03 BMW X5 4.6L (Audio / Video System, Install Date 11-2003)
This is a 2003 BMW X5 with the 4.6 liter engine and factory 20” wheels. The customer wanted a top-notch sound / video system without any loss of cargo space or functionality of the vehicle. Some of the other upgrades were a Dinan intake, ECU chip and strut tower brace as well as a Valentine One Radar integration into the factory dash display and many more cool features.
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We opted for the factory head unit because of its clean looks, navigation and steering wheel controls. Even though this system came with DSP, which makes it much more difficult to integrate aftermarket audio components into. Also notice the replaced “M” steering wheel with functional paddle shifters.
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An array of soundgate hi-voltage LOC’s were used to retrieve a full range semi linear preamp signal to feed to our aftermarket amplifiers. The factory equalization curve is very unlinear and requires a good amount of fine-tuning to make it acceptable.
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The mounting brackets that hold the factory nav and CD changer were modified to accommodate an additional Alpine 6 DVD changer and a Bluetooth phone module. There is a flush trim piece that goes around the components. (not pictured)
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All of the BMW tracks and mechanisms were dismantled from the original pullout loading floor and carefully integrated into our custom made floor / amp rack.
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In the passenger side quarter panel, the factory dual 6” sub enclosure was removed and the fuse / relay box was relocated to make room for the new sub box that will house a JL Audio 12W6 V2. To gain enough air space was not easy because the face of the box could not protrude over the loading floor, otherwise it would not lift up anymore.

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Here are the new interior pieces prior to equipment installation or carpeting. Notice the black plastic cower on top of the sub box. This is removable to gain access to the taillight bulbs.

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The end result is a functional loading floor that now houses a Phoenix Gold TI 500.4 and 800.1 amplifier, as well s a one farad cap and four MB Quart QSD passive x-overs. The entire piece was recovered in BMW carpeting for a perfect match.

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With the cover on, the area can be used for storage again. The SIM (Sound in Motion) logo is actual a functional vent for the fan cooled amplifiers.

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This is as flush as you are going to get a 12” woofer in this corner. The grillecover helps it blend in and the factory 12 volt power outlets were retained as well.

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The spare tire, battery and other electronics are still located and accessible in their factory location by lifting up the entire loading floor.

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www.sound-in-motion.com | 8 Brighton Ave. Allston, MA 02134 | corner of Comm Ave. & Brighton Ave. | 617.787.7744