Starting a aftermarket head unit install

[Stanleyf233]

OK, so I have started my install this week that I mentioned in my other post. Decided to get on with after fixing my rear windscreen wiper.

My Car is a 2001, 4.4 sport in alpine white, it has the 16:9 satnav and DSP. Starting this I have a few questions for those of you that have done this or are doing it.

1, does anyone know the impedance of the different speakers (all 10) around the car, this is for impedance matching.

2, does anyone know what size after-market speakers go in the door woofer speaker positions?

3, As I said I am going from a 16:9 to after-market and would like to keep OBC functionality. So I have bought a MID with white connector so the plug fits but can’t get it power up at all when plugged in, does it have to be coded or do I have to do some pin swapping? This is because the 16:9 has to connectors as shown in the pic one blue, one white (natural).


It turns out that on the radio module there is a sliding block connector which on the power side of the block matches up correctly with the connector I removed from my e46 330ci, so that just needs extending as does the ariel cable.


Head unit output will be put to the OEM speaker cables at the DSP amp end thereby using the OEM cable runs to the woofer door speakers which will be swapped to 3 way coaxial units.

Any info on the above or comment on the pics below showing the pre fitting test are very welcome

[Imy]

why didnt you go with double din and put the mid in the glove?

[Stanleyf233]

I went this way because i already owned this one one with all the addons i.e bluetooth, freeview, ipod navigation etc and more importantly I know how to work it.

Its the MID that proving to be the pain though, i assumed it was the white connector from the back off the 16:9 plugged in and away you went, but it doesnt seem to be that simple, but it may just need coding.

Anyone know?

[Stanleyf233]

Well, finished the install. All 10 speakers working through original wiring, satnav capability restored, full head unit iPod control, Bluetooth, DVD, rear view camera and last but not least 12" Harmon Kardon sub. sounds great!!

Much happier X5 owner

Not completely finished though as still have the fascia to complete properly although it is black etc. I want a more profiled piece, and I have to build the sub box to replace the the original sub and mount the amps in the compartment that originally had the CD changer satnav and amp in. But almost there and it was relatively straight forward. And I don't have the dreaded alternator whine!

Next is to get MID working.