[Jonathan (SA)]

Good day all. I am new to the world of BMW. Purchase a 2019 X3 XDrive20d in mid January 2022.

My vehicle has got the very basic stereo (6 speakers & no amplifier) however it has the NBTEvo idrive6 with professional, display 10.25". Apparently according to the dealership the radio package is called - High2. (Hope I stated it correctly)

The sound is awful in this BMW compared to my Ford Kuga 1.6 2014 (firewagon) fitted with factory Sony entertainment system.

I took out the radio yesterday to see which one is fitted as I want to upgrade the speakers and fit a amplifier. Picture 2

According the dealerships in S.A I will forfeit the motor plan if I fit aftermarket sound with aftermarket amplifier. Dealerships are very strict with mods whilst vehicles are under motor plan and or warranty. Thy will use any method to void the motor plan and warranty.

Where can I find a harness for my X3 that runs from the head unit to the back of the vehicle to connect to HK amplifier? Or part number?

I can buy a HK radio from a place that sell BMW parts. I read that these radios are VIN locked and cannot work in other vehicles?

Will the radio need coding if fitted to my vehicle?

What is the difference between my radio picture 2, and the HK radio picture 3?

What is the blue connection point for, on the right hand bottom corner on picture 3?

First picture - current system in my vehicle
Second picture - radio fitted to my vehicle
Third picture - is HK radio from another 2019 X3 with competition specs.

[thestimp]

https://technicpnp.com/

They sell a harness that will split off to let you put in an amp/subs. That should get you started.

[Jonathan (SA)]

Originally Posted by thestimp

https://technicpnp.com/

They sell a harness that will split off to let you put in an amp/subs. That should get you started.

Thanks. I will check out the site.

You don't perhaps know where I can get the radio and speaker wiring diagram / layout for the X3 G01 F97?

[95wildtt]

Originally Posted by Jonathan (SA)

Thanks. I will check out the site.

You don't perhaps know where I can get the radio and speaker wiring diagram / layout for the X3 G01 F97?

For $30 you can get 24 Hour access to the TIS Database, and get access to all of the info you could want...
It has all of the wiring diagrams and all of the BMW repair processes.

https://www.bmwtechinfo.com/#/login

[dmanb2b]

I don't think the head unit is different from Base to HK, it's all in the amp and speaker setup. May want to reach out to Kevin @ Integral Audio as he is working on developing a G01/F97 Base/HK Soundstage upgrade. Not cheap, but I have heard his systems in action...simply mind blowing

[Jonathan (SA)]

Originally Posted by dmanb2b

I don't think the head unit is different from Base to HK, it's all in the amp and speaker setup. May want to reach out to Kevin @ Integral Audio as he is working on developing a G01/F97 Base/HK Soundstage upgrade. Not cheap, but I have heard his systems in action...simply mind blowing

Picture No. 3 is an actual image of an High end HK radio. In the HK head unit in the big square connector pins there is a small silver plate with 4 holes. Two holes has got 2 light blue pin connectors which my base head unit also don't have.

Also the High end HK head unit has got an extra blue connector pinout in the bottom right hand side corner which my base unit don't have.

Although according to the dealership my head unit is a headunit high 2

[dmanb2b]

Sorry, clearly was reading too fast. That's unfortunate. Swapping out the HU should not be a problem. Someone can code the HU to you vin. The wiring on the other hand may be a bit more involved. I still can't believe BMW makes HK an option on these cars as even HK doesn't sound all that great.

[Jonathan (SA)]

Originally Posted by dmanb2b

Sorry, clearly was reading too fast. That's unfortunate. Swapping out the HU should not be a problem. Someone can code the HU to you vin. The wiring on the other hand may be a bit more involved. I still can't believe BMW makes HK an option on these cars as even HK doesn't sound all that great.

No problem.

Do you think it is possible to change the VIN in the HU via Bimmercode app using an OBDLink MX+

Yes the wiring will be an challenge... Hence all the research.

[thestimp]

Originally Posted by Jonathan (SA)

No problem.

Do you think it is possible to change the VIN in the HU via Bimmercode app using an OBDLink MX+

Yes the wiring will be an challenge... Hence all the research.

no, the coding is advanced and you will need e-sys and INSTA to do it, its not for beginners, plenty of coders out there for hire though.

[Jonathan (SA)]

Originally Posted by thestimp

no, the coding is advanced and you will need e-sys and INSTA to do it, its not for beginners, plenty of coders out there for hire though.

Thanks for the heads up. Will check for someone who can do that type of coding before purchasing a second hand HK HU.