Upgrade X3 to premium Sound after purchase?

[jknj]

Hello all,

I recently purchased a 2005 x3 with standard sound, and would like to know if anyone has any experience with upgrading it to Premim sound. I would like to keep the factory head unit and controls, and just replace the amp and speakers. I have read on one of these forums that the actual head unit is identical, and my questions are: Is the DSP cable in the standard wiring bundle, or will I have to build it myself? How different is the wiring to the door panels? Are the speakers separately amped or do they use a passive crossover in the door? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,

jknj

[bettnugs]

I faced a similar dilemma with my new (to me) 2004 X3. Researched quite a bit on this site... If you're after improved sound quality, IMO you might consider upgrading the head unit. I installed an Alpine cda-9884 over the weekend and the difference is amazing -- all for under $300 including the install, Ipod hookup, etc.

Granted, I lost the clean look of the stock business CD, but the difference in sound quality and features/options is well worth it. AND, best buy will re-install the original head unit free at any time.

Good luck and welcome to the fest!

[jknj]

I would agree that that would be the easiest path, and if I hadn't got Nav, I would have just moved my Pioneer (w / NAV) into the new car. I would liek to stay with the factory setup on this one, however, so that is not an option.

I actually purchased a DSP amp on Ebay, which I hope works. I just need more info on things like wiring and speaker upgrades to follow the path I am on.

Thanks for the advice.

jknj :)

[riod007]

i have prem sound and it makes SUCH a difference over a stock sys

and it maintains the clean look

and it has a lottttttt of bass


most of my friends think i have a huge system

[bettnugs]

i have prem sound and it makes SUCH a difference over a stock sys

and it maintains the clean look

and it has a lottttttt of bass


most of my friends think i have a huge system

Would you mind sharing the specs of the premium sound if you have them? If not, then the speaker configuation, etc? Thanks.

[riod007]

Would you mind sharing the specs of the premium sound if you have them? If not, then the speaker configuation, etc? Thanks.

it has 8 speekers and 2 subs

the speekers are higher quality

it has speed sensitive volume control

it has DSP witch is much like Logic 7

and it has a TON of bass

my friends usually ask me if i have a woofer in the trunk :D

[bettnugs]

Nice! MP3 CD capability and Ipod hookup as well?

[jknj]

I looked at the BMW Ipod system, as well as the DICE unit, and after having a Pioneer headunit in my last car, I was grossly underwhelmed. I decided to spring for the Intravee ($250 from BImmerNav) Installation was very easy, except for the removal of the old CD changer, which I sold for $125 (non-MP3 model). The Intravee is great, better than my Pioneer, although it has a few areas I wish they would address. It is software upgradeable, which I have already checked out, but the updates are not appearing recently, which makes me concerned that they have moved on. If they would just get the XM support done, I would be happy. If it were $150, and upgraded more recently, DICE would really be a poor choice.

[MyHandleWontFit]

Can my dealer also preform this upgrade?

[jknj]

I don't know if dealers will touch aftermarket parts. I kinda doubt it, since I have this nasty label on my windshield stating that having a cellphone in my pocket can void the warranty!

BTW, the amp turned out to be blown, but I can see from the internals that there appear to only be 6 amps, not the 10 reported. There appear to be passive crossovers on the output that divide the signals between the door midranges and the tweeters. I can't be really sure until I get the datsheets for the amps. I had read on another forum that this was the case, but I am not absolutely positive.

If this is really the case, it may be very feasible to short out the separate networks and use traditional speakers with the full power with no frequency shaping to the door. I will keep everyone posted if I figure out anymore.

[bettnugs]

Can my dealer also preform this upgrade?

My dealer in Washington would not touch an after-market stereo installation. Best Buy did a good job though -- IMO.

[MyHandleWontFit]

I was Under the impression that the '05 model had a premium sound system option, am I wrong about that?

[riod007]

Nice! MP3 CD capability and Ipod hookup as well?


The Ipod hookup was an option.

The dealer wants some outrageous number like $650 to retrofit an iPod connection.

Overall i love my stereo...


I cant wait to get my 335i coupe with the Logic 7 surround and an ipod hookup.. :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[jknj]

Best Buy and Circuit City are a bit of a crap shoot, unless you literally know the specific person who is going to be ripping off your dash and door panels. I have been surprised at the cost of even really simple BMW dealer items. They wanted $65 to reprogram my CPO x3 to setup various things that a new car customer would get for free. I was surprised they didn't give me at least one re-setup. They charge $130/hour! Best Buy seemed pretty reasonsable for speaker installs at $60 per install, front or back panels. I end up doing a lot of it myself, but I thought $60 was a fair price.

[bettnugs]

I agree with the above post. BB did a fine job on my alpine head unit install. Roughly $70 and done in under an hour. :thumbup: