The HK is pants and tbh not much of an upgrade,

you just really get more (cheap quality) speakers, the HK is amped and runs in a perculiar way and would be alot of effort to retrofit it, it runs from amps in the back.

you would be better off going after market, small sub +amp new front componenets, then amp them later on if you feel the need

You are right the sound that comes out of the original speakers are shocking,

Do you want to keep the oem HU or would you be going after market with that aswell?

Take a look at my DIYS below

 

Hey Sam, cheers for the reply :thumbsup

Nice tutorial there mate! Well I think I'll be giving the hk a miss then.

Think I might get a new head unit aswell as the oem is pretty boring!
Anyone got any reccomendations?
All i really need is ipod compatible and bluetooth.

How much did them rainbows set you back mate if you dont mind me asking?

 

Do a lot of reading around. The speakers will be a PITA due to the non standard mounts and shallow mounting depths. The BMW wiring should be ample for anything but multi amp multi speaker systems. The HU if you are going DIN sized you should budget £80 for the centre mount bracket.

 

rainbows were £165, but are very good and well worth the money,

As joylove says, the speaker mounting depth is very shallow, you will only be able to get 2" deep speakers in

 

I just bought these: http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/12086.html

Absolutely awesome speakers as you'd expect from Focal..

Currently on offer there, still selling for £150 on all other car audio sites I've seen!

Running mine off a Pioneer 4x50w and sounds spot on.. may use some sound deadening in my doors in the future to maximise their potential but currently very happy with them!

 

Hmmm Focals or Rainbows, cheers guys, gives me something to think about.

Baderlfc, do the speakers fit straight in or do you need adaptor mounts?

£80 for a piece of plastic!!!!!
Has anyone done any DIY? or a cheaper option such as built a car from scratch around the head unit!!

 

£80 for a piece of plastic!!!!!
Has anyone done any DIY? or a cheaper option such as built a car from scratch around the head unit!!

£80 is for the center mount:

you can pay less for the off center one, like mine.
i belive i payed £50 for the steering wheel adapter, harness adapter and the fascia adapter:

 

sounds

I had the same feeling whem I bought my E46 last year I looked around for quite a while in the end I got an Alpine 117r, Alpine bluetooth and Focals. What a difference probably needs a Bass as well but spent £600 so that can wait. I can run Ipod or USB, phone works great illumination is orange and red and the stereo controls work on the steering wheel. Get the central fitting bezel as said before much better finish.