3 Attachment(s)
Re: BMW E60 sq build (Helix/Ground Zero)
Well this took its sweet time, but the build is finally done and the car is delivered to its owner :) Been working on this off and on between the projects on my main job.
Changed the setup a little bit in the end. The owner wanted to retain the BMW I-drive functionality (even though this does not do much when you take away the audio control settings), and the idrive screen/control wheel is controlled by the OEM head unit. So we agreed on ditching the Halo9 install, keep the idrive, and use a phone/dap/tablet etc as the audio source, since she 99% is using spotify for playback anyway.
And then the most convenient way was to use a Helix bluetooth streaming module. But since the M Four DSP amp does not (yet) have an option to fit such a module, I swapped it out for a regular M Four, plus a Helix DSP Mini with HEC BT module. This setup only use 5 channels anyway, so no need for the 10 dsp channels in a M Four DSP.
I installed a Helix URC.3 controller on the side of the centre console, to control both main and subwoofer volume.
I do have some build pics from the trunk build, but at first here are some pics of the finished trunk:
Attachment 16077
Attachment 16078
Attachment 16079
Re: BMW E60 sq build (Helix/Ground Zero)
I'm equally bad at editing as filming, so it really evens out :D
But put together the small clips I made on my phone while building:
https://youtu.be/k__le6snHrw
Re: BMW E60 sq build (Helix/Ground Zero)
Beautiful acrylic and custom vinyl work... Was it a PITA applying the "stickers" to the back of those magnets so symmetrical? I am supper bummed that Helix has decided to discontinue the Q line of subs, hope they replace with something better and not take steps backwards...
Definitely a show piece worthy install!!!!
Re: BMW E60 sq build (Helix/Ground Zero)
Thank you thank you :)
Actually the accent rings are laser cut/engraved plastic, so they are pretty thick and rigid, they are fastened with industrial double sided tape. It's made with special dual-colour engraving plastic (white bottom layer, black top layer), so the laser burns away the top layer to reveal the bottom layer/color.
Not too hard to align, but then again aligning and mounting stickers/graphics/signs has been my trade for the last 20 or so years.
Regarding the Q series subwoofers, I've heard talk on forums etc for "years" that at least the Q15W was discontinued, but they are still in stock over here, and I mentioned this as recently as earlier today when talking on the phone with the local Helix distributor, he had heard no such thing from AF themselves.