1978 BMW 320i Speaker Sizes

The 1978 BMW 320i factory audio system features specific locations for sound reproduction. Front kick panel, front door panel, rear deck lid, and rear door panel locations accept a 5.25 inch speaker size. Midbass and full-range units serve as standard replacement and upgrade components for the vehicle.

Specific details regarding locations, speaker sizes, and types are outlined in the compatibility chart.

Speaker Details by Location
Location Size Type Notes
Front Door Panel 5.25 Midbass / Full-Range
  • Standard installation
  • High replacement priority
  • Replacement difficulty: low
Front Kick Panel 5.25 Midbass
  • Cramped working position
  • Medium replacement priority
  • Replacement difficulty: medium
Rear Deck Lid 5.25 Midbass / Full-Range
  • Access through trunk
  • Medium replacement priority
  • Replacement difficulty: low
Rear Door Panel 5.25 Midbass / Full-Range
  • Standard installation
  • Medium replacement priority
  • Replacement difficulty: low

1978 BMW 320i Speaker Replacement Summary

4 total positions
3 easy to replace
1 high priority
0 professional only

Replacement difficulty:

Low: 3 Medium: 1 High: 0

Replacement priority:

High: 1 Medium: 3 Low: 0

1978 BMW 320i Radio Slot Size (DIN)

DIN Type Size (inch) Size (mm) Notes
Single DIN 7"×2" 180×50 Standard size for basic car radios with small display or no display
  • Always measure the slot before purchasing a new radio
  • Check slot depth - it may vary

Additional Notes

  • The 1978 BMW 320i uses a uniform 5.25 inch speaker size across all four factory locations, which may simplify the replacement process when upgrading the audio system.
  • Front kick panel speakers in this vehicle are designated for midbass drivers only, while the front door, rear deck lid, and rear door locations can accommodate either midbass or full-range speaker types.
  • The kick panel position typically benefits from dedicated midbass drivers because of its acoustic properties, which may allow for better lower frequency reproduction compared to other mounting locations.
  • Full-range speakers installed in the door and deck locations could provide broader frequency coverage without requiring separate tweeters, though midbass options remain available for component system configurations.
  • The single DIN radio opening in the 1978 BMW 320i suggests compatibility with most aftermarket head units, which could facilitate audio system upgrades beyond just speaker replacement.
  • Replacing all four speaker locations with matched components could potentially provide more consistent sound staging and tonal balance throughout the cabin.
  • The availability of multiple installation points may allow for flexibility in creating either a simple full-range setup or a more complex component system with separate frequency handling.