7-series car audio HELP!

[xcentraspike]

I just purchased a 1998 740i. The stock system SUCKS. My 540i has a much better system, and frankly, so does my Dodge Durango.

The system has the DSP unit and a changer in it as well.

I have not had a chance to investigate this further, but thought y'all could share some wisdom with me. Basically, it doesn't play very loud, it has NO bass, and overall little presence.

My key need is to KEEP the stock headunit for aesthetic and security reasons. My desire is to replace the stock speakers with decent ones (BA, A/D/S, or MBQs). I would like to add a 5-channel, or 4-channel + powered sub, or 4+1 channel amps, an active crossover, a single 8" or 10" sub, and an auxilliary (sensing) input for a portable MP3 player.

My questions are:

1) Has anyone done anything similar?
2) Does the stock unit have pre or line outputs on it?
3) Does the stock unit have a secondary aux input?
4) Can anyone provide ideas or suggestions of working around the stock head unit?

Thanks.

XS

[Bigmike60]

I have upgraded my 95 740 system. The Head unit does not have any Pre-outs for adding amps. I used line level converters to add two 12 in Subs. I also upgraded to blaupunt speakers through. It sounds ok but you can tell there is still a lack of good treble. The base is awesome but with the volume/speed control feature, it gets frustrating and the amp will have a tendancy to cut out at loud volumes. The only option for a truely good system is to get rid of the factory head unit and re-wire the car. Sorry.

[Tom Bare]

I own a chain of stereo shops and what I did was have them take the tape deck out and replace it w/ a am/fm/cd/dvd/mp3/satellite head unit.

Put a pull down screen in the ceiling so now have one screen in head unit and one for kids.

Amps, subs and new speakers. Still use old head unit for phone and computer still works.

Tape deck is DIN size.

Good luck.