A client from Raleigh, NC, brought his 2008 BMW X3 to Adrenaline Autosound in search of better sound from the audio system. The owner was disappointed in the performance of the factory sound system. Even though the X3 has the premium audio system, it just doesn’t sound good. As with most factory audio systems, the bass in the car was completely inadequate. We had a listen to the vehicle and developed a plan to add some real bass and upgrade the front speakers for improved midrange and high-frequency performance. We worked with the client to develop an upgrade solution that would sound great while adhering to his planned budget.
Factory Radio Integration
Modern factory audio systems, especially those found in premium vehicles like a BMW, typically use amplifiers with channels dedicated to each speaker. Having individual channels gives whoever designed the audio system full control over all aspects of tuning. That’s good, but when you use inexpensive speakers, no amount of adjustment can make them sound good.
Before we start any OEM integration installation, we probe the channels of the factory amplifier to make sure we have the wiring labeled correctly. Measurement ensures proper grouping of the left and right channels. We also confirm the maximum output voltage of the amplifier. Once we have this information, we can determine the style of the audio interface we use.
After our testing for this client, we chose an AudioControl LC7i integration interface. The LC7i sums the signals from the woofer, midrange and tweeter channels of the factory amplifier so we can send them to a new JL Audio amp. We prepped and protected all of the wiring for the LC7i with Tesa tape. Automakers use Tesa cloth tape to protect their harnesses and prevent buzzing and rattling where the harnesses touch hard surfaces. We created a HDPE (High-Density PolyEthylene) mount for the LC7i and attached it to the vehicle via a pair of unused mounting studs.
Upgrades
We installed a JL Audio XD500/3v2 three-channel amplifier to the left of the battery. The amplifier powers a set of new front speakers and a subwoofer. All the wiring to and from the amplifier is loomed with Tesa tape to maintain the OEM look.
Next, we installed a set of JL Audio 4-inch C2-400Cxi speakers in the front of the vehicle.
We wrapped up the installation with a quick tuning session. Since the rear speakers in the X3 are powered by the factory amp, we made sure that everything balanced perfectly.
Client Loved The Improved BMW X3 Audio System
The client returned to Adrenaline Autosound in Clayton, NC, anxious to hear his new system. He loved that it sounded much clearer and had great bass. For more information, contact us here.
