E53 X5 Stereo Upgrade options

[gbahler@xtra.co.nz 0]

Hi All

I have just bought a E53 X5 and have found the stereo bass performance disappointing.

Is there a Subwoofer that just plugs in to the existing head unit rather than having to import the JL Audio Sub from overseas. I would like to make the install as small as possible so that I don't lose any boot space.

Thanks!

[hotwire 352]

Welcome to the site.

Haven't upgraded an X5 system myself but am aware of it having been done for similar complaints.

From memory the door speakers are fairly mediocre & are easily upgraded with better units.

Some X5's have a sub in the rear R/H corner

Has your vehicle got TV monitor?

[isis 16]

Easily done. i custom made my box to fit where the OEM sub would go.

Time consuming process, but way cheaper than buying one from the states.

Added an amp & a 8inch sub.

Noticeable difference to the low end

Cabling is fairly straight forward.

[Neal 512]

Have a word with a car audio store and show them a bsw style setup.

http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/product/...6/X5-Subwoofer/

Bass wise maybe a DD 500 8 inch and a sound stream stealth amp which can daisychain off the bmw factory sub amp.

[rogan 1]

what part of NZ are you in?

[gbahler@xtra.co.nz 0]

Thanks for the welcome. I am in Wellington and my X5 is nz new with the standard stereo (labelled BMW Business) so doesn't have the video screen or a sub woofer in the right space.

I am pretty happy with the handling given it weighs over 2000kg. Having had several Audi's, I was going to buy a VW Touareg but then the 3.0d BMW came up and I was impressed with it as a package.

By copy to isis, you mention that you added an amp and boxed sub. What are the specs on what you built and did the standard deck have line outs?

[rogan 1]

Following link gives you a good step by step guide:

http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/product-...tem_Non_DSP.pdf

One option might be a Pioneer shallow mount sub. No idea what they are like but the required box seems pretty small:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-stereo...n-400483950.htm

[isis 16]

I followed some instructions on the net to build the box to fit in the console area.

Did a short cut and glassed it instead of using more wood because of the shape.

connections were made on the factory amp following the instructions from bsw.

[gbahler@xtra.co.nz 0]

I followed some instructions on the net to build the box to fit in the console area.

Did a short cut and glassed it instead of using more wood because of the shape.

connections were made on the factory amp following the instructions from bsw.

I presume that you have the standard speakers? Are you completely happy with the setup now?

I am thinking about just going for the BSW from the US and installing it myself as its just under $900 landed. Has anyone else done this?

[isis 16]

Yeah standard speakers

they're OK..would definately like some better speakers up front for better staging.

However you'll probably need a decent amp to run them & when will it end?

Also am not too keen to start pulling the car apart to get this sorted out.

if you're an audiophile, then it will definitely not cut it!