I finally got the empeg in the M3 (have to go change my signature now)

So far it's a very very basic install (cost me A$20 for the harness adapter) done basically identically to this one.

Currently I'm using a factory red lense which as you can see matches very well to "BMW amber" at night. It's not quite as good as the camera shot shows though. Unfortunately, the red lense is also about the worst colour during the day and even worse when sunlight gets on it. Something I'll have to live with I guess - a smoke lens would just not look right with all the instruments and buttons lit.

Currently the 4V outputs are wired direct to the factory 10 channel amps inputs - no noise of any consequence. This means it's just not quite loud enough for me. It's so close to loud enough but not quite enough to crank. I only have the front 6 speakers connected (3 way components each side) so once I get the rear 4 factory speakers (2 way components) hooked up it might be just loud enough.

I believe the amp can take up 8V-pp inputs. I'm considering line drivers, but there's no way I could fit them in there behind the sled - I haven't got the tuner in there yet either.

It sounds pretty good - better than I was expecting I think given the generally bad opinion of BMW factory stereos.

I really don't want to go the whole way with a new amp/speakers etc but I might get the bug a bit later.

Some photos (not much to see really)....


CH

ohhhh man that looks sweet. The red matches up pretty nicely.

Nice install and nice color match!

Haha, darn it, ever since Boxer mentioned that Kasper Chiefs song, it's been stuck in my head. Your photo ensured it stayed there.

As expected, the rear speakers don't really add much volume

I seriously considering a full amp and new speakers like Bruno did. I really didn't want to hack into the car that much though.

Cool, looks just like mine does since I installed the red lens. But how did you get the steering wheel onto the other side of the car?

Time to start saving up for the Nobe M14 install....

Bruno

Are you using the factory red lens? I'm finding the AR coating seems to make it even more difificult to see in the sun. Doesn't help with the sunroof open either.

I'm going to get a filener lens probably and see what that's like. The factory red is great at night, but during the day it's almost useless.

A 328is is a 2 door right? Could I ask you a real quick completely un-empeg related favour? Could you check to see which way around the gas strut that holds the bonnet/hood goes on? I just got them regassed and want to make sure they are right so they don't leak again. Thanks

LOL.

Just popped into this thread again today. I'll check the strut tomorrow and let you know - may even post a picture.

Yes, any sunlight makes the red lens useless. I always try to shield it with my hand when I'm flipping tracks. Mostly I just avoid looking at the screen.

About the biggest PITA right now with my install is that I will often have to reseat the empeg after I start my car. What happens is that as soon as I turn the key, the accessory power comes on and the empeg lights up, then as I turn further to kick the starter on, the accessory power goes off until I release the key back to resting position when the car starts. This didn't used to cause a problem at all. And currently sometimes it still comes up fine. Other times I'm left with a blank empeg screen (not even the LED blinks) or (slightly rare) the Can't Find Harddisk message.

Looking into the sled I can see that a single pin is sitting a little further back than the rest. So it might very well be that. But the symptoms are strange. Once this problem happens, unplugging and reseating the empeg gets it to fire up every time. Likewise, if I first start the car, and THEN insert the empeg, there's never a problem. Same goes for just clicking the key to accessory position but not starting the car.

I'm not too enthused about my battery power either though. I'd swear that when I have the music up my headlights flicker a bit (I only noticed this when pulling into my garage at night - couldn't see it on the road).

Bruno