OK, here's my professional recommendations:

1) You can get great sound in the X5 while keeping the OEM HU. The Icelink works with the OEM HU.

2) Get two Icelinks and one DSP kit for the E39. It's worth it. Nothing else even comes close for BMWs.

3) I am pretty darned good at invisible X5 audio upgrades.

Level one is to upgrade the front speakers and get a 2-channel amp for the front only, retaining the OEM speakers in the rear doors. For something worth doing, you are looking at about $500-850-1250 in gear (depending on gear - that's DLS in the middle and Dynaudio at the top) and about $250-300 in installation by a shop that OUGHT to be taking your car apart.

Level two a is the above plus a 3 or 4-channel amp, and an 8" or 10" sub hidden in the passenger rear side compartment. That bumps you to $800-1200-2000 in gear (similar progression) and $750-1000 installation and fiberglass fab charges from a pro shop (hidden everything).

Level two b is a four channel amp and new front and rear door speakers. $750 in gear for good stuff worth upgrading to, $300-400 installation.

Level three is front, rear, sub. Hard to do for less than $2K with stuff that's worth buying, figure somewhere between $2500 and $5500 installed depending on the level of gear you select.

The best sound for the money is 2A. 3 doesn't sound better than 2A, but it sounds louder (depending).

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musicar northwest, portland oregon

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