I am looking for recommendation to replace the cheap factory default sound system in 2000 Z3 Convertible. I have been searching all over the car audio forums for past 1 week and whatever little recommendations I could find were so outdated that most of those parts are no longer available. I am a newbie when it comes to sound system so please bear with me.
Car: 2000 BMW Z3, Convertible, 2.5 L (with non-HK factory sound system)
Need: Upgrade the entire sound system (head unit, speakers, Amplifier, Subwoofer)
Constraint: Do not want to change the stock look of the car or compromise trunk space.
Location: Bay Area California
Here is what I am looking for:
1. Head Unit - Only things which matter to me in the new head unit are full iPod support, Bluetooth connectivity, and MP3 format. Don't care about any other fancy features such as HD or Satellite Radio as I don't listen to radio much. Budget $150.
2. Front Speakers - All of my front speakers are pretty much blown so I am thinking to put in 5.25" component with woofer in the kick panel and tweeter in the door panel. Budget $200.
3. Rear Speakers - Rear speakers are busted as well so looking to replace them but 2 highly rated audio pros told me that rear speakers in Z3 roadster wont make any difference as they are hidden behind the car seats so I am thinking not to spend too much on rear and put a pair of 4" coaxial. Budget $100.
4. Amplifier - Need a new amp to power the front 5.25" component and subwoofer. I gather from some of the threads that I should be able to power up the rear coax from the HU. I will prefer to find a compact amp which can swap out the factory amp and fit in its place. I definitely do not want to compromise trunk space as I use this vehicle for travel, not just for weekend rides. Budget $150.
5. Subwoofer: So far my understanding from forums is that there is no sub which can simply swap the factory sub in 2000 Z3 roadster, so to get some decent bass, my option is to put in a new sub and build/buy (which for me is buy) a custom enclosure to retain the stock look.
I am not comfortable doing it myself so looking for recommended parts and setup, and then will take it to a shop to get installed. Thanks for the help.
