Newbie Question-Simple replacement or not?

[Foose]

I have a E53 X5 3.0i with the standard stereo.

I did a quick forum search and it looks like changing the tweeters and midbasses in the front would give me a noticeable change in sound quality.

I don't want to spend a whole lot so the BSW setup is definitely out of my range.

Is it possible to purchase something like this and just simply replace the tweeters and speakers? Will I run into any problems? I don't plan on using the included crossover
Amazon.com: Phoenix Gold RSD6CS 6-Inch Component Set Speakers: Electronics

[marcjac]

Anyone have any ideas about this? I'm not impressed with my X's sound system, but don't feel I should have to spend a ton to get decent sound quality. If simply replacing some speakers as Foose has considered would make a big difference, I'm all for it! But I have no electronics knowledge. I'm sure there's plenty of folks online here that can chime in. Thoughts?

[CharlieHustleX5]

Yes, changing the front speaker components can improve the sound quality when compared to the OEM pieces. It will depend how well you install the replacements, what speakers you choose, and what sound you're looking for.

The front door panels have to be removed. BSW has an awesome step by step on how to go about removing the panels and preparing the new speakers to be installed in the provisional spot. You will have to use the OEM midbass speaker housing to serve as a mounting ring for your new speaker. That, or make custom speaker rings identical to the OEM speaker housing.

I suggest using some form of sound deadening material around the mounting area of the midbass driver and behind the driver on the inner part of the door skin.

Make sure the midbass driver is well secured and sealed in its new home. Once again, referring to the BSW install file on their site and in the forums will explain what i'm saying more in depth.

Dont choose a speaker thats in the higher line of car audio or one that demands a whole lot of power to drive them. Some safe choices I can suggest are MB quart Discus or reference line components, Diamond Audio entry level components, or even Alpine Type S components. There are better components out there, but in order to get them to sound great, you'll need to have them amplified much more than the factory amp can supply.

Keep in mind, if you're looking for an increase in bass output, a sub setup will benifit you more. You wont likely get deeper sound output with just replacing the front door components. Just a heads up...

[Bill Valley]

I am on X5 number two and have replaced some speakers in both.

In my 02 i replaced the midbass and the tweeters (you can probably find my pics by searching "speaker upgrade"). The tweeters made a huge difference, but the midbass dropped noticeably. I was running my same 10" sub setup, but like to have full music up front as well. The midbass speakers I used ended up frying. I think this is due to a clipped signal from turning the volume up trying to compensate for the lack of low end. The stock midbass are 2 ohm and i used 4 ohm mids. Also, the stock and crossover setting for the midbass is pretty low compared to an aftermarket component set.

In my 04 I replaced only the tweeters with some silk CDT's I had laying around. Big difference. Treble is much cleaner. I am running a sub for some bump. I do not believe there is value in replacing the midbass without going amplified. You will get cleaner midbass, but sacrifice output (IMHO).

On the other hand, replacing the midrange speaker with the BSW speaker may make a noticeable difference, I am contemplating this for my vehicle.