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      01-27-2021, 07:00 AM   #1
AlexFL
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2021 X4MC review by Brian Makse

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This guy is a semi-pro race driver, so having his opinion on X4M’s driving dynamics is particularly interesting. This is an excellent review!
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      01-27-2021, 01:20 PM   #2
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I agree with all his points except the part about the HK sound system. I think it's terrible.
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      01-27-2021, 01:46 PM   #3
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You must have pretty high standards if you think the HK system is terrible. It's still light years better than anything you will get 95% of Japanese cars and comparable to any non-Bang & Olufsen Audi or MB system. I'm not saying it's great but if you set up the EQ properly for your music it should sound pretty decent relative to most stock audio systems from mass automakers.
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      01-27-2021, 01:58 PM   #4
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I would describe the HK system as mediocre. Many mainstream Bose systems are even worse. Highly recommend the Bavsound replacement speakers - crystal clear sound.
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      01-27-2021, 02:54 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by heavyD^2 View Post
You must have pretty high standards if you think the HK system is terrible. It's still light years better than anything you will get 95% of Japanese cars and comparable to any non-Bang & Olufsen Audi or MB system. I'm not saying it's great but if you set up the EQ properly for your music it should sound pretty decent relative to most stock audio systems from mass automakers.
I do have high standards and that's mostly due to the price we pay for vehicles up here. The included HK is sub-par. I felt the same about the HK in my F82 - sub-par.

The HK in my wife's F60 is actually really good and far better than what is in my F98. The HK in my F90 was also very good.

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Originally Posted by AlexFL View Post
I would describe the HK system as mediocre. Many mainstream Bose systems are even worse. Highly recommend the Bavsound replacement speakers - crystal clear sound.
I have not heard the Bavsound kit for our vehicles but I have heard it in an F82 and yes it was very good.
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      01-27-2021, 06:34 PM   #6
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Two things: First, why are so many reviewers in Canada? (Throttle House, Straight Pipes, etc). Second, I noted his driving position as close to the steering wheel with arms pretty much fully bent. Perfect position for performance/serious driving!

Good review, but the fully loaded price seems a bit excessive. Mine went for $82K US (actual transaction price $69.2), and it has everything I need. And I still like the 2020 gauge cluster...
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      01-27-2021, 09:27 PM   #7
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Nice review & this car loving enthusiast obviously did his homework. I like the fact he mentioned the competition has more aggressive EDC settings. He was off about one thing though when he mentioned the width of the 20" factory winter wheels...
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      01-28-2021, 12:27 PM   #8
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Very nice review. Another supporting data point why X4MC is on my shopping list.
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      02-02-2021, 02:30 PM   #9
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Skip any upgraded speaker system. Lack of sound insulation in these types of vehicles defeats the purpose of having good speakers.

just go custom Audison and Focal setup
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      02-02-2021, 09:06 PM   #10
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Dude the pops when it shifts is amazing! I just hope that BMW will work on the rear design because it is too simple.
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      02-03-2021, 12:19 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1claire View Post
Dude the pops when it shifts is amazing! I just hope that BMW will work on the rear design because it is too simple.
Indeed, but it only does that under WOT shifts in sport or sport plus, mostly with the transmission in mode 3. Sounds amazing really, I just wish it was more accessible without having to drive so aggressively.

My old x4 with an MPE did that at every shift with a little ECU tune. Was a lot of fun sounding like an idiot at any speed.
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      02-03-2021, 07:14 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tkila View Post
Skip any upgraded speaker system. Lack of sound insulation in these types of vehicles defeats the purpose of having good speakers.

just go custom Audison and Focal setup
Generally speaking once you lose that rear shelf of the sedan, the cabin noise increases and the sound stage is somewhat distorted, and a bit tough to handle for most speaker setups. I agree most of the high end manufacture systems aren't much of an upgrade in these SUVs. Custom speakers are usually the best bang for the buck. I had Bavsound installed in my F31, and for the $, it was pretty great. It wasn't even offered, but I can't imagine an extra $3-$4k for the upgraded system would have been noticeably better. Just imho of course. Sound is very subjective, and I'm no engineer...
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      02-14-2021, 04:51 PM   #13
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HK meh.....B&W or go home!
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