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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > AUDIO/VIDEO + BLUETOOTH + Electronics/Alarm/Software > NOOB whos wondering how the stardard audio stack up



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      09-22-2010, 06:56 PM   #1
AFINE76
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NOOB whos wondering how the stardard audio stack up

First off, I am asking you guys because this forum rocks and most of you seem very passionate and really know your sh-t. I am about to lease a 335xi coupe. my first bimmer. I really want the harmon kardon upgrade. Problem is the only way to get the car i want is by order. I have no time to wait 2 months for it to arrive. my current whip has mucho miles (95,000) From what i have heard a few thousand more miles, basically the wait for deliver time, and my trade in value will drop 2 grand. I can get the exact car i want right now. But it does NOT have the hk stereo. Should i order and wait? How is the standard stereo? Will the standard stereo disappoint? Thanx for the help!
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      09-22-2010, 07:10 PM   #2
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basic audio setup sounds like crap.
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      09-22-2010, 07:12 PM   #3
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In '09 standard Hi-Fi was bad. I've read that it's gotten worse since. Wasn't that impressed by the upgrade option back in '09 either. I went ahead and replaced the speakers myself. Will change the amp in a few months as well.
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      09-22-2010, 07:16 PM   #4
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Can i do minor tweeks and mods on a lease?
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      09-22-2010, 07:56 PM   #5
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For 2011 models produced September and on...

1 and 3 Series

The HiFi Sound System (676) that was previously standard prior to September 2009 production will again be standard for all 1 and 3 Series models produced as of September 2010. Compared to today’s basic stereo system, the HiFi Sound System adds the 180 watt multi channel amplifier with equalizing, along with an additional 2 tweeters in the front doors. With the addition of the tweeters the total speaker count is now 8, including the 2 midrange speakers in the front doors, 2 central bass speakers under the front seats, and the two midrange speakers in the rear.

The optional Harmon Kardon Surround Sound system (688) remains available for $875.
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      09-22-2010, 07:58 PM   #6
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thanx for all the help!
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      09-22-2010, 08:39 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kcgman View Post
In '09 standard Hi-Fi was bad. I've read that it's gotten worse since. Wasn't that impressed by the upgrade option back in '09 either. I went ahead and replaced the speakers myself. Will change the amp in a few months as well.
I disagree

If you're that strapped for money, then the basic audio system is fine.

In the city I listen to the sounds of the engine/on the highway I use the base 10-speaker system...which sounds fine.

You won't have any problems. Its not as good as my last Volvo, but its no Honda Accord audio system. It still has two tiny little subwoofers and 10 speakers


Edit: I now see I have the 10 speaker hi-fi system...production before sept '09.
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      09-22-2010, 08:42 PM   #8
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The 10-speaker HiFi is sufficient. It's not mind blowing, but it gets the job done. This was standard MY2009 and older. The new 6-speaker base setup uses the head as an amp and sounds horrible in comparison - no highs, no lows, and not enough power.

If you value audio quality, HK is an option you should be checking on a new car.

Regardless, go listen to the base and HK setups back-to-back at the dealer. You will notice the difference, that's for sure. But it's up to you whether or not waiting for HK is worth it to you or not.
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      09-22-2010, 08:48 PM   #9
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Upgrade subs / door speakers. Add amplifier.
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      09-22-2010, 08:55 PM   #10
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i have the standard system that came in the 08 335s its work for me. i personally think if your going to spend all your money for a atleast get it the way you want it if you can. otherwise you will be regreting your purchase or having buyers remorse
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      09-23-2010, 10:32 AM   #11
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It will cost more than 1500 dollars

To modify the stereo to sound better than what comes stock in the car .
The upgrade is only 875 so do the math
Its a very hard system to modify

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

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...mp+2010&page=2

If you only listen to talk radio I guess you won't be dissapointed
Your current car has a self destruct that will blow up at exacty 97K?
If that car is well taken care of it should go to 200k plus
You should try to get of the lease merry go round and get a slot
on the Suzi Orman show

Last edited by ctuna; 09-23-2010 at 10:40 AM..
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      09-23-2010, 10:50 AM   #12
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Seriously dude, you don't need to ask people on the forum whether or not you should get the upgrade. Go drive the car around you are looking at leasing and listen to the system. If you like it go with it, if you don't screw it and order the HK. Remember that even though the option cost is $875 on a lease you will really only pay for a portion of that depending on the residual. If you go buy a system in the after market you pay for the whole thing.
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      09-23-2010, 12:16 PM   #13
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I have the base audio system in my '10 328. IMO, if you listen at low volumes it's fine. When the windows are rolled down, I can't get enough volume out of it, and if it's turned up too high, it makes a loud cracking noise. I wish I would have gotten the upgrade.

Last edited by fishyducky; 09-23-2010 at 12:16 PM.. Reason: spelling
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      09-23-2010, 12:30 PM   #14
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I have the standard system in my MY09 e90. I am deaf in one ear and I can tell that this system is sub-par. Now you'll have to refer to above as to what changes have been made since I bought mine, but if music sound quality is important to you I would do your research carefully.
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      09-23-2010, 12:51 PM   #15
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Hi,

You have to define what you consider as "good". Audio tastes are subjective so I feel it is important to be more specific. For example, here are some possible priorities in a sound system that may be important to some and in a different order:

Loud - capable of generating eardrum-damaging decibel levels
Thumping bass - overboosted bass designed to make the cabin feel like it's going to explode
Neutral and accurate sound - My personal #1 priority
"BBC dip" sound - the sound of the legendary Rodgers speakers that many love (slight bass and treble boost)

In my opinion, for what I consider a priority, the 10-speaker system (non-HK) in my 2008 E90 is atrocious and is an abomination for a car of this class. The most critical part of the audio spectrum, the midrange, is so muddy and clouded that I call it a mudrange speaker.

BMW should be ashamed of themselves for thinking that we wouldn't notice.

Regards,
Adnan
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      09-24-2010, 10:36 PM   #16
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wait for the HK , if you don't, you will regret it in the long run.
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      09-25-2010, 12:35 AM   #17
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Upgrade to the HK. It is worth it.
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      09-25-2010, 12:46 AM   #18
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+1 the standard is utter crap. It is well worth to upgrade.

Quote:
Originally Posted by kenslg View Post
basic audio setup sounds like crap.
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      09-25-2010, 12:58 AM   #19
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there's nothing horrible about the base system

Maybe I'm tone deaf or something, but I just can't understand why everyone complains about the standard stereo. I have a '10 328xi and I can turn that radio up full blast and the quality is crystal clear and it's plenty loud. If I turn up the bass to full its enough to be felt. I guess I haven't heard the "good" system but I haven't once regretted not getting the upgrade. Just my 2c.
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      09-25-2010, 04:07 AM   #20
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Anyone else with a 2011 upset about the new upgraded basic system!
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      09-25-2010, 09:30 AM   #21
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I like the HK in car. I originally didn't care about it...meaning, it was not a deal breaker. But then it quickly became mandatory in my search when I realized just how pathetic the base system is. The HK itself isn't even that impressive. It's really how the car should come standard.
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      09-25-2010, 09:58 AM   #22
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+1

Quote:
Originally Posted by kenslg View Post
basic audio setup sounds like crap.
I don't see what the big deal is with ordering a car.... it's unlikely that they have sitting on the dealer floor *exactly* what you would get if you factory ordered.

Does it have the number of 12V sockets that you want? Is the trim the colour you want? Are the seats the colour you want? Does it have front parking sensors? Does it have active cruise control etc etc?

Why will the trade in value drop by $2k? More likey the dealer just wants you to buy a car which is sitting around on the lot.
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