Aftermarket Amplifier install question

[GrindrX5]

Hello all,

I'am finally a proud owner of my first BMW! I recently purchased a 2002 X5 4.6 and am loving every bit of it. I find my self looking for reasons to leave the house so I can drive around. I love it, it is a true driving machine!

I only have one issue and that's with the sound system. I have been looking through tons of forums as well as the rest of the internet and I'm having trouble finding answers to a couples of questions. I have looked through the how-to's maybe I'm over looking something or just not getting it.

...I plan on keeping stock head unit and would like to keep it in place while working from the back only. I want to upgrade stock amplifier and also add additional amplifier for a sub. My X5 previously had a Dice Electronics upgrade, not sure if this will make a difference.

I'd like to use existing wires if this is possible, my question is about the RCA's. Where are they and how to I get to them?

Is there some sort of harness, or way to splice into the signal. I'm not ok with using a fm transmitter, I'd prefer a superior signal.

If somebody could point me in the right direction your help would be greatly appreciated.

Feel free to ask any questions.

Thanks in advance!

[X-ray Lima]

No sure if these head units have RCA outs (?), but if they don't you can always use a good line/level converter.

They attach to speaker wires and convert a speaker signal into a low power RCA signal. I've used them before in other vehicles and the signal quality loss is negligible (IMO).

Otherwise, depending on budget you can pick some good signal processors which will perform the same function, to a higher quality and generally with heaps of EQ tuning. Be prepared to pay much bigger dollars for those though......

[GrindrX5]

Thank you, I will do some reading up on some line level converters and signal processors and decide from there.

Thanks again.

[XVII]

A lot of amps are now made with speaker level inputs so you can skip the line out convertor altogether.. Tap into the wiring from the stock amp and then you can just run those directly to the aftermarket amp.

I used the BSW e53 pdf to walk me through my install (I'm guessing you have DSP so this may be different)..
http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/pr...em_Non_DSP.pdf

[bcredliner]

Suggest you check out BSW. I upgraded speakers, subwoofer and amp through them and also installed their Dice module. Later upgraded to Dice silver and now have their media bridge installed.. With their instructions and tech support I did the install myself. Great sound and now I have Sirius and bluetooth, usb connection and phone through the original radio and nav system. Did speakers, amp and subwoofer several years ago so am not familiar with what they offer now but sure worth taking a look or talking with them.

[GrindrX5]

I do have DSP, trying to find out if this will cause me issues. Thinking the line out converter may be the option after reading your BSW material. I have a MB Quart 4 channel amp, hopefully I can just attach stock wires (RCA) like you mentioned, I will look into this.

I'd love to upgrade with their system but I'm thinking I can get alot more sound for half their cost.

Plus I already half the equipment I'll be using.

[bcredliner]

I have DSP--there were no problems associated that I recall but I don't remember details of the install--too long ago.

[romeokc10]

Congrats on the ride, same as mine...lol! From everything I've read the DSP work around is a pain in the ass!

[Roadkill]

Look into an Audison Bit Ten or JL Audio Cleansweep. These processors allow you to integrate aftermarket amps into the OE system. I just had it done and I have DSP. It works flawlessly

[GrindrX5]

Man, not feeling to confident with all the different responses. The JL cleansweep or bit ten crossovers look nice as do the prices I think I'd go with an entire new head unit before going that route.

Has anyone had any luck with one of these? Think it will work?
Amplifier Amp Interface Adapter Wiring Wire Harness 1 | eBay