BetterFor the next step up, Smith would replace the head unit with a Kenwood KDC-X891 CD receiver that can also play MP3, WMA and AAC files and has a USB input. He would also add Kenwood's KCA-iP200 iPod high-speed cable. "A lot of customers are happy that they can hook up their iPod to it," he says. "It's extremely fast in scrolling through the music on your iPod and it plays AAC files."
For even more choices, Smith would include a Directed Electronics SIR-KEN1 Sirius Satellite Radio tuner and add Kenwood's KCA-BT100 to give the driver hands-free phone capability. So that the owner won't lose some of the car's conveniences, Smith would install a Peripheral interface for the steering wheel audio controls.
As with the "Good" system, Smith would turn to MB Quart to upgrade the BMW's sound. "German speakers work well in German cars," he adds. The front doors would get a PVF 216 6.5" component system and the rear deck would receive a set of MB Quart RVF 216 6.5" components configured as coaxials. Smith would move up to an Image Dynamics IDQ12D4 V.2 12" subwoofer in its own sealed fiberglass enclosure that fits over the stock battery in the rear passenger-side corner of the trunk, and is removable for access to the battery.
A Zapco DC650.6 amplifier (50 watts x 4 and 100 watts x 2 into 4 ohms) would power everything, with four channels dedicated to the MB Quart mids and highs and the remaining two channels bridged, supplying the sub with up to 500 watts. The amplifier would be tucked underneath the rear deck. "We would build a board that's form-fitted to the rear deck and bolt it there, and then attach the amplifier to it," he says.
The accessories list includes Zapco's SymbiLink cables to carry the signal between the head unit and amplifier, in addition to a Stinger SWKH4 4-gauge amplifier-installation kit, more SSW16BLK 16-gauge speaker wire and a dash kit, wiring adapter and antenna adapter for the head unit from Best Kits. Smith would also add Dynamat sound-deadening material, including an Xtreme Speaker kit, DynaXorb behind the door midranges and a license plate kit. "The license plate is usually the first thing that rattles in a car," Smith explains. The labor tab would also bump up due to the extra gear as well as the custom sub box and amprack, and Smith would personally tune the system using a real-time analyzer.
"This system gives the customer a lot more media options and Bluetooth hands-free, which is a factory feature on many BMWs now," Smith says. "You also get improved sound, more power and better bass.
Better SystemEquipment$3,220