When we designed our Stage 1 Audio Upgrade, we made sure the system met several key requirements and features:

100% Stealth Your interior will appear unchanged, and only you and your passengers will know you've upgraded your audio system.	Greatly improved musical detail & presence Uses coated natural fiber drivers and silk tweeters that remain distortion free at higher volumes and provides accurate, natural sound.
Easy to connect Features plug and play connectors on tweeters and midranges (8/94 and newer only), and the rest of our speakers require only basic tools to connect.	More highs, more lows Produces higher quality sound and a wider range of the bass and treble you're currently missing. (For more bass response, we recommend a BSW subwoofer system).
Engineered for your BMW It's direct fit speaker replacement -- and each speaker's efficiency and impedance are tuned for perfect harmony with the factory amplifier and head unit.	Reasonable cost, incredible results Truly enjoy your BMW's stereo without breaking the bank. Even though it's affordable, the Stage one provides real, significant improvements in sound quality.
100% Complete Package Replaces every speaker in the car and includes everything you need except basic tools. All you have to do is buy, install, and enjoy.	Do-It-Yourself Installation Includes step-by-step instructions with photos. An afternoon with your BMW and basic tools is all you'll need.
Performance Guaranteed Unconditionally guaranteed to exceed all your expectations or your money back. No catches, no restocking fees, no funny stuff: you get 30 days to try our products, and if you're not totally happy, send them back for a refund. Click here for more details.

How and Why the Stage 1 Audio Upgrade Works

The BSW Stage 1 Audio Upgrade was designed for you if you want to enhance and improve your BMW's sound system simply, effectively, and affordably - all through the simple replacement of your factory speakers!

(We should mention that the speakers we use are meticulously engineered and manufactured in Germany - just like your BMW! Using warm, natural sounding silk tweeters and high-resolution midbass drivers, these components have redefined our expectations of exactly how beautiful an entry level, OEM upgrade type of speaker should sound!)

By carefully selecting not only the highest quality speakers, but also very efficient speakers, we replace the weakest link in your vehicle's audio system, the speakers, without necessitating amplifier or head unit replacement. As a result, you get the biggest possible improvement in your BMW's audio system for the least amount of money, time, and effort.

Installation Instructions

Simply click the link(s) below to download installation instructions. Instructions are in PDF format. To view them, you'll need to download Adobe's Acrobat Reader (available at www.adobe.com) if it isn't already installed on your computer.

  |   6,757 Kb

absolutely everything you need is included!

The BSW Stage 1 Audio Upgrade replaces every* speaker in your BMW!
All you need is basic tools! (See "Install Info")

Front & Rear Tweeters: (2) BSW 20mm Silk Dome Tweeter Pairs	Pre-installed Plug and Play Connections (vehicles built 8/94 and up, excludes rear speakers)
Front Midranges: BSW 2.5" Midrange Pair	Detailed step-by-step instructions with photos available for download
Front Midbasses: BSW 5.25" Midbass Pair Rear Midbasses: BSW 4" (Standard Audio) or 5.25" (Harman Kardon) Midbass Pair	Performance Guaranteed Unconditionally guaranteed to exceed all your expectations or your money back.

*Except factory subwoofer present on Harman Kardon equipped vehicles.

Can I install the Stage I Audio Upgrade in my BMW myself?

Yes, you can! Every BSW Stage 1 Audio Upgrade comes with extremely detailed installation instructions with photos (in some cases even videos), and we provide telephone support for the process as well. Because it's a simple installation (you're replacing speakers only) with only the most basic of skills required, you can probably do it.

If you're unsure about installing the Stage 1, we always recommend professional installation. Fortunately, because the installation instructions are so detailed and everything you need is included, if you don't feel comfortable with the installation process, any decent car audio shop can perform the installation for you without any difficulty whatsoever - probably for about $200 or less.

Will this work with my Standard or Harman-Kardon equipped BMW? Will it make a big difference?

Yes, absolutely! In your BMW's audio system, the factory speakers are the weakest link. Even in the "premium" Harman Hardon sound systems, the speakers are nothing more than compressed paper and plastic tweeters. Because our Stage I Audio Upgrade replaces that weak link, the speakers, you'll see a VERY nice improvement in sound quality in your BMW, regardless of whether you have the most basic BMW audio system or the nicest.

(The differences between the Harmon Kardon and Standard audio systems do not affect the ability to add a Stage 1 Audio Upgrade. We have taken the time to assess both the HK vehicles and the Standard vehicles to find the best fitment of speakers to work in each vehicle. You will receive a specially designed stage 1 based on your vehicles audio system whether it is Standard on Harmon Kardon).

Does the Stage 1 Audio Upgrade improve bass response?

The answer to this question is somewhat complex. Bass response is limited by amplifier output and the range of music that a smaller speaker can play, so overall bass output (loudness) will not be increased in a significant way with the Stage 1. However, because of the higher quality components used in the Stage 1 Audio Upgrade, bass dynamics are improved, meaning you'll be able to enjoy bass notes more.

However, please note that on vehicles equipped with the Harman Kardon sound system, much of the bass response is generated by factory subwoofers which are unaffected by the Stage 1 Audio Upgrade in this regard. A subwoofer upgrade is required to improve the bass response of this component.

What type of speakers are included in your Stage I Audio Package?

Included in our Stage 1 Audio Upgrade are Rainbow Audio Dream Line speakers, highly respected and revered, made in Germany, just like your BMW. These are very, very high quality speakers, but are also very efficient, meaning they'll run very well using your stock amplifier.

The Stage 1 also features our BSW midranges custom tailored to your BMW. These are included in the Stage 1 at no additional cost.

Do I need to replace my factory amplifier or head unit?

No, you don't. Because we've carefully selected the speakers used in our Stage I Audio Upgrade, they're efficient enough to run off of your stock amplifier and head unit. However, we've designed the Stage I Audio Upgrade with a path for future growth of your system, so if you'd like upgrade your head unit or amplifier down the road, you can; ask us for details.

Will the Stage I Audio Upgrade be visible from within the car or require any permanent modifications?

No, our Stage I Audio Upgrade is completely invisible within the car. Only you and your fellow listeners will know that you've upgraded your stereo since your car will maintain a 100% factory appearance within the vehicle. However, some permanent, but invisible modifications to mount certain speakers in this vehicle will be required. Be sure to download the installation instructions and you can see exactly what's required..

Which speakers are replaced in my BMW?

Your 3 Series / M3 Cabrio has a 10 speaker system consisting of a 3 way set in the front of the vehicle (tweeter, 2.5" midrange, and 5.25" midbass driver) and a 2 way set in the rear of the vehicle (tweeter and 4" or 5.25" midbass driver). Our Stage 1 Audio Upgrade replaces all of the interior speakers in your vehicle. The factory subwoofer, if present, will stay (but can be optionally replaced with a BSW subwoofer system). This setup allows for the simplest installation and biggest improvement in sound quality for the least amount of money.

Will my BMW audio system be louder with the Stage 1 Audio Upgrade?

While the Stage 1 Audio Upgrade provides crisper highs and richer lows as well as significantly more midrange detail, you won't see any benefits in terms of increased volume from your BMW audio system, though you may find yourself listening at lower volumes due to the improved sound quality. This is because your factory amplifier, which is key in determining the upper volume limits of your BMW audio system, is not replaced.

If you're unsure if you'll need more volume from your BMW's audio system after installing the Stage 1 Audio Upgrade, our recommendation is always to purchase the Stage 1 first to improve sound quality, then add an amplifier later if needed. Contact us for more details on amplifier upgrades.

Does the Stage I Audio Upgrade come with a warranty?

Yes, it sure does! There is a 1 year warranty included with your Stage 1 Audio Upgrade. If you ever have any issues, we're just a phone call away. Please note that this warranty does not cover speakers blown due to excessive volumes or abuse.

What part of the Stage 1 is Plug and Play?

The front tweeters and midranges feature plug and play connectors. The front and rear midbass speakers use a screw terminal that does not allow for plug and play, but installation is very, very easy: unscrew, place wire under plate, and tighten the screw. The rear tweeters will require crimping of barrel connectors.

IMPORTANT: Kits for vehicles from 93 - 7/94 do not feature any plug and play connectors.

Can I purchase just the front of the Stage 1?

Sure! We offer individual speaker pairs so you can purchase only the specific speakers you need. You can then "build" your own front Stage 1.

Do you sell the speaker rings/grills?

Unfortunately, no. However, the following locations are reputable BMW salvage yards that may have what you are looking for. They will sell you the whole speaker but it will be FAR less than the dealer. Unfortunately, the dealer does not sell the grills/rings without the speaker.

BMR Parts -OR- Autobahn Parts

Any other questions? Just contact us!