sgnirts

I have a 2008 528 xdrive. The passenger side under-seat subwoofer is making terrible sounds especially at low volume (insert "play it louder" joke here). My guess is that the OEM speaker has failed and I'd like to replace the speaker with a new OEM (not trying to upgrade bass). I have seen info during massive research sessions that says "you need to remove the seat, "you can just tilt the seat forward", "you need to disconnect the black battery wire first" etc, Now I have questions, because not everything makes sens.

1. If I remove the black battery wire how do I access the screws at the front and back of the seat rails without having power connected from the battery to move the seat forward and back to allow access to the screws? I've read the online tutorials and this was not covered in what I found.

2. Does removing the back screws and then tilting the seat forward actually work? It seems like I would bend the rails trying to use this method, or that maybe I'd have a terrible battle with getting under the seat to swap the speaker.

3. The York BMW (Apple) has quoted $200 for the speaker and $400 in labor to swap the under-seat sub, does this sound as crazy high to you as it does to me?

4. I have the standard USA audio system, not the upgraded logic system. What is the impedance of my OEM subwoofer?

The OEM speaker is a crappy little 6.5" driver that died without ever being louder than a normal conversation level. I have a hearing disability that's the opposite of deafness (hyperacusis+tinnitus) which keeps me from ever cranking the audio, I just listen for background enjoyment, never ever loud, yet the $200 OEM failed in 5 years. I was happy with the sound of the stereo before the sub failed, but I'm turning to DIY if possible after hearing the incredible costs of repair in BMW-land. Bureaucracy can sure kill positive brand-recognition. BMW does not cover audio in their CPO warranty, even if the service department verifies that it was a defective part. I'm checking with some other BMW dealers while I research DIY in hopes that another BMW dealer will be able to "think" past the bureaucracy of corporate written rules.

Any info from experienced subwoofer replacements would be appreciated.

tonyb635

Wow, that does sound expensive. I haven't actually removed my seats, but I did in my old M3. On the 5, there is a trim panel that runs horizontal on the front area. I imagine this would need to be removed. I believe it's held in with clips or just snaps. I would make sure the seat is then all the way forward or enough to access the rear bolts, then move the seat to the rear and remove the front two bolts. Perhaps leave them in with only a few threads holding. Disconnect your battery, then remove the last two bolds and tilt the seat back. I think this would provide plenty of access to remove the speaker. Be careful not to disconnect any wires going to you seat or in fact any others that you don't know EXACTLY what they are for, you could trigger your airbag light. As I said, I haven't actually done this and if you search the forum I am sure there are better instructions.

Holtz

Hallo

First don't disconnect the negative lead. Unscrew all 4 of the bolt for the seat, adjusting it accordingly.
Then run the seat all the way to the front and tilt it backwards. If you want you can now remove the negative lead, but I don't do that, the lead for the subs can not short to anything.
Remove the small screws for the grill.
Remove the screws for the subwoofer, it can be a little difficult, because the carpet is big and stiff. (call the wife in case of problem), no need to take out the whole box.
Remove the connector and pop in the new speaker.

Now you will enjoy the drive again