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  #11  
Old 03-02-2011, 04:35 PM
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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!
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  #12  
Old 03-02-2011, 04:38 PM
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Darn! Ok, I will look to upgrade.
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  #13  
Old 03-02-2011, 07:38 PM
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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.
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[Sold] 2004 X5 4.4i - Sterling Gray - Truffle Brown, Sport, Preminum, Rear Climate, DSP, Sirius, PDC, 132's (19 inch wheel), Comfort Seats
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  #14  
Old 03-02-2011, 08:30 PM
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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.
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  #15  
Old 03-03-2011, 12:59 AM
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I had DSP with premium sound. It sounded awful. I recommend a low cost solution. Buy a used or new head unit ~150, used 4 channel amp ~150, then get a single subwoofer box with a mono amp ~200, you will sound way better for under $600. Using an aftermarket radio on the factory premium speakers with DSP AMP disconnected sounds great by itself, throw in a sub to get that little boom boom is a bonus!
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2003 BMW E53 X5 4.4i - M62 engine (Non Sport with Premium and Cold Weather Package)
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Mods:4.6is Exhaust (Pipes, Mufflers and chrome oval tips) BMW Sport package Taillamps, BMW Tire Valve Stem Caps
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  #16  
Old 03-03-2011, 12:58 PM
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I'll chime in as an owner of an X5 with the BSW stage 1 kit installed.

I will preface this by saying I did not purchase the kit myself, it was on the X when I picked her up (and actually my X is the one that BSW used to test fitment etc for the kit) but I have heard stock X5 w/DSP and various other BMWs with DSP. They use Rainbow (i think the IQ line?) drivers/tweeters in the kit. It doesn't affect the dual coil sub in the rear obviously, so you don't get any more "punch" than you do normally, but with the kit installed there is actually separation and clarity.

If you want considerably better audio quality/clarity but don't want to mess with the actual DSP amp etc, then it's really not a bad kit. Yes you can spend less and get awesome sound too, but keep in mind that the BSW kit has the proper fitment and resistance ratings etc for your E53.
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  #17  
Old 03-03-2011, 03:09 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wullaby View Post
I had DSP with premium sound. It sounded awful. I recommend a low cost solution. Buy a used or new head unit ~150, used 4 channel amp ~150, then get a single subwoofer box with a mono amp ~200, you will sound way better for under $600. Using an aftermarket radio on the factory premium speakers with DSP AMP disconnected sounds great by itself, throw in a sub to get that little boom boom is a bonus!
There is no need for an aftermarket deck (especially a cheap one) because the oem BMW decks are quite good, offering a balanced 5v output from the factory.

I'm using the factory NAV and it sounds excellent. I wouldn't recommend replacing it unless you were doing a $5k+, extremely involved SQ setup.
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  #18  
Old 03-03-2011, 03:57 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wullaby View Post
I had DSP with premium sound. It sounded awful. I recommend a low cost solution. Buy a used or new head unit ~150, used 4 channel amp ~150, then get a single subwoofer box with a mono amp ~200, you will sound way better for under $600. Using an aftermarket radio on the factory premium speakers with DSP AMP disconnected sounds great by itself, throw in a sub to get that little boom boom is a bonus!
The problem with this setup is that you have to make sure the headunit can handle the ohm requirements of the speakers. Otherwise you can damage both the speakers and the head unit. But, yes, this is an option.
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[Sold] 2004 X5 4.4i - Sterling Gray - Truffle Brown, Sport, Preminum, Rear Climate, DSP, Sirius, PDC, 132's (19 inch wheel), Comfort Seats
Dynavin, JL Audio Stealthbox, Alpine PDX-5 Amp
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  #19  
Old 03-03-2011, 03:59 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nom3rcy View Post
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.
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[Sold] 2004 X5 4.4i - Sterling Gray - Truffle Brown, Sport, Preminum, Rear Climate, DSP, Sirius, PDC, 132's (19 inch wheel), Comfort Seats
Dynavin, JL Audio Stealthbox, Alpine PDX-5 Amp
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  #20  
Old 03-04-2011, 10:53 AM
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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......
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