JL Audio Free Custom Subwoofer Enclosure
 

Whoever is a lucky X5 owner living in the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida area, I HAVE GREAT NEWS.

I am a proud new owner of a 01 X5 4.4i. I want to add a subwoofer in the stock location. I researched and found that JL Audio makes custom vehicle-specific enclosures for trucks and cars.

I contacted their tech support. They do not make one currently for the X5, but if the demand was there, and they were PROVIDED with a model car, THEY WILL Pay for your rental car and GIVE you the first prototype enclosure that they design for the X5!

I offered my car, but I live in LA! The contact person for this project is below:

Don Vertrees <[email protected]

Whoever takes advantage of this great opportunity, please keep all of us updated so that when they finally design the product, we can all go and BUY IT! I am willing to pay whatever they end up charging for it.

Best of LUCK!

Good going :thumbup: At least you got them interested in starting the project. I asked the same question 2 years ago when I added my sub and their answer was that there were no plans in making a custom enclosure (Stealthbox) for the X5 back then. I guessed there were enough inquiries to make them reconsider. I agree with Ivan, anyone in the Florida area, PLEASE help make this happen. I want some of my cargo space back!

Makes me wish (just a little!) that I lived closer than the 10 hour drive to Ft Laud. I agree...thanks for getting this set up, and I hope someone takes advantage of the offer!

This may be worthwhile posting in the main forum or making into a sticky since it seems like there are a fair amount of people interested in a custom enclosure. I live in California, so I can't do this.

I'll do the same deal for anyone living in Portland OR :)

Of course, no one wants to make the offer anywhere close to me!!! :mad: :rolleyes:

Id do if it was houston.... comon guys

I'm in the Tampa area and I could live without my 2004 X5 for a few weeks, but I wonder if they would come and get it from me ?? Guess there's only one way to find out....

jl audio subwoofer
 

Do they need a set number of potential buyers or do they just need an X5 to get the specs , it shouldnt be hard for them to get an X5 in fort lauderdale, they are all over.. but being that i am miami fl i may give them call,

I'm interested and live in Fort Lauderdale.
I'll contact them tomorrow to get more details.

Nice! :thumbup: Let us know what happens.

JL Audio Stealthbox Development Vehicle Schedule
 

I contacted Don at JL Audio to volunteer my X5.
He confirmed that they would cover expenses and provide the first production unit as compensation. Unfortunetly, I will not be able to commit to the their vehicle scheduling needs. :saad:
I attached his email and the Stealthbox Development Vehicle Schedule below. Hopefully another South Florida member will volunteer :thumbup:

----------------------------
Good morning,
Thanks for your response! Yes, we are looking for an X5 to use for designing a new Stealthbox model, and yes, we would be willing to cover expenses to make this happen, and would also be willing to provide the first production unit as additional compensation. We would need to have the vehicle here at our Miramar, Florida facility at least 4 times, one day for each visit. I've attached a document that explains this schedule in detail. If you're still interested in participation, please contact me to confirm and to talk about any concerns you may have. We're interested in starting this project within the next two weeks. Thanks again for your interest!
Sincerely,
Don Vertrees

Stealthbox Development Vehicle Scheduling

First Visit The first visit is normally taken up with measuring different possible locations with the vehicle for woofer placement, and doing some listening tests in some locations to determine the best possible placement for performance, safety, and convenience. We will be taking some templates at this time, and in some cases may need to take a “splash”, which means we would do a fiberglass lay-up in the chosen location so that we can capture the exact shape of the interior contours. There is very little chance of any spillage or damage to the vehicle during this process as we use a very effective barrier system and every effort is taken to keep the vehicle in original condition. This visit should be completed within one full work day.

After the first visit the vehicle is returned to it’s owner, and work begins on building a “plug” or solid model of the intended enclosure. This process can take up to two weeks to complete.

Second Visit The second visit is generally taken up with a trial fitting of the “plug”. If any adjustments need to be made, now is the time to do them. We will also take this opportunity to work out the mounting locations and methods. This visit should take one full work day.

After the second visit the vehicle is returned to it’s owner, and work begins on building a temporary mold from which a prototype enclosure is built. This process can take up to two weeks to complete.

Third Visit The purpose of the third visit is to trial fit the new prototype enclosure and to do performance testing. At the end of this visit the prototype enclosure should have production approval. This process should take one full work day.

After the third visit the vehicle is returned to it’s owner and work begins on production tooling. This process can take up to six weeks to complete.

Fourth Visit On the fourth visit we will install the first production enclosure and do any last minute tuning to assure optimum performance and fit. We will also be taking pictures for installation instruction sheets. At the end of this session, the vehicle is returned to it’s owner with the first production enclosure installed at no cost.

If all goes well, this entire process should take about 2 to 3 months time. There are times when an additional visit is necessary due to modifications required at time of performance testing or trial fitting, but this does not normally extend the total development time required.

X5ive,
I don't know what you have on your plate, but I would find a way to give them 4 days over the course of a few months, to end up with a custom-built subwoofer!

I am moving to New York next month otherwise I would be all over this.

Silkster - Are you still interested?

stealth box
 

i am interested, but if it was a one time thing, where they would take the car for a few days that fine .. but back and forth will be difficult for me to swing.. I am back and forth in and out of town..I will have to talk to him and see

this would be really good. anyone else in fort lauderdale ?

Stealthbox development is a go.
 

I decided to pass on the job offer in NYC and stay in Florida.
Now that I'm not moving, I contacted Don @ JL Audio to get the ball rolling regarding the stealthbox. The first visit is scheduled for Tuesday:thumbup:
I'll keep everyone updated on the progress.
Rich

Awesome! Thanks for volunteering and getting the project started :thumbup:

Thats awsome tell us how it goes and maby even snap some pix?

This is great news! If i were to buy any prefab box it would be from JL. They really pride in thier stealth boxes and put a lot of research and time into every application. With the best JL sub to match the enclsure we end up with a really awesome setup! Can't wait for the final product...

This all sounds great - but there's one discrepancy I'm seeing here. In Ivan's original post, he specifically states "I want to add a subwoofer in the stock location.". However, in the email response X5ive got from them, they said the following: "The first visit is normally taken up with measuring different possible locations with the vehicle for woofer placement, and doing some listening tests in some locations to determine the best possible placement for performance, safety, and convenience."

I'd love to add a subwoofer in the stock location too because I don't want anything back there to take up any extra space or look non-stock. Isn't this the whole idea in the first place Ivan? If they can make one for the stock location, I'm in, if not, I'm not interested. (Geez, I kinda sound like a curmudgeon - sorry 'bout that, just hoping this is going in the direction Ivan intended in the first place...)

Very interested to see the finished product. BTW I was just quoted a price of $750 for a custom install stealth sub system. Everything Memphis Car Audio, Amp 250 watts pushing 10" sub. He says it should take about 1 1/2 days to complete. He says he can use the factory panel as the grill which would be lovely. I may get it done next weekend depending on your thoughts. I will def post pics when complete!

X5Jay is overthinking JL Audio's plan of action. Im sure they did not draft it specifically for the X5 project. There are two "no brainer" locations for a stealthbox, one of the two compartments. The ideal location would be rear left by the factory amp, but Considering that some x5's come with factory CD changers and navigation unit in the rear left, the only common sense location would be the rear right (fuse box side) location.

Since xoutpost.com teamwork made this possible, they (JL Audio) should at least let the members get the first batch of production. I do not want to wait for mine once they start making them...

xfive,
Would you ask the JL folks what size of subwoofer are they considering in this project? I am guessing it'll be the 10in one but I am hoping they consider the 12in one as well. Thanks much,

J.

I live in Miami/FtLuderdale area... can i do the same with my X3!@!!??! :rofl: Except i already have s sound system in my trunk...

Yes, I'll see if they plan on offering a 12" sub.

Possibly, if they feel there will be a demand.
A friend of mine wants to do the same for his ’06 Range Rover sport.
I'll check with them and get back to you.

Based on your initial post, I was thinking you wanted to use the same space where the DSP subwoofers are - this would be the most stealth IMO and is exactly what I'd like - simply build a box that fits there perfectly with a better-than-stock subwoofer in it. There's no way one would fit on the other side where the nav and CD drives are. Anyhow, there must be much more to the simple solution I'm interested in or someone would have done it already - not enough space there either for a good sub perhaps. Regardless, I still like the idea of what you're trying to do and I'm as anxious as the rest to see the results.... GL!!

There's really not enough space for anything that needs over 1" cubic feet of space back there. I'm thinking it is most likely going to be a 10".

Logged in under wrong member name.
 

I somehow managed to log on as XFive instead of my actual name X5ive when I posted this. :dunno:
Just wanted to clarify this and apologize to XFive.

X5 is at JL Audio
 

The stealthbox project has officially started.
Attachment 7809
After Meeting Don and taking a tour of the facility,:thumbup:
We began discussing the best location for the stealthbox.
The plan is to use the same space where the DSP subwoofers are located.
They will try and keep the OEM cover/door with a cut out for the grill.
Attachment 7807Attachment 7808

justintmn - Due to the small space, the plan is to use a 10in woofer.
I'll know for sure when I go back this evening.

X3 of Miami - Not enough requests at this time for the X3 stealthbox. You could start a poll to see how many X3 members are interested then contact JL Audio with the results.

I currently have the 12" W6 subwoofer. I guess I have to switch a 10" one if the JL stealth box is available. Thanks for asking, X5ive.

J.

Your welcome,
The plan is to use the 10W6v2 or 10W3v3 subwoofer.
All depends on maximum air volume and clearance.
http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_s...p?series_id=24

I go back in two weeks so they can test fit the new box.
Update will follow.

A 10" can be made fit using a stealthbox type design. For a 12" you'd have to be more "creative" :) as the fuse box and other parts will be in the way ....
It all depends on how "stealth" you want the box to be.
If you happen to speak to the folks at JL Audio you can also point them to Derek at Sound in Motion who's been building customer subwoofer boxes for various X5s (he just sent them one of the subwoofers out of my E90 330 to help them build a sub which fits into the space under the seats for the E90/E60 BMWs (stock location for subs)) ....

Good luck,

Jan

That is great news. This means that I might be able to re-use my 10W3 that is currently in the ProWedge box!

Love what Sound In Motion done for your X5. It would have been great if they built an extra subwoofer box when they built yours. I could have hitched a ride and would have gotten one :).

J.


[QUOTE=jmh]A 10" can be made fit using a stealthbox type design. For a 12" you'd have to be more "creative" :) as the fuse box and other parts will be in the way ....
It all depends on how "stealth" you want the box to be.

I want one.

Any word on this project? Progress report: ?

JL Audio stealthbox subwoofer Update
 

JL Audio performed the stealthbox test fit and sound performance evaluation today. Minus a minor adjust to the design, everything went great. The stealthbox will now move into the production phase :thumbup:
Don V. expects the production models to be ready by October. Just in time for the holidays.
Yes, I tried to take pics. No go until the production model is ready:(

Any idea how heavy this thing is?
 

Thanks for the update! October??? Man, can't wait. :)

Could you see what material they are using and how heavy the box is? I would like to get one but will need it shipped to Australia. If it is all fibreglass, then it should be ok. However, if they use some other materials, it might be prohibitively heavy (without the woofer)- then it will probably be cheaper to get one made on this side of the Pacific. Any idea?

would you be able to tell us what size woofer they're planning on using and whether it'll be a W0, W1, W3 or W6? Thanks.

Vlee1974,
The stealthbox will be hand crafted from fiberglass and/or advanced molded composite (AMC) materials. According to JL Audio, you will be able to order one from your local dealer / distributor and avoid any shipping costs. :thumbup: However, the distributors may not have information on the X5 stealthbox at this time.

X5GuyInLA,
Although space is limited, JL Audio was able to get the 10W1v2 to fit.
It's sounds amazing, huge improvement over the OEM subwoofer.
With the prototype temporarily installed in my X5, they preformed a sound performance test using a standalone head unit and 500w amp. The sound engineer was so impressed that he actually had to check for himself that it was truly the 10W1v2 installed in the stealthbox.

First Dibs on new production
 

When I first contacted JL Audio, I told them if I get the wheels rolling with X5World it would only be fair that all the loyal members get the first batch of production. That is the least they can do. None of us are asking for discounts. Just first "dibs" on the stealthbox production.

Let us all know what can be worked out. Can you tell we are all drooling???

Best of Luck,
Ivan.

How did they perform a sound test?
Did they meter it and if so what db's did it make?

I'm so excited just hearing about this new fabrication. I've had 3 different experiences with JL's stealth boxes in other vehicles and all have met or exceeded my expectations. I've heard about how much R&D goes into these productions but now we all can confirm it! The sub JL will put into the X5 enclosure (looks like it may be the 10W1v2) will be matched to the air space and there is no doubt that it will sound great!

What head unit are you running?
When you said they tested with a standalone is that stock BMW or did they have a test unit running as a standalone and if so did you happen to note what that was?
Also can I assume the 500w amp you're refering to was a JL 500/1? It just seems like it might be too much power for a single voice coil 10W1 which is a pretty efficient sub for everyday usage.

I'm thinking about running my wires and installing my sub amp now and just running the speaker wires extra long out of the stock sub location to run an extra 10 in a prefab box I have sitting in the attic until this is out on production for us to buy. Then when I get the JL's stealth box I'll take it out and cut the speaker wires shorter and hook it into the new set up! Or maybe I just need to learn to have more patience.

So we still have to wait 'til October?

Got a quote, any others
 

I called Al & Ed's Autosound to get a price. I was quoted $799 plus $100 for freight. This of course includes the subwoofer.

Has anyone else received one? Should I shop around?

Great job on following though on this project.

Thanks,
Ivan22

Thanks Ivan22,
According to Don V. at JL Audio, the stealthbox w/ 10" subwoofer will sell between $500 - $600 US plus $35 for freight.
At this time, JL audio has not sent pricing info to their distributors.
Autosound probably just took a guess.
I'm working with the Marketing Director regarding a group for X5World members. I'll post more info as soon as it is available.

Chusteveb,
Sorry for the delayed response.
I am running the BMW factory head unit w/DSP.
Unfortunately, I do not have information regarding the standalone system or meter reading. I'll see if my contact can supply this info.
Hang in there the production date is just around the corner. :excited:

Any idea if there's going to be a 2 ohm version?

im in, please keep us updated on the Group buy for x5world. thanks!

any word on a group buy yet?

Are we sure on this sub type? I'm thinking about buying preinstalling a sub amp so that when this is available and arrives to me I can just slap (not litterally) it in. Just need to know what sub type so I can pick out my amp.

On a side note, are most of you guys going to run a 4 channel amp as well replacing all the other factory speakers, separate from the stealth box? I was looking into the BSW web sight as an alternative to that but wanted some input. This way one wouldn't have to run 2 amps which means less wires and a simpler install look with less aftermarkets. But I still want a lound clean system using my factory navi.

Where do you guys plan on installing your amp(s)?

Availability & Price ???
 

Does anyone have an update on when the JL sub will be available and what the anticipated price will be. I see that BSW is offering an enclosure for $649 with an estimated avaialability of 10/06

Thanks

I'll like one. Do you know the approximate cost? I have a non DSP Hi-Fi package in X5 3.0i. Please let me know if this will resolve my lack of bass problem.

:withstupi

Almost pulled the trigger on the Basslink... that would have made me a :loser:

It's actually a JL-Audio sub/enclosure. We're all waiting on more info. Oct/Nov is coming up fast.

Does that mean that this will run on all factory stuff, or will a sub amp needed to be added??

You can definitely use our enclosure + 4 channel amp. Should work beautifully since the sub only needs about 200W.

So, I kind of got sick of waiting, and got a steal on (2) 13W6's. I'll probably give one to my brother, and use one for myself.

Are any of the manufacturers offerring thier units as unloaded enclosures...I have very finicky tastes when it comes to audio and JL does not fit into my prefrences. If anyone knows of a box that fits in the same area but comes unloaded get at me as soon as possible

Doesn't exist.

You might find you prefer the Alumapro 8" subwoofer we're using. Much cleaner, "faster" bass response than the JL -- and if you aren't happy, you can return it for a full refund, no questions asked.

well then looks like I am going custom...thanks for the info

JL Audio stealthbox update
 

The first production model is now installed in my X5!
It fits perfectly with minor mods to the factory cover.
Although not confirmed, Don V. thinks they are on schedule to release buy the end of the month and priced around $500 - $600. This does not include a sub-amp.
JL requested no pics until they have a chance to post them to their website.

Regarding a group buy for X5world, still no response from Manville Smith (Marketing Director) at JL Audio. Sent another email earlier today and will follow up with a phone call tomorrow.
Can someone setup a poll to see how many members are interested in purchasing?

I envy you. Is it all that you expected? Quality of the product, fitment, sound, etc?

If you can get a GP, I'm in.

Next step towards a group purchase!
 

Guys,

I have not written since I originally started this thread. I hate when people post small talk. I get an email notification thinking we have a much anticipated update from X5ive only to be disappointed by an ambiguous comment. I'm done complaining...

I'm also in on the group buy. What is the best way to get this marketing guy to take us seriously? I say you give us his email or phone, and we show the number of interested X5world members by contacting him directly. We started this process and we deserve a group buy and first opp to brag about it, or dis it for that matter.

Another thing, I called the local Al & Ed's Auto Sound store and two different locations quoted me 700-800 plus shipping. I would be much more comfortable with a group buy from JL than getting ripped off by a local sound shop. These guys did not even know it was getting made...

:thumbup: Thanks to Don V and X5ive.

I promise no more small talk, only results.

which amp are you using and where do you have it mounted? thanks.

I know JL probably doesn't want me speaking for them, but if past behavior is any indicator of future behavior, I have a hard time imagining JL selling their Stealthbox for the X5 though any venue other than their authorized retailers. They are a staunchly anti-internet-sales company (http://mobile.jlaudio.com/jlaudio_pages.php?page_id=111) and VERY picky about products being sold at MSRP, and I would imagine they will stick to their policy for this product, too.

If my guess is right, the only way to get one of these is going to be through your local JL Audio dealer.

X5ive! How are you liking your stealth box? Which subwoofer did you end up with? Is it possible that we get a short write-up with comments on your end results? I'd like to know your complete set-up for before/after, including all speakers, amps, headunit, etc., (including amp placements). Also I know that you mentioned no pics but can you verify that there are no modifications to the X5 cosmeticlly (or just show pics, lol), simply only remove old and reinstall new? Finally, if you could change up anything about the stealth box, what would that be? Basicly how do you rate this on a scale of 1-10 and why?

Thanks in advance for your response. Also thanks for your personal time in this project, as well as your X5.

Anyone know if this thing is out for sale yet.... Im in need of some clean bass...


007

Ivan22,
I just sent you a PM.

chusteveb:
Regarding my set-up, I plan on keeping the factory DSP system with the addition of a Sub-Amp and stealthbox.
Still trying to decided on which Sub-Amp to purchase. Any suggestions?
Write-up will follow.
Yes, the stealthbox fits perfectly into the factory location. For clearance, they removed the foam padding and shaved two of the plastic ridges on the inside of the factory cover. Took about 15 minutes.
No noticable mods with the cover closed.

From what I understand people on this forum are coordinating a group buy for these boxes. Does anybody here have any information regarding this?

Thanks,

Christian

Yes! Hot off the press! :rofl: X5ive has put me in touch with JL Audio marketing department. I will assume the role of the coordinator of this one time special group buy. Everyone interested should send me an email at [email protected]

Keep in mind this is just a preliminary notice. I will create a separate article outlining the process as soon as I receive PDF order forms. We will get a group buy price for the first 25 orders. They will not accept more that 25 orders on our group buy directly from JL with a special price. You snooze, you will have to buy retail.

See http://www.xoutpost.com/group-buys/22...rst-serve.html for the group buy details

Email just sent. Thanks for the quick forum reply. Please advise if you don't receive the email.

PM and email sent. I'm ready!

94280 SB-B-X5/10W1v2/BK; 00-06 BMW X5
msrp $524.95 Shipping Now

this is from JL, so I would jump on this if you want a discount

JL Group buy
 

I want in email sen!!! Whoo-hoo best news I have heard all day!!!!

Group Buy RE-ISSUED! TWO FORMS LEFT!
 

:rofl: We have TWO cancellations thus far. Those who are really serious about participating in this group buy, please email me asap.

You get another shot after all!

Please keep in mind, first come first serve. I only have two as of this writing!!!!!!

[email protected]

Ahh... JL recieved my order on Thursday, they shipped it out on Friday. I should get my sub some time this week. I will post pics of the sub enclosure and install for y'all along with a review.

Till then. Peace be with you.

--Christian

It's good to know they're shipping them out right away, can't wait to get mine. :)

Did you also order an amp from them?

I ordered the box an A1200 and the sub control. I put the tracking numbers in and it looks as though UPS is going to drag their feet as long as they can. Shipped on Friday the 4th won't show up until Monday the 13th. :-(

Mounting Hardware
 

Don Vertrees has alerted us to the following issue with the X5 Stealthboxes:

I have become aware that there is some urgency to ship some new X5
Stealthboxes. I have indentified a problem in that those vehicles that
weren't originally equipped with the OEM subwoofer will not have a bracket
that is needed to secure our Stealthbox.

BMW will not sell the OEM subwoofer bracket without the OEM subwoofer, so buying it from BMW is not practical for owners.

To solve this problem we are
perfecting a replacement bracket that will be included in all X5 Stealthbox
kits. I estimate it will take us at least a week to get the material in and
to produce the needed brackets for the 30 or so orders we now have. In the
meantime I would suggest that we call those customers who have pending
orders to find out if their vehicles are equipped with the OEM subwoofer. If
so, we could ship the new Stealthbox to them without the bracket as it will
not be needed.

Please share this with the group buy participants and ask them to indicate whether their X5 has the factory subwoofer or not on their order form as follows:


A) YES, MY X5 HAS A FACTORY SUBWOOFER
B) NO, MY X5 DOES NOT HAVE FACTORY SUBWOOFER

PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT IVAN22 with your answer. IF YOU DID NOT PLACE YOUR ORDER YET, HURRY UP ALREADY AND NOTE YES OR NO FOR MOUNTING BRACKETS.

IF YOU WERE COOL ENOUGH TO ALREADY HAVE SENT IN THE ORDER, SIMPLY CALL IRIS K. in CUSTOMER SERVICE AT (888) JLAUDIO!

No, my X5 does not have the Factory Subwoofer (Group buy member #15 of 25)

Curtain Number 2 Monty...B) NO, MY X5 DOES NOT HAVE FACTORY SUBWOOFER

GB #11

Just trying to make it more organized, please copy and paste the list, and add which number you are.

Please state your order form number, and whether or not you need the bracket. :thumbup:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11. Just_Johnny - NO, MY X5 DOES NOT HAVE FACTORY SUBWOOFER
12.
13.
14.
15. Dblock2151 - NO, MY X5 DOES NOT HAVE FACTORY SUBWOOFER
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.

Mounting Hardware status
 

YOU GUYS ARE NEEDLESSLY CROWDING THIS THREAD. JL Audio can not see this list. Instead of taking the time to reply this thread, call the toll free number and let them know your status! If you have not placed your order yet, simply note on your order form!

(888) JLAUDIO ask for IRIS K. in Customer Service

Took 2 minutes to call and enter her first name by the phone pad. She picked up on the second ring and confirmed she got my info. Sub should be out this week.

5. JPooX5. NO, MY X5 DOES NOT HAVE FACTORY SUBWOOFER.

Ops...guess I shoulda read all of the thread b 4 replying.

Gave them a call a couple days ago. Any news on when they'll be shipping them out with the brackets?

I have recieved my sub and my amp and my bass control knob. for those of you that have a order form and have not submitted it shame on you. although this was not my deal in the first place I think that if you got a order form you should have been ready to send it out. with that said I contacted the originator, and JL, and I requested that they put a final date on this so that they can finalize, I also offered to them that I would buy the rest of the boxes from the special order so that it will be completed and they can ship them to the rest of the people that were on the ball. and I will sell them afterwards(and I will not sell them for the original group price either), so move it or lose it people. Ivan is in full agreement with me as well. well maybe not, you can ask him I don't want to speak for him , but I know as the person that put this togather and has not recieved his box, I am sure he is upset.

Go for it bro, sounds like a good plan.

There are people who still want in on this. It's just too bad most of the people who said they were in are not following through. Ivan should give them until Monday and any numbers not recieved should be given to other's, or buschy.
I WANT MY SUB!!

been kind of hectic lately but i've sent out my order form yesterday ...

that's order form 24 of 25. just letting you guys know ...

JL Audio Stealthbox x5!
 

http://www.xoutpost.com/group-buys/22...rst-serve.html:rofl:

Quite the angry mob! :thumbup: Keep pushin' for those enclosures... Im ready for mine too!

I'm also interested by the offer ! I've been reading about the construction since the beginning of the thread but I'm not inside the US...

UPS is available in my island (or in France where I can have it brought to me), why can't I subscribe this offer ? I'll pay for the extra charges for the transatlantic transport...

If you don't have enough people for this offer, I'm in for one of them... as soon as some of you is able to resend it to me.
My stereo install is HiFi pro with DSP and original subwoofer.

Let me know please !

any way to still get in on this?

Thanks
Brad

Brad, check out the JL thread in the GB section. It's a free for all now.

Any updates on the brackets?

Stealthbox Group buy Close (I hope)
 

Guys,

I originally assigned 25 forms within 24 hours. Since yesterday, I reassigned additional 8 forms. I hope enough forms will be processed to complete all 25 group buy orders. That is why at this time, I will not issue any more forms and disappoint anyone who does not make it.

I hope this is the last time you hear from me on this matter.

Ivan.

Sub w/ Bracket shipping
 

I spoke with JL today. I was number four and sent my order in within two days. They said that mine was shipping today with the additional bracket. Since I live in San Diego I guess it will be a week, but will update everyone once I get it installed. Thanks Ivan!!

-CTM

That's great to hear, hopefully I'll get mine soon as well. :)

One thing to keep in mind. Once you modify the factory panel in order to install the sub. IT WILL RATTLE. I am going to send a message to JL today about it in hopes that they will provide a solution with their next batch.

Did you happen to get an installation guide, and what's needed to do the install? Just curious if I'll be able to do it myself, I'm just worried about tapping into the OEM headunit.

Yes, it did come with a guide, very easy to follow, though for the most part I did not need it.

You don't have to tap into the oem head unit. You can get your sound source at the subwoofer, by tapping into the wires that feed the factory sub. If you didn't have a factory sub you will need to go to the factory amp. They all should have one. There are quite a few articles on this site as to where to get the proper wires you will need. All you need for the install of the sub is included with the sub. For the amp you will need to buy an amp install kit.

If you are nervous still, I highly recommend paying an MECP certified installer a couple of bucks to put it in ($100.00) should cover box and amp if not less.

My local audio shops have said it could range from $185 - $400 with parts/install/labor. When I get the JL stuff, I'll show them the guide, and hopefully save some loot.

Oh, and I don't have the DSP system.

Thanks for your help. :thumbup:

So what did you do? Mine also rattled. I only assume due to too much air movement. I figured the only way to rid this problem without modifing the panel was to find a way to block the air movement or allow it to pass through. This is part of the reason why I cut a hole in the panel and installed a grille. No rattling as well as the sub firing into the cabin all adds up to making this sound so much better than keeping the panel one solid piece blocking the sub and separating the cabin area from where the sub is. Keeping the panel solid restricts less than subs being in a trunk of a car having to push through a back seat, but more than needs to be in this set up. Opening this up does make a lot of difference, naturally. Normally you won't be able to see through the grille but I had the flash on when I snapped this picture.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/4...6109AbtHDZi4bu

what about cutting a hole in the plastic but not the fabric, I think that is what I will try, because I definatly have rattle with the cover on.

has anyone confirmed whether or not the 10W3 would fit in the box? (im assuming JL didn't use it for a reason, but you never know...)

I'm not going to speak for JL or why they made the choice they did. But given our experiences with creating our own X5 subwoofer enclosure, squeezing 5.93" of mounting depth into this enclosure would be one hell of a job. Doubtful unless a mounting ring to extend the woofer out of the enclosure was used -- and then you'd give up the whole stealth effect.

I spoke with Micah after seeing this JL thread. I am going to go with the BSW unit rather then the JL. The JL units in other BMW's tend to be "boomy" and I am under the understanding that the X5 may be the same way, FYI.

As a long time audiophile and x-car audio competitor, I want clarity and precision, not just boom.

Thanks
Brad

I am interested to see/hear if this approach works with just cutting away the backing or at least drilling some 1" holes in it or something but leaving the factory cloth covering.

Man this Stealthbox sounds good. Tight and fast with great low extension. Makes me want to throw away the rest of the OEM system and start over. Wish I had space for another one in the other side compartment.

I thought about that too. But if you look at the carpet itself, if you do manage to keep the carpet in tack after taking the plastic behind it off, it will not stay together as there is no support for it (no weaving). Great idea and if you or someone can figure a way to do this, please post up!!! I'd consider buying a new panel to do that.

It is def because of depth issues; also the basket on the W3 angles towards the bigger magnet and results in being a little too 'fat' to fit in the stealth box in one spot only. However this stealth box has to form this way in order to fit our X5. I would have switched to the W3 if it fit although it is very close.

The sound is SO much better with the cover off. I thought it was a sloppy, boomy sub when I first installed it. There was also a rattle. I decided to take the cover off and what a difference. It's a nice sounding sub now. It's not going to get real loud, but at least is sound clean and relativily tight now. I'm sure a bigger box with more power would sound more accurate, but this is what I was looking for; just a little low end extension.

I think I'm going to install it, and if I don't like it, I'll resell it. I do like big bass, but I rather have sound quality.

stealth box
 

Do you want to sell me your stealth box?

I would, but you're in Miami, and want o deal with locals only. Sorry bro. :thumbup:

Grille option
 

I notice you went with a larger grill. Is that a 12"? I think I will get a 12 since the actual sub sits low...

That's correct. The grille is a 12" speaker grille. It fits perfectly into the panel allowing to keep full strength and form of the panel

When I was looking at building a sub I was wondering how to do this and maintain the stealth look. I wonder if it would be possible to pull the carpet off of the panel and cut a large hole in the plastic (or perforate it) and reinstall the carpet.
I'll probably end up getting the BSW vs building my own.

Sorry you will find that removing the carpet from the panel is next to impossible. Both JL and BSW do not require the panel to be altered allowing you to have that stealth look.

It may be too difficult to remove and reinstall the carpet but another option would be recovering the panel with matching (possibly even OEM) carpet is an option... finding matching carpet may be tough. I know the BSW doesn't require the panel to be modified, but base on the posts it sounds like people with the JL are complaining about rattling and installing a grill seems to resolve that.

I looked on the JL website today and there's full instructions and it gives instruction on how to modify the cover. Has anyone done this? What do you guys that have been living w/it for a while now think? I currently have a 12"X12" approx box w/an Eclipse 10" aluminum sub and a JL 1/250 amp. I was thinking of this JL box, or even the low flat BSW 10" box which is larger, down firing or lastly upgrading to the BSW superlight box w/an alumipro 12" in it. Does anyone have this installed? Any thoughts?