freebeerhere2moro

Hi guys un girls,

I have a bmw e60 525d se on an 04. The stereo is v poor and the car has no built in amp either. I am looking to keep the idrive and install a after market unit? is it possible? I have bought an adapter off ebay to convert the player. Thanks - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/250604422547?r...#ht_1362wt_979

cleung

Seen it done but not worth the hassle and you still have to maintain the stock unit for idrive to work. I suggest looking into a processor like the JBL ms8 or a audison bit-one and a harness from member technic.

525xi2006

You could replace the factory head unit but it would be hard to do. You risk losing the warning chimes, Bluetooth, and other important features. And actually it does have an amp, the amp is in the trunk behind the carpeting somewhere. (:

subterFUSE

I have done a complete aftermarket audio system, but I kept the factory head unit and Logic7 Amplifier.

I'm using an Audison BitOne processor which takes the high level outputs from the Logic7 amplifier, and converts them to low-level. Then I added Audison amps, Hertz speakers, and a JL Audio subwoofer.

By using a processor like the Audison BitOne, you can keep your factory head unit and it operates normally.... then sends the signal to your aftermarket equipment.

infin8

I have also done a complete replacement aftermarket audio system and I too kept the factory head unit and amplifier. My '07 530i does not have Logic7 but does have a small amp in the trunk that powers the 8" subs under the seats. I used a Rockford Fosgate 3sixty.2 processor which sums all channels to full range and gives you a huge digital EQ band for each channel that can be adjusted on the fly wirelessly (bluetooth). I then used FatMat on my door panels, entire trunk, 8" factory sub enclosures and license plate before adding Morel Hybrid Ovation components for my front stage, Rainbow SLC for my rear stage, custom Earthquake SWS 8xi with larger than normal voice coils for under the seats, a JL Audio 12W6 sub in my trunk and all new custom braided Rockford Fosgate wiring to all speakers and amps. I used an Alpine PDX-5 amp to push my front/rear stages and the SWS 8xi's and a JL Audio 500/1 amp to push the 12W6. I also did a custom ski pass to allow the bass into the cabin instead of just being trapped in the trunk. Just like the Audison BitOne the RF 3sixty.2 allows your factory head unit to operate and retain all functions and sends full range signals to your aftermarket equipment. This was a huge project for me and took me about 2 1/2 weeks working on it a couple hours a day during the work week and about 5 hours a day on the weekends, but I wanted to take my time. Good thing I have another vehicle to drive lol...I had to pretty much strip the entire interior of the car from the dash to the trunk. It was all definitely well worth it. My stereo sounds incredible now at any sound level. Let me know if you have any questions and I'll do my best to answer them for you.

Nate

KCozy

not if you have the non HI-FI model

lambrettabad

i bought a quick plug n play from amazon/ebay, 10 inch screen sat nav, reverse camera, media player, bluetooth etc. was easy as to fit and still have my Idrive!

something like this

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115443693...evt=1&mkcid=28