BMW Z4 - Need signal from head unit

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kaweahnet

Member - Posts: 12

Joined: June 27, 2003

Location: United States

Posted: November 21, 2005 at 5:46 PM / IP Logged

I apologize ahead of time if this has been covered, but in my searching I haven't found it. Also please excuse the fact that I've been out of the industry for awhile and am just sort of tinkering with my own POV.

The vehicle is a 2003 BMW Z4 with the stock Harmon "Business CD" system (very proprietary - funky impedances on the 10 speakers). The amplifier is in the trunk right next to the battery. I have contemplated replacing the whole system - but it would just be too much work and I want it to remain as stock as possible. I would like to add some bass in the trunk but I want to avoid having to use a high-low converter if possible. There should be a way to tap into the signal input going to the stock amplifier so that I can provide an input into my after market amplifier to drive the sub. Here are my questions:

1) Does anybody have wiring information on the Z4 Harmon system so that I can pull a signal input off of the stock system?

2) Is there a high/low converter that is worth a damn out there? I'm afraid that the answer to #1 is not going to pan out - so I am prepared.

3) If I use a high/low converter, would it be ok to tap off of the stock sub speaker level input or should I come off of a full range speaker? I think this is a stupid question - I don't see any reason why I wouldn't just come off of the sub ... but who knows, there may be a gotcha that you guys can tell me about.

Cheers all ... and thanks ahead of time.

David Killion

BMW Fanatic!

geepherder

Platinum - Posts: 3,668

This member consistently provides reliable information

Joined: October 27, 2003

Posted: November 21, 2005 at 8:14 PM / IP Logged

It would be simplest, best to tie in at the factory subs. I'd use an SNI-35 (PAC).

My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.

ck4men

Member - Posts: 1

Joined: March 03, 2005

Location: United States

Posted: November 22, 2005 at 1:08 AM / IP Logged

you can not get signal from the head unit, your have to tie to the preamp...I;ve tryed already

jstruckman

Copper - Posts: 465

Joined: May 03, 2004

Posted: November 22, 2005 at 9:17 AM / IP Logged

The Z4 uses a digital audio signal to the amp. The only way is to tie into the audio system after the amp with a hi-lo converter, and use the PAC converter if you like insane amount of distortion!

Jazzy

kaweahnet

Member - Posts: 12

Joined: June 27, 2003

Location: United States

Posted: November 22, 2005 at 9:31 AM / IP Logged

DIGITAL?!?!?! Oh my, that really sucks.

So, I'm effectively limited to using a high/low converter or replace the entire system. Is there a way to replace the head unit and use an adapter to feed into the existing powered system? This would allow me to use the existing 10 speakers and amplifier, but then have some preamp outputs, even though I give up the stock look of the dash.

Sheesh ... all I want is to add some 30-50Hz, the stock system really isn't that bad except in the very low end area.

What would ya'll do if this was your ride?

David Killion

BMW Fanatic!

jstruckman

Copper - Posts: 465

Joined: May 03, 2004

Posted: November 22, 2005 at 9:50 AM / IP Logged

using a high quality high to low adaptor is your best option. If you use a good quality one you will get very good results when just adding some bass. I would look into Navone LOC's. This is your simplest and most effective way to add bass to your ride and keeping the stock system.

Jazzy

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BMW Z4 - Need signal from head unit

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