PERFORMANCE DRIVEN CAR AUDIO

Exiles M3 gets Tuned!

A ‘topless’ demo car that is fun to drive.

We selected a 1998 BMW M3 convertible for the demo for many reasons: the e36 body style is one of the greatest of the M series because it is light, has lots of power and handles like a go-cart. It’s also one of the last generations that you can actually work on without expensive computers and specialized tools.  

Modifications
Prior to digging deep into the stereo, extensive suspension work was performed to upgrade the overall handling. We replaced the entire front system, including tie rods, steering rack, power steering pump, control arms, control arm bushings. Finally and most importantly, we installed competition Bilstein competition struts with G&R springs. The same attention was also given to the rear of the vehicle to insure a plush race-ready ride.

Exile Audio Power
We enlisted the help of King Pin Motoring, Wilsonville Oregon (Mobile Electronics Mag top 10 dealer USA) to provide a Euro-styled install that complements the finer features of the M3. First, this upgrade required a a cut deep into the dash to mount a double din Kenwood DVD navigation system. Wow! What a difference it made in modernizing the ride. At the same time, all the factory real wood trim was removed and dipped by Hydro Graphics to update the look with a grained aluminum finish that compliments the Xi amplifiers in the trunk. The front doors were highly modified to fit two pairs of XPe5 components, custom-colored to the vehicle interior. Kingpin Motoring glassed these in place and wraped the door in factory vinyl for an impressive integrated fit and look. The rear speaker and arm rests were also modified with a custom enclosure designed to house two additional XPe5 components. These look awesome. The M3 is crazy loud even with the top down. All the power and micro electronics were relocated behind the rear seat to create a stealth install and easy access when needed behind the rear seat back.

The trunk was a different story . There is little space in an M3, especially a convertible model. And we all know that its nearly impossible to get good bass from a topless car. To overcome this, we utilized car audio 101 system design…Cone area rules and therefore we used a BIG15 high excursion subwoofer. Of course we removed the spare tire to create usable space. But it didn’t stop there. We brought in a master mechanic to relocate the fuel system vapor filter. This was a intricate process but he was able to re plumb the hoses to mount the unit underneath the new massive Kinetik 2400 battery. This in turn created room to build a ¾” thick fiberglass custom enclosure where the spare tire had been.

A 15” subwoofer in an M3 convertible…. That’s awesome! A dedicated 2500 watt (Exile Xi2500.1) mono block amplifier powers the BiG15 and the BiG15 eats up the massive power all day long. A 800 watt 4 channel amplifier (Exile Xi800.4) drives the 20 speakers in the vehicle. Copmbined, this system is extremely clean and unbelievably loud. KingPin Motoring worked long hours to build a custom free- flowing amp rack that integrates all the trunk components together for a clean look with an open pass-through to the cabin for extra bass inside. On the rear trunk lid, the factory tool kit was removed and a custom wrapped fiberglass enclosure was mounted to house a pair of XT65 convertible speakers mounted as a coaxial. Also for maximum display, a 10” LCD monitor shows off the latest Exile videos at demos. 

The installation turned out spectacularly. We wish to thank the folks at King Pin Motoring, Kinetik Batteries, Hydro Graphics INC. and Mike Lovelady from Wilsonville Auto Care. The vehicle has been touring the west coast and spent the summer in California where a convertible belongs.!Look for it soon at a dealer near you.