The stock speakers are decent... Does anyone know of any easy ways to upgrade these without cutting/ rewiring? Are there any plug 'n play subwoofers on the market? I think a single 8" would be fine.

 

Any 12v shop will sell you a standard box that will fit in the boot. But my money is on the custom stuff.

 

Not a fan of aftermarket speakers that run at a different OHM than the factory head and amp.

Did BMW offer a speaker upgrade package on any of the R50s?

 

Yes they did, you can get the Harmon Kardon package when you purchase your car, quite a big difference in sound. I saw a few people sell them in the market place section. I'm not sure if it's the same OHM, somebody can answer that one.

 

The HK Systems sound nice, especially if you need an OEM type install. I understand that retro-fitting an HK system can cost just as much as a nice custom job though.

Me personally, I went custom install, and could not be happier. Some of the pre-fab box's are nice, but they will run you just as much if not more than a really nice custom box.

 

Yeah the speakers in the Gen1 H/K system are 2ohm with some goofy amp. Basically an all proprietary system. Either you keep it all or toss it all.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...eapskates.html

Posted today .... and looks very interesting!!!

 

If you have an HK stereo you could do like I did and just sell the speakers, head unit, and amp and it'll pretty much cover the cost of good aftermarket stuff and sound 10 times better than the HK.
I have some rear HK speakers, 6 x 9 if I remember correctly, left from my install if you don't have HK speakers in your car and want to buy/try something plug/play cheap before going full bore on the front speakers.
PM me an offer on them if you want them.

 

i have a 8in powered tube in my mini. its great for the price. im wasnt looking for "slamming" or earthshattering bass, just something to fill out the sound and add a little thumping. the one i have came with everything you need to hook it up to factory headunit or aftermarket headunit.