Simple Upgrade Solutions - Oem Upgrade 2003 Bmw X5

Vizualogic A-1250We didn't stop after we upgraded the OEM audio system; after all we wanted to build the ultimate entertainment machine. To take the system a step further we installed Vizualogic's A-1250 all-in-one headrest monitors. The A-1250 system consists of two replacement vehicle-specific headrests with integrated monitors and DVD players, two infrared headphones and a wireless remote. The A-1250 system comes in either a single-DVD or dual-DVD configuration. We opted for the dual-DVD system. With the dual-DVD A-1250 system, each headrest monitor can view the DVD playing internally, the DVD playing within the other headrest, an external source connected to the system control module, or an external source connected to the auxiliary input jack on the face of the monitor. The A-1250 monitors also feature built-in IR transmitters for the supplied wireless headphones as well as a wired headphone jack in case someone else wants to listen in.

Installing Vizualogic's A-1250 system was far easier than trying to cut up the factory headrests or headliner to install monitors. We simply removed the OEM headrests and replaced them with the Vizualogic headrests. The headrest monitor and DVD player cables are pre-routed through the support posts of the replacement headrests, so there's absolutely no cutting. The cables then were routed out the bottom of the seat and under the carpet towards the A-1250 control module. The A-1250 control module is a compact hide-away unit that, in addition to the headrest-specific connectors, has a set of RCA component auxiliary inputs (for connecting a video game system or multimedia head-unit, for example) and two sets of RCA component outputs that send the signal coming from the headrest-mounted DVD players to other external devices.

The red and yellow color-coded connectors coming from each headrest matched up to the corresponding connectors on the control module for a simple, error-proof installation. As with the Kenwood components, we mounted the Vizualogic A-1250 control module at the base of the X5's center console. The A-1250 control module has three wires that need to be connected for the system to function: constant, switched and ground. We connected these wires from the control module to the same locations used when we installed Kenwood's External Media Controller. The Vizualogic A-1250 system also features a built-in wireless transmitter that permits audio playback through the vehicle's FM tuner. Because we had already installed the KOS-A200 (and because it also features auxiliary audio inputs) we opted not to use the internal FM transmitter on the A-1250 control module, instead connecting the RCA component outputs from the control module to the External Media Controller.

When we finally finished the X5, it was time to play. We pressed power on the headrest monitors and inserted a DVD into each headrest once they came to life. The clarity and brightness instantly impressed us. The headrest monitors and DVD players can be controlled via the wireless remote or by using monitor-mounted buttons. When any button is pressed on the monitor, a row of icons appears above the buttons - all we had to do was simply press the button underneath the corresponding icon to perform the desired task. The monitor-mounted buttons allow full control of the monitor and will perform basic DVD functions such as play, stop, pause, previous and next. Advanced DVD controls such as subtitles and chapter search require the use of the remote.

After a few hours of work, we've managed to drastically update what was once an entry-level audio system. We've retained the factory head unit, amplifier and speakers while adding audio/visual accessories that give this BMW the latest in-vehicle entertainment options without drastically modifying the interior. Now when we're stuck in traffic we can watch movies in the backseat on the Vizualogic A-1250 headrests, while the audio is fed to Kenwood's External Media Controller, then heard and felt with the EFX HD4300 amplifier and 12" subwoofer. In other words, we've taken the BMW X5 a little closer to really being The Ultimate Entertaining Machine.

Adding the EFX amplifier and subwoofer made a noticeable improvement to the sound quality. With the EFX amp turned three-quarters of the way up, we were able to turn the bass setting on the OEM radio down, allowing the stock speakers to play louder without distorting. The HD4300's crossover allowed us to adjust the bass until it was subtle and refined, complementing the factory amplified system nicely.