Simple sub install please?

[BlackX5]

I've read through many posts and most are asking questions that do not relate or are very user specific. I just want to know if there is a "How To" for installing a sub and amp into the back of the X5. I'm looking specifically for which wires to tap for audio, power etc. I am not a stereo guru but I do have an idea of how it works as I've helped install this same box on one of my other cars.

Is there anything like this already? I don't know what DSP is, but I do not have Navigation. This seems like a very straight forward install if you know which wires to tap.

Thanks in advance.

[alpac]

Originally Posted by BlackX5

I've read through many posts and most are asking questions that do not relate or are very user specific. I just want to know if there is a "How To" for installing a sub and amp into the back of the X5. I'm looking specifically for which wires to tap for audio, power etc. I am not a stereo guru but I do have an idea of how it works as I've helped install this same box on one of my other cars.

Is there anything like this already? I don't know what DSP is, but I do not have Navigation. This seems like a very straight forward install if you know which wires to tap.

Thanks in advance.

Yes it is a pretty easy mod if you know what you are doing.
Do you have the premium sound or not in your x5?
This thread should help you http://www.xoutpost.com/stereo-system...ew-member.html

[el_duderino]

Yeah, most installs are straightforward if you know how to do them. It's when you don't that they're not.

[BlackX5]

I've looked through all of these threads and I know very little more than I did when I started. These seem to be for people who already have experience, not novices like myself. I do know that I do not have dsp, at least I couldn't find the box with the dials on it.

What wires do I tap into for the sub inputs and the power? Please help.

[el_duderino]

OK, if your indash HU doesn't have a DSP menu setting in the menu, you don't have DSP.

If your car doesn't have a sub, and you want to add a sub, I would tap into the F door woofer wires coming out of the amp, and use those for a signal. Many amps will take speaker level signals in, and if yours won't, Line Output Converters are cheap.

If you have a voltmeter and you want to make SURE that whatever wires you find listed here are the right ones, fade the system all the way forward and turn the bass up all the way and turn the highs down all the way and then test the wires with your voltmmeter probes, with the meter set to AC voltage. The woofer wires will show more voltage, going up and down with the music, and when you think you've found the woofer wires, cut one. If one of your front woofers stops working, that's the right wire.

If this doesn't make any sense to you, or if you don't want to cut a wire, or it you don't have a voltmeter, please, please, please pay a pro to do this for you.

There's a great deal to learn here. If it's not making sense to you, you may lack some of the underpinnings of how audio gear works.

I'd go to here and read more:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=167293

www.bcae1.com

[BlackX5]

Thank you. This makes sense to me and I do have an understanding of how it all works I just don't know which wires to use. I'll look into the ones you have mentioned and if it gets over my head I'll have a pro do it.

Thanks for the info!

[alpac]

I agree with el-duderino, if you are not confortable with what has been discussed in several other threads on that same subject then you should let a professional do the installation. If you do feel ok though doing the install here are some info which will help:
First check your stock amp and see what type of connector it has. The stock amp should be located in the cargo area on the left side behind the flashing. If you have CD changer the stock amp is underneath the CD changer. To check the pins you must eject the connector from the stock amp. This is the large connector that has several wires connected to it. The 3 types of connector I know about installed on X5 are either 15 pins, 12 pins or 42 pins. There may be other connectors but these are the only 3 I have seen so far on an X5. The 42 pins is actually built up of 2 separate connectors.
If you have either the 15 pins or 12 pins connector this thread should help you about the wiring and where to tap into for the sub signal. http://www.xoutpost.com/stereo-system...ew-member.html

If you have the 42 pins this other thread should help you with the wiring
http://www.xoutpost.com/stereo-system...info-here.html
Good luck

[BlackX5]

Excellent info. Thanks!