Upgrade Your 2023 iX M60 Sound System with Aftermarket Subs
Aftermarket Stereo
Adding aftermarket subs to the B&W system of the 2023 iX M60 is a great way to improve the sound system. To do this, one needs to splice a pair of full range speaker wires, typically from the back doors, and then connect them to an LC2i interface. This will give you RCA sub and main outs for aftermarket amps. Additionally, a tweeter amp like a 200 watt Kicker can be added, as well as Scosche level controls for subs and tweeters.
The 12v 4 gauge constant + and - and the positive control switch wire should be hooked up to either the accessory port or Homelink garage door opener circuit. The accessory port works for switched + but takes 15 minutes to turn off, while the Homelink circuit turns off with the car right away.
For those who want extra bass for tunes lacking in thump, adding some subs would be nice and will increase the value of the car. A Thumper and bass and tweeters can be adjusted instantly, which is much better than the dinky bass from the "Premium" stereo. 5000 watts rms in a Jeep SRT can provide an amusement park ride-like experience that completely blows away the dinky B&W.
Unfortunately, there are no Tesla kits available yet for this new car, as only 5500 cars were sold in 2022. However, someone on Bimmerpost has found that M50 Positive 12v + and - terminals are located under the hood. It's important to note that wiring anything drawing as much power as a sub directly to the 12v battery should be done with caution, as it won't take much to kill the battery.
The 12v battery should get recharged as needed when charging the car every 2 days. The lifespan of these batteries is 3 to 5 years, so it will have to be changed out at some point. A 500 farad 13lb cap may also be used, although it may be a bit too big for most people's needs. The fuse panel is located behind a cover in the middle of the firewall next to the accelerator pedal; entering your VIN into a website gives you your fusebox diagrams. An Add a Fuse can also be used for a switched positive connection.
Can I add aftermarket subs to the B&W system in my 2023 iX M60?
Yes, you can add aftermarket subs to your B&W system. You will need to splice a pair of full range speaker wires, typically the back doors, and that will give you RCA sub and main outs for aftermarket amps. You can also hook up a tweeter amp like a 200 watt Kicker, as well as Scosche level controls for subs and tweeters. To power the system, you should use the accessory port for switched +, or the Homelink garage door opener circuit, which turns off with the car right away.
What type of amp should I use?
You can use an old school Rockford 1500 watt rms punch amp, or a 5000 watts rms @ 1 ohm CT Amp. For power cables, you will need a 12v 4 gauge constant + and - and a positive control switch wire. Additionally, you may want to consider adding a capacitor to store energy.
Where do I find fusebox diagrams?
Entering your VIN into a website should provide you with your fusebox diagrams. You should be able to use an Add a Fuse for a switched positive.
Is it safe to draw power directly from the 12v battery?
It is not recommended to draw power directly from the 12v battery due to potential damage to the battery. The 12v battery should be recharged as needed when the car is plugged in. Additionally, it is important to note that CCA's mean nothing for both this car's main purpose as well as using the stereo when the car is off.
What type of wiring do I need?
You will need a 4 gauge power cable for the amp, as well as a ground wire. Additionally, you will need speaker wire for the subwoofers and tweeters. The speaker wire should be at least 16 gauge, but 18 or 20 gauge is recommended.
How do I connect the amp to the stereo?
To connect the amp to the stereo, you will need an RCA cable. This cable should be connected from the pre-amp outputs on the back of the head unit to the inputs on the amplifier. Additionally, you may want to consider using a line output converter if your head unit does not have pre-amp outputs.
What type of speakers should I use?
It is recommended to use 6x9 speakers for the rear doors and 5x7 speakers for the front doors. Additionally, you may want to consider adding a pair of component speakers in the front doors for better sound quality.
Is there anything else I should consider?
Yes, it is important to consider sound dampening materials such as Dynamat or Stinger Roadkill to reduce road noise and improve sound quality. Additionally, you may want to consider adding a subwoofer enclosure and amplifier rack for better organization and protection of your equipment.