01-11-2022, 10:42 AM | #1 |
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Upgrading AMP for HiFi system with plug'n'play
Sifting through hundreds of posts, figured I'd synthesize the info for folks looking to just upgrade the amp that comes with the HiFi system in their G05 (MY 2021 and 2022) which I'm sure lots of us are stuck with.
Please correct any misconceptions / mistakes in my post and I'll edit it for accuracy in posterity. Credit goes to @[VertigoAtHome], @[RC_Hund] and countless others for documenting their upgrade path. Sorry if I missed you and your valuable contribution! The main plug'n'play amps that folks have replaced with:
FAQ:
Anything else worth adding? Thanks to everyone for contributing to the collective knowledge and letting newbies like me do some serious in-depth research before even receiving the car... Useful threads (some from other model forums so beware of incompatibility with G05 setup!): https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1830327 https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1830327 https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1737016 https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1756361 |
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01-16-2022, 11:24 PM | #3 |
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I’m about to pull the trigger on the Bimmer tech amp. I’ve read a lot of reviews on here and other places plus called them a few times.
Seems like good bang for the buck to get some more full surround sound. I’m pretty sure I can do it myself which is a bonus! |
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01-25-2022, 09:43 PM | #4 | |
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Heads up: install isn’t nearly as easy as Bimmertech’s six minute video suggests. Wiring hookup is straightforward. But I couldn’t get the installation bracket for the new amp co-located with the existing RAM module in the very tight available space. I ended up adapting the install minus the bracket. I’m neither a DIY novice nor an expert but basically gave up after 90 minutes of struggling. Overall, the sound quality gain is fabulous IMO. |
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01-25-2022, 10:14 PM | #5 | |
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It's definitely a major improvement. |
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01-26-2022, 12:28 AM | #6 |
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The left arm of the bracket that attaches to the extra nut you added to the body is bendable. You can bend it to make it fit.
I'd tune or at least set the sensitivity of the amp before mounting it in the cubby hole with the bracket. There is the sensitivity screw knob and clipping LED that will be at the top when mounted, so you need to set those before mounting. I also found it easier to connect the USB cable beforehand if you're planning to tune while its already mounted. When you do start mounting the amp, do not connect the wiring harness to the RAM. Connect the harness to the RAM as the last step so you have more wiggle room w/o the cabling preventing movement. Last edited by Sample; 01-26-2022 at 08:48 PM.. |
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01-26-2022, 07:46 AM | #7 |
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Thanks for the feedback guys, glad to hear that it's a noticeable improvement!
Not happy to hear I'm in for a rough install...lol Any special tools needed? Do you need to disconnect battery or not necessary?
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01-26-2022, 07:54 AM | #8 |
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How did the Bimmer tech amp mount to the included bracket? Does the backing plate slot into it with no screws? Does anyone have pics of the back?
Looking to mount a Match UP7 like this but I believe the backing plate needs to be replaced or adapted to work. |
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01-26-2022, 03:25 PM | #9 | |
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Some tips: 1) Prop open the cargo floor. You'll get a bit more access room. Remove the cargo cover if you've stored it under the floor. 2) After you remove the three RAM module mounting screws, minimize how much you move the unit away from its mount position. All you need is sufficient room to disconnect the main OEM harness from the RAM and connect the BT harness, which is easy. Keeping the RAM close to its mounting position may make it easier to locate the BT amp and bracket onto the RAM mount holes and reinstall the three screws. 3) Connect the BT harness to the RAM module and its harness before plugging into the amp. 4) Before tightening everything down and closing up, start the car and make sure the stereo is working. Glad I did--turned out I hadn't properly latched the BT connector to the RAM harness and one of the amp plugs wasn't properly seated. If your stereo doesn't output sound, a loose connector is the likeliest culprit and an easy fix. 5) Don't connect the USB cable for DSP programming until after the amp and its bracket are situated--it gets in the way during the hardest part of the process. Hope all this is helpful. I can say the results are worth the (for me, somewhat frustrating) effort. |
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01-26-2022, 03:27 PM | #10 |
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The BT amp comes with a custom backing plate preinstalled. That plate slides on to the mounting bracket. You then use a supplied 10mm screw to connect the amp assembly to the bracket. It's a solid fit.
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01-26-2022, 05:07 PM | #11 | |
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01-26-2022, 05:08 PM | #12 | |
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Package from Dubai looked like it was kicked down the street by Ace Ventura Pet Detective! LOL
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01-26-2022, 07:11 PM | #13 |
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01-26-2022, 08:24 PM | #14 |
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Drives: 2022 X5 4.5e
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BimmerTech Installation Tip
I just finished the installation (have tested, but not driven with it, sounds good). It was much harder to try and get the amp/bracket in, the video made it look much easier. The large bundle of cables physically attached the the existing RAM module made it really difficult. The connection (physical, not electrical) to the RAM module can be "disconnected" by pulling the plastic "tab" out of the RAM bracket. That gave me the room I needed and made it much easier. See no reason to try and re-attach the cable bundle as it would appear to be fine without being attached.
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01-26-2022, 08:46 PM | #15 |
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01-26-2022, 09:58 PM | #17 |
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01-26-2022, 10:31 PM | #18 | |
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I believe this will all be VERY helpful as additional notes - thank you! My unit is scheduled for delivery tomorrow after a trip through the Dubai and Italy (haha!). The only concern now is me being a novice I'm a bit nervous after reading all this....their video of course makes it all look very straight forward.
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01-27-2022, 02:19 PM | #19 | |
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01-27-2022, 02:45 PM | #20 |
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RC_Hund Should I pop over to your house for some oversight on the install?
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01-27-2022, 02:57 PM | #21 |
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I can send a picture when I do the install this weekend
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01-27-2022, 02:59 PM | #22 |
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sheranf I haven't installed it yet, but there is a note about potentially needing a remote programing/coding session? I'm only replacing (adding) amp, nothing else (yet); but I do NOT have additional tunning files...did anyone load diff files than what came from factory preloaded?
Also, my internal looks a little different than what the video shows? To be sure, I ONLY have a RAM unit seen below; their video moves very quickly through critical steps. . . I have a 45e with base Hifi.....I wish they made the video 2x as long and really dummy walked through steps slowly emphasizing areas . . . EDIT: Looks like it's all hooked up and working - sounds good, def louder, I need to play with diff audio sources. The VOL for the car chimes and beeps are a bit louder….. Last edited by dananelson1; 01-27-2022 at 06:52 PM.. |
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amp, g05, hifi, sound, upgrade |
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