Greetings,
I am in the process of revamping my stereo system in my 318is. Though, before I do the next phase, I think it would be best to make sure that the status of the car charging system is in tip top to minimize any future problems.
Currently I am experiencing a bit of an "issue". I'm really not worried about it at the moment, but it should be rectified before proceeding.
The alternator as far as I know is still the stock unit. However, I replaced the voltage regulator in it about six months ago- it was almost toast. The next thing I did was replace the battery as it was weeping, with an Optima red top. I got a screaming deal on a new unit, so that is the logic behind that... All of the grounding straps have been replaced as well.
As my system is now, I have a new Kenwood KDC-BT952HD head unit, which is powering four 6.5" Infinity Perfect drivers and four Infinity Perfect 1" tweeters (all of which are hooked up to Infinity Perfect cross-overs). I have a 10" Kicker compVR 4ohm subwoofer that is capable of 400rms, being powered by a Kenwood Class-D Mono Amp, capable of providing 500rms @4ohm.
There seems to be a threshold on the stock charging system or something, because the "issue" I am experiencing is that while idling, if I turn up the gain to the sub from the head unit, there is a point where when the subwoofer hits, the rpm needle can be observed to dip, then go back up in accord with the subwoofer. I'm not a rocket scientist, but this would be indicative of a week alternator.
The next and pretty much final stage that I'm planning out is getting the mids and tweeters off of the head unit and onto their dedicated 4-chanel amp- which I currently have waiting.
So...are there alternator upgrades I should look at? Scrap the notion of adding another amp? Perhaps add a 1,2 or possibly 3 farad cap? Suggestions welcome!
Topic: Aftermarket Stereo System (Read 2953 times)