Statdoc, so tell us about your install? How much time? How many beers? Where'd you put the amp? Any lessons learned? Any pics?

Thanks in advance! Sorry for the barrage.
-Dave

It took me ~3 hours. Several reasons for that.
1. I really took my time, so I wouldn't make a mistake.
2. I was doing a bit of "multi-tasking", and was interrupted a couple times (pick up the boy from soccer, etc.).
3. I had a devil of a time getting some of the electrical connections done.

Regarding the electrical. BSW includes some "butt connectors" to attach the wires. I have rarely found these to be very well designed (maybe I just don't use them properly). Anyway, I ended up using wire nuts, but really had to work to get enough slack in the wiring harness to use those. If I hadn't already cut the wires, connectors like I have pictured would have worked really well. (Suggestion to Micah: Switch to these)

I tried the amp installation in a couple different spots, but finally chose to drill a couple holes in the sheet metal inside the electronics cubbyhole. It seems fine with just two screws in it.

Anyway, it is a stealth installation, and sounds great.

Butt connectors are tricky, but are more secure when used properly than wire nuts. However, it's true that at BSW we have a bit more experience than the average guy, so it might make sense to use an alternative that's more consistent if less reliable. Thanks for the feedback!

Hi BSW,

two questions:

How is this sub compared to a Basslink II?

Can I keep the Basslink II and install this as well? Do you think that would be a bad idea to keep the Basslink as part of this system?

The two are not even in the same league. Our xh108 will significantly outperform the Basslink in every regard -- output, accuracy, transient response -- everything. Not even close. You can actually read a review one of our customers made that previously had the Basslink and upgraded to our system:

http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/pr..._cid=196/#tabs

The review is under "Forbes."

I would definitely get rid of the Basslink II if you get our xh108 system. It will only muddy the bass response.

Subwoofer & Speakers upgrade - feedback
 

Three weeks ago I finally completed my enhancements to my 2004 x5 4.4i (with NAV and DSP) and want to share my experience with others who may be considering an upgrade. Here are the upgrades I made together with my comments on their performance:

1. Knocked out all 10 stock speakers and replaced them with Rainbow Audio speakers offered by BSW + midranges sourced and offered under BSW brand. For main drivers I went for a better version than ones listed under Stage 1 upgrade, for additional $30 per driver. Factory CD Changer and Amp were left intact.

At this stage the improvement from stock system was HUGE. I am a serious audio enthusiast and to me the stock system was simply unlistenable and a headache catalyst. The Rainbows removed the entire muddiness and gruff out of the system; improvement in highs were signficant, with crisp vocals and excellent rendering of strings. What was more surprising was the low end; I disconnected the junky factory subwoofer and found the bass quality of the drivers to be truly impressive. However I do think that the way the factory amp crossover is designed, you will not get optimal sound w/o a sub. Before I move on to the next upgrade details, I want to specifically commend the BSW guys for delivering an "excellent" midrange set. They excelin voice rendering. I think my installer screwed uo by bypassing the crossovers that were provided with the install kit, unless i am unclear abt the technicalities, but as is, they sound fantrastic - especially when I listen to jazz or new age vocals.

I have no experience with MB Quarts, but I can tell you that Rainbows will impress you. My higher end Rainbows were the most expensive option, but I am extremely pleased with my investment and think every penny was well spent. Caveat though, I still have to address the brightness issue with my midranges, which I think is an install issue.

2. Next step was the subwoofer upgrade from BSW. I will keep it short - if you change your speakers and do not change your sub, it makes no sense, as you dont get optimal results. But if you go all the way, you will be amazed with what you hear. BSW should be proud of creating this niche product that fits like a glove into your beloved BMW and sounds like heaven. This 8" sub is fantastic; expensive but, hey, try creating a stealth setup like this from scratch and see what you might spend...and what you get.

3. Last was DICE + Speckdock. In short, i will call it "DICEY". It's a disastrous product that insults and abuses the otherwise fantastic system in my X5. When I swapped my CD Changer with the DICE, all the muddiness and headache returned with a bang. Mind you, all my music in my iPod is in lossless format cut straight from my own CDs. After this dissapointment I switched back to my CD Changer. This convinced me that I would rather live with the limitations and inconveniences of my CDC than to destroy the potential of my otherwise great system. My personal belief is that DICE is a great concept that is executed very poorly, and is targeted at "interface" junkies who cant tell sound quality from a rat's ass. Probably just the kind of people who use stock headphones with their iPod? Jokes apart, I think the poor electronics and the really long run of cheap cable from front to back are to blame for the dismal performance. I am returning them.

Finally, I went out and bought a Sony Cassette adapter for the iPod. Hear this; the cassette adapter delivers "far superior" output than the Dice. It hides neatly behind the Nav screen, the wire can be concealed (i havent had the time to figure that but surely will), and for $30 you are able to keep your CDC and date your iPOD. This combination rocks. Believe me and try it, you will NOT regret. Since I have no experience with FM transmitters, I cannot offer you an A/B comparison, but to my discerning ears the cassette adapter is a great solution.

I hope this helps you prospective buyers out there. Go deck up your beloved darling and enjoy the drive. Ciao.

I know we didn't sell the DICE directly to you, but respect your opinion.

Did you verify that the EQ settings on the iPod were set to OFF? If not, this would be the cause of distorted sound. Also, try with a different iPod if possible, if the sound is the same - this rules out the iPod.

Nice right up but I cant belive that the dice is worse than a cassette adapter as that is the lowest quaility I could imagine.There must be something wrong with the dice or the install I have a ice link and the sound is as good as cdc but without it jumping at all! It might be worth you getting a aux lead for your I pod. Although not as good quaility as Icelink/Dice will be better than cassette adapter. And for the record I dont use standard headphones with my I pod.

GET THE ICELINK PLUS FOR BMW - IT WORKS GREAT - UNLIKE ALL THAT I READ ABOUT DICE.

Been discontinued for quite some time. The ice>Link was replaced by the DICE which is much more stable and does not cause the problems the ice>Link was plagued with in the past.