Thanks nom3rcy, I remember reading about what you did in another post. I have Focals that are a little too large for the OEM speaker baskets. I am going over my options for getting them in. I may have to cut like you did.

For the speaker wire at the amp, I thought about pulling them out of the plug but I want an easy way to go back to factory if needed. I guess it would be as simple as just plugging them back in. My other thought was to cut the wires and use some quick connects that will allow me to reconfigure how they are connected. This is quite a bit more work though.

SilverFox06 - The big decision you need to make is whether you want to keep the factory head unit and amp. If you do, then you really need to consider BSW offerings because the speaker sizes and ohm requirements for this X are not the same as the majority of speakers you can buy off the shelf. I know their prices seem high but what you get in return is a solution that is custom made for your OEM components.

If you go aftermarket then you can consider Dynavin or Hualingan if you want something that fits in the dash (I have Dynavin, please search for my writeup on it). You can go Kenwood, Pioneer, etc, but then you will need a custom bezel (good ones can be costly). I know that Metra now makes a bezel for the X5. It is usually around $30. If you change the head unit then you will need to get an aftermarket amp as well. And then of course you will need to upgrade the speakers. Going totally aftermarket will cost you more than BSW.

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[Sold] 2004 X5 4.4i - Sterling Gray - Truffle Brown, Sport, Preminum, Rear Climate, DSP, Sirius, PDC, 132's (19 inch wheel), Comfort Seats
Dynavin, JL Audio Stealthbox, Alpine PDX-5 Amp