OT-Aftermarket Car Stereo Install
- Thread starter abfleck
- Start date
latinreefer
New member
If my memory serves me correctly, I don't think you can swap your original stereo to an aftermarket radio because of the computer system of the truck and radio sharing the same connection as a hub for the rest of the truck. Not 100%
GL
GL
abfleck
Active member
Fish_wiz2
Mangroves are kool.
It is possible, but there are drawbacks. You will loose the clock and date (if my memory serves correctly) on the info bar by the speedometer. But everything else works. If you have a nav, it gets even more trickier as you will loose all the equipment it came with. Otherwise on the standard system it is straight forward and produces better sound. I am in the planning stages of helping my buddy put a 7" touchscreen on his X5.
IMO, I'd be very careful fiddling with the dash on my X5. It's a bit touchy with too many dependency & hard to trouble shoot.
What sucks most is having to take it to the dealership for wiring diagram or any problems & having to hear all the marketing.
I had an after market scanner installed, & for something as simple & straight forward as this, I faced some difficulties.
What sucks most is having to take it to the dealership for wiring diagram or any problems & having to hear all the marketing.
I had an after market scanner installed, & for something as simple & straight forward as this, I faced some difficulties.
circusordie16
Member
a little far from you but rays electronics in bloomingdale is great. i had them install a new head unit in my g35, worked out well, no problems.
Fish_wiz2
Mangroves are kool.
Im not sure if a dealer would even do it unless you want a factory nav... I think you would have to go to a car audio shop to get it done if you do not want to tackle it yourself.
PSam
Active member
Maybe Showtime audio on North Ave in the city? Check out their gallery on their website - they have pics of an X5 they did (screen 5 of 8, it's flash so can't link to it). Only had an alarm / remote start on a beat up toyota installed by them, 5 years ago, but they were great. Nice crew, super clean install and less expensive than other quotes (Best Buy, etc).
abfleck
Active member
Yep, it appears that I will have to find a place other than the dealership at this point. Geek Squad has recently been recommended, but I am skeptical. Anyone have any experiences with Geek Squad installing aftermarket head units in Beamers? I don't want to end up with any problems from the second I drive the car away.
abfleck
Active member
latinreefer
New member
Not sure how new your x5 is but be careful you don't void your warranty if you still have one.
Fish_wiz2
Mangroves are kool.
I would not recommend geek squad for this kind of an install. They do great work but ive only see simple installs and not complex ones such as BMW's. I personally would recommend ABT electronics, they do exceptional work and ive seen some of the lambo's, caddy's, and bimmers they've done. Ive had smaller jobs turn out very good with them. Otherwise, mom and pop automotive shops should be able to tackle the job. I recall Car Boutique in Schaumburg holding a good rep too.
