e53 replacement amp (non-dsp) options - e46, e39?

[igzekyativ]

My amp (HiFi non-dsp) just gave way and I need a replacement. The x5 amps seem to be going for $150-$325 (used) and $450 (new), while the e46 amps are $36-$50 (used). They look identical. Any idea if I can use the e46 amp? If not, is there another one I can use, maybe e39 or something?

e46 amp - 99 05 BMW E46 3 Series Alpine Amp Radio Amplifier 65 12 8 380 955 | eBay

e53 amp - 00 06 BMW E53 x5 DSP Amplifier 8379376 | eBay

my blown amp -

[crystalworks]

Check realoem.com to see if the non-dsp amps are the same across chassis (part number). I would guess they are, heck I have a couple e46 amps sitting here. They must have the same part number to guarantee the pinouts are the same... even if they look identical.

If I still had my non-dsp truck I'd run out to the garage and check for you.

[rwilson]

if you find two let me know. my amp has not worked since changing out the battery this summer. The dealer looked at it this fall and believes the amp
is truly DOA

part number 65 128 379 376

thanks, Rich

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by rwilson

if you find two let me know. my amp has not worked since changing out the battery this summer. The dealer looked at it this fall and believes the amp
is truly DOA

part number 65 128 379 376

thanks, Rich

Looks like that part number is X5 only according to RealOEM... no crossover applications. Sorry guys.

[igzekyativ]

booo. can't believe there is a $150 difference

[Qsilver7]

I believe the e38/e39/e53 amps are swappable...BUT...you have to code them to your model if it comes from a different one. If you don't code them, they still work but the sound will be muddled (not as clear as could be) because they are coded for the interior dimensions and speaker layout for whatever model it came from.

I installed either an e53 or e38 DSP amp in my 99 540iT when it's original amp went belly up. Again, it worked but the sound was muddled.

[crystalworks]

^He would know. I was going off real oem parts application cross reference.

[igzekyativ]

the e39 amp connections look different from the e53 amp ones, but the e46 amp looks like a match, but parts number say no. The e38 amps don't look the same at all.

BMW E39 5 Series Amplifier Alpine Non DSP FIS 97 03 525 528 530 540 | eBay

[Qsilver7]

In my reply above...my mistake was assuming the non DSP amps were like the DSP amps. It's the DSP amps that were used in 3 different models (e38/e39/e53)...it appears the non DSP amps are model specific.

If you click the following link...you will see that the e38/e39/e53 share the same "uncoded" DSP amps...and over the production run from 1995-2006...there were multiple brands...Lear & Alpine come to mind, I forget the 3rd brand name: RealOEM.com - Part Search

Sorry for any confusion my previous comment caused.