LIBERTYVILLE, IL (09.23.26) – Turn your sound ELITE through shallow subwoofer performance. HEW shallow subwoofers deliver BIG BASS PUNCH innovated through shallow subwoofer size that can fit anywhere your car audio install demands. HEW subwoofers feature a unique cone design and high-excursion capabilities that allow accurate low details and deeper, consistent bass blast.
With a sleek, low-profile design, HEW ELITE subwoofers deliver deep, resonant bass while fitting easily into compact spaces such as under seats, in small trunk spaces, or behind panels. Choose from eitherthe HEW12D4S (12-inch), HEW10D4S (10-inch), or HEW8D4S (8-inch) subwoofer models. LEVEL UP your bass to ELITE!
SHREVEPORT, LA (09.22.26) – Our custom Whiskey Biz build that was on display at the SDI booth at the Sand Sports Super Show, was stolen from our semi trailer while it was headed home from the show.
What to look for: 2026 Polaris Ranger XD1500 with a chopped custom cage and custom paint
Where: Empty lot next to the Chevron station in Newberry Springs, CA
When: Early morning of Monday, 9/21, between roughly midnight and 8 AM while the driver was asleep in the cab.
This is a one-of-a-kind build, so it should be easy to spot. If you’ve seen it, or hear anything about it on the road, in the dunes, online, or anywhere else, please reach out.
Barstow Sheriff’s Department: (760) 256-4838 Or contact SuperATV or Whiskey Biz directly
Please SHARE this post far and wide. The UTV community looks out for each other, and every share gets us closer to bringing it home.
BOCA RATON, FL (09.22.26) – ZZ2, a leader in vehicle integration and connectivity solutions, announces the launch of the NEW Bike2Play+ 7″, expanding its popular Bike2Play lineup with a larger 7-inch HD touchscreen and new features designed for motorcycles, powersports vehicles, and outdoor adventures.
Riders no longer have to rely on mounting an expensive smartphone directly to their handlebars for navigation, music, calls, and other essential apps. The new Bike2Play+ 7″ delivers Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through a larger, purpose-built touchscreen designed for the riding environment.
The new model features ZZ2’s fast and responsive zOS Linux-based operating system, IP65 water and dust resistance, Bluetooth helmet connectivity, secure universal mounting, and a highly requested addition: a dedicated 3.5mm audio output for greater flexibility when integrating with compatible motorcycle audio systems.
Riders can also choose the Bike2Play+ 7″ DVR Edition, which adds two Full HD 1080p front and rear cameras with continuous ride recording and support for up to 256GB Micro SD storage. From Harley-Davidson and touring motorcycles to adventure bikes, ATVs, UTVs, Can-Am vehicles, scooters, e-bikes, golf carts, and marine applications, Bike2Play+ is designed to bring modern connectivity to virtually any adventure.
The new Bike2Play+ 7″ is available now through ZZ2 to add to your lineup.
OLATHE, KS (09.22.26) – PRNewswire – Garmin (NYSE: GRMN), the world’s largest* and most innovative marine electronics manufacturer, today announced JL Audio® M200 marine speakers and subwoofers, a stunning new audio series that blends a fresh design with high-performance sound to boost the onboard experience. Engineered to withstand harsh boating environments, the speakers are available in 6.5- and 7.7-inch sizes, offering clear, immersive sound, while the 10-inch subwoofer produces deep, powerful, clear bass. The M200 series speakers and subwoofers feature vibrant LED illumination in a wide variety of colors so boaters can personalize the look of their audio system to match their boat.
“With the JL Audio M200 series, we’re offering boaters a powerful onboard audio solution with crystal-clear sound, modern styling and customizable lighting – all at an exceptional value. Designed to keep the party going year after year, these speakers and subwoofers deliver the performance, durability and versatility to enhance any day on the water.” –Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales & Marketing
Featuring a 1-inch edge-driven silk dome tweeter with a neodymium magnet, the JL Audio M200 speakers provide a smooth and warm sound with power handling up to 60 watts RMS. The standard cutout size and mounting hole make it easy to retrofit the boat. The 10-inch subwoofer is constructed with an injection molded polypropylene cone and rubber surround and an optimized motor system to deliver minimal distortion, excellent low-frequency, and 250-watts RMS power handling.
RGB lighting allows boaters to customize the look of their M200 series audio system to complement their onboard style. When paired with a Garmin Spectra™ or Garmin Lumishore® light control module (sold separately), boaters can access advanced lighting control from a compatible chartplotter or ActiveCaptain® app. Both the speakers and subwoofers offer white or gray grilles to match the boat’s interior and maintain the premium look of other M-series speakers, including the M6 and M3.
Built from marine-grade materials and finishes with corrosion-resistant connections, the JL Audio M200 series provides high-performance audio all season long, withstanding salt and sun exposure.
The JL Audio M200 series is available now with suggested retail prices ranging from $199.99 to $349.99. To learn more, visit garmin.com/marine/audio.
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin and its brands – JL Audio and Fusion – are committed to developing and delivering world-class audio entertainment solutions, including high-performance stereos, speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers and other audio components for the marine, car, RV, powersports and home markets. For more information, visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, or follow our blog.
COSTA MESA, CA (09.21.26) – KICKER Performance Audio showcased multiple UTVs and vehicles at the world’s biggest sand show – the Sand Sports Super Show. The Orange County Fair & Event Center hosted the colossal event September 18-20 on the Center’s 150-acre grounds. KICKER’s display area was by the East entrance of the event grounds, anchored by the KICKER XRV and its Boom Room, which blasted 40,000 watts of epic sound all weekend long.
At set up demo vehicles led to the XRV.
The Sand Sports Super Show opened to the public Friday afternoon, and all was set in the expansive KICKER booth that stretched more than a football field. Enthusiasts stopped throughout the weekend to check out a wide selection of vehicles available for live demos.
Once the gates opened the KICKER booth was busy every day.
Lorin Morrell rolled in from Lake Havasu with the KICKER pickup and trailer. “There is nothing that compares to the Sand Sports Super Show to showcase the latest for UTV enthusiasts. From aftermarket mobile electronics upgrades, to lift kits, to wheels, to graphics… it’s all here. Once again this year KICKER led the pack with audio upgrades and eye appeal” Morrell relayed.
The Chug Bus from local retailer ELITE Car Stereo drew a crowd throughout the event.
Jeremy Wynn, KICKER Events & Promotions Manager, added, “It was another great year at the Sand Sports Super Show. Traffic in the booth was up from previous years, which resulted in a lot of good consumer interactions. The temp was in the 70s, making the show days very enjoyable under a blue sky. Overall, it was truly a great event as we continue to grow the KICKER brand in the Powersports community.”
HAMILTON, OH (09.21.26) – Dynamat announced that Reliable Product Marketing is now the company’s Mobile Electronics 12volt representative for Northern California and Northern Nevada.
Through the new partnership, Reliable Product Marketing will support Dynamat’s dealer, distributor, and installer relationships throughout the territory, helping customers access Dynamat’s proven product solutions and the expertise needed to tackle road noise, vibration, heat, and unwanted sound.
“Reliable Product Marketing brings strong regional knowledge, enthusiasm, and a commitment to serving the mobile electronics industry with premium brands,” said Pat Johnson, National Sales Director at Dynamat. “We’re excited to have them representing Dynamat across Northern California and NorthernNevada and look forward to growing our presence in these important markets.”
Dynamat’s product portfolio includes sound-deadening and insulation solutions for vehicles, including Dynamat Xtreme, Dynaliner, DynaCore, PRO Speaker Kit, Dynamat ProX and much more. These products are designed to help enthusiasts, installers, and professionals create quieter, more comfortable, and better-performing vehicles.
Reliable Product Marketing didn’t start as a business plan. It started as a belief — that the car audio industry deserved representation that actually understood the products, the installers, and the customers sitting in a shop chair.
“We’re excited to work with Dynamat and their incredible team! Dynamat offers a world-class product that is proudly made right here in America,” said Scott Baughman, Principle at Reliable Product Marketing. We’re looking forward to bringing the Dynamat product line—and the story behind this iconic American- made brand—to dealers throughout Northern California and Northern Nevada. Great products. A great team. Made in America. We’re excited for what’s ahead!”
Since 2007, we’ve been working the California and Nevada territory the right way: building relationships one dealer at a time, learning the technology deeply enough to train on it, and choosing our brand partners the same way we’d choose the gear for our own builds — carefully, and without compromise.
That foundation has let us grow into something larger. RPM today means a rep firm with real reach, a content library that educates the market, and manufacturer partnerships built on long-term growth rather than short-term placement.
We’ve weathered the hard years the industry has gone through. We rebuilt when it was necessary. And we came out on the other side with the same conviction we started with — this industry is worth doing right.
QUEENS, NY (09.21.26) – Tune in and watch the CMA LIVE interview this Saturday September 19th at 8:00pm on how ZZ2 EXPANDS BIKE2PLAY WITH NEW 7-INCH MODELS.
ZZ2 is expanding its BIKE2PLAY DVR lineup featuring a larger 7-inch display, the all NEW 3.5mm audio output feature everyone has been asking for plus a convenient screen-shutoff function. These new models deliver even more functionality for motorcycle riders and more. A must see in action!
FLOWER MOUND, TX (09.18.26) – SSR Distributors and DOW Technologies teamed up for a successful Compustar dealer training event Wednesday evening at the Firstech facility in Flower Mound TX drawing more than 70 dealers for an evening of education, product knowledge, and industry networking. Dealers came from as far away as Houston and Austin.
The joint training came together through Tracy Farr, VP of Sales and Operations for SSR Distributors, and Justin Roberts, Territory Manager for DOW Technologies. Both companies are members of the Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA). Farr and Roberts saw an opportunity to partner to provide dealers with valuable training and direct access to the Compustar team.
70 dealers were in the audience when Josh Woodie made the training presentation at Firstech in Flower Mound, TX.
The training was held at Firstech’s 61,000 ft.² facility.
Jimmy Bradfield, Tracy Farr, Justin Roberts and Josh Woodie (LtoR) coordinated the evening training.
The event was held inside Firstech’s impressive 61,000-square-foot facility, which features the latest technology supporting research and development, new-product planning, technical support, and customer service operations.
Leading the evening’s training was Josh Woodie, Firstech’s head training manager, who oversees a team of approximately 10 technical staff members. Dealers remained highly engaged throughout the presentation, asking numerous questions and discussing real-world applications they could take back to their businesses. “The goal was for every dealer in the room to walk away having learned something new that they could take back to their store and apply—whether that’s with the consumer, on the sales floor, or in the installation bay” said Farr. “Based on the engagement and the number of questions throughout the evening, I believe we accomplished the goals.”
Also in attendance was Jimmy Bradfield of Momentum Marketing, the area manufacturer’s representative, along with Justin Roberts and Taylor from DOW Technologies. Representing SSR Distributors were Tracy Farr, Rostom, Arturo, and Mike.
Jimmy Bradfield, Momentum Marketing, taking questions from dealers alongside Josh Woodie.
Justin Roberts on his way to deliver a Compustar prize to a drawing winner.
Tracy Farr hands a DRONE prize to a drawing winner.
The evening concluded with numerous prize giveaways and every attendee left with a Firstech hat. For SSR and DOW, the turnout demonstrated what can be accomplished when two EDA distributors work together to support and educate their dealer base.
“This was truly a joint effort between DOW and SSR,” Farr added. “We’re both EDA members, we’re both committed to supporting our dealers and partnering on an event like this simply made sense. More than 70 dealers showed up ready to learn and the night went off without a hitch. There is power in numbers.”
The successful Flower Mound event reinforced the companies’ shared commitment to dealer education, technical training and continued investment in the 12-volt industry.
QUEENS, NY (09.18.26) – Talk to someone who has owned a BMW for ten years and you will rarely hear complaints about the car itself. The engine still pulls the way it did on the test drive. The seats and materials have worn in, not worn out. The steering still communicates the road the way BMW intended. These are vehicles engineered to be kept, and their owners keep them, often well past the decade mark.
Then there is the screen.
If you drive an older BMW, you have probably asked at least one of these questions: Can I add Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to my BMW? Can I replace the small factory screen with something larger? Is there a way to modernize the technology without tearing out the factory radio and losing iDrive? The answer to all three is yes, and it does not involve compromise. This article explains how BMW infotainment upgrades work, why BMWs are uniquely suited to them, and what to look for in a solution.
Why BMW Owners Keep Their Cars
BMWs age exceptionally well. The powertrains are built for the long haul, the interiors hold their look and feel, and the driving dynamics that convinced you to buy the car do not fade with the odometer. A well-maintained 3 Series or X5 from the early 2010s still feels special in a way few of its contemporaries can match.
A well-kept BMW still looks and feels special years later. The interior wears in rather than wearing out.
The technology inside it is another story. Infotainment moves on a consumer-electronics timeline, not an automotive one. A dashboard that was state of the art when the car was new can feel a full generation behind within five or six years. The result is a strange mismatch familiar to almost every long-term BMW owner: a car that still drives like new, paired with a screen that reminds you of its age every time you start it.
The Screen Problem Every BMW Owner Knows
The frustrations tend to pile up in the same order. The factory display, often just 6.5 or 8.8 inches, looks small next to any modern smartphone. It is not a touchscreen. There is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, so calls, messages, music, and navigation all run through an interface designed before those services existed. The factory navigation maps are outdated, and updating them is neither cheap nor convenient. Menus that once felt responsive now feel sluggish.
Then there are the screens that fail outright. Many BMW owners know the dreaded black dot: a dark blotch that appears near the center of the display and slowly spreads as the screen’s internal layers separate. It is a well-documented issue, and dealers typically quote a full screen replacement at a price that makes owners wince. Add in fading, delamination, and dead pixels, and plenty of otherwise excellent BMWs are driving around with displays their owners actively avoid looking at.
The dreaded black dot. Internal layers separate and the blemish spreads across the factory display.
The car is still fantastic. The infotainment is not.
Why Swapping the Radio Is the Wrong Answer in a BMW
In an older truck or an economy car, the traditional fix is simple: pull the factory radio and install an aftermarket head unit. In a BMW, that approach falls apart quickly, because a BMW is not built like those vehicles. It is engineered as one integrated system.
The iDrive controller on the console, the vehicle settings menus, the parking sensors, the steering wheel controls, the factory Bluetooth, and the factory microphone all run through the same electronics that drive the display. Remove the factory radio and you are not just replacing a stereo; you are cutting into a network the rest of the car depends on. Aftermarket workarounds exist, but they trade away the seamless integration that makes a BMW feel like a BMW. As we covered in our overview of screen replacement technology, the smarter path for integrated luxury vehicles is to upgrade the display and leave the factory electronics alone.
These systems all run through the same electronics as the display. A screen upgrade leaves every one of them in place.
Replace the Display, Not the Vehicle
This is exactly the philosophy behind the DIZZPLAY line of BMW screen upgrades from ZZ2. Instead of replacing the radio, a DIZZPLAY system replaces only the screen with a larger, modern 10.25-inch HD touchscreen designed for your specific BMW, while the factory electronics keep doing their jobs.
Modern Technology. Factory Experience.
Everything you rely on stays factory:
The iDrive controller
Vehicle settings and menus
Steering wheel controls
Factory Bluetooth
The factory microphone
The OEM appearance of the dashboard
And everything you have been missing gets added:
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Android Auto
A large anti-glare HD touchscreen
zOS, ZZ2’s fast-booting Linux-based operating system
Full touch operation alongside the iDrive controller
USB media playback
Optional front and rear camera support on supported models
Touch operation, an anti-glare panel, camera support, and full iDrive controller operation.
Every DIZZPLAY system is backed by a three-year warranty with U.S.-based technical support, and installation through an authorized retailer is plug-and-play, with no cutting or splicing of the factory harness.
Fit and Finish That Belongs in a BMW
For most BMW owners, the deciding factor is not the feature list. It is the question of whether an upgrade will look like it came from the factory. Plenty of aftermarket products work well enough but announce themselves the moment you open the door: mismatched trim, odd angles, a screen that looks bolted on rather than built in.
A BMW display upgrade has to clear a higher bar, and this is where DIZZPLAY separates itself. The housing follows the factory lines of the dash, the finish matches the factory styling, and the larger display complements the dashboard rather than dominating it. Passengers notice a bigger, sharper screen. What they do not notice is anything out of place. The goal is a vehicle that looks the way BMW would have built it, if this technology had existed when the car was designed.
Which BMWs Can Be Upgraded?
DIZZPLAY covers the four infotainment platforms BMW used across two decades: CCC, CIC, NBT, and EVO. In practical terms, that means support for a broad range of vehicles from the 2004 through 2023 model years, including the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, and 7 Series, the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, and X6, and the Z4.
DIZZPLAY covers the CCC, CIC, NBT, and EVO platforms across the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 Series, the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, and X6, and the Z4.
Whether you need an NBT screen replacement for a 2015 3 Series, an EVO screen upgrade for a 2018 X3, or a CIC upgrade for an older 5 Series, the fastest way to confirm exact fitment is ZZ2’s BMW compatibility guide, which matches systems to specific models, years, and platforms.
Your BMW Still Drives Like New. Now It Can Feel Like New.
BMW built your car to last, and it has. There is no reason the technology inside it should force the issue. A DIZZPLAY upgrade modernizes the one part of the vehicle that ages fastest while preserving everything that made you keep it: the factory integration, the factory character, and the drive itself.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (09.18.26) – Introducing the ALL-NEW Can-Am Maverick R Tuned Audio Kits.
Get ready to bring serious sound to your Can-Am Maverick R vehicle (2024 — Current) with the MBQMAVR-STG5-1 five-speaker system that features 1,120 watts of STAGE 5 power.
Included in the kit are two 6.5-inch dash-mounted coaxial RGB speakers, two 8-inch door-mounted coaxial RGB speakers, one 10-inch subwoofer in a sealed enclosure, two powerful waterproof IP67 amplifiers (520-watt 4-channel and a 600-watt monoblock) and four LED amber turn signals. Turn every outdoor ride into a concert!
In addition, sold separately as options, the MBQMAVR-SUB-1 includes a 10-inch tuned under-seat sealed subwoofer enclosure for deeper, harder-hitting bass, while the MBQMAVR-DASH-1 provides the GMR-7V1.2 source unit and dedicated dash installation solution for a clean, factory-integrated upgrade.
