Sound system upgrades, USB connectivity

Chillywil · 08-19-2018, 09:52 AM

I am exploring my new-to-me 2014 BMW X3 2.0d and generally love the performance. Looks like the previous owner purchased very few options on this vehicle so it is pretty plain in most respects. My major disappointment is the sound system which is flat sounding and has very little ‘presence’ even after tweaking the minimal tone controls. After being spoiled in my MB 320cdi ML with Harmon Kardon sound system this sound sucks. I would like any suggestions for upgrades to the sound system on this car, hopefully without completely rebuilding it.

As well the USB connectivity is non-existent....I have read many of the threads on this forum about using the armrest USB port (UK model which does not have glove box USB). I have tried numerous FAT32 formatted USB sticks, iPod Shuffle and 7G iPod with no luck. I will get a Y cable if necessary however having to plug an analog and digital connection in together with a vehicle this new seems ludicrous. Both my 10 year old MB and 7 year old VW seem have more seamless connectivity and expected a lot more from BMW. Any suggestions on troubleshooting would be appreciated (don’t advise me to ‘take it the dealer’ which is not really useful advice at this stage). Many thanks.

AMCross · 08-19-2018, 11:47 AM

try to get the carbon fibre look speakers from like ebay and then add a pair of tweeters

should cost about £100 all in but £60 of that is for tweeter covers from bmw for two doors

Chillywil · 08-19-2018, 01:21 PM

Thank you for that recommendation I am checking it out!

I am looking at the Bavsound base speaker upgrade - has anyone tried this product? https://www.bavsound.com/Stage-One

atarivers · 08-21-2018, 02:18 PM

This is interesting. I have none of the quality or connectivity issues you describe 2014 X3 35i). I assume that is because of the North America vs. UK version. I look forward to following your progress.

adenis · 08-25-2018, 12:11 PM

you can also look at Alpha One kit, pretty same as Bavsound to me
https://www.bimmer-tech.net/speakers...ifier-for-bmw/

scostu · 10-14-2018, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chillywil

I am exploring my new-to-me 2014 BMW X3 2.0d and generally love the performance. Looks like the previous owner purchased very few options on this vehicle so it is pretty plain in most respects. My major disappointment is the sound system which is flat sounding and has very little ‘presence’ even after tweaking the minimal tone controls. After being spoiled in my MB 320cdi ML with Harmon Kardon sound system this sound sucks. I would like any suggestions for upgrades to the sound system on this car, hopefully without completely rebuilding it.

As well the USB connectivity is non-existent....I have read many of the threads on this forum about using the armrest USB port (UK model which does not have glove box USB). I have tried numerous FAT32 formatted USB sticks, iPod Shuffle and 7G iPod with no luck. I will get a Y cable if necessary however having to plug an analog and digital connection in together with a vehicle this new seems ludicrous. Both my 10 year old MB and 7 year old VW seem have more seamless connectivity and expected a lot more from BMW. Any suggestions on troubleshooting would be appreciated (don’t advise me to ‘take it the dealer’ which is not really useful advice at this stage). Many thanks.

Which sound system is stock in your vehicle?

Base
S676A HiFi
S677A Top Hifi

The Bavsound speakers and Bimmer Tech are both PNP and good quality.

What will really make the system shine is the Bimmertech DSP/AMP....even with what you currently have in the vehicle.

Wgosma · 10-14-2018, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scostu

Which sound system is stock in your vehicle?

Base
S676A HiFi
S677A Top Hifi

The Bavsound speakers and Bimmer Tech are both PNP and good quality.

What will really make the system shine is the Bimmertech DSP/AMP....even with what you currently have in the vehicle.

Not to steer away from OP, this thread got me curious - I have a 2012 X3 w/S676A HiFi and as most would guess I'd like improved sound, Question:

Do you think there is much to be gained by moving to the DSP amp to drive my factory speakers? I know, impossible to quantify but give me your thoughts if you will.

Thanks/Bill

scostu · 10-14-2018, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wgosma

Not to steer away from OP, this thread got me curious - I have a 2012 X3 w/S676A HiFi and as most would guess I'd like improved sound, Question:

Do you think there is much to be gained by moving to the DSP amp driving my factory speakers? I know, impossible to quantify but give me your thoughts if you will.

Thanks/Bill

Yes!

I have a 2014 F31.... with hifi and added the Bimmertech Dsp/Amp plus Earthquake 8” underseatb subs.

It IS night and day improvement!

Wgosma · 10-14-2018, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scostu

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wgosma

Not to steer away from OP, this thread got me curious - I have a 2012 X3 w/S676A HiFi and as most would guess I'd like improved sound, Question:

Do you think there is much to be gained by moving to the DSP amp driving my factory speakers? I know, impossible to quantify but give me your thoughts if you will.

Thanks/Bill

Yes!

I have a 2014 F31.... with hifi and added the Bimmertech Dsp/Amp plus Earthquake 8” underseatb subs.

It IS night and day improvement!

Ok thanks...darn that fancy hi-powered amp is no small investment!

doodlebro · 10-14-2018, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wgosma

Not to steer away from OP, this thread got me curious - I have a 2012 X3 w/S676A HiFi and as most would guess I'd like improved sound, Question:

Do you think there is much to be gained by moving to the DSP amp to drive my factory speakers? I know, impossible to quantify but give me your thoughts if you will.

Thanks/Bill

Is that the HK system? On my F25 all I needed to add was a 15" sub in the back. The system has been measured really flat and it just needs that boost in bass to shine all over.

Wgosma · 10-14-2018, 10:09 PM

My X3 has the lower grade 676 hi-fi setup...HK is superior.
I'm thinking of going to the BimmerTech DSP amp, maybe....but it's 900 bucks, ugh!

scostu · 10-15-2018, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wgosma

My X3 has the lower grade 676 hi-fi setup...HK is superior.
I'm thinking of going to the BimmerTech DSP amp, maybe....but it's 900 bucks, ugh!

Keep an eye out for used Bimmertech amps in the F30 forum member classifieds and sometimes Bimmertech offers group buys.

I'm actually purchasing a 2016 X3 with HK this week and selling my sportwagon. Sooooooooo…..my Bimmertech Amp will be listed there.

scostu · 10-15-2018, 05:22 AM

From the man himself...…………

Notes on a 2015 335i with SWS-8Xi Phase II HiFi upgrade

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1070841

also a good read...…… https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1538430

Wgosma · 10-15-2018, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scostu

From the man himself...…………

Notes on a 2015 335i with SWS-8Xi Phase II HiFi upgrade

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1070841

also a good read...…… https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1538430

Good info, I'll keep used amp in mind!
Thanks/Bill

Lurcher · 10-24-2018, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wgosma

Ok thanks...darn that fancy hi-powered amp is no small investment!

I'd suggest this before speakers. The time alignment plus eq functions are great.

Various manufacturers make (?) this same amp, and you can find them used quite easily...

08-19-2018, 09:52 AM	#1
Chillywil Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2014 x3 2.0d xdrive Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Cayman Islands iTrader: (0)	Sound system upgrades, USB connectivity I am exploring my new-to-me 2014 BMW X3 2.0d and generally love the performance. Looks like the previous owner purchased very few options on this vehicle so it is pretty plain in most respects. My major disappointment is the sound system which is flat sounding and has very little ‘presence’ even after tweaking the minimal tone controls. After being spoiled in my MB 320cdi ML with Harmon Kardon sound system this sound sucks. I would like any suggestions for upgrades to the sound system on this car, hopefully without completely rebuilding it. As well the USB connectivity is non-existent....I have read many of the threads on this forum about using the armrest USB port (UK model which does not have glove box USB). I have tried numerous FAT32 formatted USB sticks, iPod Shuffle and 7G iPod with no luck. I will get a Y cable if necessary however having to plug an analog and digital connection in together with a vehicle this new seems ludicrous. Both my 10 year old MB and 7 year old VW seem have more seamless connectivity and expected a lot more from BMW. Any suggestions on troubleshooting would be appreciated (don’t advise me to ‘take it the dealer’ which is not really useful advice at this stage). Many thanks.
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08-19-2018, 11:47 AM	#2
AMCross Enlisted Member 2 Rep 39 Posts Drives: BMW F25 3.5d MSport LCI Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: scotland iTrader: (0)	try to get the carbon fibre look speakers from like ebay and then add a pair of tweeters should cost about £100 all in but £60 of that is for tweeter covers from bmw for two doors Last edited by AMCross; 08-20-2018 at 12:27 PM..
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08-19-2018, 01:21 PM	#3
Chillywil Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2014 x3 2.0d xdrive Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Cayman Islands iTrader: (0)	speakers Thank you for that recommendation I am checking it out! I am looking at the Bavsound base speaker upgrade - has anyone tried this product? https://www.bavsound.com/Stage-One Last edited by Chillywil; 08-19-2018 at 01:35 PM..
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08-21-2018, 02:18 PM	#4
atarivers Private First Class 3 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 2014 X3 xDrive35i M Sport Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	This is interesting. I have none of the quality or connectivity issues you describe 2014 X3 35i). I assume that is because of the North America vs. UK version. I look forward to following your progress.
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08-25-2018, 12:11 PM	#5
adenis New Member 3 Rep 12 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 xDrive35i MSport Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW X3 xDrive35i [0.00]	you can also look at Alpha One kit, pretty same as Bavsound to me https://www.bimmer-tech.net/speakers...ifier-for-bmw/
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10-14-2018, 10:09 PM	#11
Wgosma Lieutenant Colonel 806 Rep 1,903 Posts Drives: 2012 F25 X3 28i (N52) Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Northern Nevada iTrader: (0)	My X3 has the lower grade 676 hi-fi setup...HK is superior. I'm thinking of going to the BimmerTech DSP amp, maybe....but it's 900 bucks, ugh!
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10-15-2018, 05:22 AM	#13
scostu Colonel 1621 Rep 2,036 Posts Drives: 2016 F25 Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Space Coast Florida...aka NASA area iTrader: (0)	From the man himself...………… Notes on a 2015 335i with SWS-8Xi Phase II HiFi upgrade https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1070841 also a good read...…… https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1538430 __________________
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