BMW 735iL Speaker Size

Front Door Panel Speaker

Rear Door Panel Speaker

Front Kick Panel Speaker

Rear Deck Lid Speaker

BMW 735iL Speaker FAQ

Which BMW 735iL speakers should I replace first for the biggest sound improvement?

Replace the front speakers first. The front door panels in later models take 6 x 8 inch speakers that handle most of your music's midrange and vocal frequencies. Earlier BMW 735iL models use 4 x 6 inch speakers in the kick panels - these are smaller but still your primary listening position. Front speakers get about 80% of your attention while driving. Rear deck speakers in the 5.25 inch size can wait since they mainly fill in background sound.

What's the difference between coaxial and component speakers for my BMW 735iL?

Coaxial speakers put the tweeter and woofer in one unit - simpler installation, decent sound for most people. Component speakers separate the tweeter from the woofer, usually sound better because each driver handles its specific frequency range without interference. Your BMW 735iL accepts both types in most locations. Components might need tweeter mounting though. The 6 x 8 inch locations work well with either type, but the 4 x 6 kick panel spots... those can be tricky for component tweeters depending on your interior trim.

Can I put 6.5 inch round speakers in my BMW 735iL instead of the factory 6 x 8 oval ones?

Probably not without modification. The 6 x 8 inch openings in your BMW 735iL door panels are specifically oval-shaped. Round 6.5 inch speakers won't fit the mounting holes properly. You'd need adapter brackets or custom cutting. The 6 x 8 size actually gives you more cone area than 6.5 round - about 30 square inches versus 26. Stick with 6 x 8 speakers, plenty of good options available. The sound improvement from proper fitment usually beats forcing round speakers into oval holes.

What power handling should I look for in BMW 735iL replacement speakers?

Look for speakers rated around 50-75 watts RMS for the 6 x 8 inch positions. The factory BMW 735iL system probably pushes 15-25 watts per channel, so you have headroom for aftermarket amplification later. The 5.25 inch rear deck speakers can handle similar power levels. Those 4 x 6 inch front speakers in earlier models... maybe 40-60 watts RMS maximum due to size constraints. Peak power ratings don't matter much - RMS tells you actual usable power. Higher sensitivity ratings like 90+ dB help if you're staying with factory power.

Why does my BMW 735iL have different speaker sizes depending on the year?

BMW redesigned the interior layout between model years. Earlier BMW 735iL models used kick panel mounting for front speakers - limited space meant 4 x 6 inch maximum. Later redesign moved front speakers to door panels with more room for 6 x 8 inch drivers. The rear changed too - deck lid mounting for 5.25 inch speakers versus door panel 6 x 8 inch in later years. Different mounting locations, different size constraints. The door panel setup generally sounds better since speakers aim more directly at your ears instead of bouncing off floors or ceilings.