BMW Speakers Upgrade for E46 BMW 323CiC, 325CiC, 328CiC, 330CiC, and M3 Convertible -- Stage I Audio Upgrade

Browsing for All BMW's
Choose Your BMW

Catalog » BMW Satellite Radio

Videos

Unfortunately, Your BMW is NOT the Ultimate Sound Machine...

One of the first things most BMW owners notice about their vehicles is the poor performance of the BMW audio system. There is no clear definition at any volume level. The high frequency range is muffled and distant, and bass response is extremely muddy.

Want to Improve Sound Quality Simply and Effectively? Replace Your BMW's Speakers!

To address these problems, BSW developed the Stage 1 Audio Upgrade. Designed as a 100% complete, plug and play BMW speaker upgrade kit, our Stage 1 Audio Updgrade provides a simple, easy way to replace your speakers and dramatically improve sound quality without having to change any other components in your BMW -- because our Stage 1 Audio Upgrade is engineered specifically for your exact BMW.

The Stage 1 Audio Upgrade delivers striking clarity and definition, more musical detail and life, and improved bass dynamics simply and affordably.

Read the Roundel review of the E60 Stage 1 Audio Upgrade! (Components used & speakers replaced vary by application).

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.

Plug n'Play!
Features plug and play connectors on each speaker, so all you have to do is remove your original speakers then mount and plug the new ones in.

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.

BMW 3 Series E46 '99-'06 (Convertible)
BMW M Series M3 E46 '01-'06 (Convertible)

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.

Estimated Install Time: 2.5 Hour(s)

| 7,579 Kb

BMW Speaker Upgrade Kit: BSW Stage 1 - E46 Convertible

This guide walks you step by step through the installation process of the Stage 1 BMW Speaker Upgrade Kit for 00-06 BMW 3 Series / M3 Convertibles.

BMW 3 Series Coupe/Cabrio Speaker Upgrade 2/2 -BSW Stage I -E46 '99-06+

Covers removal and reinstallation of your BMW's speakers in an E46 3 Series or M3 for BSW's Stage 1 Audio Upgrade, a complete speaker replacement upgrade. This process includes: - Front and rear door panel removal - Speaker removal and reinstallation - Rear seat, deck, and speaker removal and reinstallation.

BMW 3 Series Coupe/Cabrio Speaker Upgrade 2/2 -BSW Stage I -E46 '99-06+

Part 2

absolutely everything you need is included!

The BSW Stage 1 Audio Upgrade is a 100% complete kit and replaces every* speaker in your BMW! All you need is basic tools! (See "Install Info")

Front Tweeters & Midranges: BSW 25mm Silk Dome Tweeter + BSW 2.5" Midrange Assembly, Pair

Rear Tweeters: BSW 20mm Silk Dome Tweeter Pair

Front Midbasses: BSW 6.25" Midbass Pair

Rear Midbasses: BSW 4" Midbass Pair + Proprietary Adapter System

Pre-installed Plug and Play Connections

Detailed step-by-step instructions with photos available for download

Performance Guaranteed
Unconditionally guaranteed to exceed all your expectations or your money back.

*Excluding factory subwoofer in harman / kardon equipped vehicles.

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

Yes, you can! We ship every Bavarian Soundwerks Stage I Audio upgrade with extremely detailed installation instructions with photos and 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.

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

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

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.

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.

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. And, because the Stage I Audio Upgrade requires no permanent modifications to your vehicle, it's completely reversible, meaning you can take your speakers with you if or when you sell your car.

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" midrange, and 6.25" midbass driver) and a 2 way set in the rear of the vehicle (tweeter and 4.25" midbass driver). If your vehicle has the upgraded Harman Kardon stereo, you'll also find a 7" subwoofer between your rear seats. Our Stage 1 Audio Upgrade replaces every interior speaker in the vehicle. The factory subwoofer, if present, will also stay. 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! The warranty is a 1 year warranty with Rainbow brand speakers. 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 e46 Stage 1 is 100% plug and play for this application

My standard/HK vehicle only has 8 speakers. Where are the other 2?

In the e46 coupe and convertible there is a small cloth grill by the door pull. Behind this grill there is a bracket that houses the midrange/tweeter assembly. It appears there is just one speaker but BMW hid 2 behind there.

Can I get a Stage 1 for standard audio?

Yes you can. The difference between the Harmon Kardon and standard audio systems does not affect the ability to add a Stage 1 speaker package. We have taken the time to asses 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.

Any other questions? Just contact us!

Customer Reviews

Add your review here

Your name:

Your Review:

For verification,
please type the word:

Author: JoshR
Last week, I added the BSW Stage One audio kit and dual-10" deck mounted subwoofer system to my 2005 330i E46. In addition, I replaced the factory amp with a better one to power the front speakers. And, holy s**t, is this system amazing...super clean with outstanding highs and bass you can feel - accurate and powerful. The guys at BSW were very helpful. All together, I'm super pleased.

Author: Jay
Speaker install just completed. I was unlucky as almost nothing went right for me. Coby and BSW were great, helpful and went beyond their job to assist. Products are great, service better and good better sound now. Cant wait until theyre broken in and I tune the system. Recommended without reservation.

Author: Patrick
I just got done installing the BSW Stage 1 upgrade into my 2003 BMW 330Ci. I cant say enough about the improved quality in sound this upgrade provided me!

Overall, install was very easy! It took me a total of about 4 hours to get everything done! Instructions were very thorough and easy to follow, I think my wife could have even done this. I think the hardest part was installing the tweets, being that you had to hot glue them into place. But even that rates a 2 in difficulty on a scale of 1-10!

My music now sounds incredible. Everything from rap/R&B to Hard Rock to Classical sounds amazing! I would definately do business with these folks again, and plan to upgrade to their sub package in the near future!

FYI: I had the HK system. You can see the difference in quality by just looking at the speakers. The HKs are nothing but paper, no wonder they sounded like they did!

Thanks BSW! You guys have a wonderful product and I will be calling soon to get that sub package!

Author: Mike
Installed the Stage 1 kit about 5 weeks ago in my 2001 325CiC and the only regret I have about this purchase is that I didnt do this earlier.

Shortly after I bought the car, I was not happy with the sound system compared to other high-end cars. This left me with buyers remorse for not ordering the car with the HK system. After reading the reviews of the HK here, Im glad I didnt spend the money on that.

This upgrade was very easy to install and the directions were great. There were minor differences in the install from the directions, but nothing a little common sense couldnt work around.

After 5 years of listening to the stock system, I immediately noticed the difference. For the highs & the mids, the clarity was MUCH better.

I am so happy with the results that Ive just purchased the hide-away sub kit (ib110) and am looking forward to adding great bass to a now much improved stock system.

BSW, youve created a happy customer and I will recommend your company and products to any BMW owner who is looking to improve their stock system.

Author: David
This weekend I installed the BSW Stage One audio kit and BSW ib110 Subwoofer System in my 2005 330ci Convertible.

I always knew that the Harman / Kardon system was not all that great. However, I must have gotten used to it over time because I was completely blown away by the difference the BSW upgrades made. The music is crystal clear. There are sounds in songs that I never even noticed before with the old system. I thought that the upgrades would be good but I didn know that they would be beyond GREAT!

Another great thing about these upgrades was that the instructions were excellent! The steps were very clear and the illustrations were great in providing visuals that helped you to see what you were supposed to be doing.

At first I thougt I was going to have this installed by someone professionally for fear that I would mess up my car. But, after reviewing the instructions I decided to do it myself. The job took a while... probably about 4 hours... but overall there was nothing difficult about it. The time it took was mostly because there are a lot of interior pieces to disassemble / reassemble but again, it wasn complicated. BMW made the trim pieces easy to remove and replace.

BSW has done an excellent job putting together the right components to make this an easy job and one in which there is no apparent change to the look of your car... one aspect I REALLY like about these upgrades.

THANK YOU BSW!!!

Author: William McDowell
Very nice setup. I debated over getting this speaker set and going to a shop for a custom install and I must say I am VERY glad i bought these speakers. This is what a BMW should sound like from the factory! Sounds amazingly clear even with the top down! Install took me some time about 6 hours together total with the stage1 sub install and the xm direct unit i also purchased. I have a tiny bit of install experience on some previous cars of mine but with the detailed instructions provided and the numerous pictures I believe i could have installed without any experience at all. As a side note, add the panel tools to your order, EXTREMELY usefull and well worth the money.

Author: Bo
This product was fantastic

Author: Greg Meyer
The speaker upgrade stage 1 for my 01 M3 is incredible. The sound quality is improved dramatically. Everything worked and fit as promised. I had a friend install the speakers for me since he is a BMW tech. He made the process look easy. I would recommend this for anyone looking for a clean upgrade.

Author: Steve C
I recently installed the speaker replacement kit plus the 10? sub in my 2002 M3 convertible. I almost didn?t buy the subwoofer upgrade but decided that I if I was going to replace the 10 stock speakers that I might as well go all the way and replace the sub as well, and I am so glad that I did. The ?premium? Harmon/Kardon speakers that came with the car crackled at medium volume levels and the bass was weak. In fact, our Nissan minivan?s system sounded much better than my car. Now all I can say is ?Wow!? This upgrade is worth every penny! I will be purchasing another upgrade for my 2001 330i in the very near future. Thanks, BSW!

Author: Glenn L
My 2001 330Ci Convertible had the Harmon/Kardon upgrade. When I heard the mediocre sound from the upgrade, I couldn help but wonder how awful the stock/basic speakers must have sounded. I tolerated it as long as I could stand it and then started research for something better at a reasonable price. I liked what I saw here and Im really glad I bought this package. Even before I replaced the H/K sub, the sound improvement was striking. Everything was so much clearer and brighter. The remarkable improvement in the overall sound quality made me want to get the sub replaced ASAP. I had bought the BSW ib110 sub with the speaker package, but was pressed for time, so I couldn install it right away. I found the time after hearing this package. One thing that impressed me tremendously was the help provided by the videos on this page that I was able to use in conjunction with the Install Info PDF. The job was relatively easy. As with any work of this type, I could do it in half the time if I do it again - and if I buy another BMW that doesn have this speaker pagkage, Ill do it again. Do yourself a favor and buy the Tool Kit. It helps tremendously.

Author: Gary
I just finished installing the Stage 1 upgrade for my 2001 325CI convertible. The Mid and High Hz have improved. The bass is a little less, probably becaue the replacements are a little smaller than the originals.
The overall sound is better.

The front installs went without a hitch. For the rear, BSW had to send me speaker cable/connectors. They did that in two days. I went out and got my own mounting hardware which only amounted to a few cents. The hardware supplied looked like sheet rock screws with no flat or lock washers which you definitely need. Im sure BSW would have sent them if I wasn in a hurry.
All in all, I would recommend self installation. Its pretty easy and the folks at BSW are very helpful.

Author: Richard Ficalora
I just installed the BSW Stage 1 upgrade into my 2004 325Ci convertible. The sound quality is great and a huge improvement!

Overall, the install was very easy! It took me about about 4 hours to get everything done. Instructions were very thorough and easy to follow. For those that have a convertible, I highly recommend watching the video instructions, as it gives additional tips and a great visual of what to expect. I found that my car already had sound deadening material, so I did not need to use BSWs.

My music now sounds great - Rock, Jazz and everything in between. I would definitely do business with BSW again.

Thanks BSW! You guys have a wonderful product!

Author: AaronB
I have an 04 e46 vert and Ordered the Stage 1. The sound is amazing! BMW should really switch and put these speakers in when they assemble the cars, but I Love working on the car, so it was a lot of fun putting the speakers in, and gave me a chance to detail the doors panels. This kit rocks!

Author: Andrew
Just received the Stage 1 upgrade from BSW today in the mail and got straight to work in excitement. I have done NO mods to my car 2001 325Cic since I just bought it from my dad a couple of weeks ago. I had no experience with car upgrades or taking apart cars and the install was fairly straight forward the you tube videos are clutch. My rear door panels did have some bolts under the armrests rather than the torx or phillips, but minor curveball.

The sound is PHENOMENAL!!! I wasn sure what to expect, coming from the HK sound which was supposed to be good. The sound difference is night and day. If anyone is on the fence about buying this kit, I can tell you I was in your shoes a week ago and you will NOT be disappointed: I don even know if I will buy the subwoofer now after hearing how exceptional the sound is. The highs are CRYSTAL clear and the range is outstanding. This is the best money I have spent and I hope everyone with a BMW realizes what a huge difference a BSW speaker upgrade can make to the true enjoyment of driving a BMW.

Thanks to BSW and PLEASE take my word that this is an upgrade you will never regret.

A Happy BSW Customer.

Author: Mark Rodrigues
Hi Halston, just wanted to let you know that I had the Stage 1 kit and sub installed and have to say that I was completely floored by the way the Stage 1 kit together with the ib110 kit sounds - feels like a completely new car - the way a BMW should sound in my opinion. I am in Toronto and there may not be a lot of people up here familiar with your systems and where to have them installed, so in case you want to let people know who did the install - Number1Sound in Toronto - they did an incredible job on my M3.

Author: DavidL
I blew the factor OEM front tweeters on my 2002, BMW 330ci this weekend. Ordered the front door speakers, Mid-Range/Tweeter combo and mid-base on Monday. I got them on Wednesday. Installed them in my driveway when I got home from work. The install was very easy. The videos could use some tweaking for re-installing the door panels. Unless you have done this before, you just need to be aggressive and give it a good hit with your closed palm. Everything goes back together. The big thrill comes when you turn on the stereo. The Cars Let the Good Times Roll, sounded great. There is a big difference over the stock speakers. Once the rear speakers are available, Ill order them. If you are on the fence and worried about the price, don be. This is a good solution.

(click for fullsize image)
10 drivers: 2 x 6.5" 3-prong fiberglass midbass drivers, 2 x rear 2.5" mids, 2 x 4" Rear Mids, rear 3/4" silk dome tweeter, front 2 x 2 midrange/1" silkdome tweeter assembly.

(click for fullsize image)
Drivers are engineered as a system, with warm natural response, visceral impact, and vastly reduced listener fatigue.

(click for fullsize image)
Fiberglass curvilinear cone material, gasketed mounting surfaces, OEM style plugs. Attention to every detail.

(click for fullsize image)
Every driver is designed specifically for your model BMW.

(click for fullsize image)
Midbass drivers utilize high-tech cones of fiberglass composites, high-efficiency motors, and custom-tooled rigid frames. Conservatively rated to provide widest dynamic range, lowest distortion, and longest life.

(click for fullsize image)
Curvilinear-shaped cones to increase stiffness in all axes and minimize weight---this results in reduced breakup, improved off-axis response, and higher efficiency.

(click for fullsize image)
4" Rear Midbass drivers are adapted to mount in the OEM locations.

(click for fullsize image)
Substantially improved magnet, suspension and cone materials provide increased clarity in the rear of the vehicle.

(click for fullsize image)
The BSW 2.5" Mid/1" Tweeter Assembly provides incredibly smooth, detailed midrange and high-end definition without the harshness.

(click for fullsize image)
Rear view of Mid/Tweeter Assembly.

(click for fullsize image)
BSW Midrange / Tweeter assembly (left) as compared to OEM assembly (right)

(click for fullsize image)
3/4" Rear Tweeters provide a smooth yet detailed soundstage in the rear of the vehicle. Precision machined housing snaps into OEM location.

(click for fullsize image)
Rear view of the TW.20 3/4" Silk-dome, billet aluminum tweeter assembly.

BSW ib110 BMW Subwoofer System for 3 Series / M3 Convertible 00-06

The ib110 single 10" subwoofer system delivers stealth design, absolutely no loss of trunk space, incredible output, and unparalleled accuracy

$699.99 | Learn More

BSW Front Midrange & Tweeter Upgrade Speakers for BMW 3 Series / M3 Coupe, Convertible 00-06 (E46)

Replace your factory BMW midranges & tweeters and improve sound quality, too!

$239.99 Per Pair | Learn More