Subwoofer install?

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Elektrey

Member
Joined
Jul 25, 2018
Messages
10
Hey guys,

Put a deposit on a 2015 i3 BEV and I'm going to pick it up from the dealer on friday.

First thing I want to do is install some subwoofers and I don't see much on the internet about this.

I was looking at the Kicker CompR dual 12" subwoofer enclosure and the Kicker CX1200.1 Amp, so about 1000W RMS setup.

How does the 12v battery in the i3 work seeing as there is no alternator? Will this overload the battery/electronics?

I don't care about any range lost or cargo space lost, just worried about the battery situation.

Also I was thinking the subwoofer and amp in the trunk might be too close to the electric motor and possibly cause some kind of electrical interference?

Has anyone installed subs in their i3?
 
Bought the kicker comp R 12" dual sub enclosure and an alpine 500w RMS amp.

Going to get it wired up next weekend most likely, but in the meantime it looks great and fits perfectly in the trunk (albeit there is absolutely no space for anything else but I'm perfectly fine with this.)

You do have to remove the cargo cover to get it to fit, but it does fit under the rear headrests folded down.

ypgaINN.jpg


I'll update this thread when it's hooked up since it seems like I'm one of the first ones to install a subwoofer setup of this magnitude in their i3 (or at least document it online)
 
I wouldn't play the music for very long without the car in the "READY" mode, as the 12vdc battery is quite small and it runs all of the electronics in the car. When in ready mode, there's a DC-DC converter from the main battery that charges and maintains the 12vdc systems in the car. That is likely large enough to handle the task. I do not know how many amps that converter has available. There's certainly enough power in the main HV battery, but it needs to run through the converter to recharge the 12vdc one, and that will be somewhat limited to the expected load in the car. Since there's no starter motor, the battery normally doesn't get discharged much, and thus the size of the converter doens't need much excess capacity.
 
davidc18 said:
Any updates? How did it all work out.

Hey.

So I just got them installed today.

One place quoted me like $600+

Another flat out refused to work on it.

Third place I went to finally was willing to install at after contacting BMW and some other audio specialists.


It sounds absolutely amazing, the acoustics in this car are 10/10. The subs are so loud on the inside compared to the outside, it is a perfect set up.

I feel like I notice I slight drop in range from it, maybe 2-3% ? Might be because it was really hot out today so using a lot of A/C.

So far no problems electrically, and it sounds amazing. Highly recommend this upgrade for this car.
 
Hello, and thank you for the posts on this subject.
I am trying to install a JL Audio Powered 8" sub and wondered how everyone has done this themselves. I know I can go to a shop, but would rather do the work myself. I have read the post that states there are instructions on a facebook link, but that link is unavailable
to me.
has anyone done this themselves ?

I have a 2016 I3 Rex and a 2015 I3 Rex both with HK. So I would save between 800-1200 dollars.

I would really appreciate any help - Thank you.
 
I installed a Cerwin Vega 10inch powered sub and it is perfect for my rex. install was pretty easy only 4 wires and you're good to go. I'll post some pics in a day or two.
 
fumes said:
I installed a Cerwin Vega 10inch powered sub and it is perfect for my rex. install was pretty easy only 4 wires and you're good to go. I'll post some pics in a day or two.


The picture?

Were you able to take any pictures? And what are the four wires are connected to you? That sounds somewhat easy and interesting.
 
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