I had a local car stereo shop install MBQuarts front and read in my Cooper a few weeks ago. Afterwards, I noticed that the windows were making contact with something (probably the speaker, but possibly the crossover) when I lowered them. Then I saw that the door card on the driver's side wasn't reinstalled correctly, there was a small gap near the door lock.

Anyway, I brought the car back to the shop to have them fix these problems. I received a phone call from them that the speakers were getting a little damp on the inside of the door. Is this common? I'd guess it's just moisture from the window, maybe when the window is lowered. The shop said they'd put in some sort of waterproof foam baffle to keep the water off the speakers.

 

I have not read of this problem on any MINI message board as of yet.

As for the "waterproof foam baffle" ... sounds like another way for them to make more money. Nonsense, I wouldn't do it.

My guess is that they poorly installed your stuff. I would take the car back and have them do it right and fix any damage that has happened. If they are a reputable place, they will make your situation right to keep a good image of their business.

 

I did take it back to the place that did the install. they "fixed" the problems I had free of charge. I had them go ahead and do some waterproofing - it was only 10$ so even if it was a scam, it was a cheap scam :smile: I was just wondering if anyone else who had done install work themselves had seen moisture on the speakers innards.

 

Folks it is very important that you install a foam speaker baffle.
My driver's side HK speaker died and upon inspection it was completely corroded with water. Passenger side was also coated with dried deposits on the back but thankfully not the wires. See details and instructions on my site. Spend the $8 before you need to buy yourself new speakers.

 

Hey Josh...have you noticed any change in sound reproduction since the baffles were installed?

Kim

 

I had a similar problem on my 03 Cooper. My drivers side speaker went out, so I figured instead of taking to dealer I'll just replace entire set of speakers and stuff. Upon opening the door panel the oem speaker was all corroded with water and moisture. So I installed foam boots around the new speakers just to be safe. I would guess it's being caused from water getting through the rubber at the bottom of the window. If you live where it snows I know many people who put down thier windows with show and ice on them before scraping it off, this probably would contribute to this sort of problem.

 

No noticable sound difference. Bass is as strong as ever.

The problem is mostly because once you roll the window down even slightly, the seals no longer make contact with it. Notice when you roll it down to clear water or fog off it, most of it isn't touched. Anyway once it is down, any water can easily flow into the door. And often in my case, I have it down all the way but there may be some dew or water from a previous rain on my roof. Turning right with a light braking, all the water runs forward off the rain gutter, and dumps perfectly aimed into the window opeing right above the speaker.

 

The foam baffles sounds like a good idea. Kill two birds with one stone. Keeps your speakers dry and it'll take care of the H/K door buzzing.

 

I'm sure it won't take care of door buzzing. Certainly anything in my door storage still vibrates. But it does give you the opportunity to apply the felt as well while you have everything apart.

 

Resurrecting this thread for a question - what size foam speaker baffles are required for the front speakers, and what is the depth of the speakers? I believe they are 5-1/4" speakers but XTC makes them in two different depths. I'd like to have the correct items in-hand before pulling the door cards off.

 

They are 6.5". My baffles are 4.5" which is way too deep (but they still squeeze in and work fine). I'm not sure if the 2 3/8 depth will be enough so I recommend the 3 1/4".
See my page on this topic here.

 

Thanks for the info. I already had dynamat on hand but wanted to take the extra step with the baffles to protect the speakers.

 

Are you certain they are 6-1/2"? Some of the other threads here seem to indicate that they are 5-1/4 and some people have replaced them with 6-1/2". I ordered 6-1/2" baffles yesterday but if they haven't shipped yet I can get them swapped out before shipping.

 

People mount 5 1/4 speakers in the front doors by using adapters. The stock sizing is definitely 6 1/2". I replaced my stock speakers with 6 1/2" component speakers last summer.

Sort of on topic, where do most people mount their passive crossovers? Currently, I have mine sitting in the well of the door, just below where the glass receeds to when the window is lowered.

 

I think you have that backwards.

People mount 6 1/2 speakers in the front doors by using adapters. The stock sizing is definitely 5 1/4".

 

Jeez - guess I'm going to have to peel the door panels in advance to double check and if they are 5-1/4 then I'll have to trade out my XTC order from Crutchfield.

Whatever I do find I'll post a DEFINITIVE answer here.

 

Let me put it this way - I replaced my front speakers when I first got my '03. I can tell you for a FACT that the stock speakers were 5 1/4", and using an spacer adapter I replaced them with 6 1/2".

Whether more current models changed to stock 6 1/2", I can't say 100% as I haven't really kept up with that info. But I doubt it.

 

Maybe the stock are 5.25" and the HK upgrades them to 6.5".
Dunno, I haven't been brave enough to try and remove my door panels.

 

They actually come off fairly easily - did it a couple of months ago when I changed out the skins and dash for a different color scheme. I wish I had thought of adding the baffles (or measuring the speakers) then.

 

I know I measured the speakers with a ruler, they were 6.5". The 6.5" baffles fit perfectly in the hole as well. Do your speakers look like this?

Perhaps non-HK has a smaller speaker in a plastic that mounts it to that 6.5" hole, but the point is, the hole is 6.5 inch, and that is what you're buying the baffle for.

 

Could be. Here's what my non-HK stock speaker looked like:

 

Mine are H/K so planning to keep the 6.5" baffles and try to install them this weekend. Prolly not enough time to do the dynamat this weekend so will save that for later. Thanks!