Stereo Project

[VandalNation]

Hey guys, this is actually my first post here. Sorry to make it so long. I've been lurking about for a few months (since I got my 2000 X5 in early June). Anyhow, I finally got around to doing a total stereo revamp. I'm still in the process of getting it all installed, but it's finally ALL arrived from the various E-bay sites where I got most of it.

List of stuff:

Eclipse AVN-7000 head unit
JL XR series component speakers (front)
JL XR series coaxial component speakers (rear)
Alpine 4.100 amp
JL 8" W7 sub
JL 250/1 amp

The deck and speakers are installed already, I got my high end amp in the mail yesterday so I'll be getting that in this weekend.

The major part of the project though is the fiberglass box I'm building in the space on the driver's side where my CD changer and factory amp used to be (speaking of which, I have my factory head unit, amp, cd changer, and speakers for sale if anyone is interested.) This is my first experience with fiberglass, but I think all in all, it's going pretty well. I'm hoping to finish the box tomorrow, and get all my amps installed saturday... but with the way this fiberglass has gone so far, it'll probably take twice as long as I think it should. I've taken pictures throughout the process of building the box so when I finish, i'll post those up.

Do you guys have any recommendations as far as where to mount the amps? under the rear seat maybe? I'm going for the stealth look, and I'd like to keep my storage compartment on the passenger's side if possible. Could there be room next to the spare tire if I removed the plastic pieces supporting the floor of the trunk on the driver's side?

Thanks for any input! I know people are going to want to see pictures... I'll get to that once it's done and there's a final product.

[LeMansX5]

bump!

[VandalNation]

Here's some picture's of the progress...

Before:


first layers:


if you're as sloppy as me, make sure to put down plastic EVERYWHERE.


don't forget your respirator!


after a few layers:




Starting to take shape here:




I've now got the box finished, and the amps installed, I basically just need to connect everything and put some carpet on the box. I'll post more pictures of the final product.

[ncx]

Looks like fun... (and will smell great for a few weeks in there

Good luck.

[VandalNation]

One question:

I had my headunit installed by a car stereo shop in the middle of a 4600 mile road trip because... well because I was in the middle of a road trip and had no tools.

Anyhow, they bypassed the factory amp for me, so now I've got a bundle of wires tied together at the factory amp location, and I'm not sure which is which. I've tried looking at the radio module and amp wiring diagram post, but i'm still confused.

I have white/brown and white/black wires, and I'm not sure what they go to. I cut one connection, to see if I could just figure it out myself, but it seems complicated. Anyhow, I basically just need to know the colors wires feed each speaker, so I can wire up the 4 channels of my amp.

[michaeljr6]

very nice install......please buy a E70 so you could give me ideas

[chefwong]

Vandal -

Check the Articles.
I'm pretty positive the wiring is there somewhere.

Post some pics of your HU. I'm curious how your DIY turned out !
Good luck.

[VandalNation]

I didn't originally do the head unit myself (it got done on the road trip or whatever) but I'll post some pics of it when I can. The installation is nothing special, just a standard single DIN dash kit, but ot actually fits in real slick. It BARELY fits with the display out, but I like the angle the screen ended up at... no headrest monitors yet, so i think the angle is better for the back seat, and might have less glare than the double DIN unit too.

I'm having a heck of a time finding a wiring diagram that makes any sense with what I'm looking at. Looks like the post on the homepage is for 2002 and newer. Any links would be greatly appreciated

[chefwong]

Have not looked at the wiring diag myself but if I recall, it was relatively accurate.

I'll try to grab a pic of my HU trim......I was really pleased on the outcome !

[ncx]

Read the 2nd half of this article, for 2000-2001

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/s...formation.html