How good are the stock speakers?

[whitebulat22]

Hi all, I have a good headunit to be installed where the original one had been stolen before I bought the car. I'm not sure exactly what specific option the sound system is on the car, I just know it's an alpine white 86 ES and I'm wondering if the stock speakers would be satisfying to wire up or if I'd want to go after a newer sound system.

My only real concern is the quality / detail. In my resident working 80's German mobile 190e I get a really thin sound and the bass lines are hard to find. How are your experiences with stock e30s?

[agent]

The speakers in the BMW Premium Sound system are great with a little power added to them. In Klaus I have mine mated up with a Clarion HU, a Planet Audio 1800.5 and and an Infinity 10" DVC in a Lukebox. It sounds absolutely amazing.

In an ES chances are high it has PS. Spend ~$500 on the rest of the stuff you need, follow Luke's writeup on how to bypass the factory amp (and add an aftermarket one) along with his Lukebox DIY and enjoy.

[Stanley Rockafella]

what's wrong with the stock amp on the prem. system?

[agent]

If it's still operational, nothing if you're using the factory HU. Pairing it with an aftermarket HU isn't an optimal solution since 99.99% of them are powered.

[StereoInstaller1]

what's wrong with the stock amp on the prem. system?

This....if you just don't care, the stock amp makes for a super easy install, but limited in performance.

[E30NJ]

If it's still operational, nothing if you're using the factory HU. Pairing it with an aftermarket HU isn't an optimal solution since 99.99% of them are powered.

The PO of my car had a alpine unit installed from the E36-Era, and left the factory (stock) E30 amp. Should I change it out?

[Butler]

Nice to meet you yesterday Luke! I always enjoying putting names to faces.

[estoguy]

The premium E30 speakers are definitely better than the bone stock ones. I installed a set in the fall - total difference.

[StereoInstaller1]

Way back when, I set up a set of E30 Premiums with full active crossovers.

I ran 140WRMS X2 to the mids, 35WRMS X2 to the tweets.

They sounded pretty damn good all in all, but I did stupid things after that.

[whitebulat22]

Well, this all sounds wonderful and it looks like I have those door tweeters and rear rectangular speakers from the premium. I'm gonna start out by wiring in my Pioneer HU and seeing what happens to keep it simple.

Thanks to all for having writeups and experiences.