is the harman kardon sound system worth the 875 dollars

ryan970 · 12-31-2010, 04:27 AM

just wondering who has the system and is it worth it

Titanflux · 12-31-2010, 05:17 AM

I'm thinking about it too.

VooDooM4 · 12-31-2010, 05:18 AM

I got the upgrade. I never heard the stock sound system, but I read some forums that the stock sys was terrible. HK sounds really good in opinion! I don't believe it should be 875, maybe 500. If you like music, go for it!

renaultf1 · 12-31-2010, 05:32 AM

When I ordered my car, my CA told me that if I care at all about music I needed to get the HK as I wouldn't be happy with the stock system. I took his word, ordered HK and am very happy with it - it sounds great. I had a new 2011 328i loaner a few weeks ago that had the stock system. OMG am I happy I didn't go with that - it was terrible in comparison to what is in my car.

MacR6 · 12-31-2010, 06:09 AM

I have the logic 7 in my 07 335 and it sounds good when it's working right. Got a loaner with the stock system and it sounds like crap compared to the L7. So when I ordered my 2011 I made sure I upgraded to the HK system.

wrickem · 12-31-2010, 06:29 AM

yes. Unless you're going to upgrade the base system yourself.

John 070 · 12-31-2010, 07:12 AM

Out of principle, no way. It was standard in 2007. I would ask the dealership to take another $1000 off, but keep it on the order. If in stock, no problem, just discount another $875.

jplev · 12-31-2010, 07:58 AM

I have the stock stereo in mine. I found a 328i on a lot with everything I wanted down to color combination. I really didn't want to pay an extra $875 (or dealer's invoice price) to upgrade (although if this vehicle already had it, I probably would have sucked it up and gotten it). I'm not an audiophile, so take this FWIW. I think the stock unit is fine. It is probably not as great as the HK system, but I just feel with sounds like road noise, wind noise, etc, upgrading the sound was not a big deal to me. My music sounds fine to me whether from Sirius, FM or my iPhone.

BMWsky · 12-31-2010, 08:00 AM

I have it and it's a decent system. If you're really an audiophile, I would suggest not getting the HK and instead installing a really nice aftermarket. If not, the HK is decent at the pricepoint.

wrickem · 12-31-2010, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John 070

Out of principle, no way. It was standard in 2007

Only on 335, not on the 328. In '07 Logic 7 cost more than HK does now.

fdriller9 · 12-31-2010, 08:55 AM

You could install a better sounding system for a bit more than $875. Of course that's without labor though.

ceb · 12-31-2010, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John 070

Out of principle, no way. It was standard in 2007. I would ask the dealership to take another $1000 off, but keep it on the order. If in stock, no problem, just discount another $875.

My first new BMW cost $4000. My latest was $54000. Should I ask for a $50,000 discount because prices increased? Should I refuse to buy it because it got more expensive?

"Out of principle" is cutting your nose off to spite your face.

For the OP - bring your favorite music on a CD and listen to the stock system. If you like the sound then stop right there and don't listen to the HK system.

Upgrading the stock system isn't as easy as it used to be. The headunit is part of the diagnostics system and, in general, must be relocated to the trunk to assure that all systems continue to work as intended.

The electrics are quite fragile on modern cars and many systems are interrelated. There is no "cheap" upgrade to the basic sound system so if you don't like it then the first upgrade to consider is the HK system.

Cygnusx1 · 12-31-2010, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ceb

My first new BMW cost $4000. My latest was $54000. Should I ask for a $50,000 discount because prices increased? Should I refuse to buy it because it got more expensive?

"Out of principle" is cutting your nose off to spite your face.

For the OP - bring your favorite music on a CD and listen to the stock system. If you like the sound then stop right there and don't listen to the HK system.

Upgrading the stock system isn't as easy as it used to be. The headunit is part of the diagnostics system and, in general, must be relocated to the trunk to assure that all systems continue to work as intended.

The electrics are quite fragile on modern cars and many systems are interrelated. There is no "cheap" upgrade to the basic sound system so if you don't like it then the first upgrade to consider is the HK system.

Smart Man.

stressdoc · 12-31-2010, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ceb

My first new BMW cost $4000. My latest was $54000. Should I ask for a $50,000 discount because prices increased? Should I refuse to buy it because it got more expensive?

"Out of principle" is cutting your nose off to spite your face.

For the OP - bring your favorite music on a CD and listen to the stock system. If you like the sound then stop right there and don't listen to the HK system.

Upgrading the stock system isn't as easy as it used to be. The headunit is part of the diagnostics system and, in general, must be relocated to the trunk to assure that all systems continue to work as intended.

The electrics are quite fragile on modern cars and many systems are interrelated. There is no "cheap" upgrade to the basic sound system so if you don't like it then the first upgrade to consider is the HK system.

+1

Although check out the audio section on E90post if you are considering mods. IMO this is a difficult area, especially when you factor in resale. You will get a return on the HK option, but aftermarket mods are usually a complete flush.

CRG3 · 12-31-2010, 09:47 AM

As an old audiophile, I couldn't stand the the base system. The HK was a must for my 2011. I did not consider doing an aftermarket because I didn't want to risk voiding my warranty as related to the electrical system. Anyway, I've been happy with the HK.

lucas.kent · 12-31-2010, 09:55 AM

I came from an 06 330 with the L7 system; pay the little bit extra and get the upgrade. The base stereo really is terrible. I saw a lot of negative comments from others here before I picked up my new car, and thought that maybe they were just exaggerations. They are not, the standard system is THAT bad. And I'm no audiophile, but geez it sucks.

Forcefed3 · 12-31-2010, 09:57 AM

Yes, it is defiantly worth the money.

BRAISKI · 12-31-2010, 10:28 AM

I have the "BMW Individual Audio System with Dirac Live™ Technology"

Last year (2010) this was an option $1700 option!

When I bought my 2011 it was already part of the "Executive Package"

Its a very good sound system and the speakers are good quality. I am very happy with it. It "may" be worth $1700 since it supposed to be high-end. I can't compare to other sound system from BMW. Since I haven't really heard them in action...

TheStigsTwin · 12-31-2010, 10:37 AM

I don't know what the upgrade sounds like, but I can tell you the base system is absolutely and unequivocally terrible. I am gonna pull it and replace it in the spring. Let's just hope I don't mess it up.

ctuna · 12-31-2010, 10:48 AM

The really low end system didn't make it to the US till 2010 which had no amp and really is a POS . It is so bad that BMW put the middle grade system back in for the US after September minus rear tweeter most people could probably live with that one although its not terrific. So there is the base system,HI Fi ,and the Top HiF(L7)System . If you are going to modify the middle system HI Fi does not
have a fiberoptics connection to the factory amp and is easiest to modify.
So if you are not going to modify the system yes L7 is worth it.
It will cost you at least 1k in parts to modify the non L7 systems the L7
is hard to modify because of Fiberoptics.

Also go to this sub board to get your audio questions answered.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=27

FYI
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=352586

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=365866

BRAISKI · 12-31-2010, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

The really low end system didn't make it to the US till 2010 which had no amp and really is a POS . It is so bad that BMW put the middle grade system back in for the US after September minus rear tweeter most people could probably live with that one although its not terrific. So there is the base system,HI Fi ,and the Top HiF(L7)System . If you are going to modify the middle system HI Fi does not
have a fiberoptics connection to the factory amp and is easiest to modify.
So if you are not going to modify the system yes L7 is worth it.
It will cost you at least 1k in parts to modify the non L7 systems the L7
is hard to modify because of Fiberoptics.

Also go to this sub board to get your audio questions answered.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=27

FYI
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=352586

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=365866

Where is the Individual Audio with Dirac System specs? Do you have it in the US?

ctuna · 12-31-2010, 12:48 PM

I haven't seen that system widely covered on this board ,
It is rare though this would be one of the places to do a search for it.

12-31-2010, 04:27 AM	#1
ryan970 Major 164 Rep 1,304 Posts Drives: Tiag 328i,DGM F10 550 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	is the harman kardon sound system worth the 875 dollars just wondering who has the system and is it worth it __________________ 08 TIAG 328i 13 DGM 550 x drive Last edited by ryan970; 12-31-2010 at 04:29 AM.. Reason: mistake
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12-31-2010, 05:17 AM	#2
Titanflux Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 201 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 335d M Sport auto Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Manchester, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 F10 520d SE [0.00]	I'm thinking about it too.
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12-31-2010, 05:18 AM	#3
VooDooM4 Private First Class 56 Rep 123 Posts Drives: 2023 ///M4 Competition Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Houston, Texas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 M4 Competition [10.00]	I got the upgrade. I never heard the stock sound system, but I read some forums that the stock sys was terrible. HK sounds really good in opinion! I don't believe it should be 875, maybe 500. If you like music, go for it! __________________ Current: 2023 BMW ///M4 Competition Sold: 2021 Audi RS5 Retired: 2021 BMW ///M340i
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12-31-2010, 05:32 AM	#4
renaultf1 Private First Class 4 Rep 133 Posts Drives: 2011 e91 328xiT 6MT Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Maine iTrader: (0)	When I ordered my car, my CA told me that if I care at all about music I needed to get the HK as I wouldn't be happy with the stock system. I took his word, ordered HK and am very happy with it - it sounds great. I had a new 2011 328i loaner a few weeks ago that had the stock system. OMG am I happy I didn't go with that - it was terrible in comparison to what is in my car.
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12-31-2010, 06:09 AM	#5
MacR6 Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 219 Posts Drives: 07 335i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	I have the logic 7 in my 07 335 and it sounds good when it's working right. Got a loaner with the stock system and it sounds like crap compared to the L7. So when I ordered my 2011 I made sure I upgraded to the HK system.
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12-31-2010, 06:29 AM	#6
wrickem Big Beaver Smile 2101 Rep 3,791 Posts Drives: What he wants to Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: lambertville nj iTrader: (0)	yes. Unless you're going to upgrade the base system yourself. __________________ ______________________________________________ Current- '21 430 , '19 911, 07 M6 ,'17 Jeep Wrangler, "23 Bronco OBXluxsquatch
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12-31-2010, 07:12 AM	#7
John 070 Lieutenant General 1705 Rep 14,829 Posts Drives: 335i cpe Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: ZSP/ZPP/ZCW iTrader: (0)	Out of principle, no way. It was standard in 2007. I would ask the dealership to take another $1000 off, but keep it on the order. If in stock, no problem, just discount another $875.
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12-31-2010, 07:58 AM	#8
jplev Private First Class 48 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 2024 i4 xDrive40 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 BMW i4 xDrive40 [0.00] 2020 BMW X3 [0.00]	I have the stock stereo in mine. I found a 328i on a lot with everything I wanted down to color combination. I really didn't want to pay an extra $875 (or dealer's invoice price) to upgrade (although if this vehicle already had it, I probably would have sucked it up and gotten it). I'm not an audiophile, so take this FWIW. I think the stock unit is fine. It is probably not as great as the HK system, but I just feel with sounds like road noise, wind noise, etc, upgrading the sound was not a big deal to me. My music sounds fine to me whether from Sirius, FM or my iPhone.
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12-31-2010, 08:00 AM	#9
BMWsky Major 24 Rep 1,244 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Webster NY iTrader: (1)	I have it and it's a decent system. If you're really an audiophile, I would suggest not getting the HK and instead installing a really nice aftermarket. If not, the HK is decent at the pricepoint.
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12-31-2010, 08:55 AM	#11
fdriller9 Banned 252 Rep 7,089 Posts Drives: '06 AW 330xi Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North Jersey/Philly/NYC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330xi [6.44]	You could install a better sounding system for a bit more than $875. Of course that's without labor though.
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12-31-2010, 09:47 AM	#15
CRG3 Private First Class 9 Rep 104 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: KY iTrader: (1)	As an old audiophile, I couldn't stand the the base system. The HK was a must for my 2011. I did not consider doing an aftermarket because I didn't want to risk voiding my warranty as related to the electrical system. Anyway, I've been happy with the HK. __________________ 2011 E92 M-Sport 6 Spd Manual BSM/Black Dakota/Dark Burl Heated Seats / H&K / Sat / Ipod/USB / CA / AST 4100s / M3 Suspension Bits / 18" Forgestar F14 - Gunmetal with Michigan Super Sports / Quaife LSD, etc...etc...
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12-31-2010, 09:55 AM	#16
lucas.kent Major 143 Rep 1,173 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: AZ iTrader: (2) Garage List 2016 BMW M3 [0.00]	I came from an 06 330 with the L7 system; pay the little bit extra and get the upgrade. The base stereo really is terrible. I saw a lot of negative comments from others here before I picked up my new car, and thought that maybe they were just exaggerations. They are not, the standard system is THAT bad. And I'm no audiophile, but geez it sucks.
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12-31-2010, 09:57 AM	#17
Forcefed3 Banned 127 Rep 4,732 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Join Date: May 2010 Location: South iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 335i [1.00]	Yes, it is defiantly worth the money.
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12-31-2010, 10:28 AM	#18
BRAISKI Colonel 135 Rep 2,517 Posts Drives: '11 335xi e92 M-Pak Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: GTA/KW, Canada iTrader: (3) Garage List 2011 BMW 335xi [7.00]	I have the "BMW Individual Audio System with Dirac Live™ Technology" Last year (2010) this was an option $1700 option! When I bought my 2011 it was already part of the "Executive Package" Its a very good sound system and the speakers are good quality. I am very happy with it. It "may" be worth $1700 since it supposed to be high-end. I can't compare to other sound system from BMW. Since I haven't really heard them in action... __________________ My 2011 ED @ BMW Welt, one of the best days of my life! Full front PPF!
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12-31-2010, 10:37 AM	#19
TheStigsTwin Captain 11 Rep 964 Posts Drives: 2011 335xi Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Arizona iTrader: (0)	I don't know what the upgrade sounds like, but I can tell you the base system is absolutely and unequivocally terrible. I am gonna pull it and replace it in the spring. Let's just hope I don't mess it up.
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12-31-2010, 10:48 AM	#20
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,103 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	There were three systems worldwide The really low end system didn't make it to the US till 2010 which had no amp and really is a POS . It is so bad that BMW put the middle grade system back in for the US after September minus rear tweeter most people could probably live with that one although its not terrific. So there is the base system,HI Fi ,and the Top HiF(L7)System . If you are going to modify the middle system HI Fi does not have a fiberoptics connection to the factory amp and is easiest to modify. So if you are not going to modify the system yes L7 is worth it. It will cost you at least 1k in parts to modify the non L7 systems the L7 is hard to modify because of Fiberoptics. Also go to this sub board to get your audio questions answered. http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=27 FYI http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=352586 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=365866 Last edited by ctuna; 12-31-2010 at 11:04 AM..
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12-31-2010, 12:48 PM	#22
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,103 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Don't know I haven't seen that system widely covered on this board , It is rare though this would be one of the places to do a search for it.
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