We have a 2006 Cooper S (R53) with the stock base radio and speakers. I would like to replace the base speakers (Philips I think) with the upgraded Harman Kardon speakers (that came with the upgraded sound system).

Can i simply remove the old base speakers and replace with HK speakers? I know they will fit physically .. but not sure if the upgrade speakers will work the the base radio. Thx.

 

as I recall the H/K system uses a non standard OHM rated speaker ....

you'd be better off just getting a standard replacement speaker from any source.

IME Crutchfield has been a good place to order from and their phone support is GREAT for ensuring you order things that will work.

See also the specific Audion and Navigation area below . . . .

 

It won't work. Get aftermarket speakers if you want to upgrade them. HK speakers are designed only to work with the HK amp and are non-standard (2 ohm impedance with no crossovers).

If you are staying with the stock headunit, it is low power and you should choose aftermarket speakers that are very efficient (look for high sensitivity in the specs).

 

Thanks RKW and Capt.

 

I'm in agreeance about the HK and am also looking at options to upgrade the radio and speakers.

 

Nope...
Two issues...
Impedance is different as noted...the HK ones are of a non standard impedance.
And secondly, the dB per watt info on the stock speakers show them to be VERY efficient.... It actually makes it pretty hard to find any replacement for the OEM stock speakers without loosing quite a bit of volume.

 

but adding an amp would be better & easier than messing with the H/K stuff wouldn't it?

 

Bavsound just released speakers that will fit without rewiring.

Here's the link

https://maitreapp.co/l/770-81aa5f33

 

From my experience it is not worth just upgrading speakers. The sound system is called a system for a reason. At minimum look at speakers and head unit. Preferably also a dedicated (quality amp).

As with most products, you get what you pay for...

 

What do you recommend? My research has found very little options for the f56. I am specifically looking to keep the original head unit and replacing speakers and amp. I have the basic audio system and it truly sucks.

 

Might want to start a thread in the 3rd gen section...
Here in this area we are talking about the 2002-2006 cars....

 

Zippy is correct you might get more feedback in the F56 section, but...

I did a quick search and like the R56, the F56 factory head unit is required for multiple functions and cannot simply be replaced. I recall that there was a solution for the R56 for relocating the factory unit behind the console and installing an aftermarket head unit. Not sure if there is something like that for the F56. I found a BMW thread that describes why the system is a pain: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=884978

If not you have two options. The first is taking the speaker level outputs from the factory unit, running them into 'line-level' inputs on a dedicated amp and then to new speakers. I am not a fan of doing this since you are taking the signal after it has already been mangled by the factory source, pre-, and power amp sections and trying to make it sound good. Sort of like trying to polish a turd...

The other option would be to install an aftermarket head unit somewhere else in the car (such as the glove box) and creating a separate system.

Obviously neither is ideal. Maybe do some more digging and see if someone has found a hack or a solution.