audio upgrades - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

wildturkeybird · 8th March 2008, 23:59

With over a foot of snow here in the past 24 hours, ive had nothing to do but cruise the board for insight on a few subjects.
Is there anyone in here who has upgraded their audio system and retained the stock head unit/nav. More specific, has anyone done a full speaker upgrade like from bavarian soundworks or a mixture of other components?. Im looking to add a little more clarity for the highs and mids, and a bit more punch for bass. my car has the M-audio option and with the adjustments possible via DSP, it deffinitely sounds better than my old 540's stock setup did. Im not lookikn to add bone rattling equiptment. There is just a bit more desired.

THRILOS5 · 9th March 2008, 01:02

I did the exact same thing in my car and it sounds awesome, like a whole new sound system
I did Polk audio components in the front doors and I also moved the stock midrange in the unused spot on the door panel right next to the vent, in the rear panel I just used the Polk audio 1" tweeters,
remember there are no tweeters in the rear door panels
now the sound is more dynamic and it has more clarity Im very satisfied with this set up

Need4Spd · 9th March 2008, 01:13

I have the Bavarian Soundwerks Stage 1 kit installed (Rainbows). Sounds much better than stock (I even had the M Audio option). It is a good upgrade and a good value.

ecalcagnino · 9th March 2008, 01:13

I went with a full set of BSW speakers and their sub and couldn't be happier. It's absolutely worth the dough and I got exactly what I was looking for out of a system which was the same requirements as you have.

I also went with the Intravee iPod unit after horrible issues with the Dice. Skip the Dice altogether if you're going the iPod route.

It's a good way to learn your way around the interior parts, too. While I got some help with the sub part from a board member ( thanks again Mish!!) you'll have an opportunity to take all KINDS of things apart and tighten things up, get rid of rattles, etc.

Good luck!

Eric

Kmac · 9th March 2008, 01:15

Wild Turkey sighting! Literally. One is walking down my street at the moment.

This snow sucks. A bit less and I would have had the M3 out

Seems as though ppl have had very good luck with the system from BSW. I ordered it for my M3, and now am exchanging it to put in the M5.

Turkey pic included.

wildturkeybird · 9th March 2008, 03:05

Thanks for the pic, Kirk. It looks like ill be giving BSW a call. Yeah can u believe this weather.

DouglasABaker · 9th March 2008, 17:20

Nope - never done one

There are many options available to you, including the fine suggestions already listed.

You need to decide how much you want to replace. Changing the speakers can help "brighten" the image, but I'd suggest you listen to speakers personally before buying since everyone hears differently (meaning that what I like might not sound good to you). Almost any 5.25" component set will fit in the vehicle just fine, including BSW (which are really Rainbows), MBQuarts, Polks, Boston Acoustic, etc.

The "headunit" in our cars is just a monitor - it doesn't do anything. The radio tuner, cd changer, and amp are all in the left rear of your trunk.

d-

Diny · 9th March 2008, 18:04

Did you guys get the IQ Line option? How does it compare to the non-IQ?

ecalcagnino · 9th March 2008, 18:26

I have IQ in the front and non-IQ in the rear deck. I would recommend it, the non-IQs are not as clear although they are perfect for rear-fill.

Blockdoc · 9th March 2008, 18:35

Hi all,
Just thought I would chime in here. About 6 months ago, did the "full meal deal" from BSW and replaced the components on my beast. Prior to the replacement, I had the M-audio with twin 10 inch subs. The system wasn't all that bad, but left a bit to be desired as far as imaging, and especially bass. I found the stock subs were very "muddy" and indistinct.

I had some nice interaction with Halston from BSW on this board. (their customer service is amazing!) I told him what I was looking for and he suggested I add the BSW Subwoofer along with the IQ line speakers.

I did the install myself....which I would highly recommend if you have the interest. Took ME about 6 hours (an experienced installer might be able to do it much faster) mainly because I have not really done any car audio work before. I agree with the above poster, that it does give you a good chance to see what is behind the door panels, rear deck, etc. The instructions are very clear and an experienced installer from BSW is always available by phone.

As far as quality. BSW sent me Rainbow speakers (IQ line for the fronts), which are well respected in the car audio world for quality and value. The sub and enclosure is top-notch construction, the sub purchase includes a very nice PunchEQ amplifier from Rockford Fosgate.

The sound is dramatically better given the price point. It is generally not practical to replace the headunit in these vehicles because of the involvement it has in other systems. It could be done, but the price would not justify the improvement. It is also generally felt that the headunit and amplifier on the stock system are reasonable quality, just the speakers are garbage.

I have no doubts that a true audio buff can put together a system that sounds (to him/her) "better" for the same price. This would take a lot of legwork...listening to different speaker combinations, sonically matching components, etc. I personally, do not have the time or experience )or interest) to do this. The folks at BSW have done a good job doing this legwork for you.

I have no relationship to BSW other than as a happy customer, but I would highly recommend this upgrade...it is money well spent IMHO.

Good Luck with your choice

Brian

PS- To answer you question about the IQ line....is is, I believe, about $150 more. They are a slightly higher quality speaker for the fronts. Supposedly a bit better clarity and imaging...probably more suited to a car with M-Audio and DSP to take advantage of this clarity.