Audio Upgrade for BMW X5 E53
 

Hey y'all: Anyone have their eardrums burst from the muffled and dry sounds in their audio system. Any advice on a upgrade -- the BMW sounds suck!

BMW Audio, BMW iPod, Speakers, Subwoofers, & more | BSW: Bavarian Soundwerks

They sell speaker upgrades, enclosed subs, Dice ipod kits, etc.

Are you happy with your sound system? I am just making sure that it's not me -- sounds ok tuned lower, but once turned up it's muffled and midrange is a blurrrrrr.

Its ok. Its not great (I have the non-DSP system) but its also not bad. I don't turn it up too much, nor do I blast music that requires base.

My last SUV had a factory Bose system, the X5 is not as good as that was, but I also can't say its "bad."

I would be curious if anyone has done the speaker upgrade from Bavarian Soundwerks. Not that I would ever do it, as that $600 would be better spent on other mods/upgrades.

Yup the factory stereo sucks balls

I'd recommend skipping the Bavarian Soundwerks option because it retains the factory DSP amp which has the built in crossover, one of the main reasons for the horrible sound.

I went with a set of DynAudio 6.5" components up front (doors & dash) with the crossovers in the factory amp location (retained the factory speaker wires).

The used a JL Audio HD900/5 bridged to power the Dyns, with the sub channel going to a Kicker 10" L5 in a box in the hatch area.

Sounds AMAZING. Let me repeat. AMAZING

Amp: $600
Speakers: $450 (used)
Sub/box: $150
Wiring: $40
Labor was done by myself... total was under $1300, probably the best money I've ever spent on audio.

Yes, I read the reviews and most are very pleased with the results, but as you say a whopping $600. I actually HATE the sound system! I will have to see is I can cough it up!!

How did you mount the door speakers? I have tried to find a speaker adapter but no luck.

How did you tap the factory speaker wires? Did you cut them?

The oem door speakers are basically dropped into a cylindrical pod and then glued into place.

I simply cut out the glue and removed the oem speaker basket from the pod, and then dropped the DynAudios in their place using some silicone.

The only difficult part, for my situation, was machining the DynAudio basket to fit the factory location (they were quite a bit larger than most 6.5" speakers)

For the wiring, I cut the wires at each speaker location and crimped on some female spade connectors to fit the new speakers. At the other end, I removed the pins from the factory harness clip and put them directly into the terminals on the crossovers.

It actually went much smoother than I ever imagined. Even the signal from the factory tuner was directly compatible with the amp.

I couldn't stand the factory system either.... Heres mine:
Front End:
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t...D/DSC_0033.jpg

Back End
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t...D/DSC_0038.jpg

It hits hard while maintaining clarity and balance! Go here: http://www.xoutpost.com/electronics/...ades-pics.html for more info :) Although I have upgraded to a newer pioneer unit and type-R's in the rear doors since!

Darn! Ok, I will look to upgrade.

Thanks nom3rcy, I remember reading about what you did in another post. I have Focals that are a little too large for the OEM speaker baskets. I am going over my options for getting them in. I may have to cut like you did.

For the speaker wire at the amp, I thought about pulling them out of the plug but I want an easy way to go back to factory if needed. I guess it would be as simple as just plugging them back in. My other thought was to cut the wires and use some quick connects that will allow me to reconfigure how they are connected. This is quite a bit more work though.

SilverFox06 - The big decision you need to make is whether you want to keep the factory head unit and amp. If you do, then you really need to consider BSW offerings because the speaker sizes and ohm requirements for this X are not the same as the majority of speakers you can buy off the shelf. I know their prices seem high but what you get in return is a solution that is custom made for your OEM components.

If you go aftermarket then you can consider Dynavin or Hualingan if you want something that fits in the dash (I have Dynavin, please search for my writeup on it). You can go Kenwood, Pioneer, etc, but then you will need a custom bezel (good ones can be costly). I know that Metra now makes a bezel for the X5. It is usually around $30. If you change the head unit then you will need to get an aftermarket amp as well. And then of course you will need to upgrade the speakers. Going totally aftermarket will cost you more than BSW.

I would definitely look into taking them to a machine shop and spinning em on a lathe like we did. Much easier than making your own pods that's for sure.

For the wiring, the best way to go back to factory is definitely just pulling the pins. Worked like a charm and there's lots of room for the crossovers in the void leftover from the amp.

I had DSP with premium sound. It sounded awful. I recommend a low cost solution. Buy a used or new head unit ~150, used 4 channel amp ~150, then get a single subwoofer box with a mono amp ~200, you will sound way better for under $600. Using an aftermarket radio on the factory premium speakers with DSP AMP disconnected sounds great by itself, throw in a sub to get that little boom boom is a bonus!

I'll chime in as an owner of an X5 with the BSW stage 1 kit installed.

I will preface this by saying I did not purchase the kit myself, it was on the X when I picked her up (and actually my X is the one that BSW used to test fitment etc for the kit) but I have heard stock X5 w/DSP and various other BMWs with DSP. They use Rainbow (i think the IQ line?) drivers/tweeters in the kit. It doesn't affect the dual coil sub in the rear obviously, so you don't get any more "punch" than you do normally, but with the kit installed there is actually separation and clarity.

If you want considerably better audio quality/clarity but don't want to mess with the actual DSP amp etc, then it's really not a bad kit. Yes you can spend less and get awesome sound too, but keep in mind that the BSW kit has the proper fitment and resistance ratings etc for your E53.

There is no need for an aftermarket deck (especially a cheap one) because the oem BMW decks are quite good, offering a balanced 5v output from the factory.

I'm using the factory NAV and it sounds excellent. I wouldn't recommend replacing it unless you were doing a $5k+, extremely involved SQ setup.

The problem with this setup is that you have to make sure the headunit can handle the ohm requirements of the speakers. Otherwise you can damage both the speakers and the head unit. But, yes, this is an option.

I have found a company that claims to have a speaker adapter for the X! I actually ordered them and they did not fit. :(

They said that I may have been sent the wrong ones (I doubt it) and they want me to take a picture of my OEM speaker. So we'll see.

Thanks to all for your views and corrobative responses, particularly to NexGen for your extensive view which makes a lot whole of sense to me. I have contacted BSW for a complete upgrade to not disturb the OEM fitment. I gotta get that ringing outta my earssssssss......:iagree:

dam
 

Please do tell where you picked up an JL Audio HD900/5 for $600????

I had to go back in my records to check - It was actually $675 and I got it on eBay from all-newaudio.

It looks like they went WAY up in price since I bought mine.

IMO they are still worth every penny at $1k

dwhite: If I went with the purchase of a new AMP with Soundwerks -- the possible outcome???

I am looking into keeping my OEM DSP head unit but replacing the factory amp and speakers as well as putting a JL stealth box where the exsisting woofers are in the trunk.
With a balanced 5 volt out going to an aftermarket amplifier located where the crap stock one is w/ nice components. Then mount the mono amp in the trunk because I do not have Nav or CD changer back there. Or just get a 5 channel amp.

Something like that...
Any thoughts?

perfect :thumbup:

I agree with you. I would just replace the amplifier altogether to accommodate everything. I will start with the 10-speaker replacement, then adding a sub to see what the system sound as is -- and a couple months down -- going to replace the amp altogether and add the DICE system. Have you required about it -- supports BLUETOOTH and IPOD/IPHONE through the speaker system. REAL NICE!

When you say head unit do you mean the MID and radio tuner\cd player? If so I don't believe those components will work without the amp. All of these components communicate on the iBus. They actually ping each other periodically while running. If they don't detect each other then the amp and radio\cd turn off.

If you have the DSP w/premium it is easy to make it sound great, most people just don't bother to read the manual. It's completely tunable at every frequency and when you get it right even the dual 6.5 subs start to catch a lick.

I found out asking locals who owned X5's that most had never used custom mode on the DSP and tuned the room size, echo level, and each individual frequency on the fully independent EQ.

It wouldn't hurt to add a small ten or 12 in the back for lower fill, but if the DSP os set right the dual 6.5's actually produce nice fill.

I've owned several car audio stores I can tell you that it WILL sound good with proper tuning.

Proper tuning can make it sound better than some of the presets, but really, I would never say it sounded "great"

I don't know how someone in the industry could even begin to like the factory DSP system... imo it is decent enough to get you home from the dealership, and then to the audio shop the next morning.

If they ping each other and won't work w/o each other then keep that garbage in the car but have the output of the cd, radio goto an aftermarket amp.

Heuer21: Yes, you are correct! I am saving now to replace the AMP, the speakers and a sub -- starting with the speakers! I cannot get over the sound that it currently produces -- what's up with that! Buy now BMW should have better control!!!

AMEN! No way it sounds great at any level! Imagine me -- without DSP/Premium and how my eardrums hurt....LOL

I have the DSP on mine and it sounds good enough imo, i went to BSW and bought the ipod aux kit and i told them that i had DSP and they still didnt sent me the DSP kit so i returned that and went with the OEM AUX kit and i am generally pleased with it. IMO CD quality > Ipod AUX quality but its not a deal breaker to me

BSW Stage 1 Upgrade Installation Services in Maryland
 

Can anyone help me out with this one?:rofl:

I think the standard system in my 02 X5 sounds great compared to the one in my 98 M Roadster.

what are some good 6.5" component speakers that will fit in the e53 without any machining or crazy installation modifications?

i'm looking to keep the price on a pair of comps under $400...

I am not sure. I had an installation done in mine last month using BAVSOUND, including a sub and DICE installation for iphone intergration. Cost at $1200. With BAVSOUND -- it is just plug and play no mods needed. A pair of mids will cost around what you are trying to spend and about the easiest to install.

Also, you may check out Alpine, but I would do all four because when they did the install -- all four of my mids were all ripped up. They are poorly made.

Good luck!

Have had the BSW system installed for several years. I have DSP. The system I have upgraded all speakers, added an amp and subwoofer. As already mentioned it is all plug and play. I also added the Dice, then the Dice silver and now have the media bridge. The difference is huge. I am very pleased. I am not an expert on sound but based on the compliments the result seems to meet most standards.

Media Bridge
 

What's the Media Bridge? I want an amp, as I understand it -- still in development.

The media bridge by dice Provides USB connection and auxiliary connection Bluetooth connection and the option to add satellite radio, updating your system to current capability. Bsw offers amp with their systems.

The media bridge features are all controlled by existing buttons or dials.

Oh yes, I have the dice/media bridge with satellite radio. Awesome! I can't wait for the development of the amp. Is your amp (BSW)?

I think the DSP sounds a lot better after I tuned it according to the "Best dsp setting" thread. However still sounds like junk and my driver door tweeter clicks whenever it feels like it.

For the mean time i added a 13w6 and a jl 500/1 to add some really nice deep bass. Its holding me over for the minute. The bass is so nice and HQ now i can ignore how shitty the highs are... This is a temporary solution. I think the next step will be a decent 4 channel amp to the stock speakers, and from there aftermarket speakers...

I have a 2004 X5 w/DSP (no Nav.) and wants to replace the DSP amp with aftermarket to power the 10 stock speakers. How do you wire up the 10 OEM speakers to a 4-channel amp is where I am lost? Thanks!

Don't do it unless you're ready to dump significant $ into this.

It's not simple. Do some googling on it. There are a bunch of threads on this on the web (search bmw dsp).

My advice is to instead replace the front soundstage speakers with something like Hybrid Audio Technologies Imagine 6.5 speakers.

Agreed. Easier to replace all the drivers and go full aftermarket than trying to get the factory drivers to work correctly with a decent sound stage.

I'm not saying it can't be done... but if it were my money (and ears), I'd just go full aftermarket and avoid the headache. Can still use factory wiring with the aftermarket drivers, so no need to run all new cabling.

I'll be crossing this bridge as well in the next year with my nav/DSP truck if I can't decide to pull the trigger on NBT retrofit.

Isn't the easiest way just to use the GAS crossover? J&T Distributing - German Audio Specialties E39/E53 Passive Crossover Network (PCN)

After looking at the NBT why would you want anything else? Thanks for that btw...

Because price tag... only reason you might want something else. :D

Yes, that is an option. I always forget about GAS' Xover. They make good stuff... I run one of Luke's ported boxes in one of my e30's.

I replaced all speakers, added amp and subwoofer and retained DSP. Not the best you can do but might want to take a look. Stage One BMW Speaker Upgrade Kit engineered for your specific BMW | BAVSOUND

I just read through a lot of the bf.c thread. I found a screen for sub 100. I don't mind going used. The wiring harness seems to be the most expensive part.

Now it's do I want coilovers or this. Wish I had unlimited funds. This would be pretty ballin

I agree on wishing I had the unlimited funds. The kit runs ~$2000 for screen, iDrive console, bezel (I think), and the associated wiring/accessories from Germanik.

You are right, you can piece it together for much less. So that's an option. I haven't tried to price each part out individually.

From just a curosry glance it looks like you could get the bulk of it for a hair over 1k sourcing your own bits. Of course it all depends on what you want. I didn't look into the back up camera and I'd pass on the touch controller.

Even at 1-1500 I think it gives Avin and Dynavin a run for their money. Off to find a sucker with a wrecked car

Because of the retained OBC, added OEM options not available on older models, and OEM nature of the screen make it a much better option than the Avin or Dynavins in most circumstances. Being almost three times the price sucks... but if you intend to keep your truck then the investment seems like it would be worth it to me. Could always rip it all out I guess if you were going to sell.

I might look into piecing it all together too sometime this next year after recovering from the wheel/tire purchase. "Money, money, money... we can't keep doing this Bob!"

That's assuming the stock speakers are in decent shape. My front mid-bass speakers fell apart as I was taking them out...

Many years ago I bought a kit from bavsound that included all new plug and play speakers, a subwoofer and amp that worked with DSP. Wouldn't satisfy a sound expert but a very significant upgrade from stock system.

I think Bavsound just stopped production on the E53 kit :(

Just as well. Never been overly impressed with their interior sound upgrades. Sub upgrades are decently worth it though.

I've never understood spending thousands of dollars on a vehicle audio system. Can't hear the engine or exhaust, what fun is that?

Yeah, I hear you. There are times though (long road trips, or late at night cruising for example) when you really want to hear some nice clean driving music. I love clean audio, and after being introduced to it... so does my wife now.

Different strokes for different folks and all that... :thumbup: Some spend thousands on performance, others on appearance, others on audio, and some on all of the above.

Hi, I have an e53 with a DSP audio system. I would like to install better speakers and an amplifier, so I'm wondering if there is a lot of difference compared to the factory audio system? Which speakers and amplifier do you recommend and which speaker sizes do I need? I also installed an android display

Depending on how particular you are you can find speakers that will significantly improve the sound without any alterations. I think Crystalworks has the broadest experience here.

Many years ago I purchased a plug and play set of speakers, amp and subwoofer from Bavsound. I am completely happy with the results. Unfortunately, I don't think they offer a set anymore but it might be worthwhile to give them a call. At the time of my purchase they were extremely helpful.

A couple of years ago I had to replace a tweeter and a local car audio shop had a further upgrade that was also plug and play.

How much did it all cost you? Does it make sense to change speakers without an amplifier? I currently have a subwoofer at the factory, does the ego also need to be changed or is it enough at the factory?


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As someone that had the same DSP system if you ask me, the quality compared to factory is amazing. You get alot of base from it. I dont think upgrade is that necessary if you ask me

Do you mean just the subwoofer or all together (amplifier and speakers)? The quality will remain almost yours?


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I had the DSP system- upgrade was waaaaaay better.

It was sooooo many years ago I can't remember and probably not a good comparison to todays pricing. I have every invoice related to my 4.6 since purchased new. I have them cataloged chronologically by year, month and day. If I only knew what year I did the upgrade.

It all depends on budget and how good you want system to be.

So you're saying there's a huge difference in sound quality? Did you also change the subwoofer in the trunk or not? Is it complicated to connect another amplifier and which one did you use?


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Well of course when you add subs and tweets and everything it will make the sound better. I am an audiophile, but I was very happy with it. I even added a AUX cable and was using a classic ipod to listen to my music.

Can anyone tell me which amplifier you used and how to connect it if you have any circuit? Since I have android multimedia and it has some audio outputs, do I need to run some cables from there to the amplifier or do I just connect the cables that are currently on the factory amplifier?


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Yes, in sound quality and even more when I added the aftermarket multi-media player. As I mentioned speaker, subwoofer and amp were in kit. Subwoofer replaced the stock one. Connecting amp and subwoofer was easy.

Which amplifier did you use? Has anyone added speakers under the seats as new models have?


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Remember this was many years ago. The subwoofer amp that was in the kit is BSW was an Elemental Design NINe.2. Sub is 10" and enclosure is 24x12x9.

I don't remember the cost. I know just enough about audio systems to be dangerous. My guess is there would be noticeable improvement with correct current day speakers.

I replaced the factory sub. I have 1 sub. Original system had tweeters, I just upgraded them.

I have gone through the days of upgrades with Dice, Mediabridge etc. etc.. Coupled with the aftermarket tuner, I have all the features of current systems, including backup camera. I don't like doing anything that isn't a performance upgrade but I would certainly do the upgrade again.

Do any of you have a diagram of how to connect a new amplifier, would you leave the old subwoofer (because I have a dsp system) if you can?


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Sorry I hadn't responded to this, was out of pocket since Thursday at a vintage BMW event. As bcredliner said, the Bavsound/BSW speaker upgrades are a great addition to the DSP system. But they are impossible to find, and were expensive new, and still are. I have a full set and wouldn't part with them unless a "make me sell them" offer were made.

Aside from that option, other members have pioneered other options. See propellerhead's thread here and X53Jay4.8is' thread here. Both threads are full of info and both retained the DSP amp so are compatible options.

I went with a complete change, removing the DSP amp and changing all drivers. I don't recommend this option unless you are serious about sound, don't mind a lot of work, and have extra cash in your bank account waiting to be burned. I started a thread about it but need to start a new one as that one is no longer accurate. Editing it to be so again would be a pain so I'll just point to the new thread in the original post when I finally finish it (3 years in progress :rolleyes:).

I was thinking about Keenwood or Kappa Infinity speakers (have you heard of them)? I would also replace the factory DSP amplifier with some aftermarket if it will improve the sound in the vehicle a lot. I see that everyone also puts crossovers for the speakers and then connects them to the amplifier, can anyone tell me what you get with that?


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In that case, you'll find this thread I did on a DSP integration harness interesting. Gives the wire pinouts/colors for the harnesses at the DSP amplifier.

Removing the DSP amp and going aftermarket gives more speaker options, and of course more power. The quality of the sound of my front stage now is unbelievable. My wife had the B&O system in her F15 X5 and is not happy now after spending the weekend in my X5. I am running 3 amps, 2 5 channel amps, and 1 mono amp. Still working some kinks out, but am very happy with how it's coming out.

I did Infinity Kappa 3 way component speakers up front. 6" door woofers, 2" dash mids, and 1" tweeters. They are on sale right now btw, if you're interested in them. They are all 2.5ohm drivers. Likely wouldn't pair well with the DSP amp, but on aftermarket amps (that are 2ohm stereo capable) they sound awesome. I am not using any of the crossovers they sent as I am using an Audiocontrol DSP and the amps to control the speakers on an individual basis in terms of frequencies they receive.

Kenwood speakers I have limited experience with. But as long as they use a textile tweeter of some sort (silk or otherwise) I'm sure they'd be great. Metallic tweeters are too bright for me and end up a little tinny.

If you go with a 4 channel amplifier to power your interiors, then use the included crossovers for the components. This will allow you to power more drivers with the limited amplification channels. Passive crossovers can sound great too. I wanted to go full active since I was using a 10 channel DSP and could handle all the speakers in an X5.

But what I am doing is a huge pain in the @$$. I don't recommend it to any normal person.

What you are installing is really amazing. I still wouldn’t invest that much in an audio system. I was thinking of using a 5 channel amplifier. Can you recommend me a combination of some Kappa speakers and some amplifier that will greatly improve my audio system but not overly expensive (like your audio system). I would like you to write me what I need to completely connect that audio system to my vehicle because I have no experience with it so far. Do I need to bring new wires from my android multimedia to a new amplifier or can I use an old existing installation?


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Can anyone tell me how much crossover I need and how it connects, which speakers connect together to one crossover and how it later connects to an amplifier?


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If you buy a component set, it will come with passive crossovers. Just hook them up per the instructions. Pioneer diagram below.

https://www.benzworld.org/attachment...er-jpg.492723/

Yes, I meant those crossovers. I wonder how they connect, the left side of the speaker connects to one crossover and the right to the other or does it all connect separately (front left to one rear left to another, front right to one and rear right to another)? How many crossovers do I need


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Sounds like you should do some reading on audio forums as an intro before purchasing. This can get be complicated, or very simple.

A simple way is to buy component speaker pairs. They will come with 2 woofers, 2 tweeters, and 2 crossovers. Left front woofer and tweeter will connect to one crossover, which then has an amplifier output. The other side will have its own crossover. So, generally speaking... each door will have a crossover for its pair of speakers. Generally.

I was thinking of these crossovers with 6 inputs and 2 outputs but I found on the internet how they connect. Did you install the speakers under the seat like the new BMW models have, will that contribute to the sound system?
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...62636763c5.jpg


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The short answer is that BMW's modern 3-way system is quite nice.

Why? Because you can install a robust midbass woofer and take a lot of stress off of the midrange driver. A 4-5" driver is generally going to do a lot better for the vocal ranges and is more able to meet the tweeter at the crossover frequencies that it will want. It also lets you take some of the upper range off of the subwoofer.

My crossover points in my E90 M3 are roughly 4500-200-60. With a 2-way setup, you generally end up at crossing the mid to tweeter at 3500, and the subwoofer comes up to 80 (or higher if your mid just can't get there).

That said, getting a driver under the seat requires space that may not really exist in the E53.

to which connector in the crossover the speaker under the seat connects if I were to install it


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The crossovers are clearly labeled.