1. Introduction and Overview
The Audison AP BMW S8-2 Prima Series Subwoofer is an 8-inch (200mm) component designed for direct replacement in BMW vehicles. This subwoofer features a 2 Ohm impedance and is engineered to maximize performance within the factory under-seat enclosures. Its design focuses on delivering powerful and clear low frequencies, enhancing the in-car audio experience.
Key features include a Neodymium magnet for high power and control, a 38mm voice coil wound on an aluminum support for efficient heat dissipation, and an ABS plastic basket reinforced with fiberglass for minimal installation depth. This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your Audison AP BMW S8-2 subwoofer.
Figure 1.1: Front view of the Audison AP BMW S8-2 Prima Series Subwoofer. This image displays the subwoofer's top surface with the Audison logo and model number visible.
2. Safety Information
Please read all safety instructions before installing or operating this product. Failure to follow these instructions may result in injury or damage to the product or vehicle.
- Professional Installation Recommended: Due to the complexity of car audio systems and vehicle electrical systems, professional installation by a qualified technician is highly recommended.
- Disconnect Battery: Always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery terminal before beginning any installation work to prevent electrical shorts and damage.
- Wiring: Ensure all wiring is correctly routed and secured to prevent pinching, chafing, or short circuits. Use appropriate gauge wiring for power and speaker connections.
- Avoid Water and Moisture: Do not expose the subwoofer to water or excessive moisture. This product is not waterproof.
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation around the subwoofer and any associated amplifiers to prevent overheating.
- Volume Levels: Prolonged exposure to high volume levels can cause hearing damage. Adjust volume to a comfortable level.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in the package before proceeding with installation.
- 1x Audison AP BMW S8-2 Subwoofer
- 2x 5mm Polyurethane Gaskets
Figure 3.1: The two 5mm polyurethane gaskets included with the subwoofer. These gaskets are crucial for proper fitment and vibration decoupling.
4. Setup and Installation
The Audison AP BMW S8-2 subwoofer is specifically designed for direct replacement of OEM speakers located under the front seats of compatible BMW vehicles. Its shallow design ensures compatibility with the existing factory enclosure.
4.1. Pre-Installation Checks
- Ensure the vehicle's battery is disconnected.
- Confirm the subwoofer's impedance (2 Ohm) is compatible with your amplifier setup.
- Gather all necessary tools for removing vehicle trim and existing speakers.
4.2. Installation Steps
- Carefully remove the vehicle's front seats and access the factory subwoofer enclosures. Refer to your vehicle's service manual for specific instructions on seat and trim removal.
- Remove the existing OEM subwoofers from their enclosures.
- Place the two 5mm polyurethane gaskets onto the Audison AP BMW S8-2 subwoofer. These gaskets ensure a tight seal and decouple the subwoofer from vibrations within the enclosure.
- Install the Audison AP BMW S8-2 subwoofer into the factory enclosure. The ABS plastic basket and front magnet design facilitate a minimal installation depth.
- Connect the subwoofer wiring to your amplifier. Ensure correct polarity. The 2 Ohm impedance of the S8-2 allows for maximum power output when used with compatible multi-amplified systems, such as the Audison AP 8.9 bit.
- Secure the subwoofer firmly within the enclosure.
- Reinstall vehicle trim and seats.
- Reconnect the vehicle's battery.
Figure 4.1: Side profile of the Audison AP BMW S8-2 subwoofer, illustrating its shallow mounting depth. This design is optimized for BMW under-seat installations.
5. Operation
Once installed, the Audison AP BMW S8-2 subwoofer integrates with your car audio system to reproduce low-frequency sounds.
- Amplifier Settings: Ensure your amplifier's gain, crossover, and phase settings are properly adjusted for optimal performance with the subwoofer. Incorrect settings can lead to poor sound quality or damage.
- Impedance Matching: The 2 Ohm impedance of the AP BMW S8-2 is designed to draw maximum power from compatible amplifiers, such as the Audison AP 8.9 bit, when configured in a fully active, multi-amplified front system. Consult your amplifier's manual for impedance compatibility.
- Break-in Period: Allow a break-in period of several hours of normal listening before operating the subwoofer at high volumes. This allows the suspension components to loosen and perform optimally.
6. Maintenance
The Audison AP BMW S8-2 subwoofer requires minimal maintenance to ensure long-term performance.
- Cleaning: Keep the subwoofer free from dust and debris. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
- Environmental Conditions: Avoid exposing the subwoofer to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for extended periods.
- Connection Checks: Periodically inspect all wiring connections to ensure they are secure and free from corrosion.
7. Troubleshooting
If you experience issues with your Audison AP BMW S8-2 subwoofer, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps.
- No Sound:
- Check all power and ground connections to the amplifier.
- Verify that the amplifier is receiving an audio signal from the head unit.
- Ensure speaker wires are securely connected to both the subwoofer and the amplifier, and that polarity is correct.
- Check amplifier protection modes (e.g., thermal, short circuit).
- Distorted Sound:
- Reduce the amplifier gain. Excessive gain can cause clipping and distortion.
- Check for loose speaker wires or short circuits.
- Ensure the subwoofer is not over-driven.
- Verify that the amplifier's crossover settings are appropriate for a subwoofer.
- Weak or Lack of Bass:
- Check amplifier gain and bass boost settings.
- Verify the phase setting on the amplifier or head unit. Incorrect phase can cancel out bass frequencies.
- Ensure the subwoofer is properly sealed within its enclosure.
- Confirm the subwoofer is receiving sufficient power from the amplifier.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, contact a qualified car audio technician or Audison customer support for further assistance.
8. Specifications
The following table details the technical specifications for the Audison AP BMW S8-2 Subwoofer.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Name | APBMW-S8-2 |
| Speaker Type | Subwoofer |
| Subwoofer Diameter | 8 Inches (200mm) |
| Power Handling (Continuous) | 150W RMS |
| Power Handling (Peak) | 300W Peak |
| Impedance | 2 Ohms |
| Frequency Response | 40 ÷ 500 Hz |
| Magnet Type | Neodymium |
| Voice Coil | 38 mm, wound on aluminum support |
| Product Dimensions (D x W x H) | 1.24"D x 11.81"W x 4.33"H (approximate, based on product dimensions) |
| Item Weight | 3.66 Pounds |
| Mounting Type | Flush Mount |
Figure 8.1: Technical drawing illustrating the dimensions of the Audison AP BMW S8-2 subwoofer. This diagram provides precise measurements for installation planning.
9. Warranty and Support
The Audison AP BMW S8-2 subwoofer comes with a Limited Warranty. For specific details regarding warranty coverage, terms, and conditions, please refer to the warranty documentation included with your product or visit the official Audison website.
For technical support, troubleshooting assistance beyond this manual, or warranty claims, please contact Audison customer service or your authorized Audison dealer.
