03-28-2024, 12:43 PM | #1 |
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Bmw x7 bowers&wilkins installation
Thinking of installing used original B&W sound system in my vehicle. Is it even possible? This set is on Ebay
Last edited by dmytro_usa; 03-28-2024 at 12:58 PM.. |
03-28-2024, 01:05 PM | #2 |
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Where’s the center speaker from the dash?
Unless you have significant experience as installer you’d probably be asking for trouble. |
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03-28-2024, 01:10 PM | #4 | |
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In all honesty, you are diving into expensive, yet DANGEROUS territory with trying to retrofit the B&W Diamond Surround Sound System - given how complex the system is, I wouldn't risk my warranty being voided if that thing fails for some reason. That said, an alternative solution I could suggest to you would be coding the B&W sound settings via bimmercode. I drive a 2021 BMW 330i that has iDrive 7 and Harman Kardon (his name is Hrag!) and I have the B&W sound settings coded/enabled! With these new settings, I can change the music profiles (e.g., Movie Theatre mode, concert mode, etc.) and I think it enhances the sound on the H/K system! If you know anyone who is a sound/audio engineer, they can go into the equalizer and get crazy! Although if you are like me and you don't, then I would suggest that you still mess with the equalizer and see if that helps? I don't know anything about frequencies or what an equalizer even is, I just kept moving things around until it sounded good. Lastly, I've been fooling around with some music software and I've added both a reverb and a 3D effect to some of my favorite songs and I think that, along with the B&W settings on the H/K system, really enhances the experience! I've got quite a few compliments on my vehicle's sound system and so I hope this helps! Keep us posted and let us know if you decide to go through with it or maybe another alternative! Down below is a link to "Bavsound", which is a company that offers sound system - upgrades that are specifically compatible to BMW's and I've heard good things about them! There is also a user who did a Bavsound upgrade on his/her/their X5 and they posted a DIY - link will also be down below! Bavsound: https://www.bavsound.com/ User DIY (Bavsound): https://g07.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1846757 Best, Cameron! |
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03-28-2024, 01:17 PM | #5 | |
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03-28-2024, 01:35 PM | #6 |
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I have a 2023 Audi A8 with B&O and IMHO its garbage. It is amazing how we think grass is greener on the other side.
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03-28-2024, 01:40 PM | #7 |
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03-28-2024, 01:55 PM | #8 | |
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I would not argue with you on that. I used to have Audi A8 D4 2011 with B&O and again it was impressive. As we know 10-15 years ago the quality of build used to be way better then nowadays. |
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03-28-2024, 01:59 PM | #9 |
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It will be a nightmare on many levels. I don’t think it’s worth the risk. It would be far better in trading in and repurchase a factory B&W vehicle. Not to mention no body will want your retrofited vehicle with such extensive work let alone what you paid for the equipment.
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03-28-2024, 03:48 PM | #10 |
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I guess I'll be the lone supporter here. Theoretically I can see this retrofit entirely possible with the pre-LCI.
I'm 99% sure the 16 matching speakers between the HK and B&W would be a plug and play (which makes sense from a manufacturing perspective), where you would have to get creative would be the 4 "3D speakers" in the headliner, make sure you measure twice and cut once on those... Now I agree with others the value proposition isn't there, but if you wanted to do it because you can, then go for it. |
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03-28-2024, 04:39 PM | #11 | |
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03-28-2024, 04:55 PM | #12 |
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I can believe it. There are 2 levels of install here. You can absolutely just swap out the existing speakers, that's not a problem, which I assume the AliExpress retrofits are. The more difficult parts are the 4 extra speakers as well as swapping the amp/controller(s) out and then the coding to the B&W system. I know some folks have used Bimmercode or equivalent to code their pre-LCI to have the B&W sound profiles, so that's why I think it should be possible to fully retrofit it in.
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03-28-2024, 05:22 PM | #13 |
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How much are you willing to spend? I ask because you can get an aftermarket system professionally installed that will be in another world. Talking Morel speakers, JL subs, Helix active DSP. It’s what I have in my X3, and the B&W - though still being a great system that also looks great - really is astonishing.
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03-28-2024, 06:20 PM | #14 |
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As someone who has the B&W system, I think a much more realistic and cost effective option would be adding a sub to the HK system. It'll give you a lot of the low end that's missing and make the system sound fuller. I'd argue that unless you're a serious audiophile you're apt to get similar gains going that route. The B&W does mids and highs really well, but it's still lacking on the low end.
A quality sub can go a long way. My personal reccomendation would be the Audison APBX 10 AS2, which is a powered and compact unit that can fit in the spare tire well.
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03-28-2024, 06:27 PM | #15 | |
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03-28-2024, 06:35 PM | #17 | |
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I could’ve went with swapping speakers but I want 100 % B&W factory setup. |
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03-28-2024, 06:41 PM | #18 | |
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Sounds like OP is skilled enough to knock out the full B&W install though. Can't wait to see the pics of the final product! |
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03-28-2024, 08:16 PM | #19 | |
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03-28-2024, 08:30 PM | #20 | |
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I see you in CA, I’m in FL! I guess I need to find someone locally with B&W to check it out myself and make a call after that if I need one or not. Problem is it’s hard to make a decision because some people say it’s way better than H/K and some like you that it’s not worth it. I don’t know maybe I’m to picky but in my previous audi A8 2011 B&O was amazing and I’m hopping B&W does the same. |
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03-28-2024, 08:31 PM | #21 | |
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03-28-2024, 10:01 PM | #22 | |
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Describing the stock HK as muddy is on target. However giving it the B&W processing through Bimmercode allows you to hide some of the lack of depth, highs/mids through the surround sound processing. |
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