What Size Speakers Are In A 2001 Bmw 325i

1999-2005 BMW three Series sedan

Upgrading the stereo arrangement in your 3 Serial
1999 • 2000 • 2001 • 2002 • 2003 • 2004 • 2005

1999-2006 BMW 3 series sedan

In brief: This Crutchfield Research Garage article gives you an overview of your BMW's stock stereo system and your aftermarket upgrade options. Use our vehicle selector to find the gear that will fit your 3 Series.

Overview of the BMW 3 Series sedan

The BMW 3 Series has changed a lot over the years, but it's never lost that certain something that makes it, for many, the finest sports/luxury car in the world. That's why almost any car magazine'southward annual "top ten" or "best of" listing virtually automatically includes a 3 Series. It'south kind of go a cliché, but hey, the car really is that good. A lot of manufacturers have tried to imitate and improve upon the 3's all-around excellence, merely few take succeeded for long.

The fourth generation 3, known internally and to serious BMW fans as the E46, was, like its forebears, a wonderful combination of comfort, power, and driving feel. In sedan form, information technology's totally capable of hauling the family unit, just it'southward also happy to haul something else when Mom or Dad finds a curvy stretch of road. The styling, a somewhat controversial subject back in the day, has aged remarkably well, and the interior remains a comfortable, well-designed workplace for serious drivers and their lucky passengers.

BMW 3 Series radio

The three's base radio was somewhat pedestrian (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Factory stereo organisation

As wonderful as the driving experience might exist in a 3 Series sedan, the audio experience was less enthralling. We've seen the stock systems described as "muffled," which is not exactly what you desire in a stereo. Deadened or not, the receiver and speakers are notwithstanding aging apace, so if yous're serious almost sound, you'll want to replace them.

The standard factory system consisted of a BMW-branded AM/FM/CD receiver (or cassette, in early on models) and ten speakers. The optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon system used the same radio, but added meliorate speakers and a subwoofer. A trunk-mounted CD changer was another audio choice.

A trunk-mounted CD (later DVD)-based navigation organisation was as well available on the 3 Series, and the route information was displayed on a multifariousness of receivers with ever-larger screens over the years.

BMW 3 Series nav receiver

Replacing the factory nav unit is not a chore for the boilerplate DIY-er (Crutchfield Research Photograph)

Replacing your factory radio

You lot'll face different installation scenarios, depending on which manufacturing plant arrangement you take. The standard radio is no big deal. The Harman Kardon system adds a little twist. The navigation system is a deal breaker. We'll discuss all three situations beneath, just the best solution for these systems is a consummate system overhaul — replacing the receiver, factory amp(southward) and speakers. If speaker-simply replacement is your all-time option, wait for aftermarket speakers with an impedance equal to or greater than that of the factory speakers.

If yous accept questions, give us a call and allow our expert advisors help you find the gear you demand. Later the auction, you'll take access to our Tech Support team for the lifetime of your gear.

Standard stereo system

Replacing your auto's standard "BMW Business organisation" receiver with a single-DIN (two" alpine) receiver is a scrap of a challenge, but it's thoroughly within the capabilities of most DIY-oriented auto owners. At that place'south a bit of trimming and adjusting to exist done, only other than that, this is a straightforward projection.

Installing a receiver with a fold-downwards face might seem like a good idea, but the screen will block the middle dash vents, so we don't recommend it. The good news is that iDrive had nonetheless to trickle downwardly to the 3 Series, so upgrading the manufacturing plant audio arrangement is much easier than it is on afterwards models. So let's get to it...

Using a panel tool, pry off the plastic trim above the glove box. Then, pry off the trim strip to a higher place the radio. Yous'll desire to work carefully, because you don't desire to impairment these plastic panels. With the panels out of the way, you lot'll need to remove the two Phillips screws securing the factory radio. Pull it out, disconnect it, and remove information technology.

BMW 3 series dash kit single-DIN

You'll demand this nuance kit to install a new receiver in your BMW

Remove the DIN sleeve and trim band from your new receiver, so apply a utility knife to trim off the three tabs located on the top of the receiver mounting kit. Y'all'll desire to examination fit the receiver by sliding the DIN sleeve, then the receiver, into the dash. Check the mounting kit on the face of the receiver to make sure it's flush. If the receiver sits besides deep into the dash, your installation kit (securely discounted with your Crutchfield stereo purchase) includes a spacer ring that tin be placed behind the sleeve to space the receiver outward.

From at that place, connect the receiver wiring adapter (also deeply discounted) to the receiver'south wires following the included instructions. Slide the DIN sleeve (using the spacer ring if needed) into the nuance. Secure the sleeve by angle the securing tabs. Hold the receiver near the dash, connect the receiver wiring adapter to the factory harness and plug in the antenna lead, using the antenna adapter. Slide the receiver all the way into the sleeve, then install the mounting kit trim plate and secure it to the dash using the screws you previously removed.

Harman Kardon organisation

When you replace the radio in a Harman Kardon-equipped motorcar, you'll also need a special adapter chosen a line output converter. That's because the manufactory amplifier requires a low-level signal from the new radio.

As we've already hinted, when you purchase your new stereo from Crutchfield, we'll make sure you become all of the installation gear you lot need (mounting kit, wiring harness, antenna adapter, AND this line output converter) and give you a deep disbelieve on them.

Stereo with mill navigation arrangement

Replacing the navigation organisation'southward radio is non something to undertake lightly. It requires extensive modification. You'll accept to fabricate a custom mounting kit – there aren't any gear up-made aftermarket kits available. You lot'll likewise have to extend the wires from the wiring harness all the way to the trunk where the car'southward tuner/amp module is located. That ways running those new wires all the manner through the length of the car.

This is not a job for the boilerplate exercise-it-yourselfer and we don't recommend trying it. That said, if you Have tried it already, feel gratuitous to share your trials, tribulations, and successes in the comments beneath. We'd love to hear from yous, and we're certain your beau owners will, likewise.

Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, panel tool, small flat bract screwdriver, utility pocketknife

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Steering wheel audio controls

Information technology's relatively easy to retain your BMW's steering wheel audio controls when you lot install a new stereo. When you enter your vehicle information, our database will choose the adapter you need to make your factory steering bicycle controls work with your new receiver.

BMW 3-series sedan front door

The 3'southward front end doors are reasonably easy to work with (Crutchfield Inquiry Photo)

Replacing your factory speakers

The 3 Serial sedan has speakers in the front doors, rear doors, and rear deck. The Harman Kardon organization adds a couple of small woofers on the underside of the rear deck.

Front door speakers

The forepart door speaker array consists of woofers at the bottom of the door, mid-range speakers in (fittingly) the middle of the door panels, and 1-1/two" tweeters in the canvass panels. The crossover points for the system are not known (past us, anyhow) at this time. If you know, please share your knowledge in the Comments section beneath!

The woofer can be replaced with v-1/four" or half dozen-1/2" speakers with the help of mounting brackets that are included with your Crutchfield speaker purchase. The 2-1/2" mid-range speakers are mounted in the grille, which is attached to the door panel itself. Aforementioned-size replacements are not available, simply smaller speakers can exist secured in this space with the assistance of a universal backstrap. A wiring harness is not bachelor for this location, so you'll have to splice, solder, or (better, easier thought) use a set of Posi-Products speaker connectors.

Getting to the woofer and the mid involves removing the door panel. This is relatively calorie-free duty, requiring little more some panel and Torx screw removal. There is a bit of a difference betwixt the ii doors, though, since the power mirror switch assembly is located on the driver's side. The rider's side has a bare console in that space. Both can be removed with a panel tool.

Detailed, illustrated instructions for this disassembly process tin be found in the instructions that are included free with your stereo or speaker purchase. The cardinal element here is to work advisedly and patiently when removing the plastic door panels.

BMW 3 series door tweeter

You'll demand aftermarket brackets to install your new tweeters (Crutchfield Inquiry Photo)

Tweeters

To remove the tweeters, you lot'll outset past removing two retaining clips from the trim on the front edge of the door. Pull that edge trim out just enough to admission the tweeter; then remove the Torx T30 screw that secures the tweeter/bracket associates. Pull the tweeter out and cut the wires shut to the last. Obviously, having done that, yous'll demand some more Posi-Products to connect the new tweeter to the factory wiring. You lot'll also need a universal backstrap to secure the tweeter in place behind the sail panel.

Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, small-scale flat blade screwdriver, console tool, Torx T30 commuter, Torx T20 driver

BMW 3 series rear door speaker

The rear door speakers are mounted in the door console (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Rear door speakers

With the low-finish duties handled past the rear deck speakers (meet below), BMW installed 2-i/two" component tweeters in the rear doors. They're easy to reach, only same-size replacements are not bachelor and neither is a wiring harness.

These speakers are mounted in the door panel, so you'll demand to remove the panel to supercede them. As with the front doors, in that location's zero terribly complicated going on here.

Your best bet hither is to replace these and the rear deck speakers (see below) with a set of aftermarket component speakers. To install a slightly smaller component tweeter in this spot, you lot'll demand a universal backstrap and Posi-Products connectors.

Tools needed: Panel tool, Torx T20 driver, modest apartment bract screwdriver

BMW 3 series rear deck speaker

The Harman Kardon system includes rear deck speakers (Crutchfield Inquiry Photo)

Rear deck speakers

The 2 rear deck speakers are six-iii/4" component models tin exist replaced with a variety of aftermarket speakers. Speaker mounting brackets are included free, if needed.

These meridian-mountain speakers are quite easy to reach and supplant, only in that location is a flake of drilling involved. Start by prying upwards the rear speaker grille, then remove the foam ring effectually the speaker. Remove the three 8mm screws securing the speaker, and so disconnect it and gear up it bated. Place your new speaker in that spot and use it as a template for marking where you'll be drilling the new mounting holes. Remove the speaker and use a i/8" bit to drill the holes. Use Posi-Products connectors to bring together the new speaker to the factory wiring, then secure information technology with the screws supplied. Examination it out, make certain it works, then replace the grilles.

Drilling a few holes isn't tough, only yous are drilling holes into your BMW, and then be conscientious, wear centre protection, and pay attention to wiring, fuel lines and safety devices. Cheque your drilling depth and location to avoid damaging your car. As well, the "screws supplied" line used in a higher place isn't ever true. Check the box to make sure they're there earlier you start working.

Tools needed: Panel tool, 8mm socket, ratchet, and extension, drill and one/8" bit

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BMW 3 series factory sub

The Harman Kardon organisation also includes a deck-mounted subwoofer assembly (Crutchfield Inquiry Photograph)

Bass in your 3 Series

The Harman Kardon organization adds 2 half-dozen"x9" subwoofers in a plastic enclosure mounted to the underside of the rear deck betwixt the speakers. To replace them, you'll showtime demand to remove the enclosure from the trunk. To do so, you lot'll remove 4 8mm screws from the bottom of the enclosure; and then pry downward at the rear of the enclosure to release two plastic retaining clips. Pull the enclosure out and disconnect the amp harness to remove. Once that'southward out of the car, you'll remove four Torx T20 screws from each speaker.

You can replace these subs, which are powered by a sub amp behind the driver's side trunk trim, with a diversity of same-size, 5-1/four" or 6-1/2" subs. A speaker adapter bracket is required for the smaller models, and information technology'southward included free with your speaker purchase. Though the enclosure is rather thin, the cavities in the deck volition hold a good sized magnet, so you lot can choose from a good selection of subs.

If that's not quite plenty bass for you lot, or your car wasn't equipped with manufactory subs, yous have a variety of options for adding bass. If you're thinking most a component subwoofers in a box, your bachelor space is 30"Due west 10 17"H x 29"/36" D. Information technology'due south not a vast space, only that'south enough of room for some serious bass power.

For those who need their car'due south trunk to haul more than car audio equipment, a powered sub will provide plenty of thump while still leaving room for real-world concerns like groceries and luggage.

Tools needed: Panel tool, 8mm socket, ratchet, and extension, Torx T-20 commuter

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BMW 3 series trunk

There'south room for a small subwoofer back here (Crutchfield Research Photograph)

Other options for your 3 Series

At that place are plenty of other means to better your 3 Series sedan. Here are some of the ways Crutchfield can help:

Amplifier

Adding an aftermarket amplifier volition really help y'all get the virtually out of your new speakers. The iii-Series isn't brusque on cargo space, but if you still use it for family duties, a compact Grade D amp would be the all-time pick.

Dynamat

If you like your music equally pure as your driving experience, hearing more stereo and less road noise is a adept start. The Dynamat Xtreme Door Kit is the perfect fashion to seal in audio. This heavy-duty insulating textile is easy to install, and it actually makes a departure.

Security

Installing a security system in your BMW isn't like shooting fish in a barrel (security systems rarely are), but information technology's less complicated than it could exist. Our Crutchfield Advisors can help figure out what you demand to get the job done, simply we commonly recommend taking your machine (and your new gear) to a professional installer.

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Building your arrangement

The BMW 3 Series sedan is a automobile that, depending on the project, tin can be either easy, hard, or almost incommunicable for the DIY car audio enthusiast.

In the case of nav-equipped cars, the amount of piece of work and expense involved in replacing that receiver makes it a daunting chore for many owners. Replacing information technology with a make-new touchscreen receiver takes a lot of time, skill, and coin. Replacing it with a used or NOS (new old stock) mill model is unremarkably cheaper, but "caveat emptor." Besides, at this indicate, the "nav" portion of the receiver's functionality can be hands surpassed past almost any portable GPS and most smartphones.

On the flip side of that are cars equipped with the standard radio. Replacement is plainly a lot easier with these cars, but some owners don't want to disturb the smooth mill look of the nuance by installing a new receiver.

In both cases, y'all tin make your 3 Series sound a whole lot better without replacing the stock receiver. A new amplifier, new speakers, and a subwoofer tin make a huge deviation in audio quality, even if the factory receiver is nevertheless in place. If you rely on digital sources for your music, at that place are adapters that will plug into your receiver and permit you lot enjoy music from your smartphone or MP3 player. Satellite radio fans tin can install compact tuners to proceeds access to keen SiriusXM® programming.

In other words, there are a lot of means to make your 3 Series sound equally skillful as it drives. Visit our Auto Showroom to run into what one Crutchfield employee did to meliorate the sound in his E46 sedan.

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