Audio Upgrade w/Factory Headunit Retention

[JayDiesel]

Hi Xoutpost!

I'm sure that this question has been answered a trillion times, but I can't seem to find the info that I'd like for my specific situation.

I just purchased a 2005 X5 with the base audio (no dsp/nav), and am going to be installing a GROM bluetooth unit over the weekend.

What are my options for speaker upgrades? Can I upgrade the speakers while retaining the stock wiring & headunit? What about adding a subwoofer to the system?

Any thoughts/guidance would be greatly appreciated. TIA!!

[eskirvin]

I would guess just about anything could be done, but I always find it puzzling when people don't replace the head unit with all the work that goes into these upgrades. Are you just trying to spend as little money as possible?

[JayDiesel]

No, I would just like to retain the factory look. As I mentioned, I'm going to be installing a GROM bluetooth unit, which will allow me to stream audio & have handless phone use. That's all the functionality that I need these days.

[Nolimite39]

German Audio Specialties used to produce all sorts of equipment including the electronics you are looking for to tap into the factory system just upstream of the factory amps to allow you to run basically whatever amps/speakers you wanted while maintaining the factory mid and radio modules. Sadly they closed their doors a few years ago. I would try to reach out to them via their facebook or maybe try to find one of their founding members and go from there.

[c-bass]

Check this out if you didn't already get the grom https://www.bluebus.dev/

[JayDiesel]

Damn, I already bought the grom, but definitely something to purchase in the future once it is released.

Thanks for the info.

[c-bass]

Originally Posted by JayDiesel

Damn, I already bought the grom, but definitely something to purchase in the future once it is released.

Thanks for the info.

I'm not sure if he's got any in stock but there's definitely been several releases of product.

[JayDiesel]

I will have to shoot him an email tomorrow!

[jbfrancis3]

Originally Posted by c-bass

Check this out if you didn't already get the grom https://www.bluebus.dev/

Oh yeah, this is the real deal. I'm running them in 2 separate vehicles, an E53 and an E46.

[Purplefade]

For audio I believe the X has cross overs inline with the factory speakers so you'll need to verify the signal range before buying speakers for any specific location, that said, there are some great threads on here about replacement speakers. With regard to subs, just use a GOOD high level to low lever convertor and tap the rear speaker harness just in front of the amp, pretty easy to do actually as I added an amp and sub to my system in this same process. I actually enjoy the sound of the factory system and with the addition of my 10" sub it is impressively simple and sounds pretty darn good. Mieneis the factory hi-fi no DSP, no NAV as well.