How well do the stock 318IS speakers hold up?

[FrustratedMunky]

Hey guys,

I got a 1991 318IS, I think I have the stock BMW speakers installed, I haven't taken it apart to check. Anyways, I'm looking to get an Alpine 12" Type S sub, some Alpine amp to power it with a box enclosure. I have the Alpine CDA-9807 deck already, I'm wondering how the BMW speakers will hold up with the entire system? They aren't blown, they sound perfectly fine, do you guys think I need to replace the speakers if I get the sub and amp since it might drown out the speakrs? I need opinions, please.

Thanks.

- Chad

[Rob]

I'd get an amp for the speakers so you can keep the bass off of them, thats what the sub is for

[T.Dot E30]

if 318is comes with the premium stereo, then they are pretty good.

I still have mine in waitin for them to blow, the tweeters are the first to go........still waiting on the others to blow. Im pushing around 50rms to each and they are ok so far.....they are pretty clear too, i have a cross over and no bass going to dem.

[Mystikal]

If it has the premium setup they will handily keep up with a sealed single sub. Sounds pretty damn balanced, actually.

But for the love of everything DO NOT GET A TYPE-S. I can't believe just how poor of a sub that is. The Type-R is leagues better, for not that much more money. And that one is damn clean. I installed a sealed 10" in the E46 and it shocked the hell out of me on clarity, I had no idea a sub could sound like that (anywhere near the price range). I'm actually planning on stealing it very soon and throwing my quite new Phoenix Gold 12" into the E46.

[Jordan]

As far as stock speakers go, the ones found in the e30 Premium sound package are VERY good. Most cars today don't even sound as nice.

Connect your new deck, and run new wires to each of the factory speakers (required!!) and run RCA's to a amp feeding a sub. Turn the bass down to the speakers and you should be fine. Either that or insall inline crossovers.

This wont be an astounding system or anything, but it will sound better then you might expect.

[FrustratedMunky]

Really? I heard that the difference between the type S and the type R is very... unnoticeable? Unless you're an audophile, you won't really be able to hear/feel much of a difference, that's what I heard atleast. But of course, If i get an offer of like... say $70.00 more (CDN) to upgrade from type S to type R 12", then for sure I'd do it. However, if it's anymore than $100.00 to do the upgrade, I wouldn't even consider it... But heck, I don't really have much first hand experience in comparing the two, whats your opinion?

Also, some people recommended to me that if I were to get the sub, amp and enclosure, I might want to get another amp to power the front speakers? But I thought that my deck would supply enough power for them anyways, what's the deal with that?

[Mystikal]

For now, try just the sub and amp. If it seems off to you, then shoot for the new front setup. Your deck puts out 23RMS, which isn't all that bad (you shouldn't use a deck ever really for power, but if you gotta, Alpines aren't bad). I've heard a 12" Type-S, and it was just sad next to a Type-R.

I vote for an Alpine MRP-M350 amp (350rms rated, benched at 456rms in tests) and a 12" Type-R. That is the absolute best bang for buck mono amp Alpine makes, and their best sub. It'll sound awesome, I have the same but 10" in the E46:

[FrustratedMunky]

For now, try just the sub and amp. If it seems off to you, then shoot for the new front setup. Your deck puts out 23RMS, which isn't all that bad (you shouldn't use a deck ever really for power, but if you gotta, Alpines aren't bad). I've heard a 12" Type-S, and it was just sad next to a Type-R.

I vote for an Alpine MRP-M350 amp (350rms rated, benched at 456rms in tests) and a 12" Type-R. That is the absolute best bang for buck mono amp Alpine makes, and their best sub. It'll sound awesome, I have the same but 10" in the E46:

Awesome, thanks for the suggestions. Luckily, my cousin's friend works at Audio-Video Unlimited, so he can get me employee discount and stuff :D So it should work out pretty good :)

[M-technik-3]

It's a 1991 correct? they are 13 years old face it they don't last forever. They are subject to many variables. If you want good sound replace'em.

[Matto]

The premium sound system in my 1990 sound like total crap. even the most mild bass makes them rattle.

[KenC]

Well if you're ONLY going to add one aftermarket piece of audio equipment to your car, I'd get a sub. Most factory systems lack big time in the low end. Cut the stock premium amp out and throw that shit away. Run the factory 'premium' sound system off of your deck. But I'd look to replace the speakers asap. Even some cheap-ass MB Quart discus series 5.25" coaxes will be much better than the stock 'premium' system; and they're only like $50 a pair on eBay.
I've heard the Alpine Type R subs and they're pretty decent. Get a ported box for one and a decent amp and it'll sound OK with the stock mids.

[Mystikal]

The premium sound system in my 1990 sound like total crap. even the most mild bass makes them rattle.

That's because they're blown. Mine sounded pretty damn good until the day I replaced them.

[e30evolution]

i love my premium speakers..... they sound very very good compared to other stock speakers that i have heard..... sound is crystal clear even when turned all the way up..... well most of the way, i dont think i have turned it up all the way

[KenC]

i love my premium speakers..... they sound very very good compared to other stock speakers that i have heard..... sound is crystal clear even when turned all the way up..... well most of the way, i dont think i have turned it up all the way

If you think the stock premium ones are nice, you'd probably be blown away by a nice set of aftermarket ones. I'd suggest investing in some. Driving is so much more pleasurable with a nice sound system.

[e30evolution]

i have a set of MB quart component speakers that i was thinking about putting in.... but i dont want to hack my kick panels up to fit them in.... i am not too concerned about stereo in this car.

my stock speakers and a single 10 is more than enough....

you can see my stereo at the pic nic.... nothing too impressive, but i works for me