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Connecting a amp and active subwoofer
Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2011 4:36 pm
by mas123
Hi ,
I have a 2003 x5, which doesn't have a subwoofer. I checked the You Tube and it shows how to connect an amp, but it is not clear where you get the speaker connections for the amp if you haven't already got a subwoofer. I don't have an ampifier in the car under the CD changer.
Can you please let me know where I can connections for the speakers, ideally in the boot?
Thanks.
Re: Connecting a amp and active subwoofer
Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2014 11:12 am
by wayno77
Bump!
I would also be interested to know an answer to this if anyone out there has the knowledge.
Re: Connecting a amp and active subwoofer
Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2014 1:38 pm
by Sanj
The BM54 is your answer. It's the radio module and your amp all in one. That's why reference is made to it when speakers drop out. It's wired with 4 pairs of cables, one for each corner. Choose the front or rear (rear is better) and then send that to a new amp. Set the amp to pass that signal as low pass frequency only to the sub. Switch to high pass or don't have the option and the sub will send mid and tweeter frequency to the sub (you'll hear vocals, etc).
Re: Connecting a amp and active subwoofer
Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 12:01 am
by wayno77
Thank you very much Sanj. I will take a look at the BM54 at the weekend.
Should I cut the cables so the rear speakers no longer work or join the rear cables to both sub amp and rear speakers?
Thanks again Sanj.
Re: New 2 bmw
Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 12:18 am
by Sanj
No cutting! Just splice into the cable and extend them to the amp. You're effectively tapping into the wire to take the sound to the amp too. It'll do the rest - cutting cables means no sound to the rears - you want to retain that.
Re: Connecting a amp and active subwoofer
Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 12:43 am
by wayno77
That's what I thought - brilliant!
Also, I don't suppose you know what the pins will be on my BM54 - X5 Sport E53 2003?
or
I've found wiring diagrams but there are two possible types of BM54 I believe...?!
Thanks for all your help Sanj.
Re: New 2 bmw
Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 12:50 am
by Sanj
I have that info somewhere, dig it out tomorrow for you. Think you'll have the flat pins.
Re: Connecting a amp and active subwoofer
Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 12:52 am
by wayno77
Excellent thank you. It doesn't matter if not as I'm sure I'll know what the pins are when I see it!

Re: Connecting a amp and active subwoofer
Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 10:07 am
by Sanj
Try
thislink for the amp connections.
Re: Connecting a amp and active subwoofer
Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 4:05 pm
by wayno77
Excellent, thank you very much Sanj.
:victory: