Affiliate link disclosure – The BMW Repair Guide uses affiliate links in their site. For more information on affiliate links, please click here.
Repair Summary
The following article provides detailed instructions on replacing the door speakers in a BMW E46 3 series car. Even though we have used a 2003 BMW 325ci to perform this installation, this article can be applied to any E46 3 series vehicle, including the 323i, 328i and 330i coupe, sedan and convertible.
See all vehicles this article applies to
E46 3 Series 325ti
E46 3 Series 318td
E46 3 Series 320td
E46 3 Series 318ti
E46 3 Series 330xi
E46 3 Series 330i
E46 3 Series 330xd
E46 3 Series 330d
E46 3 Series 316ti
E46 3 Series 328i
E46 3 Series 325xi
E46 3 Series 325i
E46 3 Series 320i
E46 3 Series 323i
E46 3 Series 320d
E46 3 Series 318i
E46 3 Series 318d
E46 3 Series 316i
E46 3 Series M3 CSL
E46 3 Series M3
E46 3 Series 330Ci
E46 3 Series 330Cd
E46 3 Series 325Ci
E46 3 Series 323Ci
E46 3 Series 320Ci
E46 3 Series 320Cd
E46 3 Series 318Ci
E46 3 Series 328Ci
E46 3 Series 316Ci
E46 3 Series 323i 2.4
E46 3 Series 316i 1.9
E46 3 Series 316i 1.6
A BMW E46 door speaker repair is very simple. In 30 minutes or less you can replace that blown door speaker in your E46 3 series vehicle.
A BMW E46 door speaker repair is another one of those simple "do it yourself" projects that can save you a bunch of money. The replacement speakers are cheap, and the labor to install them is very straightforward...even for the most novice of mechanics.
The door speakers on the BMW E46 3 series tend to be the first ones to break. Years of the vehicle doors being opened and slammed shut causes the center cone to separate from the rest of the speaker. The result is an irritating rattling sound from the speaker when operating the sound system.
When replacing your BMW E46 door speakers, the BMW Repair Guide strongly recommends that you avoid purchasing used parts. Purchasing used door speakers for your 3 series car on sites like eBay is risky, and makes little sense when new ones are just a few dollars more. We also suggest buying some spare trim panel clips since you will most likely break a few when removing the door panel. Home mechanics forget that plastic trim panel clips are designed to break under pressure - it makes more sense to replace a cheap plastic clip than to break an expensive part.
View the detailed parts diagram for this repair.
Includes detailed part diagrams, part numbers and links to purchase all of the required components needed to complete this repair.
Before starting this repair, you must have the following required parts.
All BMW E46 vehicles
Used both as a door and parcel shelf speaker. This is the same factory speaker that would be installed at the BMW dealership.
Commonly used in many different models. M6x20
Used to secure trim panels to the body of your vehicle. Used in various locations throughout the interior and exterior of all BMW vehicles.
Section 1 - Removing the BMW E46 Door Speaker
Removing the BMW E46 door speakers is a very simple process. The door panel only needs to be loosened enough so you can slip your hand behind it and remove the speaker - there is no need to remove it completely from the door. It is very normal to break the plastic clips when removing the door panel. It is good practice to always keep a handful of spare ones in your garage.- Using a T20 torx bit, remove the upper door panel armrest screw.
- Using the same bit, remove the lower door panel armrest screw.
- Finally, remove the center door panel screw.
- Using a plastic trim removal tool, carefully "pop" the door panel off of its trim clips. Slowly make your way around the panel using your hand until you can gain clear access to the back of the door speaker. Don't worry about breaking clips...this is totally normal and are easily replaced.
- With the back of the speaker exposed, use a phillips head screwdriver to remove the three speaker mounting screws.
- Pull the speaker loose from the door panel and unplug the electrical connection.
Section 2 - Installing the New BMW E46 Door Speaker
- Install the new speaker following the above steps in reverse.
- It is very normal to break door panel trim clips during disassembly.
- Just simply remove the broken trim clip by sliding it out of the door panel. Replace with a new clip.
- Reassemble the rest of the door panel. Pay particular attention to the clips; make sure they line up in the holes in the door when reinstalling the door panel.
BMW E46 Door Speaker Repair Finished
