Do speakers wear down/out overtime?

[IS300E30]

Odd question I know. But, do speakers wear down over time? Like a light bulb can get dimmer over time and start to wear down but will still work. Is that the case with car speakers or do they have the same performance over their entire life and only become bad if they blow?

[Cephas]

I am no expert, but in thinking it through a speaker is a mechanical object, so yes. I am sure that they do. I've actually pulled old speakers from cars that had no foam surround left. The crazy temperature and humidity differentials in an automotive environment are to blame for that I'm sure.

I'd bet that voice coils wear out over time as well. Why do you ask?

[reelizmpro]

yes, they do.

[IS300E30]

All of the premium sound speakers are still available new from BMW. That is what got me thinking. Would brand new OEM premium sound speakers sound a lot better than 30 year old premium sound speakers?

Would never consider aftermarket, fyi.

[reelizmpro]

Luke raves about the E34 premium speakers. I know the magnets are larger and the tweeters are silk dome. If I were getting factory speakers it would be those.

[StereoInstaller1]

Luke raves about the E34 premium speakers. I know the magnets are larger and the tweeters are silk dome. If I were getting factory speakers it would be those.

But, the E34 speakers have no crossovers, thats why we developed the PCNs

[StereoInstaller1]

All of the premium sound speakers are still available new from BMW. That is what got me thinking. Would brand new OEM premium sound speakers sound a lot better than 30 year old premium sound speakers?

Would never consider aftermarket, fyi.

So, I have personally used both new and used E30 and E34 speakers in the same car, using the same amp, same cables, same music, etc.

I cannot tell a difference at all, in any way. I say save your money, but make sure to get midbass drivers that aren't sunbleached.

Only thing I could say, the new ones are made in Hungary, while the originals were made in W. Germany. I seriously could not hear any difference at all, so Im happy using $12 worth of junkyard speakers. it's your money, it's your car, I say do whatever makes you happy.

Luke

[Das Delfin]

^ nice

[george graves]

You could re-cone them if you want, but hardly worth it.

[ELVA164]

Since it's kinda related, I've installed new E34 speakers into E30 rear premium housings and they appeared to be noticeably lacking in bass compared the the E30 premium speakers. I swapped one set to the other in the same car playing the same few songs. YMMV, but I thought I'd share my experience. The E30 speakers were not new. Also, if I remember correctly the E34 speakers have a smaller magnet which I think affects that? Outside my wheelhouse.