DSP Amp question
 

I have a 2005 X5 with a bad DSP Amp. I see alot of DSP amps on ebay that say they will work in my vehicle. But their part number is not the same as mine. But they look identical to mine. My part number sells for close to $600 the others are $200-300. Do i have to get my exact part number??

I know I have to get one for a vehicle with Navigation..
Thanks

I think it's just different manufacturers, and BMW is notorious for changing part numbers from year to year for no reason at all.

You can get the Part Number info from your local BMW dealer.

Changes in Part Numbers are made when form, fit, function or cosmetic appearance changes are made so that OEMs can trace the vintage of the parts if something goes wrong. Also, if function changes are made, that usually means there are compatibility considerations so be careful when you make your purchase.

For an amplifier, the sound tuning can be changed when improvements in sound quality are necessary, or when the head unit software is changed which affects the signal connected to the amplifier.

Also, when cost savings are implemented, there can be changes in those cases as well when a change in suppliers is made to the components which make the amplifier. So if there's a quality issue that requires knowledge how many customers are affected, the Part Number history on the product can make it easy to get a relatively accurate count. Recalls make use of Part Numbers which is why it's so important to change the Part Number when form, fit, function and cosmetic appearance changes are made.

So your best bet is to contact the dealership parts department with a Part Number in hand and ask if it's compatible with your VIN and Build Date. You should be able to confirm this way. The Part Number list at the dealers often has information which tells the parts counter person whether or not a Part Number is backwards compatible, meaning that it could be installed in the same model year vehicle since its launch or model year changeover. Some changes aren't backwards compatible which is why the VIN and Build Date would be important to have. There can be a cutoff date where any vehicle made after that date would require the new Part Number or unintentional results can and are likely to occur. Since it's more difficult to coordinate a change that has a use-up / go-to effectivity, OEMs try to avoid them because doing so causes increased and potentially unnecessary scrap and confusion due to the inconvenience of having to know which combination of parts can and cannot be used in any given vehicle that might be affected by the change.

I hope this is helpful to the OP or anyone else wondering about Part Numbers and compatibility. Please feel free to PM me if you have any further questions. I don't get logged into this forum very often but I'd be happy to try and answer any other questions you may have.

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Not sure if you noticed that I have a DSP amp for sale here on the forum.

I guarantee it works perfectly and am 99% sure it is backwards compatible to any facelift DSP X5. It came out of my 2006 with NAV, but if for some reason it is not compatible you can send it back and I'll refund you the purchase price.

http://www.xoutpost.com/classifieds/...8is-400-a.html

$400 shipped in the US. If you want to send me your VIN I can double check with the dealer for you.

Here are a couple reference posts with all you might want to know about DSP amps.

First, is a buyer's guide that summarizes the known differences between the part numbers and major transitions.
DSP Amp Thoughts and Buyer's Advice

Second is a list of the known part numbers. These are all backwards compatible. You can probably use an older one in your car, but I would recommend an amp equal or newer to the one in your car, just to be safe.
DSP Amp Part Numbers

Finally, after you get your amp, you will want to get it coded by a dealer or BMW specialist. This will ensure that it matches your car's other options and audio characteristics.

Thanks for the info...

If Nom3rcy's amp doesn't work for you, I should have one available in a week or so.

Mine is from a 2005 (11/04 build iirc) 4.4i.

Just make sure that it is setup for both analog and digital. I've got an 05 and the setup is a little whacky because the dsp amp has digital output/input to the bluetooth and both analog and digital to the cd changer. If yours is setup like this I'd gladly sell you mine.

65124127873 is the part number on my DSP amp. I just took it out today (man is it HOT in the garage...100* and climbing).

Works perfectly.

admranger, do you still have the amp??? If so, how much do you want for it???