On the fence-Premium Hifi Sound System

Vinayk95 · 03-31-2011, 02:45 PM

I am on the fence as to whether or not to add the Premium Hi-fi system to my x3. It's a sapphire black/chestnut 28i with the premium and tech packages, heated steering wheel and heated front seats. Production actually just started today

I am definitely not an audiophile and have never owned a car with anywhere close to the audio capabilities of any BMW. In addition, my dealer said it wasn't a huge upgrade and that only 10% of the cars ordered through them opt for the upgraded sound. However, I do enjoy my music, and have been waffling back and forth on this. Is it worth it?

Thanks!

Powerrunner · 03-31-2011, 02:48 PM

Not something I would have ordered but it was already installed in my 35i and I absolutely love it. I know its a bit expensive but is well worth it.

MA78 · 03-31-2011, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinayk95

I am definitely not an audiophile and have never owned a car with anywhere close to the audio capabilities of any BMW.

There ya go. If you don't REALLY want it, don't bother with it.

sfax · 03-31-2011, 03:07 PM

Shame you only have 1 upgrade option. You'd be a good candidate for middle option we have in the UK.

You might learn to love your music even more if you go for it

jijioben · 03-31-2011, 03:07 PM

If you listen to music more than 50% of the time you are in the car, then this is a very worthwhile option.

tuco44 · 03-31-2011, 03:10 PM

A very personal call - for me, not getting it. Part of a package that I don't want, and music in car not that important to me.

Make up your own mind, you know what you do and like.

jaymk5 · 03-31-2011, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinayk95

I am on the fence as to whether or not to add the Premium Hi-fi system to my x3. It's a sapphire black/chestnut 28i with the premium and tech packages, heated steering wheel and heated front seats. Production actually just started today

I am definitely not an audiophile and have never owned a car with anywhere close to the audio capabilities of any BMW. In addition, my dealer said it wasn't a huge upgrade and that only 10% of the cars ordered through them opt for the upgraded sound. However, I do enjoy my music, and have been waffling back and forth on this. Is it worth it?

Thanks!

Vinay,

In my opinion, the standard system should do good, if you are not die hard audiophile. I have opted out of premium and went with standard for the same reasons. Moreover you mentioned that production started today, so with what I know, you will not be able to change anything once it enters production, so relax and enjoy your build.

JohnnyTT · 03-31-2011, 03:20 PM

The regular stereo is very good. I heard them both.

I have the upgrade and it's got a better soundstage...and you can push the volume to extremely high lvls.

If you're going to be listening to avg quality MP3's and such.. stick with the regular. If you playing high quality rips and such.. and have the money to spend, go for the extra.

Mako · 03-31-2011, 04:46 PM

If you listen to a lot of talk radio, don't get it, someone like my 60 year old dad didn't get it on his M3 for that reason, he hardly ever listens to music (and it was crazy expensive, $1800 on that car).

I would never pass on it, even for $1800 I would get it. I have a 600 watt system in my C63 right now and its the best sound system I have ever had, I listen to music 100% of the time when driving, ipod only. depending on my mood and traffic I will have it really loud at times (if I am stuck in traffic I do not, I am not that rude). If you enjoy loud music at times and have ever had a car where it could not get to the level you wanted without distorting, then get the upgrade and you will not regret it. If you never listen to your music loud, don't get it, it would be a waste, I think this upgrade is more about the extra power to the speakers, not better speakers, if that makes sense (for instance the $1800 speakers in the M3 are better speakers no matter what volume you have them at), on the X3 I don't think at say volume level 10 you will notice a difference.

Bimmer Bertie · 03-31-2011, 04:47 PM

Agree it's a personal choice.

I upgraded the sound system in my coupe to the intermediate option when I bought it 4 years ago....Did a test drive on X3 with standard system and the difference was quite clear. Then again acoustics differs from a coupe & a SUV. Anyway went for the premium option on the X3 as I

my music

Was looking forward to see if B&O or Harman/kardon systems were going to be available on X3 as options but doesn't seem like to be happenning

Radioactive · 03-31-2011, 04:51 PM

Just be aware that you will not to able to upgrade the basic system with after market equipment at anywhere near the price of the factory upgrade. Plus you probably will not to able to achieve the same overall sound quality if in fact BMW is using Dirac technology. If you enjoy music at all, $875 is really very little on ~$43,000 car. If you're financing it you're probably talking just a few bucks more a month.

Beyu · 03-31-2011, 05:02 PM

$875 for a upgraded audio system is quite good but if your budget is a little tight then that money can certainly be better spent somewhere else.

Personally I don't like aftermarket add-ons, I wouldn't like the dealer installing any aftermarket items let alone a 3rd party.

Nahoa · 03-31-2011, 09:10 PM

Upgraded stereo on the US model is a bargain. The impact/value you get for the buck makes it a no-brainer unless you're really flat outta dough.

Radioactive · 03-31-2011, 10:00 PM

Don't forget that factory upgraded audio systems normally have residual valve at the time of resell or trade in further reducing your overall cost.

Vinayk95 · 04-01-2011, 02:45 AM

thanks all for the advice. It does seem like a great bargain but I really am not one to crank up the volume or anything, just ambient soft music is fine with me (i think? lol). This is only my second car anyways, so I have plenty of time later on to get upgraded speakers in a different car!

bekind · 04-01-2011, 07:29 AM

FWIW we ended up not getting the premium stereo. Our build was alomst identical to yours only with the 35i (tech & premium pkgs).

In trying to keep it below an MSRP of $50k we had to decide between heated seats/steering wheel or the premium sound. Went with the heated seats. While I did notice a difference between the 2 offerings in the end this is my wife's truck and she doesn't rock out that much so hopefully we made the right choice.

Plus like others said above, once your X3 is on the production line I am pretty sure you wouldn't be able to change your order anyway.

AJWilson · 04-01-2011, 09:15 AM

Had premium stereo before, well worth it if you drive a lot.

Nahoa · 04-01-2011, 08:37 PM

It's not just about volume, it's about the quality of the sound.

BMW FINALLY! · 05-19-2011, 05:40 PM

I forgot to order it on my first order and did not take it. REORDERED! LOL more weeks wait. But I really love music as you can tell.

nick776 · 05-19-2011, 06:21 PM

Get off the fence, it's worth EVERY penny of the upgrade.

mole7374 · 05-19-2011, 06:24 PM

I would skip and drop the 800 you are spending on the BMW "upgrade" and get a better aftermarket that will look the same but perform 10x better. You can spend the same amount of money on much better speakers and a sound processor, and get better sound than the 16 speaker L7 system puts out...all you'll need is labor for someone to install the speakers but if you use something like bavariansoundworks speakers and an alpine sound processor, the labor will take all of 4-5 hours. All in....1200-1400 bucks tops and it's a major upgrade over the L7 system. That's what I'm doing.

I wold have totally paid for a BMW upgrade if it had been the Dirac system that they are putting into the UK X3s, but with the US spec only being L7 not worth it.

torzeck · 05-19-2011, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mole7374

I would skip and drop the 800 you are spending on the BMW "upgrade" and get a better aftermarket that will look the same but perform 10x better. You can spend the same amount of money on much better speakers and a sound processor, and get better sound than the 16 speaker L7 system puts out...all you'll need is labor for someone to install the speakers but if you use something like bavariansoundworks speakers and an alpine sound processor, the labor will take all of 4-5 hours. All in....1200-1400 bucks tops and it's a major upgrade over the L7 system. That's what I'm doing.

I wold have totally paid for a BMW upgrade if it had been the Dirac system that they are putting into the UK X3s, but with the US spec only being L7 not worth it.

I thought it was a Dirac system? How do you know its an L7?

03-31-2011, 02:45 PM	#1
Vinayk95 Registered 1 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2011 x3 28i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	On the fence-Premium Hifi Sound System I am on the fence as to whether or not to add the Premium Hi-fi system to my x3. It's a sapphire black/chestnut 28i with the premium and tech packages, heated steering wheel and heated front seats. Production actually just started today I am definitely not an audiophile and have never owned a car with anywhere close to the audio capabilities of any BMW. In addition, my dealer said it wasn't a huge upgrade and that only 10% of the cars ordered through them opt for the upgraded sound. However, I do enjoy my music, and have been waffling back and forth on this. Is it worth it? Thanks!
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03-31-2011, 02:48 PM	#2
Powerrunner Second Lieutenant 3 Rep 275 Posts Drives: BMW X3 35i 2011 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Naperville iTrader: (0)	Not something I would have ordered but it was already installed in my 35i and I absolutely love it. I know its a bit expensive but is well worth it.
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03-31-2011, 03:07 PM	#4
sfax Brigadier General 91 Rep 3,855 Posts Drives: BMW X3 2011 F25 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Berkshire, UK iTrader: (0)	Shame you only have 1 upgrade option. You'd be a good candidate for middle option we have in the UK. You might learn to love your music even more if you go for it __________________ F25 xDrive20d SE __ professional multimedia package \| dynamic package \| climate package \| 309s \| xline \| xenons \| electric seats \| folding mirrors \| business speakers
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03-31-2011, 03:07 PM	#5
jijioben Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 242 Posts Drives: 2011 F25 X3 35i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	If you listen to music more than 50% of the time you are in the car, then this is a very worthwhile option.
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03-31-2011, 03:10 PM	#6
tuco44 Colonel 644 Rep 2,294 Posts Drives: 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Western Canada iTrader: (0)	A very personal call - for me, not getting it. Part of a package that I don't want, and music in car not that important to me. Make up your own mind, you know what you do and like. __________________ 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Sunset Orange Previous BMWs - 19 others since 1971.
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03-31-2011, 03:20 PM	#8
JohnnyTT Captain 29 Rep 750 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 3.5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0)	The regular stereo is very good. I heard them both. I have the upgrade and it's got a better soundstage...and you can push the volume to extremely high lvls. If you're going to be listening to avg quality MP3's and such.. stick with the regular. If you playing high quality rips and such.. and have the money to spend, go for the extra.
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03-31-2011, 04:46 PM	#9
Mako (Sold) '00 M Roadster '06 M Coupe '16 M3 '20 X3MC 1549 Rep 2,588 Posts Drives: '23 M3 comp Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chicago suburbs iTrader: (0)	If you listen to a lot of talk radio, don't get it, someone like my 60 year old dad didn't get it on his M3 for that reason, he hardly ever listens to music (and it was crazy expensive, $1800 on that car). I would never pass on it, even for $1800 I would get it. I have a 600 watt system in my C63 right now and its the best sound system I have ever had, I listen to music 100% of the time when driving, ipod only. depending on my mood and traffic I will have it really loud at times (if I am stuck in traffic I do not, I am not that rude). If you enjoy loud music at times and have ever had a car where it could not get to the level you wanted without distorting, then get the upgrade and you will not regret it. If you never listen to your music loud, don't get it, it would be a waste, I think this upgrade is more about the extra power to the speakers, not better speakers, if that makes sense (for instance the $1800 speakers in the M3 are better speakers no matter what volume you have them at), on the X3 I don't think at say volume level 10 you will notice a difference.
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03-31-2011, 04:47 PM	#10
Bimmer Bertie Enlisted Member 0 Rep 39 Posts Drives: E92 Coupe 325i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Agree it's a personal choice. I upgraded the sound system in my coupe to the intermediate option when I bought it 4 years ago....Did a test drive on X3 with standard system and the difference was quite clear. Then again acoustics differs from a coupe & a SUV. Anyway went for the premium option on the X3 as I my music Was looking forward to see if B&O or Harman/kardon systems were going to be available on X3 as options but doesn't seem like to be happenning
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03-31-2011, 04:51 PM	#11
Radioactive Captain 43 Rep 764 Posts Drives: '11 X3 28i '10 535i '04 325i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1)	Just be aware that you will not to able to upgrade the basic system with after market equipment at anywhere near the price of the factory upgrade. Plus you probably will not to able to achieve the same overall sound quality if in fact BMW is using Dirac technology. If you enjoy music at all, $875 is really very little on ~$43,000 car. If you're financing it you're probably talking just a few bucks more a month.
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03-31-2011, 05:02 PM	#12
Beyu Lieutenant 13 Rep 579 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	$875 for a upgraded audio system is quite good but if your budget is a little tight then that money can certainly be better spent somewhere else. Personally I don't like aftermarket add-ons, I wouldn't like the dealer installing any aftermarket items let alone a 3rd party.
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03-31-2011, 09:10 PM	#13
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Upgraded stereo on the US model is a bargain. The impact/value you get for the buck makes it a no-brainer unless you're really flat outta dough. __________________ Last edited by Nahoa; 04-01-2011 at 08:36 PM..
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03-31-2011, 10:00 PM	#14
Radioactive Captain 43 Rep 764 Posts Drives: '11 X3 28i '10 535i '04 325i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1)	Don't forget that factory upgraded audio systems normally have residual valve at the time of resell or trade in further reducing your overall cost.
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04-01-2011, 02:45 AM	#15
Vinayk95 Registered 1 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2011 x3 28i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	thanks all for the advice. It does seem like a great bargain but I really am not one to crank up the volume or anything, just ambient soft music is fine with me (i think? lol). This is only my second car anyways, so I have plenty of time later on to get upgraded speakers in a different car! __________________ 2011 X3 xdrive 28i Sapphire Black/Chestnut/Wave Wood
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04-01-2011, 07:29 AM	#16
bekind Private 2 Rep 86 Posts Drives: x3 35i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: ohio iTrader: (0)	FWIW we ended up not getting the premium stereo. Our build was alomst identical to yours only with the 35i (tech & premium pkgs). In trying to keep it below an MSRP of $50k we had to decide between heated seats/steering wheel or the premium sound. Went with the heated seats. While I did notice a difference between the 2 offerings in the end this is my wife's truck and she doesn't rock out that much so hopefully we made the right choice. Plus like others said above, once your X3 is on the production line I am pretty sure you wouldn't be able to change your order anyway.
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04-01-2011, 09:15 AM	#17
AJWilson First Lieutenant 8 Rep 379 Posts Drives: BMW X3 2.0D SE Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Fife, UK iTrader: (0)	Had premium stereo before, well worth it if you drive a lot. __________________ BMW F25 X3 xDrive20d SE Alpine White, Black Leather, HUD, Auto, Pro media, Visibility, Climate Comfort,Storage, Cold weather Packs, Pro Loudspeaker system, Sun Protection Glass, Electric Adjust Front Seats, Reversing Camera with Top View, 19" 309's,Variable Damper Control,Variable sport steering, Sports Seats, Sports Steering Wheel. Re-ordered 27/7/11, Arrived 28/9/11
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04-01-2011, 08:37 PM	#18
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	It's not just about volume, it's about the quality of the sound. __________________
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05-19-2011, 05:40 PM	#19
BMW FINALLY! Ultimate Driving Machine! 170 Rep 274 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 xDrive 40i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Minneapolis, MN iTrader: (0)	I forgot to order it on my first order and did not take it. REORDERED! LOL more weeks wait. But I really love music as you can tell.
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05-19-2011, 06:21 PM	#20
nick776 Private First Class 78 Rep 169 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Montgomery, AL iTrader: (0)	Get off the fence, it's worth EVERY penny of the upgrade.
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05-19-2011, 06:24 PM	#21
mole7374 Private First Class 10 Rep 195 Posts Drives: '11 X3 35i Join Date: May 2011 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (0)	I would skip and drop the 800 you are spending on the BMW "upgrade" and get a better aftermarket that will look the same but perform 10x better. You can spend the same amount of money on much better speakers and a sound processor, and get better sound than the 16 speaker L7 system puts out...all you'll need is labor for someone to install the speakers but if you use something like bavariansoundworks speakers and an alpine sound processor, the labor will take all of 4-5 hours. All in....1200-1400 bucks tops and it's a major upgrade over the L7 system. That's what I'm doing. I wold have totally paid for a BMW upgrade if it had been the Dirac system that they are putting into the UK X3s, but with the US spec only being L7 not worth it.
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