Install Double-Din Stereo in 2006 BMW X5 E53

In this video, I show you how to install a double-din stereo in a 2006 BMW X5, or E53. I also show you how to install an amplifer to power a subwoofer. I show how to connect the wiring for a backup camera, and all of the other harnesses needed to install the stereo, including the one to retain the steering wheel controls (volume and track buttons).
BOSS BE7ACP-C (stereo)
BOSS Amplifier Wiring Kit
Scosche VW03B (stereo harness)
XTRONS EXL007 (wiring harness extension)
XTRONS ANT001 (radio antenna cable)
Axxess ASWC-1 (steering wheel controls interface)
Metra 95-9308B (face plate)
BOSS R1100MK (1100-watt monoblock amp)
Polk Audio db1040 subwoofer
Atrend Bbox E10S subwoofer enclosure

[@pedrogadea4926]

Awesome work, very involved and detailed. Looks like a lot of work!

[@nikolaynenkov2155]

Really detailed video thanks for the help and time mate 👍🏻

[@Turbo_JAM]

Good video. Nice amount of detail which is missed in others. One question….. is this a “short chassis” head unit or normal depth one? Wondering it there’s similar fitting issues like you get in the e39 and e46.

[@ryanwalker6579]

Thanks! I think it's normal depth. It says the depth of the head unit is 5 5/8" (144mm), which seems normal. I feel like there was plenty of room in the X5 once I pulled out the factory unit.

[@Wood56jam]

Ryan, nice video with outstanding details: I have a few questions: 1. factory amp with sub enclosure in the rear right side boot and amp next to TCU Left side boot. Will the connect from the head unit wiring harness., I will make all wires connect at the head unit. 2. Blue wire signals the amp, factory, or external amp. Where is the breakout in the rear boot located? 3. Do you have any video installed for the rear camera being installed? 4. Can I use the factory mic for this installation? Wood56

[@ryanwalker6579]

Hi Wood. I'm not sure about your first question. I think what you're asking, is if your X5 comes with a factor sub and amp, can you connect it the new aftermarket head unit. My guess would be no, but I don't know for sure. Same with wiring the blue wire signal. If you're wanting to re-use the factory amp and factory sub, I'm not sure where you would connect the blue wire. Sorry! I didn't record the installation for the rear camera because there seemed to be plenty of videos out there on how to do that, but I did record removing the plastic panel on the tailgate to make the installation easier. Here's a link to that video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jV6keaiubdKamK8. Lastly, I don't think you can use the factory mic using the process in my video, but there might be some way to connect it to the head unit that I don't know about. Sorry I wasn't much help.

[@DenWickP]

Great video bro, you are very knowledgeable. I bought a Pioneer AVIC-6100NEX, can it be installed in a 2006 BMW X5?

[@ryanwalker6579]

Thanks! I think it depends on if you have the navigation system or not. My recommendation would be to go to crutchfield.com and use their website to determine if that stereo will work in your car, and what adapters you might need. Good luck!

[@PRO-on6kd]

❤hi bro my X5 everything was removed so I need to now where to get my connection at the back because I would like to install a amplifier

[@ason9741]

Ryan great video and fantastic clean work. One question I have as I’m about to tackle this. Should I have battery disconnected. ? While I install.

[@ryanwalker6579]

Thanks! I honestly don't remember if I disconnected the battery or not, but it's always a good idea when working on anything electrical in the vehicle.

[@ason9741]

I connected eveything. Screens turns on. Phone connects to Bluetooth. Radio shows up. No sound. Anywhere. I double checked my wired and changed and interchanged them no luck I’m really stuck. And frustrated. There was lots of extra wires in the boss kit I got same as you listed but when you went off screen to wire to wire I lost it. I can’t follow what color went where

[@ryanwalker6579]

@@ason9741 I don't check my messages very often, sorry. Were you able to get your sound working?

[@malcgarda5042]

Hi... I have same original system but have the massive black DSP in boot/trunk as well as the Becker BM54 amp... Is it the same set of kit required?

[@ryanwalker6579]

Hi Malc. I'm not sure. There seem to be plenty of other videos for installs with DSP. I made this video because I couldn't find one with no DSP. Let me know if you need help finding one.

[@seanharris3217]

Be nice to hear it working?

[@ryanwalker6579]

That is a valid point. I'm not sure why I didn't record me playing music through the stereo. You can hear the beeping of the volume controls starting at 8:20.

[@mathewgibbon3740]

What does the orange light mean on original x5 e53 radio

[@M5CYP]

Hi Ryan I do not have dsp nor do I want a subwoofer is it simple plug and play?

[@ryanwalker6579]

Sorry I took so long to respond. It's a little more complicated than just plug and play, but if you want the entire video it should lay out everything you need to do. Even easier if you don't care about the volume controls on the steering wheel.

[@user-xt5sw4gw2q]

I want to go with this route. I have no sound in my BMW. If I connect this will I have sound.. I’ve seen people say they do not have sound. Is it because the amp wire not connected.. what’s missing

[@ryanwalker6579]

I don't know how to help without more information. Are you saying that you don't have any sound with the stock stereo?

[@ason9741]

Any info on how to connect the sub. Thnks

[@ryanwalker6579]

I discuss the sub a bit when I'm connecting the harness and such to the back of the head unit. You need to run the RCA cables and blue remote wire from the head unit to the sub amplifier, and then run a wire from the positive post on the battery to the amp, and a ground wire from the frame or negative terminal from the battery to the amp. Then run your speaker wire from the amp to the subwoofer.

[@levithompson247]

Is a 2006 the same as a 2005??

[@stm.natural_selection]

The "and that's it" at the end is an absolute LOL. This seems very difficult!!! I'm in Melbourne Aus, if anyone knows where I can get this done at a reasonable price please let me know!

[@surjkooner]

95% done with mine I'm in Melbourne too. It's pain to do.. I have same facia plate from Aerpro it doesn't lock the head unit in place 😡

[@surjkooner]

I was quoted $1k just to install a head unit 😂. Unbelievable price

[@user-xt5sw4gw2q]

@@surjkooner I have a question what would be the reason if I have an aftermarket radio the same cord and everything is connected no sound. what would be the reason.. I have dsp .. nav screen same as above..

[@italcostrzionisrltorino1015]

Come passare cavo ?

[@drunclewallace8924]

Hi, my BMW is the 2005 X5 E53 with the tuner in the back boot. I have to buy the Aerpro BMW Quadlock Extention (APFH022) to connect the aftermarket head unit to the tuner in the back (underneath the spare tyre). However, while everything is working, there is no sound from the DSP. Not sure if you have any suggestion? Thanks

[@ryanwalker6579]

Hi. I didn't have DSP in my car, but I did some quick research and it sounds like you need to make sure the remote wire (blue) from the head unit is connected to the blue wire on your harness. This remote wire will send power to the DSP amp unit. Without power, the amp won't turn on and you won't hear any sound. Hope that helps!

[@evilbindahood]

I installed the 5m cable along with brogotek android...it works but there's No sound whatsoever....could it be a short in the speaker wire?

[@ryanwalker6579]

If there was a short in the speaker wire, it would typically just impact one speaker and not all of them. Is your head unit muted? When you press the volume button up and down, does it show the volume changing on the display? Do you have the Axxess steering wheel control interface installed? Sometimes this can cause an issue with the sound.

[@evilbindahood]

@@ryanwalker6579 hi I have played with the mute button and control knob but no luck...I've tested the headunit and the headunit is sending power thru speaker wires when the radio is supposed to be play but there is no sound at all....I was wondering...there is a canbus box that comes with the unit but even that is working fine and interacting with the car...