Is there a way to improve sound in X's radio?

[george1202]

I'm wondering how I can improve the sound of my stock radio on my 03 E53. Sound is crappy. Any suggestions? I wish the ultimate driving machine came with an ultimate sound machine

[X5Flyboy]

I know where you're coming from. When I picked up my 2006 last April from the factory in SC, I opted out of the premium sound system to have Bavarian SoundWerks in Atlanta put in their speaker upgrade w/amp&sub + icelink. It does lose the automatic cutoff when you answer the bluetooth phone, but I still think I came out with a way better deal & sound. I, too, can't believe BMW has not hooked up with a premium speaker manufacturer. They already get some parts from Alpine & HarmonKarden. Without great speakers, everything else is mute.

[alpac]

There are several ways to improve the sound of the X. Depends how much you want to spend and what you consider as a good sound. Everybody is different. I agree with X5Flyboy, BSW speaker upgrade packages are a good way to upgrade the sound. When I got my X I also found the sound to be pretty bad for that type of car. The first thing I immediately noticed was the lack of bass. The stock subs were doing a pitiful job. My first upgrade then was to get rid of the stock subs, add a subamp and a 10inches sub. Here is an article which explains how to add the subamp if you want to do it yourself. This is an easy and cheap upgrade which vastly improve the sound. It does not only improve the bass but also the overall sound as you do not need to push the volume anymore to get deep bass and consequently there is less distortion.
http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/s...ctory-amp.html

Later I replaced the stock mid ranges with BSW mid range speakers and the sound got even better. I could have carried on with upgrading the other speakers but I am very pleased with what I have right now. As I said it all depends what you are looking for.

[george1202]

Is there a specific brand of sub amp you would recommend? Idea about the cost as well.

[NINCHS]

the amp will depend on your price range. read the audio forum I think alot of guys use an alpine due to its size and its ability to be hidden out of sight due to its small size.

[nietodp]

The stock radio is fine, it's the speakers that suck. I also did the BSW upgrade with the Stage 1 speaker replacement along with the sub. I did not lose the automatic cutoff with the Bluetooth phone as mentioned above. As for the sub, BSW builds a custom box the perfectly fits in the side compartment and maximizes the sub enclosure volume. The BSW speakers are so crisp and clear that I can now hear imperfections in the recording quality of my CD's. If you go with other brands of speakers, you will probably have to install converters in each speaker to get them to work. (BSW's are specifically designed to work with BMW's as is.) In summary, I am very glad I went with BSW option.

[hannanp]

Hi

The stage 1 system sounds very promising. Was it much effort to access all of the speakers?

[broknlgs24]

the rear door speakers can be access w/o removing the door panels.
the front door speakers, u must remove the door panels to get to the tweeters.

[nietodp]

BSW includes some detailed instructions and pictures for installation. You really do need to remove all four door panels to access the speakers (unless you want to cut out the speaker grills and buy new ones). It took me about 8 hours to complete the 10 speaker replacement. Adding the sub/amp took about 6 hours (including the time to build a bracket to mount the amp.)

Removing the doors and replacing the speakers is not very difficut - just a little time consuming.

[X5Flyboy]

Originally Posted by nietodp

I did not lose the automatic cutoff with the Bluetooth phone as mentioned above...

When I mentioned I had lost this feature, BSW said I'd have to switch back to the OEM mid-range speakers.