• Will the enclosure fit my vehicle?
• What if I don't like the sound?
• Can I use a different subwoofer?
• Do they really sound THAT good?
• Why do the RoadsterSound enclosures sound louder, cleaner, and better than a subwoofer placed in the trunk?
• Will my roadster's enclosure sound different with the top up/down?

Have a question that's not answered here? Email us and we'll get you an answer shortly.

Will the enclosure fit my vehicle?

The BMW Z3 Model 68s fits EVERY Z3 (except certain models that came with both the factory roll hoops AND the storage compartment). It will fit Z3's with or without the factory roll hoops and with or without the factory subwoofer.

The BMW Z3 Model 80 fits ANY Z3 that came with factory roll hoops.

The Mazda Miata Model 100S fits '89-'98 Miatas.

The MINI Cooper Model 120sa fits the following MINI Coopers:

1st Gen MINI

• R50: One & MC Coupe
• R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
• R53: MCS Coupe

2nd Gen MINI

• R56: One/MC/MCS Coupe

The Model 120sa fitment has not been confirmed in the following MINIs:

• R57: One/MC/MCS Convt. (Test fitment needs to be completed. If you have an R57 and would like to help with test fitment, please email us.)
• R55: Clubman (fitment confirmation being completed now)
• R60: MINI SUV

 

What if it don't like the sound?

Not likely. But even it you don't, not to worry - your satisfaction is guaranteed!

Can I use a different subwoofer?

The BMW Z3 Model 68S enclosure will ONLY work with the included 6"x8" subwoofer.

The BMW Z3 Model 80S enclosure will work with any subwoofer that will fit. The Model 80 specs are as follows:

Speaker Cutout diameter - <7"
Speaker Mounting depth - <4.4"
Speaker Overall diameter - <8.7"
Sealed Enclosure Volume - .32 cubic feet

The only widely available subs that we are aware of are the recommended Alumapro Alusonic EX 8, the JL Audio 8w3v2, and the JL Audio 8w0.

The MINI Cooper Model 120SA enclosure will work with any subwoofer that will fit. The Model 120SA specs are as follows:

Speaker Cutout diameter - 11.125"
Speaker Mounting depth - 3.625"
Speaker Overall diameter - 13.25"
Sealed Enclosure Volume - .625 cubic feet

Do they really sound THAT good?

Yep! As additional assurance I offer an unconditional satisfaction guarantee - if you order one and decide you don't like it for any reason, send it back and I'll refund your money. Click here for details.

The BMW Z3 Model 68s produces more bass to the listening area (cabin) than a JL Audio 10w0 (10" subwoofer) in a sealed enclosure in the trunk, and without all the rattling and vibration a 10" subwoofer in the trunk causes.

The BMW Z3 Model 80 offers incomparable performance in the Z3 - if you really want top notch sound and a clean, factory looking installation, there is no other!

The MINI Cooper Model 120SA with the Earthquake SWS12 or JL Audio 12TW5 is capable of bass levels that can damage your ears in a reasonably short period of time. The Rockford Fosgate P3S is a solid performer and will satisfy most listeners needs quite well, but it is not capable of the output and low frequency extension of the Earthquake or the JL.

Why are the RoadsterSound enclosures louder, cleaner, and better than a subwoofer placed in the trunk?

Because the RoadsterSound enclosures are located in the cabin with the driver/passenger, they need less power, create fewer rattles, and have more even frequency response than a subwoofer placed in the trunk.

• Volume - doubling the distance between listener and speaker quarters the acoustic power delivered to the listeners ear. A subwoofer in the trunk is at a minimum twice as far from the listener as the RoadsterSound enclosures. So without even considering the biggest obstacle to a trunk mounted subwoofer - all the metal and insulation between trunk and cabin - you'd still need 4 times the amplifier power and speaker power handling to produce the same volume.
• Rattles/Vibration - ever sit next to a traffic light next to someone with loud bass and even louder rattles? That's what you'll sound like with a subwoofer in your trunk. There is a lot of metal and insulating material between the trunk and the cabin, and it makes getting sound out of it difficult. Inevitably, you end up creating a significant amount of rattling and vibration in the process. The end result is embarrassing, and for most folks, unbearable.
• Frequency Response - sound doesn't pass through objects, it either passes around them or, if there is no path around the object, it vibrates the object which in turn vibrates the air on the other side and makes sound again. This is a large part of how sound gets out of your vehicle's trunk. Aside from the volume implications noted above, this wreaks havoc on your low end frequency response. A given solid object, be it a piece of sheet metal or a hunk of rubber, will not vibrate with the same ease across all frequencies, leaving your frequency response on the other side as bumpy as the Rocky Mountains.

Will my roadster's enclosure sound different with the top up/down?

Unfortunately, yes. This is a fact of life with convertibles. The roof, walls, and windows actually create a kind of speaker enclosure that serves to amplify low frequency sound. A good way to think of it is to imagine sitting inside a large speaker cabinet rather than outside. When the top is lowered, the elimination of this "enclosure" is exacerbated by increased road and highway noise. The RoadsterSound enclosures compensate for this in ways the OEM sound systems can't - by having great low frequency extension and high power handling.