OK, I'm not believing this. 'Just bought a '99 TL a week ago today for my wife. I was driving it tonight and noticed the brake light shining up through the sub grill and reflecting off of the rear window. Hmm.... I thought. Popped the trunk to take a look and the SUB IS GONE! I can't believe I didn't notice it before we bought the car! Hell, we had looked at so many, I just overlooked it. I looked at so many reviews where people complained about the sound system, that I just didn't expect much.
It was definately missing when we got it because there are speaker wires spliced into the sub's plug and running to the rear speakers (I assume). Why in the he?? would somebody do this to their car?

A. The sub is crap so take it out and put in some better door speakers.
B. Blew the sub, so instead of replacing it, take it out. (They can't be that expensive, can they? It seems like it would be alot easier to replace the sub than to rewire behind door panels.)
C. It's such a great sub, he (previous owner) just couldn't let it go. (not likely).

Does anyone think I will be able to hold the dealer that I bought this used car from responsible? (Reputable BMW dealer)
If not, what's it gonna put me back to replace this myself? Should I just get the factory part or is there a decent upgrade that won't break the bank? Did the stock sub have built-in crossover?

Lot's of questions, I know. I just don't believe I missed this one!

Any help?
-Rick

 

Well I think you should try to see if you can get anything from the dealer for it. Maybe they would reimurse you for it. But you should definately not buy the stock sub again. It would be alot better to do an aftermarket sub and am and would probably not cost as much either.

 

Thanks. Do I really need an amp if I just replace the sub with something comparable? Also, is the crossover built into the head or was it part of my missing sub? I guess my question is: Should I be able to buy a similar sub and just wire it to the existing harness?

Thanks...

 

Sorry to hear about the missing sub.
If you're not going to mess with your stereo then i say put the stock Bose sub back in.
If you plan on adding some bass to your system then forget about the sub.

***I would still let the dealer know about this and make them replace it***

 

but for your info, u can use just about any small inexpensive sub in its place and will probably get a little better sound too..! just look for a freeair sub, cause that is what that mounting calls for. or if u want to go for even better sound, get an enclosure made for it. if that isnt enough for ya, then go for an amp too. but that factory amp is good enough to push any low power sub and the crossover IS NOT built into the sub.

 

Thanks Systek and NBP,
That was the info that I was looking for. Although someday I do want to sink a little into the sound, I don't want to yet. Getting back to at least stock or a little better will suit me for now.

One final question. Systek, you say the crossover is not built into the sub. Is it in the head? If I just wire the new sub to the existing harness will I be OK? Or, do I need to wire in a crossover?

Thanks again...

 

rick763:
It's already crossed prior to getting to the sub...you should be able to wire it and be fine. But you have to realize that you need the same impedance as the stock sub to just do a simple wire job and be done. Putting a lower resistance in (doubtful) will fry your amp...and putting in a higher one will give you progressively less power...so impedance match it.

If you want a good free air sub...check out the JL 8" free airs...those are what I'm putting under my front seats when I get the chance...

Austin519

 

austin is correct, ya need to match impedance to keep the same power output that was there before. usually bose speakers are 2ohms, i'll ck my car tonight and verify.

 

well, sorry about the time it took to do this, but i finally took that sub out...and guess what, it doesnt say what ohm load it is...so, cant really tell ya what to get.

btw, did u replace it with anything yet? if not, id be willing to sell you mine...im not using it and its brand new, only played for less than a month, pm me if ur interested...!

 

here are links...enjoy

http://www.dreamwater.org/systek/ric...s/MVC-481S.jpg

http://www.dreamwater.org/systek/ric...s/MVC-482S.jpg

 

sorry to hear about that...
hey...to go the wanted/sell section...and post and see if anyone is willing to sell you there stock sub...cuz there is a lot of guys here that took theres out.

 

I don't care if you're going to upgrade the bass in the car or not, I would make the dealer replace the speaker that is missing. period.

you can upgrade from there, but that speaker is OWED to you.



Access Denied

 

i dont know about that...usually used cars are sold w/nice HUGE paper saying, SOLD AS IS

now, if it was new...that would be a different story