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      08-12-2013, 10:17 PM   #1
goyoyl
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Upgrading the X3 audio system

One of the first things you'll notice when you ride the X3 (with the standard audio package) is the so-so audio system. So needed to upgrade the speakers, without touching the electronics..

So after clearing the plans with the service department of the dealership (for warranty purposes), set out to upgrade the speakers since I couldn't install an amp and sound processor because of warranty issues..

For many X3 models, the audio system consists of a head unit, midrange speakers in front and back, and subwoofers (under each of the front seats), unless you get the surround sound system.

Having had a good experience with Focals in the past, I chose Focals for this build.

I looked at the Focal Integration Line, specifically the IFBMW-S and IFBMW-C but when we tried to fit it, the magnet was too big (it was supposed to fit some models of BMW, and wanted to try my luck with the X3).

Good thing it didn't fit! Ended up with the K2 Power Line instead!

The stock pods on the doors are solid, but when you remove it, you'll notice that there's a slot for a tweeter.



The front door:



The rear door:



Got the Focal KRS 100 Slim Line separates in front, and used the Polyglass separates speakers at the back:



One important thing is to find a nice spot for the crossover:





Had to use the polyglass separates at the back because lack of adequate space for the crossover in the rear door:



For the tweeters, we had to drill a hole in the covers. Instead of just using speaker cloth, we decided to just drill and create a grille!





Grille we had was silver, so we had to paint it to match the colour:



Front door with the installed tweeter:



With the grille:



So far, I'm REALLY happy with the sound! Sorry, the stock speakers were just terrible... It's like night and day! Thanks to my friends at Sun-X!
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      08-13-2013, 12:35 AM   #2
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That's really awesome!
I wish you made a video out of it .

Btw is that a us spec X3?
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      08-13-2013, 05:41 AM   #3
goyoyl
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Teemo Panda View Post
That's really awesome!
I wish you made a video out of it .

Btw is that a us spec X3?
It's an Asian (Philippine) spec X3.
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      08-13-2013, 06:18 AM   #4
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Looks like a nice job.

What was your cost on it and how long did it take to install it yourself? Would someone be better off spending the $800-900 on the premium sound? Or does pride in DIY and being thrifty make up for it? I plan to order the premium sound on my X3 because we ordered it for the wife's 328i and I absolutely love it.

Thanks
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Mine: 2014 X3 35i M-Sport VR on Black w/wave wood trim, Tech, DHP, DAP w/RR Top View Cam, Premium Sound, Prem Pkg, Cold Weather.
The Wife's: 2011 328i Deep Sea Blue Metallic Navigation Premium Pkg Sports Pkg Xenon Heated Seats Folddown Rear Seats BMW Apps
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      08-13-2013, 06:24 AM   #5
goyoyl
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MrFargo13 View Post
Looks like a nice job.

What was your cost on it and how long did it take to install it yourself? Would someone be better off spending the $800-900 on the premium sound? Or does pride in DIY and being thrifty make up for it? I plan to order the premium sound on my X3 because we ordered it for the wife's 328i and I absolutely love it.

Thanks
Had a friend do the install. I think the premium sound is a 12-speaker system. This upgrade was just a 8 speaker upgrade (2 pairs of separates - front and back).

Speaker sets (for both) I got cost about $1,000.00, so the premium sound might be a good option. I just got the focal coz I put Focals in all my cars.

What's important is you get clearer highs, which the stock system (well, in the Philippines, anyway) just doesn't have any of.

But all in all, unless you have a good audio shop who can do the install for you, I'd go with the premium sound option.

Hope this helps.

Last edited by goyoyl; 08-14-2013 at 05:09 AM..
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      08-13-2013, 04:30 PM   #6
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Very impressed!

Can you share the dimension of your custom speaker ring for midrange focal speakers?
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      08-14-2013, 05:17 AM   #7
goyoyl
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Posting a picture of the midrange speakers which come stock on the X3. Notice the magnet... Yes, that's actually a magnet...



So, you'll notice that the spacer/mount of the speakers are a bit thick (about 1/2"). What this gave us was a working space to replace that with a board.

We screwed the Focals, with 4 mounts, on the board, and then drilled 3 holes in the board to mount/screw the Focals on the stock speaker door mounts.
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      08-14-2013, 08:42 AM   #8
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Welcome kababayan!

My dad's 2011 X3 has the same basic system that you had.. its is a Canadian model and I don't even think this basic system is even available in the US model. After hearing his I've upgraded to the 12 speaker set up for my 2013.
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      08-18-2013, 02:30 AM   #9
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Nice

Nice set up...we have the basic system....good for the wife not so good for me. Though it is hers so I'll leave it alone.........for now
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      08-25-2013, 12:12 PM   #10
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nice
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      08-28-2013, 07:27 PM   #11
goyoyl
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Thanks!

Forgot to post pictures of the rear door with the tweeters installed. Will take pictures and post later.
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      08-28-2013, 10:32 PM   #12
goyoyl
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Left rear door..




Right rear door..

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      12-22-2015, 06:54 AM   #13
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F25 X3 audio

Looks good! Have you done anything else audio-wise since these mods? I heard the subs under the front seats are easy to change. Any attempt at adding amplication? Just got an F25 x3 and I want to improve on the base audio system.
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