Hi All,
I'm a 3 month owner of a 2011 XK coupe and I noticed the subwoofer control on the head unit does absolutely nothing to the sound. The stereo sounds decent but it needs a more bass... nothing extreme. I have searched many threads and have seen the sub assembly out of the car with the amp mounted next to the 6.5" driver. I have also read that it is on the front passenger side somewhere. Is the unit behind the front side kick panel? If so, I expected to see a speaker grill in that location. .

If I am correct to assume it is on the pass side kick panel, can someone please clarify the parts that must be removed to get access to it? I will probably replace the driver with an aftermarket driver that will fit. Suggestions also appreciated on that.

 

The parts diagram suggests it's in the passenger foot well: Genuine Loudspeaker-premium System (bowers & Wilkins 440w Premium Sound,premium Sound) For Jaguar Xk 2006 - 2014 (from B00379) | Jaguar Land Rover Classic Parts

 

Thanks fir the info. that diagram doesn't show the location while still in the car. If the sub is item 4 in diagram, it doesn't even show it. Not the best diagram. I should have mentioned that it does have the Bowers & Wilkins system.

Possibly someone could show a photo of the sub & location in the car. Many people have removed/replaced this sub.

Info on how to get to it would be very much appreciated.

 

In the diagram, #5 is the amp and fits in #4. Ok that's not helpful. Remove the passenger seat, then remove the fitted carpet tub. I think you have to remove some smaller bits too to get the carpet tub out like the side of the center console etc. Once the tub is out, it will be clear to you. The Sub is under a plate on the up slope of the passenger footwell. You might be able to pull back the carpet without removing the seat. I added an amp and sub awhile ago and it was just easier to spend the ten minutes pulling the seat.

 

I wondered where mine was, even though I have the B&W audio, not sure they installed the sub.

 

Do you have the Sub options under SOUND SETTINGS?

 

I dunno, I'd need to check Cee Jay.

 

Ok - just checked - I didn't see "options" - it's says 3CH and has a slider for sub. So I'm assuming the sub is installed.

 

Unfortunately there is a distinct lack of bass on the 5 litre cars. I have it set to max but it doesn't make much difference. My 4.2 sounded a lot better.

 

Thanks guys for the help.
Now I understand better.
Big design flaw is the driver is buried underneath carpet and stuff.
I recently bought my car from eBay But-It-Now and drove it back from Chicago to Dallas. Just absolutely love it!! I found that my SUB slider control does make some change but I guess I expected more change when it is cranked to max. Max level setting only makes it acceptable with some recordings.... No Headroom at all for weaker bass recordings.

I don't know the T/S specs of the OEM sub driver, Does anyone know that? Just installing a more efficient driver will plug and play with stronger bass without changing anything else.

I also read the long thread audio thread that mentions the lack of midrange in the B&W system. That is a common problem in a 2 way system when the drivers have a far separation and probably use a higher order crossover between the bass & tweeter. I saw one suggestion about putting tape over tweeters to cut down on highest freqs but another solution is to put a high mfd capacitor across the tweeter wires. That capacitance value will have to be played with.

Room for improvement for sure