Subwoofer Project FINISHED!!! (Enclosure Dimensions Included)

[carlgo]

Let me add to the up-graded speaker topic.

The BSW mid-ranges that go in the dash do not fit without modification. The screw holes in the mounting flange do not line up with the holes in the dash. Not that close, actually.

You have to turn the holes in the speakers into slots. This is easy using a wire cutter to clip a slot from the hole to the outside of the flange. This is certainly better than using a file or tool that would create metal filings, what with the magnet and all.

The directions for the tweeter, on BSW's site, show the use of the glue gun to mount the tweeter into the BMW tweeter holder. The BSWs I got just slid right into the original little retainer clips perfectly, so no need to glue.

Inspect the assy carefully before you remove the OEM tweeter from the holder so that you don't break the retaining clips.

I got my Alpine 6.75s from Crutchfield. They include the Alpine adapters and a set of their own. I didn't see the Crutchfield ones, packed in a hidden place, so I assumed the Alpine units were them and attached the speakers that way. Simply run the speaker mounting screws right into the plastic adapter. Later, when I found the Crutchfield adapters, it is clear they would be nicer, more OEM-like. Someday I will swap them just...because.

BMW's wire plugs are, of course, not compatible with random aftermart speakers, so you have to cut and splice. Not at all hard, but plan on solder and shrink tube or get some small butt connectors.

The hard part is: which wires are positive and which are negative. The speakers came with big and small spade connectors, and they only fit one way, so you have to get that right. There seems to be no info anywhere handy on which wire is which, so here is what I found: If you hold the OEM speaker with the terminals down and facing you, the one on the right is positive. Then, you can see which wire is positive and hook it up correctly.

As it turned out, on my 05 X5, the wires with white in them are positive, at least on the front doors.

Crutchfield offers rubber (?) cups that fit behind the speakers. They serve as enclosures and to keep water away from the speaker. I didn't order them because I assumed the space was so limited. But, there seems to be plenty of room, so I may order a pair and experiment. Heck, I can get the door panel off so fast now that it is easy!

I am interested in how the attempts at cutting a hole in the sub's access hatch and covering it with material works out. If it doesn't, maybe just covering the hole with a speaker grill would work. It could be painted to match the carpet. Lots of cars have visible sub grills now, so most people would just assume it was stock.

[Essam Khafagi]

Originally Posted by carlgo

The BSW mid-ranges that go in the dash do not fit without modification. The screw holes in the mounting flange do not line up with the holes in the dash. Not that close, actually.

That's correct

[X5-limo]

Yeah.....not too many dull moments around here :-)

[sleepless]

Holy Cow..... Essam .... this thread got over 6400 views ........... unbelievable

[Essam Khafagi]

Originally Posted by sleepless

Holy Cow..... Essam .... this thread got over 6400 views ........... unbelievable

[Philly X5]

Another idea for the covering:

http://www.headlinerexpress.com/

Check under BMW, page # 7 sold by the yard but is is expensive - $59.95 but I think it will match the OEM carpeting good.

[X5-limo]

Originally Posted by Philly X5

Check under BMW, page # 7 sold by the yard but is is expensive - $59.95 but I think it will match the OEM carpeting good.

"By jove Watson, I do think you've got it!" On page 7, which item on the page would it be? They state, "....'foam backed' fabric (carpet)". Do you want to go in half and half?

I took my hatch door back to Walmart and sure enough, the color is slightly off. (And) yes I did see those same larger sized fleeces on the back wall marked down to $13 while the main isle had a bin full of my $3.00 fleece rolls.

Now I'm going to find a way to secure the 'fabric covered grille' to the hard plastic of the hatch. I'm thinking using small brass colored [#6?] screws would be the last resort.

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by X5-limo

"By jove Watson, I do think you've got it!" On page 7, which item on the page would it be? They state, "....'foam backed' fabric (carpet)". Do you want to go in half and half?

I took my hatch door back to Walmart and sure enough, the color is slightly off. (And) yes I did see those same larger sized fleeces on the back wall marked down to $13 while the main isle had a bin full of my $3.00 fleece rolls.

Now I'm going to find a way to secure the 'fabric covered grille' to the hard plastic of the hatch. I'm thinking using small brass colored [#6?] screws would be the last resort.

How about some silicone or liquid nails will hold just about anything. Maybe silicone is better for anti-vibration. Might have to scuff the surface and try the silicone kind they use for mounting windshields. I assume you're mounting from the backside.

[Essam Khafagi]

carlgo,

I completely agree ... I was just telling him to start with the tweeters
I replaced all the midbasses as I listed earlier here, and yes they are still giving nice midbass that I can feel in my leg when I touch the door.

The sounds just blend together very nicely and you can never notice any drop at any frequency.

[Major04]

WOW! I been reading all your progress and it's amazing. Keep up the great work!

Could we make this a sticky or in the DIY section? So, that it will not get lost?