Page 1 of 2

installing audio for my car type?

Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 8:03 pm
by sonso_chi
Hey all, it has been a while for me

Anyhow, I want to attempt to install a new system on my own. I now have the time but lack the knowledge.

I have a 1993 BMW 740i.

Is there a resource where I can view or buy directions (possibly a diagram with respect to this of my car) on upgrading audio system for my specific car model?

I have no idea how to remove the door panels, run wires from my deck to my trunk, power wire, don't want to drill a hole in my gas tank, etc.

I was able to put in my aftermarket deck without issue: Pioneer Premeir DEH-P960MP

I am planning on buying an amp (unsure what kind) and some subs (likely Kicker comp vr's)

Any and all feedback appreciated

Thank you

Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 10:28 am
by sonso_chi
:help:
I really want to do it myself, I guess I can just rip upholtery apart and drill away and glue everything back together... :argh
but direction would be very helpful
anybody?

Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 11:33 pm
by stfo
sonso_chi wrote: :help:
I really want to do it myself, I guess I can just rip upholtery apart and drill away and glue everything back together... :argh
but direction would be very helpful
anybody?
ummm, if you find yourself with glue in your hand while installing wiring and an amp, you may seriously want to think about having someone like an audio shop do this for you.

If you were asking about anything else, then I would recommend it, but wiring is the #1 thing you should have proffesionaly done I believe. If anything is done wrong it could blow your amp, your deck, your speakers, the brain of your car, it could lead to many problems.

Get your Wiring done somewhere, dont do it yourself.
THEN install the speakers, the deck, the amp etc. yourself if you like.
All those can be done by yourself somewhat easily if you research the proper steps.

Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 11:39 pm
by sonso_chi
thanks.
I know how to hook everything up, just never ran the wires before but once the wiring is done I switch things up at will

I'll take your advice though because I'd be doing as stated, ripping up upholstery and drilling holes probably not in the best fashion

so I'll be at the shop soon..."I just need the wires ran to the trunk"...

Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 3:17 am
by Bwcad1
check the faq.

Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 10:28 am
by sonso_chi
Bwcad1 wrote:check the faq.
I've memorized the faq. I learned half of what i konw from that a few years back. :thumbsup resource

I think I'm going to go for it. I have a tight resource.

Thank you

Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 10:47 am
by High Society
Power wire isn't hard to run. Make sure the batt is disconnected, make sure you have the wire fused. Why do you need to drill holes every where, or use glue? Takin of door panels is not hard at all. They just pop right off. Usually just some plastic screw things,or clamps. Just be careful when takin those out because they tend to break easy. Then unscrew, or pop up the plastic trim that holds down the carpet and run the wire under that, to the trunk. As for wire through the trunk I used a metal rod(not sharp) and tied the wire to the end and pushed it through.

Unless you want to take tho whole back seat out ect ect. But damn is that hard work. I did that with my buddies’ car. So if you're gonna do that make sure you have two or three people to help take that out.

Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 11:00 am
by sonso_chi
High Society wrote:Power wire isn't hard to run. Make sure the batt is disconnected, make sure you have the wire fused. Why do you need to drill holes every where, or use glue? Takin of door panels is not hard at all. They just pop right off. Usually just some plastic screw things,or clamps. Just be careful when takin those out because they tend to break easy. Then unscrew, or pop up the plastic trim that holds down the carpet and run the wire under that, to the trunk. As for wire through the trunk I used a metal rod(not sharp) and tied the wire to the end and pushed it through.
Unless you want to take tho whole back seat out ect ect. But damn is that hard work. I did that with my buddies’ car. So if you're gonna do that make sure you have two or three people to help take that out.
thanks! I appreciate the advice. I'm going to go for it. I have to order everything so it'll take some time but I'll let you know.

I'm going to get 2 kicker comp vr's, can't decide on either 10"s or 12"s. I have to look at my alt, I'm not going to feel like (paying for) changing that.

Depedning, I'm going to get a 600-1000w amp.

I'm going to go ahead with name brand wiring. Since my battery is under my back seat (short distance to trunk) I think I'll be fine with 4ga wire. I'll decide on fuse sizes once I pick an amp.

The amp will probably be:
Kicker
Soundstream
HiFonics
MTX
MA Audio
or Phoneix Gold

any feedback on my selections?

Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 11:07 am
by High Society
I'm going to go ahead with name brand wiring. Since my battery is under my back seat (short distance to trunk) I think I'll be fine with 4ga wire. I'll decide on fuse sizes once I pick an amp.

The amp will probably be:
Kicker
Soundstream
HiFonics
MTX
MA Audio
or Phoneix Gold
So you have two batts? Or just one and its located under your seat? even if you have two it still wont make a diff. You need to upgrade your alt. Even with 600 watts you'll be seeing some dim.

As for amps I'd take any except the Ma Audio amp. And for Hifonics make sure it's 05 and up model.

Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 11:46 am
by Darthness
im running 400-700w (dependanton voltage) without any dimming. i get some alternator whine in the morning/when its cold when i run the defrosters & headlights, but never any dimming.