7 Series aftermarket stereo

[petzl555]

I have a 1998 740. The stock stereo system in it is a piece of crap. It has a really low quality sound, and it has a cd changer in the trunk. I know alot of this is personal preference, but i just want an in-dash cd player and some speaker upgrades. My question: speakers are an easy fix, but the cd player is a little more complicated. I love the look of the console and I don't want to have it messed up because of a cd player. I would like to find a way to keep the wood and the onboard computer intact. Does anyone have any ideas on this?

[libertylover]

I saw pictures of a Blaupunkt (sp?) Toronto model that looks pretty much like an OEM BMW radio and has in-dash CD. Problem is, it is apparently recently discontinuted but there may be a few still around. I have no idea how it sounds. Good luck.

[petzl555]

thanks, I will try to find one.

[2thfixr]

The stereo in the 7 series is actually pretty decent. The problem is the lack of adequate tight bass. Speaker upgrades will only make slight improvements in sound but at tremendous cost. I used to replace speakers, headunit, and add amplification but I always got inconsistent results. Before doing any of that try doing something simple. I have done this to almost all of my cars lately with tremendous results. I had a 98 740iL and it did not have the ski boot option but in all of the 7 series, the area behind the rear seat armrest is perforated for removal. It is very thick steel but with a screwdriver and a hammer, hitting the perforations makes for quick removal of the panel. Once the panel is removed, just cover the access hole with speaker grill material. It will look great with the armrest down and look perfectly normal with the armrest up. Soundgate makes an interface that will work for the 7 series and you access the factory stereo amp and wiring at the left rear panel of the trunk. Install the interface and it will allow you to add line outs for a subwoofer amp. Get a nice sealed subwoofer exclosure and speaker like the JL 12" W3 along with a good quality high current amp like a JL or equivalent. The sound improvement will be incredible and the factory system will really come alive with this simple modification. The best part is that the sub will sound great with the armrest up or down. Practically no difference. Tight powerful bass to fill in the weak spots in the factory system. The mids and highs are more than adequate with the factory system.

Try it... you'll like it!

[mancho]

i completely agree. a bit off the requested question, but the stock stereo is good, and the sound is great. i added a 15" bass with a 700 W amp and the sound rocks. loud enough for me.

ok, i paid someone that installs this equipment to do it, but for 400 bucks, it was well worth it.

if my wife knew, she'd say it was a waste of money, but i disagree. it made a 500% BETTER LISTENING car audio system.

and i also agree that with the arm rest up and my son's car chair in the way, it still sounds good. the entire trunk is the bass enclosure. just have to shut the trunk lid slow. thats all.

mancho