Checking Interest: Custom Stealth Sub Enclosure
 

Hello,

I wanted to check if there was any interest in a custom built subwoofer box for the X5 (E53). These boxes would be similiar to the JL Audio Stealthbox (JL Audio Stealthbox Custom-fit fiberglass enclosure with 10" W1v2 subwoofer Fits 2000-2006 BMW X5 at Crutchfield.com, without the price.

Enclosure would be made by MECP certified installers, carpeted, and complete with 10" subwoofer and mounting brackets.

Included subwoofer would be the Pioneer Shallow series (Pioneer USA - Shallow Series)

Other finishes, subwoofers, and packages would be available, depending on interest.

Pricing would start at $300-350. We would be willing to send the finished product to a trusted member of X5world to verify quality and fitments. Shipping would be additional to the final cost.

(We are not affiliated with BSW, however, this seemed to be the appropriate forum to check interest. If this thread is better suited elsewhere, mods please feel free to move)

We will also have an optional package that provides the required harness to use your factory radio with sub/amp product.


INTERESTED MEMBERS:

1. RPX5
2. jaybo12
3. ek415
4. zacman

Also wanted to add:

For those looking for more bass, the new JL Thin Series provides some serious punch, which we could also create an enclosure for.

JL Audio: TW5 Subwoofers

I would be interested. So $300 includes the pioneer? What amp would you recommend, AND would you also be able to supply it? How do you think this stacks up to the OEM premium subs?

THANKS!

I'm interested

$300 is our rough estimate for the package (enclosure, subwoofer, brackets). If we have serious interest in the product we would R&D and have an exact price. If a group buy could be organized, we could also cut the price, depending on the number of participants.

But to answer your questions directly:
1. Yes, the subwoofer would be included in the package.
2. We can supply the amplifier with the package for an additional cost.
Recommendation would depend on what stereo components you are upgrading besides
the subwoofer.
3. Our personal opinion is that this is an upgrade over the OEM subwoofer.


If you have any more questions feel free to ask.

Depending on interest, we will have several different products setup through an online store, which will be purchasable via PayPal or Money Order if preferred.

I will start an interest list at the top of the page.

INTERESTED MEMBERS:

1. RPX5
2. jaybo12
3. ek415

:thumbup:

Note: For those interested in the sub & amp combo, we will have a package providing the required harness needed for the factory radio.

So .... a 12" sub would fit no problem?

We are still in R&D process but the current belief is that yes, we will have a 12" product available.

Shall I put you down on the interested list if the 12" product is available?

No, thank you, as I'm in the middle of a DIY now. I was just curious as no one, I believe, has been able to place a 12" sub yet. So, I'm sure others are waiting in the wings to know for sure.

I'm sure yours will be a quality product but the audio in the X is not high priority for me.

Good luck on this venture! :thumbup:

Thanks! We certaily hope to make it work. We already have a 10" application that fits perfectly, but creating a box with enough cubic space that will fit a 12" sub has been the challenge. We will keep everyone posted.

Good luck on your DIY project as well :)

i am interested in just the box alone...

Sounds good :thumbup:

interested in SUB and enclosure,but instead of Pioneer would like JL TW5

I would be interested in a box for a 12" sub. Just the box and I would source my own sub. Any idea on the mounting depth of the 12" box?

I know i'm a newbie but i would be interested if shipping to the UK would be available

Any update on the production of the box?

We have a box for the 10" done, still working to get a 12" enclosure working. I will update the thread when we are completed with the 12". Hopefully we can successfully make it work.

what is the best way to order the 10'' box asap

I will send you PM ;)

Put me down as interested in the upcoming 12" setup (which should be no problem airspace wise with the thinline subs, if only the new JL TW5 came in 12", that would be sweet :thumbup:)

I have the BSW box with 8" infinity that will be swapped back to my JLW6 8" later today as my replacement came in, but would be willing to sell that box through the forum to get the added punch of a 12" to handle the kick drums of the heavy metal I listen to.

wow.. i didnt even see this thread, thanks weasel! i think i would be interested too, as i was currently deciding between a BSW or JL stealth sub..

but the cost here seems to be better..

still learning about all the differences between the sizes and bla bla.. but this is definately something to consider..

so when will it be 'ready' ?

We have the 10" box ready, but are still working with the prototype 12" box that we have, trying to get the best fit and proper dimensions, etc.

We can finish the box in tan/black carpeting to match the interior.

If you interested in the 10 setup, let me know.


Nick

Is the 10" box tested and ready to go? I might be interested in the box only (unloaded). Please post pricing and shipping info for an unloaded box. Do you have pictures of the final product? Thanks.

PM sent.

+ 2 i think i just want the box. how much/pictures?

and i don't know anything about car audio wiring, but is it fairly easy to get any other speaker and have it wired, or do you provide a speaker + all wiring?

Give me the weekend to get some pictures, as I am out of town. We can provide the subwoofer with the box, or just the box by itself. The choice is yours.

If you purchase the box & subwoofer from us, we will mount the subwoofer and wire it within the box.

I also want to note that the mounting hardware is included to mount the box.

I will reply back soon with pictures, thanks!

but whats the price of just a box?

Pricing will start at $250.00 for the box with included mounting hardware, and carpeted in your choice of color.

sounds fair. i guess once you get the pictures up i can place an order :thumbup:

Could this box fit a 10" JL W7 sub?

I doubt it, that is a hugely massive sub that would barely even fit between the interior panel and the body. The mounting depth is 8" and you need a little room behind that for airflow as well. And the W7 needs ample airspace too.

On the other hand it may fit the W6 which was designed for W7 performance in low airspace, and do sound great. (I have had both in a 10" before)

I'm hoping that it will at least fit a JL 10W3.

BTW...please post dimensions as well (mainly depth available and airspace). Thanks.

When I got my X, the factory sub was missing. I kinda got used to storing my "car stuff" in there (tirewet, paper towels, windex,etc). I like the cargo area to be completely bare except if I'm carrying something to or fro. DOnt like to see anything back there on a regular basis. So I like this sub enclosure idea, but not willing to give up my little storage hideout for it.

WHat I HAVE been eying is the little nook just rearward of the depression for the sunroof. I was wondering if you guys think someone could put some bass up there. Now that I'd be interested in! Clearly not a box, but maybe a fiberglass enclosure with a little dropdown to give the enclosure more volume for the bass.

I had a couple of W3s in my old e46 and they pounded sufficiently. My buddy had 1 12" W7 in his A4 and man what a sound. The W7 is a crazy piece of equipment. I would be happy with a 10" W3, you can get them pretty cheap on ebay, and I'm sure it would still be miles ahead of the stock sub. But if you're gonna do it, do it right. I think I'll research the W6. Thanks again Weasel.

I think that would look crazy.. and daunting for those in the backseat. They'd look up to see a couple of subs pulsating just inches from their heads. I'd like to see pictures of tha:popcorn:t, though I don't think it would be in my personal list of things to do though. I'd rather sacrifice the storage space.

Hey guys, I apologize for the delay in pictures. I am still out of town, as there was a death in the family and it is taking much longer to get things sorted out than I had originally anticipated.

I apologize for the slowness on my part, but I will have pictures available as soon as I get the chance!

Thanks for your patience,


Nick

The nook is actually more centrally located above the cargo area, not so much the rear passenger's head.

Ya... but still... I'd like to see it.

Actually i looked yesterday, you're right. It IS right above the passengers heads.

I do think it will be pretty cool still... The only reason I wouldn't do it is because I'm not so handy with fiberglass.. but imagine creating a low profile fiberglass inlay that will fit in there? Or maybe even pushing the alcove out, and installing the subs in the space between the ceiling and roof liner, and just having the subs showing through.. that would be very custom.. still daunting, but custom and probably very loud.

Yup, thats what I had in mind. Would require replacing the entire roof liner (maybe with Alcantara) but inother words, instaed of there being a depression up there right behind the sunroof, make it slightly bulge out, just a tiny bit, to allow maybe 2 10"s back there. Alot of supprt would have to be made to counter the weight of the magnets, enclosure, etc but I think it'd be cool and save the space too.

Also the thieves around my house won't be necessarily looking up when peering into my windows at night while I'm asleep.

Lol to thieves.. If i had thieves near my house lookin in my window, I would train my 100lb german shepherd to sleep in my backseat, (or the 4 pound chiwauwua, who is much more viscous to tell you the truth!).

Back to the topic, so Alcantara huh? that would be sweeet, you'd definately need to get a M3 CSL style steering wheel that is wrapped in Alcantara to match :thumbup: I'd be very jealous!

4.NyMench

i don't think hes still selling it. i sent him a PM a long time ago.. no reply.. and the pictures were never posted..

Bump....i'd like to see what he created, otherwise i'm going to go ahead w/ Zero's design, but i'm going to take it a step further and remove the gas cap locking mechanism and bracket so I can allevaite depth concerns inside the box, along w/ giving it just a wee bit more airspace.

I'm not sure if you X5 has the same rear subwoofer area as my E53, but i'm trying to find a buyer for my current subwoofer setup. If you haven't purchased anything yet, please take a look at this thread which has pics of the enclosure that i've made. Thanks for looking, I appreciate it as i'm trying to move forward and make a larger enclosure.
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...installed.html

Definately put me on the list for this: I am current looking for a sub for my 04 X5. I dont think a 10" will be enough ofor me but a 12" should do the trick.

So put me down for the 12" sub enclosure and the new JL Thin Series 12" sub. Please PM me cost and availiblity and pics if any.

What the hell is going on with this. All talk no action ??

Still trying to work in a 12" solution, so far no luck... have a couple more designs to try but sadly I don't think it will be possible without fiberglassing a sub in. Not going to be possible at all IMO to keep the cover on and fit a 12".

so what happened to the 10 inch??

I was thinking after seeing this, what about if the front panel of the enclosure is removable, and you could mount the pioneer flat design 12" sub to the inside of the faceplate... I think that could be feasible and will allow for the OEM cover to be used as the cone excursion will be nowhere near it.

Let me know if you think that is a possibility.

Fitting a 12 is going to he hard enough, let alone another 1.5" of diameter.

I'm sorry to everyone for taking this thread another direction, but I have a question for you. I'm basically making a box that is similar to the JL Audio Stealthbox in dimension, volume, etc. A friend of mine swears by RE Audio subs and we initially started out w/ an REx 8" DVC 175watt, and it fit fine in the box, but it sounded like the voicecoil was literally bottoming out just when it started to sound good, so I returned it. Now we've decided to move up to the SRx 10" DVC 300 watt. I'm running an MTX JackHammer JH300 monoblock 300watt amp, so the SRx is a better match for my amps power, or whichever sub I chose based on your reply.

My question is, should I really reconsider, based on your opinion, to stick w/ the RE sub (i've got an SX or MT 12" being run by an MTX 81000d in my 740iL, sounds awesome) or should I consider switching to the Pioneer shallow mount? I realize that with as small as the box is in the X that it's never going to be as loud as my 7, but I wanna make sure that I get the best sound possible within my budget. The RE and Pioneer are around the same price and the mounting depth isn't an issue, so am I better off w/ a standard subwoofer that is DVC (allowing me to pull more power from the amp) or this shallow mount? I've never heard a shallow mount, and no one lives near me so I can get an idea of how it sounds. "Great bass" is relative to the person who listens, so what is good enough for some might be puny to others, ya know. :dunno:

value?
 

Seriously interested!!! I was saving up for the stealthbox because my audio dealer said that they were nearly impossible to beat.... but if this one comes close for less $$$... Half price?!? I would definately be a player.:thumbup:

My alpine PDx5 is producing 425w RMS (certified) by Alpine and currently powering the factory subs.... not bad considering the limitations of the factory setup, but I want more!...and ideally, I think that the subwoofer should match the amp for the best result.

This is where I need your help to find the best solution. Since you are telling me that this box is made by MECP certified installers, Is it possible that this setup would be equal to or perhaps better than the original Stealthbox? Is the TW5 subwoofer a better choice than the W1v2.4 in the original Stealthbox? Which do you recommend?....and the big question; How much for either the JL Audio W1v2.4 or the TW5 subwoofer setup in this enclosure?

Thank you!

We have the 10" working, and Rockford Fosgate has a slim sub out now that IMO is better than the Pioneer.

Still working with the 12" and playing with some ideas, I do not believe we will be able to do anything with the JL thin series however. I would like to rule out the 12" completely before we sell the 10" enclosure.

You won't get the massive base from a thin type subwoofer, but you can good some good quality sound and they do pack some thump for the price. Your best bet is to check a local audio shop to see if they have some on display (although from what I have seen not many have them in an ideal box).

Any chance on pics yet, and an opinion on my question?

Will get pics as soon, right now my X is torn apart in the rear trying to make a 12 fit so once that is complete, I will put the 10 back in and get pics.

Really I would advise you to take a look at the thin series in person if you can. Personally, I would go with a 10" thin over the REx 8" you posted, but if you are already satisfied with the REx, you know what your going to get and might want to just stick with that.

I like the thin RF better than the Pioneer now that I have had a chance to listen to both.

I've already returned the REx 8" as it was bottoming out and would only start to sound good right around that time. As I said, i've since then considering going up the the SRx 10" instead. Are you suggesting to look at the thin series of RE subs, the Pioneer originally suggested in this thread, or would the SRx 10" be a good choice?

I'm not partial to brands at all, I just want it to sound good. No 10" that I install in the X is going to sound like the RE 12" and the huge box in my 7, but I want something that will get the job done as good as a 10" in a small enclosure can do. So now my choices are the RF or Pioneer slim, or stick w/ a normal subwoofer and get the SRx 10". I've read various online opinions about standard vs slimline subs, generally stating that if we can use a standard, it'll provide better bass...I guess i'm looking for experiences as to what works best here.

I am interested in the 10" box with sub.

...

Dead thread....

wow i read all seven pages....for nothing...sigh I guess I go back to JL stealth box over bsw 8 "

Yeah, I think one of us should give up and do the do the foam in a bag idea for a big-as-it-can-be fiberglass box that may possibly fit a 12" sub... I don't usually have the luxury of time, and it would involve me removing my BSW box w/infinity 8" from the hole.

Yeah, just stick w/ the box from ZeroChief...most cuts and pieces, but largest airspace.

The foam idea is a good one, but I've never done fiberglass. I'm either doing ZeroChiefs box, or a slight addition in order to get the box to around .70. The guy who helped me build my box is a member of Sound Illusions, so I'm waiting for a final opinion from the stereo guru guys as to my latest idea and subwoofer choice. http://forum.soundillusions.net/30-c...5.html?t=68335 Just adding more people to the confusion :thumbup:

Is there a place where I can get the dimentions of a stealth box?
Or something like it? Is there a "how to make a stealthbox" DIY? I have a friend that thinks he can make one for me.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...installed.html This is the closest in dimensions and airspace to the stealth enclosure, but it definately requires a lot of cuts. I'm going to do something similar to this box, w/ a slight addition in airspace if you follow the Sounds Illusions forum link in the past above.

I just ordered my Kicker L5 8" after much debate and thought about what would work better than using the Pioneer shallow that most others have used. I chose the L5 8" due to the general belief that the square sub gives as much cone surface as a 10" round sub, and w/ it being dual voice coil, it'll run my monoblock amp at 2ohms, so I'll definately be getting the most power from it.

BEAUTIFUL thanks for the info...

*edit - i didn't mean to hijack the thread.
If I can easily make the pieces I'll let you guys know

E

Yes.. let us know!

Does anybody here know of a creative place to mount some bass in a place OTHER than where the stealth box would reside? I want to put some bass in my X but not willing to sacrifice the space. I keep some things in there and that way my trunk stays empty and clean.

If you don't have rear air suspension and don't care about the spare tire you could make a custom enclosure down in the hole. (seen it done aon a few X5s that come through the shop)

Thanks but i definitely need my spare driving thru NYC potholes on 20s...

Someone here planned to mount a couple of subs' up in the concave section in the headliner above the backseat. Daunting for those in the backseat, but out of the way!

that was me until i realized that the concave section wasnt so much over the cargo area and really WAS moreso over the rear passenger's heads. There's no space underneath any of the seats either

i always wondered if it could fit where the ski bag goes in the middle seat. if you did some cutting.. hmm..

The RE 12" in my 7 fires through the skibag hole and is ported into the trunk. I'd have to find pics, but the box buts up to the backseat w/ a 2" think square around the sub so it'll sit flush and look nice through the skibag hole. As long as you don't need to fold the seats down, have the reclining option or sliding cargo floor, you could make a box that is what width of the cargo area.

Just make the front of the box at the same angle of the sub, back it away the same 2" I did, make a square trim piece around the sub to finish it off when you look at the sub through the skibag hole, then make the back of the box horizontal to allow for the most cargo space. You wouldn't even have to make the box go the entire width of the cargo area, but it'd really come down to the specs of the sub you use. Another thing, if you do have the sliding cargo tray, maybe you could find a way to secure it to the sides and have the enclosure float like 1/4 above the floor so it can still slide. If push comes to shove and I want more bass from the X down the road, I might just have to use my own idea ;)

:rofl: I was wondering who that was or if anyone ever completed it.

I went to a sound guy here in NYC and he says he CAN do it (subs on the ceiling) but it'd be about 1800 installed with JL audio speakers and amp included. They'd do a slim box with fiberglass enclosure covered with an alcantara headliner as well. But of course they have to secure it to the roof and Im thinking the rules of gravity can only be defied for so long when you have heavy speaker magnets. Granted they said they'd pull down and restructure the entire roof and headliner but Im sure you can understand my apprehension.

So I'm hesitant to go pay $1800 if there's another less expensive and less potentially consequential after effects for mounting bass.

And James, I HAVE seen the kind of box you're talking about installed in an X5 but no I'm not willing to compromise any of my utility for the sake of bass. The trunk is small enough already!

I did see someone with subs mounted pointing at 45 degree angles into the trunk compartment on those two bumps located on either side of the fold down seats but I cant imagine there was any box behind there...

Don't suppose you have pics do you? I'd like to see one for the heck of it. If built correctly, i'd imagine you'd only lose 8-10", but then again that is a fair amount for some people. I worked at UPS in the christmas season one time, and I got quite good at stuffing things in tight spaces...you should see the back of the X when I go on roadtrips ;)

Custom Sub Enclosure
 

Hi Guys,

Not sure if this will help at all but I had some custom work done to hold subs/amps/crossovers/etc in our first X5 back in like 2001. Granted this was when I was much more into car audio so our new 2006 is pretty plain back in the cargo area. Less the spare (come on we have roadside!!!), my old setup didn;t take up ANY cargo space yet provided ample volume for two 12'' subs and electronics. It wasn't a very "high-end" system but it was good gear properly installed and tuned and sounded great.

Good luck with yours! :thumbup:

PS - My plan for our new 2006 3.0 is too simply add a single 10 or 12 in a small sealed enclosure that is easily removed from the X when we need to pack her up tight for tailgating or travel. Pull two speaker wires off and the sub box comes right out!

That last pic makes me miss my old PPA power and art series amp... :(

Oh well, I still have my beefed up/juiced up rodek 2150 tucked away for bigger sound days. ;)

I couldn't lose the use of my spare tire well. I roadtrip the X5 constantly, so the spare comes in and out based on if I'm in town or going out of town. I considered remaking the entire right side into an enclosure and having it sit flush w/ the sliding tray (which you don't have, and something I honestly don't even use), but that's something maybe further down the road when my current setup just isn't enough anymore.