Audio upgrade: anyone fitted a Sony XAV-AX8050D ????

[johnsi02]

Hi,
I'm looking to update the BMW Professional head unit in my 'new' E89. No CIC/iDrive in my little beastie.
Been considering the Sony XAV-ax8050d: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/in-car-receivers-players/xav-ax8050d.
Has anyone fitted one?
If so, how did it fit and how successful has the Sony been?
Many thanks,
Ian.

 

[B21]

I’m aware of a couple of E89s that have been for sale have had aftermarket units fitted….no personal experience….I assume you have the basic 6 speaker radio?

The Sony unit looks good…

 

[Argyll Andy]

Just my opinion but I looked at something very similar to this for my E89 and spoke to a few audio install guys as my concern was how low the screen is and with angles and glare how functional it would be and also the close proximity to a manual gearstick for 1/3/5. Both separately agreed they would not recommend a pop out screen that low down in an E89

 

[johnsi02]

Thanks for the replies .... I was a little worried about gear change clearance too.
I suspect it probably isn't going to work very well in the car.

 

[B21]

Thanks for the replies .... I was a little worried about gear change clearance too.
I suspect it probably isn't going to work very well in the car.

Maybe the android unit on the centre section where the idrive would go?

Bit more effort overall..but..more useable ?

 

[Deepseaskateboard]

Looks like a great product, but there is the bespoke product made for E89 mentioned above. I would go for that.

I am still contemplating it… I am wondering if it will be 90% good with some small issues which make me hate it!

 

[AnubisZed]

The problem is how low down the radio is. As the OE one isn't a screen then it doesn't matter, adding a screen in this location has a number of drawbacks, visibility being a major one. Ie; if you want it for sat-nav then it is quite low down and you'd be taking your eyes off the road. Physically placing a screen there is impractical due to if its a central screen then it would potentially cover the roof/seat heater buttons and if it was upper mounted then it would be in front of the air-con controls.

As mentioned above an Android Touchscreen would give you all you would want.....

 

[wanderer]

It depends on what you want.
The thread title says "Audio Upgrade".

If you want better sound then I suggest as a first and slightly more expensive step (but not by much considering other options) to install the Vibe Audio amp for the Z4.

After a bit of very simple calibration It will improve your audio (just read the manual).
It will cost about £130 and is a quick hit.
No need to remove the door cards etc.

If that's not good enough, then order the speakers that AnubisZed has on his video's.

It will take a bit longer for delivery from China. But the overall comments are very good.

If you want a screen experience etc then be prepared to cut your dashboard for the install.

The Sony generic DIN units will not work with our vehicles.

 

[Silverstar]

As others have commented the Sony unit won’t work well due to the location being low down. If you are mainly after better quality audio and assuming you have the base system, the first thing I would do is change the speakers, for the doors get the 2 way component set, changing all the speakers alone makes a big difference to the audio quality. I fitted Crunch speakers (cheap as chips and available on Amazon) to the rear side panels behind the seats, 2 way Crunch components to the doors and Hertz woofers in the kick panels. If you want to improve the sound further the next stage would be to install an amp. Third stage would be installing a couple of subs in the panel behind the seats with a second amp, this though is heck of a lot of work ask me how I know , end result though is totally worth it! On the other hand if you primarily want functionality such as Satnav Apple CarPlay / Android Auto then your best bet would be the Android unit that goes where the idrive screen should be as already mentioned above. Nothing stopping you adding new speakers and amp to the android screen either.

 

[johnsi02]

This is what’s great about the forum. Loads of sound advice (pardon the pun) given for free. Thanks all.
I’ve seen the Android unit but I’ll confess that I’m a bit worried about shelling out a decent chunk of cash on a Chinese unit from Ali Express.
Does anyone know a reliable UK supplier? And is it possible to get the right adapter cable to maintain the steering wheel controls.
I’m really more interested in hands-free capability, maps etc than extreme audio quality. I’m old enough to appreciate the chance for relative peace and quiet when in the car these days.

 

[Deepseaskateboard]

This website takes paypal. So you are protected.
I think the same is true for Ali etc.

There is a review of this unit on youtube, it has android 12 now, instead of 11.

No cutting required for install, it’s a bespoke unit which replaces the top storage box.

https://hifimaxnavi.com/en-gb

 

[AnubisZed]

Good point on the upgrade reason, as pointed out above......
If yours is the absolute basic version, ie; 6 speakers (ignore the tweeters, as they'll be blanks, unless you have the multispeakers), no Bluetooth, only AUX socket in the centre console..... then you can upgrade by fitting the later headunit that has a better built-in amp, as well as Bluetooth calls and USB control. This coupled to better speakers will improve the sound no end.

You could then fit the Android screen....
https://youtu.be/VC9VFJBDFQM

There is a direct link to buy the screen in the video description.
If you want any more info or help on this then give me a shout as I've fitted quite a few Android screens for owners and I've also retrofitted a few upgraded OE headumits as well

 

[wanderer]

This website takes paypal. So you are protected.
I think the same is true for Ali etc.

There is a review of this unit on youtube, it has android 12 now, instead of 11.

No cutting required for install, it’s a bespoke unit which replaces the top storage box.

https://hifimaxnavi.com/en-gb

Now this looks quite good if no dissection of the dash is required!!

 

[Deepseaskateboard]

This website takes paypal. So you are protected.
I think the same is true for Ali etc.

There is a review of this unit on youtube, it has android 12 now, instead of 11.

No cutting required for install, it’s a bespoke unit which replaces the top storage box.

https://hifimaxnavi.com/en-gb

Now this looks quite good if no dissection of the dash is required!!

You need to unbolt bits, but it’s bolt on/ bolt off etc.
or in out case, pry on and pry off.

Anubis Zed has a youtube channel where he fits one, also simplecarguyZ4.

 

[AnubisZed]

This website takes paypal. So you are protected.
I think the same is true for Ali etc.

There is a review of this unit on youtube, it has android 12 now, instead of 11.

No cutting required for install, it’s a bespoke unit which replaces the top storage box.

https://hifimaxnavi.com/en-gb

Now this looks quite good if no dissection of the dash is required!!

My install video is in the post above yours
They all fit the same, but now have newer specs then when I did that.