Subwoofer answers

I am looking for a cheap way to wire my subwoofers into my e39. I have the stock radio and love it. I am in no rush to replace it. How would I go about this?

How can we help if you don't identify what subwoofer you have?

Im sure he is asking about "any" subwoofer that is non oem. Could be wrong

In the trunk where locate the amp and the main wire harness. This is what you will tap your line into with a line output converter ($20)

What year is your e39?
Do you have DSP
Depending on the year and whether or not you have DSP factors the wire pins.

Search YouTube for BSW installation guide. You'd need an amp to power those separately from the stock amp though.

Originally Posted by Nline6

Im sure he is asking about "any" subwoofer that is non oem. Could be wrong

First off, is it a powered or unpowered subwoofer (it better be powered)?
Second, you can take a signal from the amp (see post #4) or you can tap into a speaker wire. However, only certain subwoofers can do the latter. He needs to be specific if he expects any real help.

Originally Posted by Fudman

First off, is it a powered or unpowered subwoofer (it better be powered)?
Second, you can take a signal from the amp (see post #4) or you can tap into a speaker wire. However, only certain subwoofers can do the latter. He needs to be specific if he expects any real help.

Arent most subwoofers powered? by either an internal or external amp? I guess I dont understand what a unpowered subwoofer would be? other then unhooked . Not trying to argue, I just dont see the point in being over technical when you most likely have an idea of the general answer to the question. Specific questions get specific answeres vague questions get vague answers.... maybe he wanted a vague answer?

I have an 02 E39 Msport and my subs just stopped working.. Any suggestions??

Originally Posted by GQJQ

I have an 02 E39 Msport and my subs just stopped working.. Any suggestions??

Buy low, sell high.

Hi,

Anothergeezer - fantastic advice for a good overall financial view !!

GQJQ - can you update with what troubleshooting/fault finding you've done so far please?

Cheers, Dennis!

Originally Posted by Nline6

Arent most subwoofers powered? by either an internal or external amp? I guess I dont understand what a unpowered subwoofer would be? other then unhooked . Not trying to argue, I just dont see the point in being over technical when you most likely have an idea of the general answer to the question. Specific questions get specific answeres vague questions get vague answers.... maybe he wanted a vague answer?

A powered sub just means its a sub, enclosure, and amp all rolled into one product like the Infinity basslink that i have. Unpowered would be a loose sub where you need to go find your own enclosure and amp to use with it. Though im still not sure why he said it "better be powered" Because either way the signal tapping should be the same

Originally Posted by Topaz540i

A powered sub just means its a sub, enclosure, and amp all rolled into one product like the Infinity basslink that i have. Unpowered would be a loose sub where you need to go find your own enclosure and amp to use with it. Though im still not sure why he said it "better be powered" Because either way the signal tapping should be the same

The definition above is correct. I said "Better be powered" because the stock amp does not have sufficient power to power a subwoofer. You can continue to use the stock amp when replacing the OE 5.25" woofer and tweeters because most aftermarket speaker have greater efficiency (greater output at the same power level) than the OE Nokia speakers. However, if you add a 8" or 10" subwoofer, you better add some power to go along with it, otherwise, you will be disappointed with the sound quality.

Inputting the signal into a powered subwoofer varies, depending upon the brand. Some only allow line level (RCA) inputs. Many subwoofers allow two types of signal input: line level inputs and speaker level inputs. The Infinity Basslink allows both as does my Blaupunkt. The line level input is the same signal you get at the back of a preamp/amp or receiver. The speaker level input is simply tapping into the powered speaker line. The latter approach means that the volume of the subwoofer is directly proportional to the volume of the speaker line it is connected to.

Without knowing specifically what subwoofer he is attaching, we are speculating as to the solution to the problem. Refer to the subwoofer user manual for detailed guidance.