Audio Upgrade for BMW X5 E53

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by admranger

Don't do it unless you're ready to dump significant $ into this.

It's not simple. Do some googling on it. There are a bunch of threads on this on the web (search bmw dsp).

My advice is to instead replace the front soundstage speakers with something like Hybrid Audio Technologies Imagine 6.5 speakers.

Agreed. Easier to replace all the drivers and go full aftermarket than trying to get the factory drivers to work correctly with a decent sound stage.

I'm not saying it can't be done... but if it were my money (and ears), I'd just go full aftermarket and avoid the headache. Can still use factory wiring with the aftermarket drivers, so no need to run all new cabling.

I'll be crossing this bridge as well in the next year with my nav/DSP truck if I can't decide to pull the trigger on NBT retrofit.

[Joshdub]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Agreed. Easier to replace all the drivers and go full aftermarket than trying to get the factory drivers to work correctly with a decent sound stage.

I'm not saying it can't be done... but if it were my money (and ears), I'd just go full aftermarket and avoid the headache. Can still use factory wiring with the aftermarket drivers, so no need to run all new cabling.

I'll be crossing this bridge as well in the next year with my nav/DSP truck if I can't decide to pull the trigger on NBT retrofit.

After looking at the NBT why would you want anything else? Thanks for that btw...

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by Joshdub

After looking at the NBT why would you want anything else? Thanks for that btw...

Because price tag... only reason you might want something else.

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)

Yes, that is an option. I always forget about GAS' Xover. They make good stuff... I run one of Luke's ported boxes in one of my e30's.

[Joshdub]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Because price tag... only reason you might want something else

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

[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!"