My passenger side front speaker seems to be blown. There is a rattle present when the car is still that increases with speed. I'm working with a budget of around $150, looking to either replace the blown speaker with a factory replacement or upgrade the factory components as much as possible, while maintaining my budget. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated!

 

If the speaker is actually blown movement will not make a difference. It will rattle while being used. If you hear rattling with the stereo off the speaker may not be blown.
Anyway check the speaker for rips around the circumference of the diaphragm. If there's a tear there is an easy "temp fix." Remove the speaker lay flat an place rubber cement (flexible) over the tear. Let it dry completely before use.
We have a Z3 with a blown HK Subwoofer. The Sub is $600.00 alone, which is crazy so I applied rubber cement round the Sub's diaphragm three months ago and it's still playing.

 

I also think I have a blown passenger side H/K speaker. For a while, it rattled under mids and lows, and now it just straight up doesn't play. I'm about to go run a speaker test CD that goes through all frequencies. I'm pretty sure, though, it isn't working.. :(

 

I agree that you should check for other causes first, but if you need replacement, I just checked with my local dealer for a replacement of the Mini HK (lower) door speaker: $126! Coincidentally, my 16-year old son just blew mine a few days ago, so I'm shopping for the part. Hoping to do better than $126, but I won't risk loosing sound quality, so I want the same speaker.

 

Let me know what you find. I just found mine is blown also. Almost no sound and the voice coil is locked up hard.

 

Yes please keep us informed if you find one and what you find!

 

I got a replacement but I was wondering, why always the pass. front one?

 

I replaced my four front speakers with Polk Audio db6501 component speakers for $125. Here is the link:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...io-db6501.html
It was a well spent $125. Sounds much better than the stock (non HK) speakers. The speakers installed in the stock locations with the stock grills. I had to perform a slight mod/glue job for the tweeters to stay in the position I wanted.

 

You have the h/k system right? How much?

 

The thing about the Polk's is that they have great high frequency range but they have less than ideal low frequencies, unless they've improved over the last couple years. I have them in my Nissan now and like them, but am left wanting for more bass response. I may have to find something for the new mini since one of my back speakers don't work.

 

If its the H/K there is a driver mode that makes the passenger side louder if there is no one sitting in the seat. Offsets the center of the stereo image closer to the driver. (if i recall correctly)