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Subject: There are three versions of the sound system: Stereo, Hi-Fi, and Top Hi-FI Author: Brian (moderator) : member since January, 2005 : 8844 posts Posted on: 2006-02-13 06:28:42

In the US, cars only came equipped with the Hi-Fi or the Top Hi-Fi (DSP or Premium) systems. The Hi-Fi system is the version that has the standard 10 channel amplifier in the trunk. I'll bet that you have the Stereo system. The Stereo system does not have a separate amplifier-- the radio has a built in stereo amp.

So, all of the speaker wiring that you would want to tap into goes into your radio. It is not that big of a deal-breaker, because you were going to new wires anyway. It just explains a few things. I copied the following description of the audio systems from the BMW Wiring Diagram software:

Speaker system

Three speaker systems are offered irrespective of the type of radio. In contrast to the Active and Top hi-fi system, in which an amplifier is interconnected, the speakers are connected directly to the radio in the stereo system.

Stereo system (standard equipment)
* 2 tweeters (high-range speakers) in the front door (directed towards the front passenger opposite)
* 2 medium-frequency woofer speakers in the front door with integrated diplexer for tweeters
* 2 medium-frequency woofer speakers in the rear door

Active HiFi system

Speakers as for stereo (same parts), additionally:

* 2 medium-frequency speakers in the front door
* 2 medium-frequency tweeters in the rear door
* Active HiFi amplifier with
- vehicle-specific equalizing
- active diplexers
- 10 x 15 Watt output power

Due to different connector assignments than for stereo, the tweeter is not operated by means of the diplexer integrated in the front speaker but rather it is driven as all loudspeakers directly by the active amplifier.

Top Hi-Fi system

Number of speakers and locations same as active hi-fi, but in superior quality and additionally:

* Subwoofer with 4 speakers under rear window shelf
* Top hi-fi amplifier with:
- vehicle-specific equalizing
- active diplexers
- speed-dependent equalizing
- volume-dependent equalizing
- speed-dependent dynamic compression
- space simulation (space size, echo)
- speaker - operating time balance
- tweeter output stages 4 x 15 Watt
- medium-range output stages 2 x 15 Watt
- woofer output stages 4 x 30 Watt
- subwoofer output stages 4 x 30 Watt
- space simulation as well as user-programmable equalizer operated via MID or on-board monitor operating unit

• DSP RETROFIT - k690bpp 2006-02-12 07:19:20 (344 views)
  • Re: DSP RETROFIT - k690bpp 2006-02-14 08:18:11 (184 views)
  • Since you have nav, you do not have much further to go... - Brian 2006-02-12 16:36:56 (231 views)
    • Re: Since you have nav, you do not have much further to go... - k690bpp 2006-02-12 17:27:18 (175 views)
      • Can someone with an E39 post a pic of the amp installation area? (nt) - Brian 2006-02-12 20:56:14 (178 views)
        • Re: Can someone with an E39 post a pic of the amp installation area? - k690bpp 2006-02-13 04:57:53 (217 views)
          • Here's a couple more shots. (pic) - joel 2006-02-13 22:01:30 (339 views)
          • Here it is (pic) - jcarey 2006-02-13 21:30:45 (246 views)
          • There are three versions of the sound system: Stereo, Hi-Fi, and Top Hi-FI - Brian 2006-02-13 06:28:42 (545 views)
            • Re: There are three versions of the sound system: Stereo, Hi-Fi, and Top Hi-FI - k690bpp 2006-02-13 06:54:51 (203 views)
              • Here are the pins you use for the BM54 with DSP - Brian 2006-02-13 21:53:19 (353 views)