Audio Upgrade for BMW X5 E53

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by Joshdub

I just read through a lot of the bf.c thread. I found a screen for sub 100. I don't mind going used. The wiring harness seems to be the most expensive part.

Now it's do I want coilovers or this. Wish I had unlimited funds. This would be pretty ballin

I agree on wishing I had the unlimited funds. The kit runs ~$2000 for screen, iDrive console, bezel (I think), and the associated wiring/accessories from Germanik.

You are right, you can piece it together for much less. So that's an option. I haven't tried to price each part out individually.

[Joshdub]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

I agree on wishing I had the unlimited funds. The kit runs ~$2000 for screen, iDrive console, bezel (I think), and the associated wiring/accessories from Germanik.

You are right, you can piece it together for much less. So that's an option. I haven't tried to price each part out individually.

From just a curosry glance it looks like you could get the bulk of it for a hair over 1k sourcing your own bits. Of course it all depends on what you want. I didn't look into the back up camera and I'd pass on the touch controller.

Even at 1-1500 I think it gives Avin and Dynavin a run for their money. Off to find a sucker with a wrecked car

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by Joshdub

From just a curosry glance it looks like you could get the bulk of it for a hair over 1k sourcing your own bits. Of course it all depends on what you want. I didn't look into the back up camera and I'd pass on the touch controller.

Even at 1-1500 I think it gives Avin and Dynavin a run for their money. Off to find a sucker with a wrecked car

Because of the retained OBC, added OEM options not available on older models, and OEM nature of the screen make it a much better option than the Avin or Dynavins in most circumstances. Being almost three times the price sucks... but if you intend to keep your truck then the investment seems like it would be worth it to me. Could always rip it all out I guess if you were going to sell.

I might look into piecing it all together too sometime this next year after recovering from the wheel/tire purchase. "Money, money, money... we can't keep doing this Bob!"

[admranger]

Originally Posted by 94csi

Isn't the easiest way just to use the GAS crossover? J&T Distributing - German Audio Specialties E39/E53 Passive Crossover Network (PCN)

That's assuming the stock speakers are in decent shape. My front mid-bass speakers fell apart as I was taking them out...

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by SilverFox06

Oh yes, I have the dice/media bridge with satellite radio. Awesome! I can't wait for the development of the amp. Is your amp (BSW)?

Many years ago I bought a kit from bavsound that included all new plug and play speakers, a subwoofer and amp that worked with DSP. Wouldn't satisfy a sound expert but a very significant upgrade from stock system.

[Dking078]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Many years ago I bought a kit from bavsound that included all new plug and play speakers, a subwoofer and amp that worked with DSP. Wouldn't satisfy a sound expert but a very significant upgrade from stock system.

I think Bavsound just stopped production on the E53 kit

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by Dking078

I think Bavsound just stopped production on the E53 kit

Just as well. Never been overly impressed with their interior sound upgrades. Sub upgrades are decently worth it though.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Just as well. Never been overly impressed with their interior sound upgrades. Sub upgrades are decently worth it though.

I've never understood spending thousands of dollars on a vehicle audio system. Can't hear the engine or exhaust, what fun is that?

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

I've never understood spending thousands of dollars on a vehicle audio system. Can't hear the engine or exhaust, what fun is that?

Yeah, I hear you. There are times though (long road trips, or late at night cruising for example) when you really want to hear some nice clean driving music. I love clean audio, and after being introduced to it... so does my wife now.

Different strokes for different folks and all that... Some spend thousands on performance, others on appearance, others on audio, and some on all of the above.

[daki50]

Hi, I have an e53 with a DSP audio system. I would like to install better speakers and an amplifier, so I'm wondering if there is a lot of difference compared to the factory audio system? Which speakers and amplifier do you recommend and which speaker sizes do I need? I also installed an android display