1997 BMW 328is Speaker Sizes
The 1997 BMW 328is factory audio system features specific mounting positions, where the rear deck lid accommodates a 4 inch speaker size, while the front kick panel accepts 5.25 inch speakers, and the front door panel supports 6x8 inch units. Available audio components for replacement and upgrade encompass midrange, midbass, and full-range driver configurations.
Specific details regarding locations, speaker sizes, and types are outlined in the compatibility chart.
| Location | Size | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Door Panel | 6x8 | Full-Range |
|
| Front Kick Panel | 5.25 | Midbass |
|
| Rear Deck Lid | 4 | Midrange |
|
1997 BMW 328is Speaker Replacement Summary
3
total positions
2
easy to replace
1
high priority
0
professional only
Replacement difficulty:
Low: 2 Medium: 1 High: 0Replacement priority:
High: 1 Medium: 2 Low: 01997 BMW 328is 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 front door panels in the 1997 BMW 328is may warrant attention first when considering speaker replacements, as the 6x8 inch full-range units handle the broadest frequency spectrum and typically have the most significant impact on overall audio quality.
- Full-range speakers of the 6x8 inch variety are designed to reproduce low, mid, and high frequencies from a single driver assembly, making them a self-contained solution for door panel locations without requiring separate tweeters or crossovers.
- The 5.25 inch midbass drivers in the front kick panels focus on reproducing lower midrange and upper bass frequencies, potentially filling in the sonic gap between subwoofer output and the midrange frequencies that smaller speakers handle more effectively.
- Kick panel placement of midbass speakers can offer acoustic advantages due to the greater distance from the listener's ears, which may allow for better staging and reduced localization of bass frequencies compared to door-mounted alternatives.
- The 4 inch midrange speakers located in the rear deck lid are specialized for reproducing middle frequencies, typically between approximately 200 Hz and 5 kHz, rather than attempting to cover the entire audible spectrum.
- Upgrading the rear deck speakers in the 1997 BMW 328is might provide enhanced fill and ambiance to the soundstage, though their contribution to perceived audio quality is generally secondary to the front-stage components.
- The single DIN radio opening indicates a standard 2 inch tall by approximately 7 inch wide head unit cavity, which limits aftermarket stereo options to similarly sized units or requires adapter kits for larger double DIN receivers.
- Sound improvement from speaker replacement tends to be most noticeable when the factory paper cone drivers are swapped for aftermarket units featuring polypropylene, treated fabric, or composite materials that resist moisture and maintain rigidity under dynamic excursion.