Should I get the Bose system?
The very first thing you need to ask yourself is this. Am I going to upgrade? Simply put many of you go and drive the Z and do not either bother listening to the stereo or at low volumes. You need to listen to the system how you really would!! Bring cd's, ipods or other media to test your music on the system. Sit in the car and really listen, even if you're not an audiophile, you will know wether or not you will be happy with the system after a few songs. If you are read no more the bose maybe for you. If you think you will be upgrading or even adding a sub read on.
Should I get the OEM Nav system?
if you feel like replacing the system because you want more features it would be easier if you simply got a non Bose system. However it is replaceable see here.
NAV System Successfully Removed
What are my options for upgrading from bose?
This is where it can get interesting. You can add new audio to your bose system but you have to do some things in order to do so.
If you have the regular non nav bose system you can upgrade the head unit and use this dash kit and adapter to run it with the rest of the bose system still in tack.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1207075...s.html?tp=2977
http://www.metraonline.com/part/Niss...h_kit_99-7607B
To keep your steering wheel controls
http://www.amazon.com/Axxess-ASWC-1-.../dp/B00B4PJC9K
Base speaker brackets or make them yourself:
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/r...e/IMG_6601.jpg
If you want to do a complete overhaul you can just as long as you have the regular bose system and not with the nav. And make sure to run new speaker wires
Speakers
If you want to upgrade your speakers it is not as simple as plugging in new speakers and your set. The bose system has odd ohms levels for it's speakers and on top of this they have build in crossovers on the bose amp. You will first have to use a LOC such as the mtx-req5, Alpine imprint, JBL MS8, and so on. These devices connect to the bose system wires, before or after the factory amp and allow you to connect new amps to power your new speakers. Yes you will need not only a LOC but a new amp to install new speakers. Also you will want to run new speaker wires as well.
You can put a 6X9 in the door however 6.5 is recommended with a spacer ring. Component set is also recommended
LOC
As mentioned this device allows you to install a new sub and/or speaker amp to power your new sub or speakers. The high end ones are the JBL MS8 and Audison Bitone right now. There are other such as the MTX re-q5 and so on. The only one I do not recommend is the JL cleansweep this one will make you use a small volume knob it comes with to control the volume and you will not longer be able to use your factory volume knob.
The bad about these are ground loops. Bose system are notorious for having already present alternator winning in the system that when you upgrade you may bring out. The higher end LOC's are not as sensitive to this as the lower end ones. I personally encountered this problem doing a install in california. This can sometimes be fixed by using a ground loop isolator.
Why is bose bad?
Simply put the bose system is nothing more than upgraded paper woofers just like the base system below are some pictures of some base speakers and some bose speakers. Other than the size the only differences are ohms and the bose had the brand name on them. take a look. More information about the bose system can be found under Car Audio 101
Speakers Bose
Base
Base tweeter
Bose tweeter
