BMW 2008 E60 stereo upgrade
Discussion
Hello everyone!
Total noob here so I am looking for some help / guidance on what to buy etc as I have been looking online and have been bombarded with 1000 different things and I am just not clever enough to figure it all out yet!
I bought a 2008 BMW 525i in October and its a brilliant car with the exception of the stereo. It doesn't have bluetooth, there is no sat nav and is a bit pants in general. Its the older style head unit with the curved top that sits up near the windscreen if that helps. The idrive wheel only has 1 button underneath it so no microphone button etc.
I had apple carplay in my old BMW that was written off (through no fault of my own, I was parked up in a carpark and got rear ended) but can't stretch to 800 quid again to have it reinstalled so I am looking for a cheaper alternative that will allow me to stream music etc. I currently have a nasty plug in radio transmitter that either works brilliantly or I get a squeal noise the whole time so it needs to go lol
Any and all guidance will be gratefully recieved
Total noob here so I am looking for some help / guidance on what to buy etc as I have been looking online and have been bombarded with 1000 different things and I am just not clever enough to figure it all out yet!
I bought a 2008 BMW 525i in October and its a brilliant car with the exception of the stereo. It doesn't have bluetooth, there is no sat nav and is a bit pants in general. Its the older style head unit with the curved top that sits up near the windscreen if that helps. The idrive wheel only has 1 button underneath it so no microphone button etc.
I had apple carplay in my old BMW that was written off (through no fault of my own, I was parked up in a carpark and got rear ended) but can't stretch to 800 quid again to have it reinstalled so I am looking for a cheaper alternative that will allow me to stream music etc. I currently have a nasty plug in radio transmitter that either works brilliantly or I get a squeal noise the whole time so it needs to go lol
Any and all guidance will be gratefully recieved
Have a read through the thread below - very informative write up by someone who has fitted a CarPlay unit that replaces the original screen in the E60. I have an E91 but they do a version for the E9x too and I'm planning to order one. Seems a bargain at around £215 or so depending on the EUR exchange rate.
https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/142880-carplay-andr...
https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/142880-carplay-andr...
Evening,
got a similar desire with my E61 LCI, but for me it's more getting nav, bigger display and ideally some electronic gauges in the middle.
Whilst this is somewhere lower down my "list", part of me thinks I should get on an order anything from the EU sharpish, rather than dallying until post 1 Jan (apparently something is happening)
Also, whilst the Andream unit looks a good compromise in terms of function Vs cost, my understanding is it always needs a phone (which, frankly I will have on me 99.5% of time) unlike a full fat android unit?
Also, it can't support OBD2 apps (eg torque) which is more of a blow, as I like the idea of real time info about the engine (not just repeating the speed and revs)
Oh well, something to chew over over Christmas.
got a similar desire with my E61 LCI, but for me it's more getting nav, bigger display and ideally some electronic gauges in the middle.
Whilst this is somewhere lower down my "list", part of me thinks I should get on an order anything from the EU sharpish, rather than dallying until post 1 Jan (apparently something is happening)
Also, whilst the Andream unit looks a good compromise in terms of function Vs cost, my understanding is it always needs a phone (which, frankly I will have on me 99.5% of time) unlike a full fat android unit?
Also, it can't support OBD2 apps (eg torque) which is more of a blow, as I like the idea of real time info about the engine (not just repeating the speed and revs)
Oh well, something to chew over over Christmas.
Droid UK appears to be the most popular upgrade. Gives nav, Bluetooth in the original screen aperture. Google is your friend.
Also join the e60 owners club on Facebook. There is a wealth of knowledge about upgrades and sensible questions are well received.
I haven’t bothered with droid myself as debating whether to sell after my stem seals and cam cover gaskets are repaired. Plus mine has nav and the stereo does what I want so happy with it
Also join the e60 owners club on Facebook. There is a wealth of knowledge about upgrades and sensible questions are well received.
I haven’t bothered with droid myself as debating whether to sell after my stem seals and cam cover gaskets are repaired. Plus mine has nav and the stereo does what I want so happy with it
Ian Geary said:
Evening,
got a similar desire with my E61 LCI, but for me it's more getting nav, bigger display and ideally some electronic gauges in the middle.
Whilst this is somewhere lower down my "list", part of me thinks I should get on an order anything from the EU sharpish, rather than dallying until post 1 Jan (apparently something is happening)
Also, whilst the Andream unit looks a good compromise in terms of function Vs cost, my understanding is it always needs a phone (which, frankly I will have on me 99.5% of time) unlike a full fat android unit?
Also, it can't support OBD2 apps (eg torque) which is more of a blow, as I like the idea of real time info about the engine (not just repeating the speed and revs)
Oh well, something to chew over over Christmas.
Correct, the unit I linked above is basically a CarPlay interface that allows you to replicate your phone functionality onto the screen, using the phone's navigation, music, Spotify, etc. It does have some very basic built-in functionality such as storing and playing music, but generally speaking it requires a phone connected either wirelessly or plugged in.got a similar desire with my E61 LCI, but for me it's more getting nav, bigger display and ideally some electronic gauges in the middle.
Whilst this is somewhere lower down my "list", part of me thinks I should get on an order anything from the EU sharpish, rather than dallying until post 1 Jan (apparently something is happening)
Also, whilst the Andream unit looks a good compromise in terms of function Vs cost, my understanding is it always needs a phone (which, frankly I will have on me 99.5% of time) unlike a full fat android unit?
Also, it can't support OBD2 apps (eg torque) which is more of a blow, as I like the idea of real time info about the engine (not just repeating the speed and revs)
Oh well, something to chew over over Christmas.
The big differences between this and a full-blown Android head unit, aside from the obvious functionality, appear to be cost and boot-up speed. This unit at around £215 is significantly cheaper than any half-decent Android unit. And it seems that most of the Android units take a little while to get going when you switch the car on, whereas this unit seems to be ready in just a few seconds, presumably due to its much simpler operating system.
I don't have either so the above is just based on doing my research and watching various demo videos etc. I do plan to buy the CarPlay unit when I get around to it, as I think it would be perfect for my needs.
I'm going to jump on this one too. All being well I'll soon be in an 08 E60, which does at least have some prep. It has the base / 'stereo' audio system which as I understand it has 6 speakers (4x mids in the front doors and rear shelf and 2 fairly pathetic subs under the front seats, which are presmably driven from the head unit as there is no amp). I like my music and do some long drives so an upgrade is essential. I have never worked with amps or subs before so the terminology is new, correct me if I get stuff wrong!
As factory options, the car has S601 TV Function, S609 Pro Nav, S633 Prep mobile phone business (there is no cradle / hardware though - good) and S672 6CD changer mounted in the glovebox. There is also an 'OEM looking' compartment in the nearside rear boot behind the wheel arch that is about the size of a 6CD changer and has a slot positioned where the cartridge would go, but is empty. There are 2no. aux ins behind the centre console.
I think that what I want/need to do is:
1) Install an amp somewhere to drive the front stage and under seat subs
2) Upgrade the subs (Earthquake seem a good bet, the SWS-8 is supposed to be a straight swap)
3) Upgrade the front stage speakers
4) Dension DAB and USB install in the glovebox where the 6CD currently is. I could look at either moving the 6CD into the boot as there appears to be a ready made housing for it, or just drop it as I can live with the front-load single disc head unit, especially if I can run off a stick / HDD via the new USB interface.
Questions
How to wire in the amp and where to put it? If I put it in the boot, then I have to wire the inputs all the way through the car and back to the front end.
Did the OEM amp live under/behind the boot carpet or was there some sort of housing provided for it in the general boot area? I looked at another E60 with the HiFi option and that as far as I can remember did not have anything of note in the boot area. So I guess it all goes under the carpets.
What extent of preparation can I expect in the boot area - will there be wires ready for the amp that wasn't specified in the build sheet, or am I starting from scratch?
Does the base CCC / 'Stereo' HU have line out or does this have to go via the optical system (MOSTbus?). Do I need to activate anything to use this, and if so, how?
The easiest way to upgrade the front stage would appear to be the original HK tweeters, which are available as a plug and play kit for front and rear from various places from ebay to the dealer network. Is this likely to be any good, or is it necessary to go aftermarket for halfway decent quality? If I go for an aftermarket kit e.g. Focal or the like, I'll need the mids, tweets and inline crossovers which presumably I connect to the amp channels any way I like, leaving the original cables tied up out of the way?
What is the best way to reach the door speakers? Is there a conduit through the hinge area allowing a cable to pass directly through, or is it like my Saab 9-3 where the loom plugs into the door shell near the hinge and then there is a separate loom for the door?
I could just pay someone to do it for me but I like to get to know my cars and I'm paranoid about others wrecking trim clips leading to rattles etc.
As factory options, the car has S601 TV Function, S609 Pro Nav, S633 Prep mobile phone business (there is no cradle / hardware though - good) and S672 6CD changer mounted in the glovebox. There is also an 'OEM looking' compartment in the nearside rear boot behind the wheel arch that is about the size of a 6CD changer and has a slot positioned where the cartridge would go, but is empty. There are 2no. aux ins behind the centre console.
I think that what I want/need to do is:
1) Install an amp somewhere to drive the front stage and under seat subs
2) Upgrade the subs (Earthquake seem a good bet, the SWS-8 is supposed to be a straight swap)
3) Upgrade the front stage speakers
4) Dension DAB and USB install in the glovebox where the 6CD currently is. I could look at either moving the 6CD into the boot as there appears to be a ready made housing for it, or just drop it as I can live with the front-load single disc head unit, especially if I can run off a stick / HDD via the new USB interface.
Questions
How to wire in the amp and where to put it? If I put it in the boot, then I have to wire the inputs all the way through the car and back to the front end.
Did the OEM amp live under/behind the boot carpet or was there some sort of housing provided for it in the general boot area? I looked at another E60 with the HiFi option and that as far as I can remember did not have anything of note in the boot area. So I guess it all goes under the carpets.
What extent of preparation can I expect in the boot area - will there be wires ready for the amp that wasn't specified in the build sheet, or am I starting from scratch?
Does the base CCC / 'Stereo' HU have line out or does this have to go via the optical system (MOSTbus?). Do I need to activate anything to use this, and if so, how?
The easiest way to upgrade the front stage would appear to be the original HK tweeters, which are available as a plug and play kit for front and rear from various places from ebay to the dealer network. Is this likely to be any good, or is it necessary to go aftermarket for halfway decent quality? If I go for an aftermarket kit e.g. Focal or the like, I'll need the mids, tweets and inline crossovers which presumably I connect to the amp channels any way I like, leaving the original cables tied up out of the way?
What is the best way to reach the door speakers? Is there a conduit through the hinge area allowing a cable to pass directly through, or is it like my Saab 9-3 where the loom plugs into the door shell near the hinge and then there is a separate loom for the door?
I could just pay someone to do it for me but I like to get to know my cars and I'm paranoid about others wrecking trim clips leading to rattles etc.
2gins said:
I'm going to jump on this one too. All being well I'll soon be in an 08 E60, which does at least have some prep. It has the base / 'stereo' audio system which as I understand it has 6 speakers (4x mids in the front doors and rear shelf and 2 fairly pathetic subs under the front seats, which are presmably driven from the head unit as there is no amp). I like my music and do some long drives so an upgrade is essential. I have never worked with amps or subs before so the terminology is new, correct me if I get stuff wrong!
As factory options, the car has S601 TV Function, S609 Pro Nav, S633 Prep mobile phone business (there is no cradle / hardware though - good) and S672 6CD changer mounted in the glovebox. There is also an 'OEM looking' compartment in the nearside rear boot behind the wheel arch that is about the size of a 6CD changer and has a slot positioned where the cartridge would go, but is empty. There are 2no. aux ins behind the centre console.
I think that what I want/need to do is:
1) Install an amp somewhere to drive the front stage and under seat subs
2) Upgrade the subs (Earthquake seem a good bet, the SWS-8 is supposed to be a straight swap)
3) Upgrade the front stage speakers
4) Dension DAB and USB install in the glovebox where the 6CD currently is. I could look at either moving the 6CD into the boot as there appears to be a ready made housing for it, or just drop it as I can live with the front-load single disc head unit, especially if I can run off a stick / HDD via the new USB interface.
Questions
How to wire in the amp and where to put it? If I put it in the boot, then I have to wire the inputs all the way through the car and back to the front end.
Did the OEM amp live under/behind the boot carpet or was there some sort of housing provided for it in the general boot area? I looked at another E60 with the HiFi option and that as far as I can remember did not have anything of note in the boot area. So I guess it all goes under the carpets.
What extent of preparation can I expect in the boot area - will there be wires ready for the amp that wasn't specified in the build sheet, or am I starting from scratch?
Does the base CCC / 'Stereo' HU have line out or does this have to go via the optical system (MOSTbus?). Do I need to activate anything to use this, and if so, how?
The easiest way to upgrade the front stage would appear to be the original HK tweeters, which are available as a plug and play kit for front and rear from various places from ebay to the dealer network. Is this likely to be any good, or is it necessary to go aftermarket for halfway decent quality? If I go for an aftermarket kit e.g. Focal or the like, I'll need the mids, tweets and inline crossovers which presumably I connect to the amp channels any way I like, leaving the original cables tied up out of the way?
What is the best way to reach the door speakers? Is there a conduit through the hinge area allowing a cable to pass directly through, or is it like my Saab 9-3 where the loom plugs into the door shell near the hinge and then there is a separate loom for the door?
I could just pay someone to do it for me but I like to get to know my cars and I'm paranoid about others wrecking trim clips leading to rattles etc.
About to do the same job, how did it go? and did u ever get answers to your questions? As factory options, the car has S601 TV Function, S609 Pro Nav, S633 Prep mobile phone business (there is no cradle / hardware though - good) and S672 6CD changer mounted in the glovebox. There is also an 'OEM looking' compartment in the nearside rear boot behind the wheel arch that is about the size of a 6CD changer and has a slot positioned where the cartridge would go, but is empty. There are 2no. aux ins behind the centre console.
I think that what I want/need to do is:
1) Install an amp somewhere to drive the front stage and under seat subs
2) Upgrade the subs (Earthquake seem a good bet, the SWS-8 is supposed to be a straight swap)
3) Upgrade the front stage speakers
4) Dension DAB and USB install in the glovebox where the 6CD currently is. I could look at either moving the 6CD into the boot as there appears to be a ready made housing for it, or just drop it as I can live with the front-load single disc head unit, especially if I can run off a stick / HDD via the new USB interface.
Questions
How to wire in the amp and where to put it? If I put it in the boot, then I have to wire the inputs all the way through the car and back to the front end.
Did the OEM amp live under/behind the boot carpet or was there some sort of housing provided for it in the general boot area? I looked at another E60 with the HiFi option and that as far as I can remember did not have anything of note in the boot area. So I guess it all goes under the carpets.
What extent of preparation can I expect in the boot area - will there be wires ready for the amp that wasn't specified in the build sheet, or am I starting from scratch?
Does the base CCC / 'Stereo' HU have line out or does this have to go via the optical system (MOSTbus?). Do I need to activate anything to use this, and if so, how?
The easiest way to upgrade the front stage would appear to be the original HK tweeters, which are available as a plug and play kit for front and rear from various places from ebay to the dealer network. Is this likely to be any good, or is it necessary to go aftermarket for halfway decent quality? If I go for an aftermarket kit e.g. Focal or the like, I'll need the mids, tweets and inline crossovers which presumably I connect to the amp channels any way I like, leaving the original cables tied up out of the way?
What is the best way to reach the door speakers? Is there a conduit through the hinge area allowing a cable to pass directly through, or is it like my Saab 9-3 where the loom plugs into the door shell near the hinge and then there is a separate loom for the door?
I could just pay someone to do it for me but I like to get to know my cars and I'm paranoid about others wrecking trim clips leading to rattles etc.
I didn't do the amp. I put the gladen one subs and components in the front, which was easy enough. Un-amped they're much better than the factory kit and have all the volume and bass I need. I listen to a lot of house etc on the long motorway slogs. Cd changer is still there switched through the dension, which I've put under the glove box with the control point in the arm rest where the phone prep was. I took that out to make room. It's nice and discrete but for want of 6 inches of extra cable I had to buy the dension extension. Haven't got the mic working yet as it's not obvious how to mount it tidily. And I still need to find someone to code out the BMW assist as the dension interferes with the SOS function.
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