LVR - the DSP is not a high powered AMP
and therefore using Premium MB Quart
Speakers is not a good idea. that is why
BAV uses the Discus Series MB Quart Speakers.

OK, frankly I'm lost, but the gist is, it is less expense to have BSW install new speakers and a subwoofer (& amp?) than to pay for premium sound package. And I'll end up with better sound! I'll make an appointment in April when I pickup the new X5 in Spartanburg. Thanks!

pretty much. u'll get better sound
using aftermarket for around the
same price u'll pay for the DSP.

I have an 05 4.8 with DSP. I simply replaced the stock sub enclosure with a 10inch sub system from BSW and the difference was UNBELIEVABLE!!! I am fine with the rest of the OEM speakers, but the main thing lacking in my car was bass. There system is so clean, loud, and powerful........Im amazed its only one 10inch sub back there. Install was easy, with great instructions. Highly recommend this setup for you guys, at least the sub setup. As for the other stages, I have no experience with that. Good luck with whatever you guys choose to do! :thumbup:

Hey there, JS-

I've been considering this mod. Can you (or anybody else) post any pix of the BSW box in the back of your X5? I'm curious to see how much of the precious space gets consumed in the interest of better sound.

FWIW, I've had similar experiences in my prior two E39 5ers with adding a dedicated sub to the factory system. It made a world of difference while at the same time being minimally intrusive.

On my 98 540i/6 (non-DSP), I added a single sealed 10" with an xTant multi-channel amp driving the sub AND the factory speakers. Then I upgraded the factory speakers in the cabin to Boston Acoustices component drivers.

On my '00 M5 (DSP), I had more limited options. In that one, I ran 2x10" a/d/s subs in a 'free-air' install in the rear deck. Took the speaker-level outputs from the factory Nokia "sub" (4.5" speakers in a tuned enclosure??) and ran them to a monobloc sub amp.

The sealed box in the prior setup had a much better sound. More punch, more accurate. My brother still owns that car, and I'm amazed at the sound every time I'm in it. That's why I'm excited by the BSW option.

-Dave

This doesn't void the warranty does it?

It doesn't if you remove the unit before you take your vehicle in for warranty service on your sound system!

Seriously, it sounds like everyone's been beaten into submission that any mod will void your warranty. The dealer might have a leg to stand on (or at least fight you from) if you're having stereo troubles elsewhere in the system. The BSW unit is fairly easily removed if you needed to do so.

If you've got warranty issues elsewhere in your vehicle, I would NOT be concerned about having an aftermarket sub unit give you any problems. If the dealer does give you grief, then find another one! [Said in all seriousness after owning seven new (under warranty) Bimmers--all with some degree of modification--in six different cities since 1992.]

heavyd - How is it going? Anything to report?

The package is scheduled to arrive today. I am thinking about taking off early from work to install them....:-) If not, I'll have to do it this weekend. I will make sure I have a full review for you guys.

Following Jason advise from BSW, I decided to have a professional install my Stage 1 and Sub package. I dropped off the car yesterday at 11:00 and pick it up at 6:00pm. It was not even done. They only had the sub and 1 speaker installed. They said it's a hard to get the speaker into the door. So it's a thought for those who want to try in the future. With the sub and 1 MB Quartz speaker in there, my initial though is the sub powerful but it overwhelme the speakers. Most I hear is base. I have a feeling I have to replace the stock amp also. But this is only my initial thought. Hopefully everything will balance out when all of the speakers are replace and the installer tweak it a little bit. I will post another review once it's done today.