BSW speaker upgrade and subwoofer kit
 

This is no doubt old news to some of you, but I wanted to tell everyone I had the BSW Stage 1 speaker upgrade and their x108 Subwoofer system installed today in my non-DSP, non-NAV 2003 4.4i X5.

It's awesome! I was absolutely, completely, and totally blown away at how frickin' outstanding the improvement is! I can hear notes and music I never heard before, even on my home stereo. Totally worth every cent, and completely makes my driving experience that much better. I am literally blown away.

I use a pro installer company to put in this kind of thing. He and his staff were totally pleased with the ease of installation, the completeness of the instructions, and how well it all worked together. This company deals with all brands of equipment and models of vehicles, and they said this was one of the best aftermarket designs they've seen.

Once again, my thanks to the pros at BSW for their great stuff. I continue to be impressed with them, and I'm a very satisfied customer.

Dave

:iagree: The BSW speaker upgrade rocks!

my main question is can I add an aftermarket amp to the BSW speaker upgrade, or do I have to install the external cross overs that come with either the rainbow speakers or the MB quarts

i've installed the bsw sub and enclosure + amp, had the new dice silverline ipod installed last week and i'm impressed each time with the improvement in sound. i'll be getting the full speaker upgrade next...i can hardly wait for the next big improvement. :thumbup:

Don't forget the spec dock.

Bump on the question of aftermarket amp

I just got the speaker upgrade, the sub, Dice with speck dock in this week. Can't wait to install it next week.

don't need the spec dock. i wanted it but now that the ipod is hidden in the console bucket, i like it there. i can't use the controls on the ipod so it doesn't need to be displayed in a docking cradle.

I went with the stock BSW kits, so the only extra amp was with the subwoofer. These speakers are so good, I think an amp would be overkill. Whether it CAN be added? No idea. But I sure like what I have now, and it's miles ahead of what was in there before.

Dave

Yes you CAN add an amplifier...

Top Secret Information was leaked tha a BSW "stage 2" amplifier is soon to be released for both DSP and Non-DSP equipped vehicles with Stage 1.

Rumor mill says it will be plug and play.

That is what I wanted to hear. That totally changes my choice, and spending

My question about the amp
 

I know I am not crazy and have read in various BMW forums about aftermarket amp kits, but when I post the question here to you and Michah, I get a reply that suggests it was never available, and is in the making now.

"
Author: Chris Barry
The stock 6 speaker stereo in the Aussie dellivery X5 3.0d was pretty dissappointing. After owning the car for only a few weeks I decided I had to upgrade.

I fitted BSWs stage 1 MBquarts with BSW midranges. The results were fantastic with much better definition and elimination of a really annoying cone resonance that the stock speakers had.

I did notice that the stock amp was having troubles keeping up with the MBquarts at high volumes. BSW were very helpful dicussing options and put together a amp and plug and play cable package. The MBquarts really came alive with the extra power. I also added a BSW stealth sub at the same time which really lifted the complete sound.

Installation instructions from BSW were easy to follow. Thanks for supporting the X5world community guys and keep rolling out your great products."

Would love to know more about this

It is still a couple months out to be ready. It will be plug and play, include crossovers and setup for a DSP or Non-DSP vehicle. It will more than likely end up being our own amplifier.

More details will be posted up.

Hello there... I have a 2002 3.0i X5 and already upgraded the Mid 4 (5.25) speakers at a local audio dealer before I knew about your stuff.. I do, however want the Sub. Will this work fine with my stock Non-Dsp system and the upgraded speakers. Is the crossover built into the amp? Thanks.... Alex

It will work perfectly with your situation, here's our installation guide and installation video for the x108 subwoofer system so you can see what you will have to do.
E53 X108 sub system installation guide.

X108 sub system installation video.

I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other audio questions.

stupid question but..
once subwoofer installation completed, should I close carpeted side panel or leave it as opened?
it will rattle if I close it?

Halston,, are you still running that deal for the Sub? Would not need the mids since I already have upgraded my 5.25's locally.... If so, tell me how to purchase.. Thanks Al

You can close it. Output is not affected :)

I can do it for you.

PM Sent.

I've started today the installation DIY. The main issue I got - how to dissasemble the factory midbass... //Afraid to broke it. Aby suggestions ?
ps: the midranges are very impressive ! :)

There are two plastic tabs that stick out over the front lip of the mid-bass drivers. You'll just need shave these tabs flush with a razor blade (quick but dangerous) or a file (slow and safe and recommended).

Then pry around the lip of the speaker to separate the glue holding the speaker to the housing.

Then flip the speaker housing upside down and tap the magnet with a hammer to break the speaker free, sometimes it takes a good wack to do the job.

Hope this helps and be careful shaving the tabs and don't cut yourself if you use a knife.

My main issue is having a shop do it that I can trust and I really want to go to a shop that has an idea of how to install the stage 1 upgrade...


I'm afraid of rattling 6 months down the line and having my door panels falling off lol.......

I "think" im handy being a contractor lol but I still have a gut feeling im going to mess it up somehow.....

ARE THERE ANY DECENT SHOPS OUT THERE THAT HAVE DONE THE STAGE ONE UPGRADE IN THE NYC AREA? I am willing to travel quite a distance to have it done RIGHT!

I really want to do it! I mean like tomorrow!

BTW- do we get a group buy rate?

I have a 2003 X5 business cd radio...

thank you, Paul.. piece of cake :)

I can work out a deal for you as a forum member. Any local european or BMW shop can definitely knock that out for you!

Halston do you have anybody around my way you to do it?

Ill buy it RIGHT NOW! lolololol:thumbup:

Unfortunately I don't know of anyone off the top of my head.

Try a post on bimmerforums in the NYC subsection.

I can sell it to you RIGHT NOW as well ;)

Yesterday my DIY installation is over. Much more impressive sound, but now I feel lack of the bass :) Hope fix it to install the BSW sub...
I was very surprised from variety of sound quality - sometimes new speakers plays better from FM radio than from my MP3-cd/conventional Cds.. why ?

Depends on how you burned the CDs or if it is MP3 disc?

I've tried both- CD-R with MP3 with 320k and conventional CDs... I need to find an original CD not a pirate's copy ;)

Try a couple of fresh retail CDs and see if you have the same issues.

Hey Halston,

Can you PM me the details for a Group Rate? I am very much interested in getting the Sub installed.

Thanks,

JV

PM Sent.

did you guys ship to the uk or germany? what was the postage cost like for stage one + sub?

I would use the website to get the proper shipping cost. It will get it correct down the cent as well as how long it will take :)

x5 BSW speaker upgrade and subwoofer package
 

Hey Halston,
I'm looking to upgrade my stock setup to BSW stage 1 speakers and x108 sub w/amp for my 2005 X5. Can u give me a price break as a forum member?
thanks!

You have been pm'd. :thumbup:

Interested as well for the bsw speaker setup, i don't need the bsw sub as i already have it installed :)

I just put the BSW sub in my X5 and it made a huge difference. I didnt want low heart thumping bass and this sub doesnt provide that. It really fills in the lows. I didnt know what I was missing. I am pretty hyped about it for sure.



http://i33.tinypic.com/5d4ho6.jpg


http://i37.tinypic.com/2mcisuo.jpg

i watched the video from the website. it seems like bsw sub cannot be fastened at the bottom end like the original sub is.

is this so?

I didnt have an OEM sub so I wouldnt know. There is a plastic shelf that secures the bottom and the top of the BSW sub bolts on to the frame.

well it seems that on BMW sub the botom of sub bolts to the frame as well

:iagree: So does the JL Audio stealth sub (having the bottom bolted to the frame). I'm surprised this is not done on the BSW sub. It can be a safety issue in an event of an accident having only one end of the sub partially secured.

Very nice! Glad you are happy with it!

Too bad the stage 1 speaker upgrade is on backorder right now :(

Forgive me here, very new to this. What caught my attention was the Aussie X5d. Similarly I have found the audio sadly lacking in the Aussie delivered X5. Hoping some of you guys out there have a few ideas without me having to cut off too many limbs. Any assistance greatly appreciated.

Along the similar line I have a 2005 X5 4.4 but it doesn't have DSP or Sub. I was thinking of upgrading to a sub similar to the DSP model, do you guys know of any suppliers in Australia?

Thanks

A supplier for the OEM DSP Subwoofer?

I noticed the backorder special was removed from the web, does that mean these will be in stock soon? :D

Our subwoofer system?

Is here and ready to roll!

:shifty

Nope!, i have the x108 installed and love it :) but i need stage 1 speakers, everything sounds like crap hahaha.

Ohhhh

Yes :)

DSP or Non-DSP?

Yay!!!! Non-DSP svp

We are still waiting on those kits. Going to be a couple weeks.

Sorry, no I meant your sub system or do we have to buy direct from you and ship it?

Ahhh

We are working with a local dealer in AU to get them setup. Right now you would have to buy direct.

No problems, thanks for your reply.

Have you got any idea how long it will be before you will have a local dealer?

OK :(

Can you let us when they arrive? Thanks

Will do.

The AUS dealer is just working through the paperwork :)

still waiting
 

What is the status of this upgrade?

Halston Pitman or Philip/BSW, I have an 03 4.6is with DSP. Which is the better sounding upgrade for me? The stage 1 kit shows the rainbow dreamline midbasses, but I hear people talking about MBquarts speakers... I just want the best possible sound when I upgrade. I already attempted JLaudio 6 1/2 speakers in the front doors for about 10 seconds... they sounded like total poo compared to the OEM.

The thing is I am demanding on my sound systems as I listen to the heaviest of metal with the New Orleans style bands that "tune low, play slow" with lots of powerful low mids from de-tuned guitars. I only want to make this buy once and want the best possible sound. I will also likely be going with the JLaudio 10" stealth box, as it should offer more punch for the kick drums that are so prominent in metal.

Other than making sure I get the best option for me, I am ready for this purchase! Any price breaks would be MUCH appreciated. THANKS!

NOLA,
I installed the stage .75 (fronts and sub). Based on your description definately go with the JL- Stealth for the bigger hit on the lowe end. I would recommend not skimpig on the amp for it. The Rainbows will give you the clarity you want. Even going with only the front soundastage I was very pleased with the clarity and the depth they added. With an eclectica taste like mine I was really pleased, (everything from NIN to Tim McGraw and a little Beethoven thrown in. The dynamics are all there. I'm not as picky about the fill but you would likely want to go with the full Stage 1 for a little more clarity in the back.
BEst Regards,
Former NOLA resident no in SoCal

Thanks for the info! And I don't think I could have standed moving from New Orleans to California... Every time I leave this area I am heavily dissapointed in the food, music scene and bar scene. And the difference in local politics would be damn near culture shock! Not saying ot would be for better/worse, just different.

I have a great amp fot the JL setup, just need the stage 1 kit I guess. (hint hint BSW guys) ;)

We have a prototype harness coming this week :)

:thumbup:

Well as a fellow metal/hardcore/hardrock fan the Rainbow Audio drivers work great for this :) In my 1999 M3 Coupe I use the Rainbow Audio IQ Line front drivers and Rainbow Audio Soundline Drivers in the rear. My 1986 535i I use Rainbow Audio Soundline F&R. In the 5er they are amp'd but I LOVE to turn them up very loud and experience the metal nirvana.

With the treated pulp/rubber surrounds midbass/midrange drivers and large silk dome tweeters you can experience parts of the music that you just don't get with the OEM system. I would highly recommend it for a fellow metal fan :)

We can give you a further discount if you want to purchase the subwoofer with the package and we can hide this in the rear side panel :) The discount would be 100 dollars off the subwoofer and if you want to go ahead and place the order I can offer to give you free shipping as well.

I would give our 8" sub a chance. Every person that hears it is always amazed that the quality and amount of bass coming from the vehicle is only an 8" subwoofer. I certainly was and I like bass :)

Just replied. Sorry I missed it before :(

Let me know if you have ANY other questions!

Well, Honestly I would prefer the larger, more precise (in my opinion) bass control offered by the JL audio 10" stealth box that hides in the same place as the BSW 8". Unless of course the rumor I heard is true of a future BSW 10" for the E53.... Even though I was disappointed in the sound quality of the JL door speakers, I have always had great sound quality from their subs and have had most of them over the years. The thing is that I listen to bands like Decapitated. If you haven't heard them, their definitely worth a listen for technical death metal.

http://www.myspace.com/decapitated

I need a speaker that can keep up with those drums! And in my personal experience I have not had the precision I want from an 8" sub. The best 8" sub I previously had was a JL W6.

But either way it goes, I am ready for the stage 1 upgrade!

Sounds good :)

I can assure you the 8" can keep up but you can go with what you have experience with! We won't hold it against you ;)

Are the Non-DSP systems available yet for my '05?

They should be here this week!

Awsome, can't wait!

I will let shipping know to let me know when we get the Non-DSP packages so you guys know when to order.

Please send me a PM when they are available........Thanks...

Will do. I hope they come in this week and I will let everyone know!

[quote=Halston Pitman]We have a prototype harness coming this week :)

:thumbup:


Awesome, I have been waiting for this.

Also any plans to modifiy the spec doc to work with the new Iphone? It seems as though the new ipod touch and new generation ipods use a different charging mechanism

It requires a different cable. This item is coming within the next month.

As of now there will be a 'swap' program to allow for you to easily get the correct pieces :)

Guess these were delayed :(

They are coming. They should have been here already.

This is what I would recommend. I can place your order while on backorder and you will receive the 10% off. Last time we had a couple guys waiting for stock the backorders were filled first and we ran out. They come in batches and then are gone quickly.

Let me know if you want to proceed with this method, this will get a kit to you as quick as possible. We also do NOT bill until shipped.

I'm also not in the usa for long, was going to get them when i was down on my holidays.

We can do that :)

Just let me know what you want to do.

Let me know if it can make it to PA before 17th oct.

Thanks.

I don't have them here yet so can't guarantee that :( I wish I could.

Its ok, I will wait :)

Thanks for being understanding :)

I have a couple Non-DSP in stock...

First come first serve :popcorn:

Shotgun 1!!

roflmao

Best bet is to place order through the site and it will put you right in line!

kk, i will do it very soon.

Sounds great!

Well, checking the US/CDN dollar, it seems like its not worth it right now. :(
grrr economy!

600.00 USD = 747.465 CAD
United States Dollars Canada Dollars
1 USD = 1.24577 CAD 1 CAD = 0.802713 USD

Sorry :(

It's not your fault :)

Well that is true. It is not my fault :)

Halston, when is your Stage 1 Audio Upgrade for E70 available? Tks

Very soon :)

Waiting on the first shipment and do one last test and then release!