Notes on a 2009 535i HiFi to MS-8 install...
 

Customer wants MS-8 to replace his OEM HiFi system completely plus add a center speaker (DLS 424 coaxial). No other aftermarket equipment to be installed, be 100% reversible back to OEM and it has to have a significant improvement in sound quality and loudness while using the OEM speakers.

No problem with the E60 PnP harness kit... :thumbsup:

Remove M-ASK unit:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0834.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0836.jpg

Transfer OEM MOST connector to new Quadralock harness:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0837.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0839.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0840.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0841.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0842.jpg

Plug Quadralock harness in...
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0843.jpg

... and plug extension cables (inputs and outputs, including remote signal) into harness:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0844.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0846.jpg

Install center speaker into existing OEM mount and run new speaker wires:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0847.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0849.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0850.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0851.jpg

Run extension cables (and center speaker wires) on each side of the center console, under the front seats, via the door sills towards the trunk:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0852.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0854.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0856.jpg

Plug OEM amp harness in:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0860.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0861.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0862.jpg

Plug MS-8 to input/output M-ASK extension cables (front, center and rear speakers) and to OEM amp input and output underseat woofers signals (cables pre-terminated for PnP):

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCF0864.jpg

Notes:

1) MS-8 uses the 12V and ground connections from the OEM amp via the PnP harness. The OEM amp 12V is a 40A fused OEM line; the MS-8 is double-fused at 25A. No whine, no noises.

2) Result: quite an inprovement in clarity, front stage focus, bass impact and overall loudness despite the OEM speakers. This should not be any secret or magic: power was increased from 25W x 4/40W x 2 to 60W max x 7, adjustments went from just bass/treble to bass/mid/treble, sub and center level, Logic7, and 31-band EQ while the M-ASK outputs EQ curve flattened. So there are enough possible adjustments to get a relatively louder and clearer sound than OEM. The addition of the DLS 424 center channel and particularly the Logic7 processing created a higher, adjustable (driver/passenger/front focused) and just better front stage that was not there before.

Customer was very happy with the result, so I was happy... :thumbup:

what exactly is an M-8? I just purchased a 2010 E60 2 days ago with a HiFi sound system. Sound is okay. I have test driven another E60 with the L7 sound system and does sound much better. Is this M-8 an upgrade to L7 sound?
Although i'm very familiar with upgrading to aftermarket sound systems. I want to try and keep thing as OEM as possible. Avoiding the extra Amps and boxes in the trunk.

JBL MS-8: http://de.jbl.com/tl_files/catalog//...s%20Manual.pdf

Where did you get the wiring harness? I am currently in the process of upgrading and need some parts. If you have more information documented how you did this, I would be truly appreciative

Please use PM for details.