My bose sub needs to be replaced since I popped it while blasting some track that I shouldnt of.
I can find some 2002+ I35 bose subs on ebay for about 200-300 bucks ... my question is, how easy is it to install it ? Im not a pro mechanic, I dont really work on cars unless its something very simple, so what do you guys think ? can a noob tech like me install it ? or do I have to take it in to a shop ?

It's easy. You can actually pop off the grill on the rear deck and reach the mounting screws. I can't remember if it comes out the top or bottom but it's not too hard to do. I wish I could give you more details but I pulled that thing out like 6 years ago and never put it back.

When something's a PITA to do I usually remember it vividly but since this was rather forgettable it must not have been too bad, LOL.

For 200-300 bucks, why not buy a nice Kicker or Pioneer sub to replace the factory Bose one with? Something a little more durable with a urethane cone that will sound smoother at high volumes, as well as give you better response all around.

Just pop it into the factory mounting spot. I'm sure the factory amp will be able to push it just fine.

Unless the sub in our cars is an open air baffle like the ones in the Z?

OP,
I dont think an aftermarket will work because a Bose system is based upon a one ohm setup. I have wondered for awhile if A 2 ohm sub would be compatible?
I worked in car audio right after HS (10 yrs ago) so im not sure on these newer Bose systems.
At any rate, when looking at your $300 pricetag I would suggest to buy a quality aftermarket sub that is 2 ohm, try it with the bose amp, and if it doesnt work Buy a small aftermarket amp and you'll effectively have spent the same or less and have a superior quality setup that isnt 9-10 years old.
Good luck and keep us posted

Before I went with a conventional sub + box in the trunk in this car, I used a Kicker Free-air 8" sub in the stock sub location. The sub I bought even lined up with the mounting holes for the BOSE sub. I never entertained the idea of using the existing amp, instead choosing to use a small aftermarket amp to power the free-air sub.

It sounded OK, probably better than the stock sub, but ultimately didn't satisfy my tastes, and eventually replaced it with what I have to this day.

You're probably right, Using aftermarket subs with the stock amp wont work right. Its incredibly easy to tap into the existing sub lines and convert them to RCA for an aftermarket amplifier though (bonus-no rear deck rattle). I put dual 12's in mine and couldn't be happier.

So I take it its easy to install replacement ? remove the old, pop in the new, connect the wires and thats that ?
Also would a bose sub from ANY year I35 fit in 04 ?

Anyone ?

I believe that '02-'04 are the same. The sub amp is actually part of the sub. It's contained in the black plastic piece mounted on the bottom of the sub driver. IMO, it's a P.O.S little digital amp. I've had mine apart to resolder as it cut in and out.

Was it easy to remove and put back ? or was it a ***** ?
Do you remember how long it took you ?

What track was it? Some old school bass?

"CAUTION: MAY DAMAGE SPEAKERS"

Naw some techno track with some ****ed up bass.

I only removed the amp/crossover part to resolder it. But it was easy. Just have to lay in the trunk and unplug a couple of wire connectors and 3 screws. To get the driver/entire unit out, I believe you have to pop the grille from the inside and remove the screws from inside. It would likely take 2 people to re-install.
My remove-resolder-install fix took less than an hour.

What exactly did you re solder? Mine has been cutting in an out for years and I never bothered to mess with it.. It would be nice to have bass again!

There is a thread on the 5th gen. max forum. Do a search, I'm sure you'll find it. Included are detailed pics. of what to re-solder. Only about 5 points I believe.

Here it is.

a 5.5 gen bose sub should do the trick.
i know ill sell mine for far less than 200 bucks if stock is all you want

Hey I stuck a piece of paper wrapped in electrical tape on top of that grey box in the sub-woofer amp. and closed it and my sub doesn't cut in and out.

DAMN, i just tossed mine in a dumpster after 2 years. I was waiting to see if anyone needed it, I would of gave it to your for the shipping.

Oh well just replace it with a aftermarket 8" sub.

Revs2hard,

Did you have to do any special mods to install the aftermarket 8" sub?

Although, my 8" polk db840 sounds 10 times better than my stock bose sub. It doesnt hit the really low freq's. You guys have any idea on how to seal this up. I ordered a XTC baffle that might help a bit!?! But, ultimately I think I'm ghoing to have to build a box that mounts under it for .30 cu ft of air space....Thoughts?

Hey can someone help me out please. I just installed a after market indash clarion navi/dvd with the harness attached and I'm not getting base at all. What seem to be the problem?????? I was told to cut the RCA plug behind the radio and hook it directly up to the radio. IDK