Audio Upgrade for BMW X5 E53 - Page 2

SilverFox06 · #1 03-02-2011, 12:28 PM

Yes, I read the reviews and most are very pleased with the results, but as you say a whopping $600. I actually HATE the sound system! I will have to see is I can cough it up!!

SilverFox06 · #2 03-02-2011, 12:39 PM

In plain ENGLISH please....lol My car does not even have DSP. I must visit my local audio dealer for pricing and installation.

nom3rcy · #3 03-02-2011, 03:44 PM

X5SND · #4 03-02-2011, 04:35 PM

I couldn't stand the factory system either.... Heres mine:
Front End:

Back End

It hits hard while maintaining clarity and balance! Go here: http://www.xoutpost.com/electronics/...ades-pics.html for more info

Although I have upgraded to a newer pioneer unit and type-R's in the rear doors since!

SilverFox06 · #5 03-02-2011, 04:38 PM

Darn! Ok, I will look to upgrade.

NextGen · #6 03-02-2011, 07:38 PM

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.

nom3rcy · #7 03-02-2011, 08:30 PM

I would definitely look into taking them to a machine shop and spinning em on a lathe like we did. Much easier than making your own pods that's for sure.

For the wiring, the best way to go back to factory is definitely just pulling the pins. Worked like a charm and there's lots of room for the crossovers in the void leftover from the amp.

NextGen · #8 03-03-2011, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nom3rcy

I would definitely look into taking them to a machine shop and spinning em on a lathe like we did. Much easier than making your own pods that's for sure.

For the wiring, the best way to go back to factory is definitely just pulling the pins. Worked like a charm and there's lots of room for the crossovers in the void leftover from the amp.

I have found a company that claims to have a speaker adapter for the X! I actually ordered them and they did not fit.

They said that I may have been sent the wrong ones (I doubt it) and they want me to take a picture of my OEM speaker. So we'll see.

SilverFox06 · #9 03-04-2011, 10:53 AM

Thanks to all for your views and corrobative responses, particularly to NexGen for your extensive view which makes a lot whole of sense to me. I have contacted BSW for a complete upgrade to not disturb the OEM fitment. I gotta get that ringing outta my earssssssss......

SilverFox06 · #10 10-31-2011, 12:13 PM

Can anyone help me out with this one?