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      08-25-2011, 07:47 PM   #1
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If I had a do over..no premium sound

Just replaced my wife's '10 E60 stock sound system speakers with Bavarian Soundwerks speakers. What a difference, even with the regular amp.

So if I had a do over, I would have order the X3 with the stock sound system, then upgraded it with BSW speakers or better, a four channel Butler tube hybrid amp and equalizing amp interface. Probably cost $1200 net more than the premium sound.

So now I'm definitely going to watch BSW web site for the new release of F25 speakers and check into Focal or Moral as speaker replacements.
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      08-25-2011, 10:41 PM   #2
Mike99PA
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Cool Premium Sound

Thanks for the tip - I want to upgrade my sound system but keep the stock look!
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      08-26-2011, 12:46 AM   #3
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So would you say the premium upgrade was worth it from the stock sound system?
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      08-26-2011, 12:51 AM   #4
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Even the most premium factory option won't surpass a aftermarket system. Beauty about the Idrive system is you can incorporate aftermarket amps/component speakers etc.
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      08-26-2011, 05:59 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OOOSQ View Post
Even the most premium factory option won't surpass a aftermarket system. Beauty about the Idrive system is you can incorporate aftermarket amps/component speakers etc.
+1
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      08-26-2011, 09:42 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Schm View Post
So would you say the premium upgrade was worth it from the stock sound system?
Yes, I would say and others have also, that the premium sound for the price is well worth the upgrade.

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Originally Posted by OOOSQ View Post
Even the most premium factory option won't surpass a aftermarket system. Beauty about the Idrive system is you can incorporate aftermarket amps/component speakers etc.
Agreed, although from what I've read, BMW's can be difficult to match the iDrive to aftermarket amplifiers. Not knocking the premium sound at all. Just saying that if I had it to do over, I would have spent the time and money for greater improvement. As it stands now, even replacing the front door speakers with better speakers and doing some tweaks, such as vibration damping, will probably really make the system "sing"!
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      08-26-2011, 09:51 PM   #7
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I have the premium sound in my wife's X3
I upgraded my M3 that had the base HIFI using BSW speakers, a JBL MS-8, and 3 amps
Honestly
The X3 sounds almost as good as my upgraded system in the M3
Add to that the cost of going after market, in my case over $1500 for the M3
And that I had to remove both door panels, the rear side panels, some of the center console to run a wire for the center speaker
And the various rattles etc I introduced
The premium sound for $875 is a steal
Yes you can get better sound
Bur considering in doing so you'd have issues with the warranty etc
Take it from someone who was in the same boat
The premium sound gives you 95% of the sound, with zero hassle
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      08-26-2011, 11:23 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kmarei View Post
I have the premium sound in my wife's X3
I upgraded my M3 that had the base HIFI using BSW speakers, a JBL MS-8, and 3 amps
Honestly
The X3 sounds almost as good as my upgraded system in the M3
Add to that the cost of going after market, in my case over $1500 for the M3
And that I had to remove both door panels, the rear side panels, some of the center console to run a wire for the center speaker
And the various rattles etc I introduced
The premium sound for $875 is a steal
Yes you can get better sound
Bur considering in doing so you'd have issues with the warranty etc
Take it from someone who was in the same boat
The premium sound gives you 95% of the sound, with zero hassle

Don't argue the value of the upgraded system, it comes down to personal preference with sound systems.

If your an audiophile (like myself), you'll never be happy with 99% of factory systems (other than the new Volvo's with the Dynaudio factory fit which are fantastic).

Alot of 1addict 1 series owners opted for the hifi upgrade from the stock system which was simply an Alpine Type R speaker upgrade which most people who know audio isn't the most elaborate or exotic upgrade. Personally, I wouldn't have bothered but as I said - the majority of people are content with the stock or upgradable options.

I've already scouted my audio options prior to ordering a new F25
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      08-27-2011, 12:18 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OOOSQ View Post
Don't argue the value of the upgraded system, it comes down to personal preference with sound systems.

If your an audiophile (like myself), you'll never be happy with 99% of factory systems (other than the new Volvo's with the Dynaudio factory fit which are fantastic).

Alot of 1addict 1 series owners opted for the hifi upgrade from the stock system which was simply an Alpine Type R speaker upgrade which most people who know audio isn't the most elaborate or exotic upgrade. Personally, I wouldn't have bothered but as I said - the majority of people are content with the stock or upgradable options.

I've already scouted my audio options prior to ordering a new F25

What have you found for after market door speakers sub woofers tweeters???

I have looked and nothing I have found seem to fit...

Thx

Last edited by utcadman; 08-27-2011 at 12:24 AM..
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      08-27-2011, 02:59 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by utcadman View Post
What have you found for after market door speakers sub woofers tweeters???

I have looked and nothing I have found seem to fit...

Thx
3 way system is the way to go, mid bass under each seat, 4 1/4 inch in the doors and tweeters in the pillars.

Run a seperate sub that can be easily removed from the boot.
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      08-27-2011, 03:22 PM   #11
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I say for most of us the premium sound system is outstanding. For those audio buffs I guess shopping for after market components and upgraded speakers and finding someone to install them are your gigs?
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