XSeries-forum

Hi i have recently purchased a 2003 4.4i X5. I previously had a 740 with the DSP sound system and I am finding the X5 (6 speaker setup quite flat)
I have a e-class which puts the sound in the X5 to shame.

Any advice or guides on what steps to take. New speakers or speakers and Amps? I have mk4 navigation and factory bluetooth would this be effected by an amp? Also I i just upgraded the speakers would it make a big difference? Wh Ive already seen the BSW website and level 1 option and watch all the videos.

Any help/advice/guide would be much appreciated.

Sounds like you only have the basic audio system in there so it would be somewhat of a let down compared to what you're previously used to! I've got the Professional OE system in both the E53 and E71 and not changed the set-up. I guess it will depend on how big your budget is. The OEM sub was put into the right hand boot cubby so that seems to a favoured spot for putting your own into - with a custom enclosure. One or two on this board have done it.

Hi, welcome to the forum.

You have the basic setup as X5Sport says. This can be made 'better'. Your setup is 2-way up front and a filler in the rear. So you can get the BSW in the corner of the dash (expensive though) and a component set in the doors and leave the rears. Then get one of these:

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=1392

This will give you the best of both worlds. OEM setup in the doors without impeding on boot space in the boot. For the sub you will need to add an amp but this can be done easily and not affect your MK4 nav. Everything will remain as is - if near Bristol come to Meet and you'll get lots of ideas!

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1150

my car has the dsp sound system fitted and to be honest, i'm glad i never paid the original option cost for it when it new.
i think it sounds absolutely pants in the x5, even compared to other cars' basic sound systems i've owned previously. it has the bmw subwoofer in the boot too.
knowing what i know now i would go down the aftermarket speaker/amp set up route - probably at much less cost than retrofitting the oe stuff too.

Mine had the basic setup. Last year I upgraded to Rockford Fossgate components front and rear and a 8" custom fit sub where the oem one fits. Also a new RF amp.
100% difference in sound quality.

Do you need to fit adaptor rings for aftermarket speakers? I have seen them for sale, but no one has really mentioned them on here?

Luckily we're all different, I suppose - I've got the upgraded system in my 4.8 with the DSP and rear subwoofer and I think it sounds really good - I've heard the standard system and it is way better than that, once its had a bit of attention re ipod connectivity / ps2 etc at the meet ( Sanj, Jig) it'll be just right for us. I'm also glad though, that I didn't have to pay the new cost for my 4.8 with all its option boxes ticked....... Hexagon Highgate wanted enough for it as an AUC!!!