1997 Z3 Roadster with bad sound.

[metalman68]

I've been watching the site now for about 2 years and been a member for about 6 months. I have a 1997 z3 roadster I purchased used. So far I've enjoyed the vehicle very much,few hiccups here and there but basically routine maintainance. Hopefully I can get this thing back to normal.

This is a great blog/technical site and thanks to everyone here for sharing their experience and knowledge. Have a quick question for anyone who has the time for a newbie.

Question: I've been having trouble with my stereo system. It seems to have quit on me just after I got an inspection. My symptoms are this; radio has power, cd player has power however I've no sound. One speaker worked for a moment after I stripped the trunk apart to see what was doin in there. Here's what happened, the left front speaker worked momentarily and gradually faded to nothing, when I blipped the gas the volume increased a little only to fade as I let off. My best guess is that the amp has gone but I don't really know. Is there some way for me to troubleshoot the system to locate MY problem?

Anyway, I'd appreciate any guidance on this issue and hope everyone is enjoying their RIDE. Don't get rid of these cars! Restore them so everyone can admire its engineering
197270 Fritz in New York

[metalman68]

should I be looking elsewhere? :dunno:

[metalman68]

Well here it is the 27th of august and I got my sound back. It just started working again. For a moment I thought something could have shorted out but can't even guess where to start diagnostics. Any thoughts from someone would be very gracious.

[Mpire]

IF your stereo is stock, I would be surprised if your speakers were not dry rotted to nothing.

[metalman68]

Thanks mpire,do you have someone to recommend for stock replacements? I have the little bitty speakers in the rear behind headrest,noway are they a 4" speaker! And I really cant locate a supplier of direct plug and play replacements. I'd prefer to keep the vehicle stock but the dealership parts are rather "high". Thanks for your input and would welcome any more suggestions. Generally I like to do the work on the vehicle,it adds to the experience of being one with the machine. Thanks again and I'll investigate the dry rot tip. I'm sure the speakers are beat but why would they cut out?

Fritz

[Mpire]

My recommendation would be to pick out some 5.25 speakers for the fronts. Then get a reasonable priced amp and install the set together. www.rfdm.com has daniel's diagrams for the amps. Just follow what he did. Its pretty straight forward.

Get a set of component speakers, and maybe a set of coax speakers for the rear.

Get whats on sale at crutchfield or where ever. I found my amp on craigslist. Anything will be a major improvement over stock.

Just remember to replace the amp and the speakers together and you will have a very nice system. Leave the head unit alone until you feel like thrown money in for bling.

If you really want to chat it up, send me a PM with your phone number and I will give you a ring.