My 2005 X5 Aftermarket Radio Install Thread

[pearlpower]

Looking forward to the final results, post up amp and install wiring please

[Crowz]

Im using the factory amp at first. Then the ibus install to be able to reset the mpg and such.

After that I will replace the stock speakers.

Then a new set of amplifiers.

[Crowz]

Well I found the problem there isn't any power on the wire that turns on the amp. Now to figure out why.

[Crowz]

Ok good news and bad news.

The good news is it sounds AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry I took so long coming back in. I just kept playing another song. I mean it sounds almost as good as the hk system in my 323i with a subwoofer and the x5 doesn't have a sub (yet).

Pure HEAVEN!!!!

Now for the bad news. I need to reinstall my rear view mirror. I had the stereo turned up to a little over half way and it fell off the socket. So after I fix that I will post more install info. But while Im resting here are some more pics to enjoy.

[Crowz]

A comparison of the old nav and the radio.

[Crowz]

Made a food run up town and tried out the hands free Bluetooth. Called my daughter and she said it sounded better than the factory nav hands free did. Guess I wont bother wiring up the external microphone if the internal mic sounds good.

Ok so far the radio is in the dash and mounted and I have the wires run from under the glove box up to the radio thru the dash. Yes I have lots of pics of it all so its not just me babbling.

I have tried out the cd player, the phone and last but not least the radio. Now lets pause a second on the radio part.

I have bought so far about 7 aftermarket factor stereos and out of all of them NONE picked up radio stations worth a flip compared to the stock head unit.

This thing picks up GREAT. FAR better than any radio I own. I am amazed. Even picks up better than the pioneer in my f150 pickup and it has an external antenna.

Normally as rural as we are here Im lucky to get 5 stations tops. I lost count at all the stations this thing is picking up. I had basically decided that radio reception was just something you sacrificed with these factory looking aftermarket units. Well it seem Seicane solved whatever the other companies cant radio reception wise.

I will post some more pics shortly but I wont be able to finish the install tonight because of the weather.

[andrej1979]

Awesome. Looking forward to see the final instalation.

[Crowz]

Well I guess I'm making progress now. Made the customary blood offering to the bmw gods now.

Damn the inside of that dash is sharp.

[Crowz]

Ok lets start making this a proper howto.

First you need to remove the factory head unit.

Using a plastic interior removal tool or something similar gently pry out the trim ring from around the head unit. I started beside the track forward aka to the right button area on mine. It gave the most and popped out nicely. Work your way around the ring and it will come off easy enough.

[Crowz]

Your left with this view. Now we need to remove the screws holding the head unit in.