Is it difficult to add an aftermarket subwoofer to a 2012 X5M?

[Dingles Wilder]

Anything I should know before attempting it? Should I have a pro do it?

[mitch808]

Pretty easy since the battery is in the back, as well as the factory amp...

A LOC and an amp and wiring kit.

If you've ever installed a soundsystem, this is a very easy task. If you have not done this, perhaps leave it to a professional.

Perhaps look into a pre-amped sub/active sub to simply things too...

[Dingles Wilder]

I have installed several sound systems in my life, but it is usually in pre-2010 vehicles. A lot of 90s Suburbans, VWs, etc. Some 80s stuff like Supras, 300ZX, etc. Never a BMW though. I also have never installed a sub in a vehicle that comes with a factory amp. So, I am a bit behind the times.

[mitch808]

Many amps have highlevel inputs, and that may be sufficient. However there are great aftermarket LOC's that take things further. Like the AudioControl LC2i and LC2i Pro with accubass

Basically those go from the factory amp output (you just tap into those wires) to the LOC or highlevel inputs, and then wire in amp from there. Easy peazy really.

Getting the wiring color codes I'm sure is also easy too.

Back in the day, JL Audio made something like this:
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-1PFgTr...o-Upgrade.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IFA3X06...osi&th=1&psc=1

You can totally build you own kit, using your own brands. All you're paying for is the custom bracket and JL Audio's premium price. You could save a ton on cost using other brands

Find the manual for that product from JL Audio, and you'll have a step by step install guide, specific to the X5!!!! I have a copy if needed.

[RL18]

Originally Posted by Dingles Wilder

Anything I should know before attempting it? Should I have a pro do it?

What factory audio system do you have in your x5m?

[Dingles Wilder]

Originally Posted by RL18

What factory audio system do you have in your x5m?

Not sure. I bought it used with no additional information on the audio system.

[RL18]

Originally Posted by Dingles Wilder

Not sure. I bought it used with no additional information on the audio system.

Do you have tweeters in the rear doors? Or speakers in the d pillar? Or speakers in the center channel?

Mine came with base audio, which is only 6 speakers and no amp. 4-4"midranges in the front and rear, then a 6-1/2" under the driver and passenger seat.

[Dingles Wilder]

I think it was advertised as a premium sound system, here is an interior photo of the speakers...

[Dingles Wilder]

Originally Posted by mitch808

Many amps have highlevel inputs, and that may be sufficient. However there are great aftermarket LOC's that take things further. Like the AudioControl LC2i and LC2i Pro with accubass

Basically those go from the factory amp output (you just tap into those wires) to the LOC or highlevel inputs, and then wire in amp from there. Easy peazy really.

Getting the wiring color codes I'm sure is also easy too.

Back in the day, JL Audio made something like this:
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-1PFgTr...o-Upgrade.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IFA3X06...osi&th=1&psc=1

You can totally build you own kit, using your own brands. All you're paying for is the custom bracket and JL Audio's premium price. You could save a ton on cost using other brands

Find the manual for that product from JL Audio, and you'll have a step by step install guide, specific to the X5!!!! I have a copy if needed.

Thank you, once I figure out exactly what I need, and as long as it will not mess anything up or throw any codes... I would like to figure this out.

[RL18]

Originally Posted by Dingles Wilder

I think it was advertised as a premium sound system, here is an interior photo of the speakers...

Okay if you don't have speakers in the d-pillar (trunk area) then you have hifi system, if you do, you have the premium system.

Depending on which, theres custom made loc that are plug and play for our x5s, so you don't have to cut into wiring for the bass signal. Then from there you'd install your amp just as you would. Technicpnp sells them.

Although you might want to do something like the audiocontrol with bass restoration because you'll be missing out on a lot of bass. I used a 10ch dsp to tune my speakers in my custom system and you can just about double the sound and clarity through tuning and bass restoration.

[mitch808]

No cutting needed, just use some taps once you know which sub or speaker output youre using.

You wont get a code for the reason above you shouldnt have to cut into anything

[pdX5M]

Originally Posted by Dingles Wilder

I think it was advertised as a premium sound system, here is an interior photo of the speakers...

From this photo you have the BMW Individual - or premium - sound system. This is evident from the silver rings around the speakers.

[Dingles Wilder]

Originally Posted by pdX5M

From this photo you have the BMW Individual - or premium - sound system. This is evident from the silver rings around the speakers.

Awesome! Thank you for clarifying! I have not had time to run out to the garage the past few days to check the hatch/trunk area.

Okay, so who knows what I need exactly for this sound system if I want to add a sub? (Links are helpful if available)

[mitch808]

An amp and sub, minimum. I cannot provide links, as brands and choices are highly subjective.

An alternative to this, is an active, pre-amplified sub. A single device that does it all, vs two devices. Something like an Infinity basslink, JBL Basspro, etc. Makes wiring simple!

Optionally, and recommended, is the Audiocontrol LC2i when paired with a dedicated amp. or their combined unit here: https://www.audiocontrol.com/car-aud...iers/acm-1300/ <--perfect with most 8"-10" subs

AudioControl makes great amps but I have no personal experience with them, only their signal processors and LOC units. But that amp I linked seems to fit the bill.

[Dingles Wilder]

Yeah I will decide on the amp and sub brand/type, but I want to know whatever kit I may need to make this possible. I think I want to go bigger than an 8 or 10 inch sub.

[RL18]

Originally Posted by Dingles Wilder

Yeah I will decide on the amp and sub brand/type, but I want to know whatever kit I may need to make this possible. I think I want to go bigger than an 8 or 10 inch sub.

Like I said, Technicpnp sells the harness, once you figure out if you have the d-pillar speakers go on his site put your info in for you x5s model year and audio system and you'll find the plug and play "add a sub harness" no splicing which is important if you want to go back to stock and sell. Then you go out to your amps from there.

Also I'm unsure whether or not your underseat subs and trunk subwoofer will work together or against each other since they will be playing the same frequencies. I had to use a 10ch audio control dsp to time align the underseat subs and the trunk sub. This was the only way I could run my under seat sub woofers with a sub trunk and not have the sound waves interfering with each other. Just a thought.

[Dingles Wilder]

Originally Posted by RL18

Like I said, Technicpnp sells the harness, once you figure out if you have the d-pillar speakers go on his site put your info in for you x5s model year and audio system and you'll find the plug and play "add a sub harness" no splicing which is important if you want to go back to stock and sell. Then you go out to your amps from there.

Also I'm unsure whether or not your underseat subs and trunk subwoofer will work together or against each other since they will be playing the same frequencies. I had to use a 10ch audio control dsp to time align the underseat subs and the trunk sub. This was the only way I could run my under seat sub woofers with a sub trunk and not have the sound waves interfering with each other. Just a thought.

Thanks for the additional tip. Maybe I should have a shop do the install, but maybe I can save some money by buying the parts I need. Anyway, are you talking about these bad mofos as the d-pillar speakers?

[ryansbmw]

That’s them. You have the premium system

[RL18]

Originally Posted by Dingles Wilder

Thanks for the additional tip. Maybe I should have a shop do the install, but maybe I can save some money by buying the parts I need. Anyway, are you talking about these bad mofos as the d-pillar speakers?

Yes those are it! Another option for you is to add an amp for the all the speakers and underseat subs. I ran all 12 speakers with the underseat subs and they do sound really good with proper tuning. If you want the boom though you'll need some thing bigger than the underseats like a 12" or jl 13.5" sub.

[Dingles Wilder]

Originally Posted by RL18

Yes those are it! Another option for you is to add an amp for the all the speakers and underseat subs. I ran all 12 speakers with the underseat subs and they do sound really good with proper tuning. If you want the boom though you'll need some thing bigger than the underseats like a 12" or jl 13.5" sub.

This company sells an amp and speaker/sub upgrades. I wonder if they are any good...

[mitch808]

Originally Posted by Dingles Wilder

This company sells an amp and speaker/sub upgrades. I wonder if they are any good...

I have the bavsound speakers in my doors. They are alright in terms of sound. Not worth the cost short of being plug and play.

Frankly, just the tweeters are enough. The factory mids vs the bavsound mids wasn't worth the upgrade. Amping the factory mids (which are actually pretty decent) is all you need IMO.

Those subs, I cannot imagine them being anything good, when a single proper 10" sub, in a proper box, will decimate those things, and be half the price.

[Dingles Wilder]

Originally Posted by mitch808

I have the bavsound speakers in my doors. They are alright in terms of sound. Not worth the cost short of being plug and play.

Frankly, just the tweeters are enough. The factory mids vs the bavsound mids wasn't worth the upgrade. Amping the factory mids (which are actually pretty decent) is all you need IMO.

Those subs, I cannot imagine them being anything good, when a single proper 10" sub, in a proper box, will decimate those things, and be half the price.

Thank you, good to know. Is the Bavsound amp any good for the factory speakers? As in... get the Bavsound amp and get an aftermarket sub on top of that?