BSW X108 Subwoofer Upgrade

[PGAWest]

I just finished installing a BSW X108 Subwoofer / Amp combination in my '04 X5 3.0 (non-DSP).

The installation was a bit more involved than I anticipated, particularly as it pertained to locating the Rockford Fosgate amplifier. I found many threads on this forum to be very helpful with late-night questions. I'll try to post photographs later, and perhaps my experience can be helpful to others as well.

The improvement in sound quality is truly monumental. I'm thoroughly impressed - this upgrade is worth every penny IMO.

[jayjay_dee]

you think better than JL stealthsub? just curious and im planning to buy a sub too, but still undecided.... thanks...

[Jason@BavSound]

We've recently changed over to the Fosgate amplifiers, and they have proven to be a bit challenging for some of our X5 guys to get them mounted.

The vehicles with both Navigation and CD Changers in particular can be a bit frustrating, since the location of the factory CD Changer is the preferred mounting location for the amplifier.

Keep us posted on your install and the setbacks you encountered, as your feedback is invaluable!

[PGAWest]

Originally Posted by jayjay04x5

you think better than JL stealthsub? just curious and im planning to buy a sub too, but still undecided.... thanks...

To be honest, I didn't do much comparison shopping. I stumbled upon a thread here that peaked my interest and after PM'ing back and forth with Halston of BSW I just went ahead and bought it.

My objective with this upgrade was to dramatically improve low-frequency performance while maintaining 100% storage space and stock appearance. That's exactly what I got; after wasting many gallons of fuel riding around today - I can say with absolute certainty that I'm 100% satisfied with my purchase.

I'll post up photographs of the installation later; I have company in town for Thanksgiving - I snuck away for just a moment to write this reply (wifey might neuter me if I spend any more time today in my BMW than I already have).

[Halston Pitman]

Originally Posted by PGAWest

To be honest, I didn't do much comparison shopping. I stumbled upon a thread here that peaked my interest and after PM'ing back and forth with Halston of BSW I just went ahead and bought it.

My objective with this upgrade was to dramatically improve low-frequency performance while maintaining 100% storage space and stock appearance. That's exactly what I got; after wasting many gallons of fuel riding around today - I can say with absolute certainty that I'm 100% satisfied with my purchase.

I'll post up photographs of the installation later; I have company in town for Thanksgiving - I snuck away for just a moment to write this reply (wifey might neuter me if I spend any more time today in my BMW than I already have).

Excellent! Glad you were able to get it all installed and I could be of assistance.

To the other X5world member, give us a try. We offer a 30 day satisfaction guarantee that I doubt any JL dealer is going to offer with no strings attached. Return it because you don't like it, it sounds bad or you wish it had a 100" woofer No restocking fees, no questions!

Here are some photos to help with the install to help customers Easiest way to mount amp!


This is what the final install will be:


Check out this AWESOME MS Paint skills I have!

[PGAWest]

I found that the Fosgate amplifier wouldn't fit in the location Halston refers to in the photograph, unless the threaded stud was removed - which I didn't want to do in case I sold the vehicle and wanted to put it back to stock.

I ended up using the existing amplifier mounting bracket by utilizing the existing hole in the front of the bracket and drilling an extra hole near the back. I also bent the frame slightly to accomodate the amplifier. I used a couple long bar-riser bolts that were leftover from my Ducati motorcycle. In the end, the install seemed to work fairly well.

[Halston Pitman]

You way works too

The RF amp does fit down there. We have mounted it there before. Yours ending up working better though

Ducati eh? I rode a 999 once... It was yellow... mmmmm

[superior]

I was just wondering: in your picture of the alpine amp installed it looks like there is room for an amp a few inches longer. Is this true, or is there some BMW hardware that makes the approximately 10"x10" amp the largest that will fit there?

[PGAWest]

Originally Posted by Halston Pitman

The RF amp does fit down there. We have mounted it there before.

The Rockford Fosgate amp fit without removing the stud in the middle of that area?

[Halston Pitman]

We just mount it in that location. There is no "mount".

I don't remember there being a stud down there. The RF amp is actually smaller than the Alpine amp that we were using before. In your case the install you worked up is actually quite nice