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      12-14-2014, 12:32 PM   #1
Rapcat
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Subwoofer install?

Anyone tried installing a sub/amp yet? Obviously this would be a power draw, but I don't think it would be that bad.
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      12-20-2014, 11:38 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rapcat
Anyone tried installing a sub/amp yet? Obviously this would be a power draw, but I don't think it would be that bad.
To you it might be all about the bass, but there is hardly any room in this car as it is.
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      12-20-2014, 12:05 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rapcat
Anyone tried installing a sub/amp yet? Obviously this would be a power draw, but I don't think it would be that bad.
Here are some reads on the other i3 site, they have lots of info for you to explore.

http://www.mybmwi3.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=1885

http://www.mybmwi3.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=1864

http://www.mybmwi3.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=1795

Some use the self amplified basslink it's self amplified and sounds pretty good. It's also good for smaller cars had one in the mini.
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      12-20-2014, 12:17 PM   #4
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I've found that when there is a desire, people will find ways to incorporate stereo 'upgrades' to any car, you just have to be more creative on an i3 than you might with some other vehicles and then, overall power consumption could be an issue but normally isn't. If it was, you'd soon be deaf. Because the i3 is so quiet, you do not need a lot of power to make a stereo sound good, though.
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      12-21-2014, 01:38 PM   #5
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I pulled up the back seat. Looks like too many wires and they are all really thin.
I hope someone makes a harness soon. I have the premium sound system so the wiring is crazy.

And I know most people were going to tap into the battery in the front, but I'm planning on tapping directly into the 12 V from the DC-Dc converter near the motor.
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      02-03-2015, 10:28 AM   #6
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I have done this and posted a DIY on the Facebook i3 group, this car is no different from any other BMW audio wise so you use the same harness's and procedures. I also don't recommend pulling 12v direct from the converter one there is no way back into the cabin that is easily accessible without drilling and two power is killed after the car shuts down. I will add this if you aren't skilled in this area or you've never done this I don't recommend this be your learning tool.
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      04-29-2017, 05:11 PM   #7
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Resurrecting an old thread here. I just added a sealed, powered sub to my wife's 2017 rex with HK and it sounds phenomenal! The HK already impresses, but once you add sub bass you realize what's missing. Best of all, she loves it!
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      05-05-2017, 10:23 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LT View Post
Resurrecting an old thread here. I just added a sealed, powered sub to my wife's 2017 rex with HK and it sounds phenomenal! The HK already impresses, but once you add sub bass you realize what's missing. Best of all, she loves it!

Can you provide details like what sub, wiring details, location, photos? I am interested in doing the same.

Thanks.
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      05-05-2017, 06:06 PM   #9
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I used a JL Audio ACS110LG, which is a 10" JL shallow sub in a sealed box with a built in amp that uses 400w RMS @ .25 ohms. I got a Technic wiring harness that plugs into the factory HK system and provides RCA with the supplied LOC. The factory amp is under the back seat, which snaps in and out, and grounds connect there and the power runs to the battery in the frunk. Also have a remote bass control knob affixed under the steering column for on the fly adjustments. I didn't take any pics though. I can have my wife snap one of the hatch area so you can see what it looks like finished...
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      05-05-2017, 08:17 PM   #10
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Photos would be much appreciated!
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      05-06-2017, 11:52 AM   #11
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Thanks.

Sounds . . . like you know what you are doing. Did you do the work or have shop install? Just wondering if this is a DIY project or am I getting in over my head.
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Last edited by lorinzo; 05-06-2017 at 05:55 PM..
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      05-07-2017, 06:06 AM   #12
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I've done a few installs myself and have a decent level of knowledge and experience, but still had a shop run the power and remote base knob because I don't have trim removal tools and didn't want to go through the process of getting them and doing that part myself. So I did everything expect connect those two items, and dropped it off at a local shop. If you have all the requisite tools and don't mind taking the time for the full install, it's definitely doable. The technic harness makes the job easy, no splicing just plug and play. In my car (335i) everything is in the trunk so no trim removal etc necessary, easy DIY job. The i3 battery is in the drink so you have to route through a pre-drilled hole in the carbon fiber firewall and remove a bunch of panels under the dash to get to it, and run the power wire under the passenger side door sill. Back seat comes in and out real easy to access the factory amp, grounding points (I used a metal bracket and screw under there) and when putting it back in you just make sure to manipulate the seat belts back through and click each side of the rear bench back in place.
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      08-11-2017, 06:29 AM   #13
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SoCal here too.

Care to share the name of the shop that did it?

Not good at this stuff at all so I would need the entire install done...including getting the sub.

Were you happy with their work?

Thanks.
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      08-18-2017, 08:32 PM   #14
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Sub installed in my i3 today

So I had the guys over at All Star Sound install a sub in the i3 today and I am VERY impressed. This is exactly what the HK system needed.

I'm a happy bear now!


;-)
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      08-19-2017, 02:01 AM   #15
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pic's please
Quote:
Originally Posted by SoCali3Bear View Post
So I had the guys over at All Star Sound install a sub in the i3 today and I am VERY impressed. This is exactly what the HK system needed.

I'm a happy bear now!


;-)
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      08-26-2017, 06:27 AM   #16
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SoCali3Bear,
Glad to see you got your install done. Sorry I didn't reply to your question earlier. I don't actually recall the name of the shop off the top of my head but it was off Lankershim in North Hollywood. What sub u end up going with? And yes, HK is great but once u add that nice sub bass you immediately realize it was missing!
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      08-26-2017, 10:41 AM   #17
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If I can track down the shop . . . can you give me a general range of what to expect the costs to be? Any recommendations I should make as far as what/how they should install?



Quote:
Originally Posted by LT View Post
SoCali3Bear,
Glad to see you got your install done. Sorry I didn't reply to your question earlier. I don't actually recall the name of the shop off the top of my head but it was off Lankershim in North Hollywood. What sub u end up going with? And yes, HK is great but once u add that nice sub bass you immediately realize it was missing!
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      08-26-2017, 11:41 AM   #18
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What equipment did you go with?
What did the install cost?


Quote:
Originally Posted by SoCali3Bear View Post
So I had the guys over at All Star Sound install a sub in the i3 today and I am VERY impressed. This is exactly what the HK system needed.

I'm a happy bear now!


;-)
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      08-26-2017, 02:46 PM   #19
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[QUOTE=lorinzo;22121437]What equipment did you go with?
What did the install cost?


My equipment list is a bit further up in the post, Lorinzo. They charged me like $50 - $75 or something (don't remember exactly, but well priced) to run the power line and bass control knob. Not sure what Cali went with...
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