New head unit or new speakers?

So i've been searching on some stuff about E39 speakers. Some people say they'd rather change the speaker than the head unit but some people say the head unit is better than installing new speakers. I have a JVC kd-g230 head unit. Either that or i'm going to order MB Quart FSB213 5.25" speakers with tweeters. What do you guys think i should do?

The biggest audible difference (most bang for the buck) would be achieved by improving the speakers, not the head unit. It doesn't take an audiophile to easily notice the audible improvement when replacing the stock speakers with a quality set of component speakers. You will easily notice improvement in clarity and definition. While upgrading the head unit will improve overall sound quality, most listeners could not tell the difference between head units or amps in an automotive environment (w/background noise). Naturally, a louder stereo appears to sound better but that is simply an audible illusion. The second priority is to add bass to the system (powered subwoofer), which is woefully inadequate. After that, then improve the head unit and amp.

Head unit replacement is a nontrivial pursuit, and requires extensive disembowelment of the interior to run wires. If you absolutely want better sound, consider it.

The first step is MB Quart. You may be satisfied with that.

Originally Posted by edjack

Head unit replacement is a nontrivial pursuit, and requires extensive disembowelment of the interior to run wires. If you absolutely want better sound, consider it.

The first step is MB Quart. You may be satisfied with that.

I found one but the mounting depth is 2.13", ane E39 have 2"

Better speakers -> better sounds.

Originally Posted by Saladdin

I found one but the mounting depth is 2.13", ane E39 have 2"

The door has an acceptable speaker top mounting depth of 2.25", possible more. 2.13" is good to go. However, 2.13" will not fit the rear deck.

Originally Posted by Saladdin

So i've been searching on some stuff about E39 speakers. Some people say they'd rather change the speaker than the head unit but some people say the head unit is better than installing new speakers. I have a JVC kd-g230 head unit. Either that or i'm going to order MB Quart FSB213 5.25" speakers with tweeters. What do you guys think i should do?

Remember that the 5 1/4 speaker in the door is just a woofer, you have seperate mid range and tweeter in the door too. I just disconnected the mid and tweeter in the door ,used an after market 3 way speaker and used my own wire. Then wired to a new head unit. I still used the amp to power the rear speakers. You will need a harness adapter for the new head unit and a European to American antenna adapter too if you choose this route.

Originally Posted by ninetyseven

Remember that the 5 1/4 speaker in the door is just a woofer, you have seperate mid range and tweeter in the door too. I just disconnected the mid and tweeter in the door ,used an after market 3 way speaker and used my own wire. Then wired to a new head unit. I still used the amp to power the rear speakers. You will need a harness adapter for the new head unit and a European to American antenna adapter too if you choose this route.

So me buying these speakers will not affect the quality at all? Only the woofers?

No, any improvement to the speakers will improve the overall sound quality. Remember, the OE speakers are cheap Nokias with a paper cone. It is hard to match or do worse than the OE speakers. Most component aftermarket speakers have larger magnets with stiffer (e.g. poypropylene) cones, which create better response and crisper sound. The MB Quart or the Fosgates are much better than the OE speakers. To keep it simple:

1. Select a component 5.25" speaker system, not 2-way or 3-way speaker. That will simplify wiring.

2. Spend as much as you can on the front door speakers. $100 will get you some very nice speakers.

3. Swap the new 5.25" woofer for the old one (a 5 minute job).

4. Remove the current tweeter (located next to the window). You may have to jury rig the existing mounting system to adapt to your new tweeter. Wiring is exactly the same.

5. Leave the midrange in place. Leave the head unit and amp in place.

6. If you have another $200+, add a powered subwoofer to get the low end. Here's one that fits in the rear armrest.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...416&highlight=

Keep the oem HU, i find he stock one to be perfect, though i wish i had nav.

I find BSWs (if you have the extra cash) to be one hell of a setup. The change from normal speakers to BSWs was like night and day, clarity and bass are the 2 big things for me, and they nail it! I like the Nokia sub box, but i will be giving m audio subs a try and report to the forum.

Originally Posted by Dking078

Keep the oem HU, i find he stock one to be perfect, though i wish i had nav.

I find BSWs (if you have the extra cash) to be one hell of a setup. The change from normal speakers to BSWs was like night and day, clarity and bass are the 2 big things for me, and they nail it! I like the Nokia sub box, but i will be giving m audio subs a try and report to the forum.

Yes that's up to you if you wanna keep the head unit. Mine had the factory cassette player and MID that had almost no pixels left so i ditched it in favor of a newer,more modern setup. I wanted usb and iphone functionality ,so i got a newer head unit. I think the 540i could use a more modern head unit like the newer ones have.