency compared to var1, var3, var4
variant_3	0x02	high bass level
variant_4	0x03	high bass level

After stuffing around, I'd recommend to keep the AUDIO_SYSTEM_CIC on Stereo and change the AUDIO_SYSTEM_VAR value 0x01, 0x02 or 0x03 as in the table above. Variant 1 is just madness and the sound is extremely piercing, it actually hurts my ears. I also turned the treble all the way down to 0 on iDrive and kept bass at default. Variant 3 + 4 does push the bass to a level that the speaker can't handle and distorts a lot.

I'd definitely do the above if you're upgrading piecemeal like me.

I'm happier with the above settings. Once the amp is bought (whichever one I decide on), I hope to get more mid frequencies through the speakers.

Let me know if you need help or some clarity.

 

[Kung Fu Porkchop]

Attach files



Yeah, sure, no worries. I got some Ground Zero mids and tweeters. The place I went to sold them in a pack. (R4k) They're pretty much plug and play, but some wires need to be stripped. I also put in some sound deadening.

Front speakers & tweeters:

Car Audio Security

CAS is a leading UK retailer of car audio and vehicle security systems, offering stereos, speakers, dash cams, alarms, and professional installation services to enhance in-car entertainment and safety.

caraudiosecurity.com

Sorry, can't find a local link to these with the box.

Front tweeter trims: Parts Number (For an F30): 51337323507 (Left) & 51337323508 (Right). Phone BMW and ask for a discount. They're quite generous, otherwise you can get them from Quantro spares in PTA North.

For the rear speakers I'm going with these. These are what bimmer-tech sells (but I'm not paying $1220 for a whole set). So I'd rather get these for the back.

Bimmertech Alpha One A40 Midrange

"Alpha One was founded by a couple of guys passionate about modifying their BMWs in every possible way with a hefty focus on audio improvements.Our first big hit revolutionized the game of BMW audio upgrades with the world's first fully customized amplifier upgrade: the Alpha One Amplifier.While...

www.kiesmotorsports.com

These are the subs I'm looking at: (Another piecemeal buy). These are hella expensive imho. (R12 - 14k depending on conversion). You may need clips for these. Not 100%.

Here's the clip's part number. "under seat bass speaker connector: 61132360044"

Bimmertech Alpha One A90 Woofer 7 Ohm

Resistance 7 Ohm Diameter 255 mm Setting Regular Mount

www.kiesmotorsports.com

For the amp, I'm not 100% sure what exactly to get yet. You (apparently) need a 7 channel amp if you FA (or FDL) code the radio to HiFi

But I'm looking at this.

XM-GS6DSP 6/5 channel class-D Amplifier – Radiowaves

radiowaves.co.za

Need to consider a place that has stock. The above is 6/5 channel, so I need to confirm if I'll be able to get the woofers under the seats to work. So not 100% on the above amp.

Note: I plan on installing this in the boot, so you'll have to disassemble the entire bottom left trim inside the car for the wiring. In addition to that, I'm going to retrofit a combox which is also placed in the boot. Both will have the wires running down the left side of the car. And if you put the amp where I want to put it, left side of the boot below the tray, you'll need a new tray otherwise the amp will take the space of the deep tray. The right hand side of the car has most of the power cables, so it will cause interference.

Part number for shallow tray: 51477245912

The speakers and tweeters are quite sharp as the HU_ENTRY boosts the treble and bass a lot. It was a bit unbearable for me so I FA coded the EQ curve to HiFi. (676)

The sound should (in theory) improve a lot once I get the amp.

Edit:

So after typing the above I started messing with the coding again. I reverted the AUDIO_SYSTEM_CIC back to Stereo via FDL coding instead of HiFi (The 676 FA code mentioned). HiFi definitely needs an amp, otherwise the output is a bit lackluster. I had to play too much with my EQ on my phone and and iDrive.

In addition to that I changed the AUDIO_SYSTEM_VAR to Variant 3 (It's listed as Default, Var 1, Var 2, Var 3 on the software - So I guess the value is 4? Either way, last one on the list.)

It sounds quite a bit better. Here's a summary of the codes.

variant_1	0x00	Less bass compared to var2
variant_2	0x01	Less high frequency compared to var1, var3, var4
variant_3	0x02	high bass level
variant_4	0x03	high bass level

After stuffing around, I'd recommend to keep the AUDIO_SYSTEM_CIC on Stereo and change the AUDIO_SYSTEM_VAR value 0x01, 0x02 or 0x03 as in the table above. Variant 1 is just madness and the sound is extremely piercing, it actually hurts my ears. I also turned the treble all the way down to 0 on iDrive and kept bass at default. Variant 3 + 4 does push the bass to a level that the speaker can't handle and distorts a lot.

I'd definitely do the above if you're upgrading piecemeal like me.

I'm happier with the above settings. Once the amp is bought (whichever one I decide on), I hope to get more mid frequencies through the speakers.

Let me know if you need help or some clarity.

Holy crap, that's quite comprehensive! Thanks so much!

 

[Side Effect]

Holy crap, that's quite comprehensive! Thanks so much!

No stress. I hope it helps. If you need help with the coding, give me a shout.

I'll let you know if I get a final answer on the amp.

Update: After some digging. A 6 channel amp should be fine if your speaker set up is mids + tweeters (2 channels), rears (2 channels) and subs (2 channels).

7 channel is only required if you have the mid speaker behind the iDrive screen as it will need its own channel.

With everything on its own channels you can tweak the system more instead of having frequencies bleed into the other speakers.

 

[BouncyNinja]

Attach files



Yeah, sure, no worries. I got some Ground Zero mids and tweeters. The place I went to sold them in a pack. (R4k) They're pretty much plug and play, but some wires need to be stripped. I also put in some sound deadening.

Front speakers & tweeters:

Car Audio Security

CAS is a leading UK retailer of car audio and vehicle security systems, offering stereos, speakers, dash cams, alarms, and professional installation services to enhance in-car entertainment and safety.

caraudiosecurity.com

Sorry, can't find a local link to these with the box.

Front tweeter trims: Parts Number (For an F30): 51337323507 (Left) & 51337323508 (Right). Phone BMW and ask for a discount. They're quite generous, otherwise you can get them from Quantro spares in PTA North.

For the rear speakers I'm going with these. These are what bimmer-tech sells (but I'm not paying $1220 for a whole set). So I'd rather get these for the back.

Bimmertech Alpha One A40 Midrange

"Alpha One was founded by a couple of guys passionate about modifying their BMWs in every possible way with a hefty focus on audio improvements.Our first big hit revolutionized the game of BMW audio upgrades with the world's first fully customized amplifier upgrade: the Alpha One Amplifier.While...

www.kiesmotorsports.com

These are the subs I'm looking at: (Another piecemeal buy). These are hella expensive imho. (R12 - 14k depending on conversion). You may need clips for these. Not 100%.

Here's the clip's part number. "under seat bass speaker connector: 61132360044"

Bimmertech Alpha One A90 Woofer 7 Ohm

Resistance 7 Ohm Diameter 255 mm Setting Regular Mount

www.kiesmotorsports.com

For the amp, I'm not 100% sure what exactly to get yet. You (apparently) need a 7 channel amp if you FA (or FDL) code the radio to HiFi

But I'm looking at this.

XM-GS6DSP 6/5 channel class-D Amplifier – Radiowaves

radiowaves.co.za

Need to consider a place that has stock. The above is 6/5 channel, so I need to confirm if I'll be able to get the woofers under the seats to work. So not 100% on the above amp.

Note: I plan on installing this in the boot, so you'll have to disassemble the entire bottom left trim inside the car for the wiring. In addition to that, I'm going to retrofit a combox which is also placed in the boot. Both will have the wires running down the left side of the car. And if you put the amp where I want to put it, left side of the boot below the tray, you'll need a new tray otherwise the amp will take the space of the deep tray. The right hand side of the car has most of the power cables, so it will cause interference.

Part number for shallow tray: 51477245912

The speakers and tweeters are quite sharp as the HU_ENTRY boosts the treble and bass a lot. It was a bit unbearable for me so I FA coded the EQ curve to HiFi. (676)

The sound should (in theory) improve a lot once I get the amp.

Edit:

So after typing the above I started messing with the coding again. I reverted the AUDIO_SYSTEM_CIC back to Stereo via FDL coding instead of HiFi (The 676 FA code mentioned). HiFi definitely needs an amp, otherwise the output is a bit lackluster. I had to play too much with my EQ on my phone and and iDrive.

In addition to that I changed the AUDIO_SYSTEM_VAR to Variant 3 (It's listed as Default, Var 1, Var 2, Var 3 on the software - So I guess the value is 4? Either way, last one on the list.)

It sounds quite a bit better. Here's a summary of the codes.

variant_1	0x00	Less bass compared to var2
variant_2	0x01	Less high frequency compared to var1, var3, var4
variant_3	0x02	high bass level
variant_4	0x03	high bass level

After stuffing around, I'd recommend to keep the AUDIO_SYSTEM_CIC on Stereo and change the AUDIO_SYSTEM_VAR value 0x01, 0x02 or 0x03 as in the table above. Variant 1 is just madness and the sound is extremely piercing, it actually hurts my ears. I also turned the treble all the way down to 0 on iDrive and kept bass at default. Variant 3 + 4 does push the bass to a level that the speaker can't handle and distorts a lot.

I'd definitely do the above if you're upgrading piecemeal like me.

I'm happier with the above settings. Once the amp is bought (whichever one I decide on), I hope to get more mid frequencies through the speakers.

Let me know if you need help or some clarity.

That whole bimmer-tech kit is saxy though

 

[DHimself]

Glad to see this thread, I want to confirm my ownership of a F30 320d, non-M Sport (the ride is infinitely more forgiving that those 19" and M suspension setups), with 29700kms on the clock. I was very lucky, bought it from Millstock Motors, who bought it from a deceased estate, for 380k.
Did the background checks through BMW and the Natis system. Car's solid, no shady history. BMW mech confirmed, the car is in excellent condition.
Came specced with the Hi-fi sound system, spec just below the HK system, reversing camera, puddle lights, extended cluster, etc etc.
I was toying with the idea of doing a DPF and EGR delete with software, but I figured I'd wait for there to be a warning light/engine check light for the DPF.
Other than that, getting an average of 16,8 km/l with mixed driving, granted I stick to the limit with cruise control. Got it down to around 17,1km/l this weekend with a leisurely drive to Stellenbosch.
Quite easily the best car I've owned, would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone. My next car will definitely have the 30d engine, but most likely in X3 or X5 format to keep the wife happy.

 

[Side Effect]

That whole bimmer-tech kit is saxy though

Yeah, it is. But flip, it would cost R24k - R26k one shot without the amp. That's why I'm doing piecemeal. I'll change the front speakers + tweeters to bimmer-tech after the whole amp is done and after I've got the rears and (maybe) the subs.

 

[6spdmanual]

There’s a beautiful E90 320d I’m currently looking at. Drove it yesterday and it was pretty nice.

The stock sound system is absolute trash though.

 

[6spdmanual]

E90 owners - how do you listen to music if you don’t have idrive? Anyone fitted something aftermarket?

 

[W@P]

How I miss my F30.
Had a 2013 320d M-Sport with H/K sound. Really enjoyed that sound system.
Estoril Blue with red leather interior. I specced the order.
IIRC the purchase price in December 2012 on my invoice was R450k

Sold it in 2016 for R250k trade inn on an S3. It had 110k km on the clock.
I would have still had it today if the now ex-wife did not want an S3.

Fsck it was light on juice.


Some pics I found.

The day i got it.

 

[Gtx Gaming]

E90 owners - how do you listen to music if you don’t have idrive? Anyone fitted something aftermarket?

Gizzu Bluetooth 5 Dual Handsfree Kit - BC49BQ

Gizzu Bluetooth 5 Dual Handsfree Kit - BC49BQ and other Gizzu products available at FirstShop South-Africa. Price, availability and reviews for Gizzu BC49BQ

www.firstshop.co.za

Works like a charm.

Gizzu Bluetooth 5 Dual Handsfree Kit - BC49BQ​

I use in my peugeot.

 

[ronz91]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1705828149492056304

Hmmm that means the high mileage Beemer experiment won't be started soon