[Marcus1972]

Hi, I have just purchased a new X3 M competition, having just traded in my old 335GT.
The Harman in the new car is appalling, no strong base, unlike my last BM.
The dealer has checked it over and say it is 600w and exactly the same as my last system, same power, everything. UK model
They gave me a 2 series 2022 plate to drive home in, the HK was so powerful in that.
Having found no fault, nothing else is being done.
Please can anyone tell me if they have had the same problem. I will try to attache a picture of the amp serial number

Thank you

[Offer50Fives]

Not sure if it's the loudness you are missing or the sound quality. I noticed when I picked mine up the stereo sounded awful with their preset EQ settings. I found the below online and it sounds how I expected it now.

[Marcus1972]

Thanks for replying, I have been online and tried all the setting.
It is as if the subwoofers are turned off

[xcellr8tion]

I had same original reaction, I literally put my hand below the seat to make sure the subs were working. After some EQ adjustments and reset of expectations, it's what I'd call "fine". I replaced the under seat "subs" with bavsound and it improved a bit, but it's still one of the weaker systems I've had in recent cars, in terms of punch and clarity.

[Marcus1972]

Thanks, on my previous 600w system, it was amazing
This is supposed to be 600w UK spec, so poor. Having traded in a mind blower for crap.
It was my number 1 priory the system, having had in in many BMW before.

[Edgar_FriendlyX3M]

I've read about people complaining about the $4500 B&O sound system on some high end cars. So I guess the question is what we're you expecting from the HK system? I understand sound is subjective but for me, I think it sounds great so long as you're listening from the correct sources. My settings are similar to Offer50 and while the bass doesn't shake the windows, it is present very present on most music. I've had it cranked and it plays plenty loud. Some music you definitely feel the bass more than on others. But we're looking a system that was most likely designed to be balanced or neutral than anything else. This is my opinion and I understand some people listen and require way more bass than others. We're also talking about trying to pull strong bass from two 8 inch subs. They have limitations.

[thestimp]

I put in a Alpine type R sub in my trunk, adds the thump I want sometimes. But for real BMW should put a 10" in the trunk and just ditch the 8" under seats, its embarrassing at this point how weak/underpowered all their speakers are, just add 200 more watts all around.... I am probably replacing the stock amp with something after market to give it more loudness/boost.

[Marcus1972]

Thank you

[dmanb2b]

HK has a lot to be desired, but I feel it's adequate and certainly competitive with past HK systems I have had in vehicles. I feel like something is up on your setting or hardware.

I am poking Integral Audio to develop a solution for the G01/F97...should be another 6 months, but I'll definitely upgrade when it's released.

[Gsavarese]

Aren’t there Bang and Olufson profiles on Bimmercode? I noticed a nice difference when I coded that to car. But I’m not all that fussy about the stereo

***Its Bowers&Wilkins

[Marcus1972]

Originally Posted by Gsavarese

Aren’t there Bang and Olufson profiles on Bimmercode? I noticed a nice difference when I coded that to car. But I’m not all that fussy about the stereo

Do you mean a code can be entered to change the sound?

[pyo]

Originally Posted by Marcus1972

Do you mean a code can be entered to change the sound?

Bimmercode

It's an app to code your car. I enabled B&O profiles on my LCI and it did make a difference.

[Marcus1972]

Originally Posted by pyo

Bimmercode

It's an app to code your car. I enabled B&O profiles on my LCI and it did make a difference.

Do you have details of how to try this please

[pyo]

Originally Posted by Marcus1972

Do you have details of how to try this please

Search is your friend here. Plenty of DIY guides posted on youtube/web.

Bimmercode even has a quick start guide...

[MackSea70]

Some comments about HK being pretty terrible in this platform.

Had HK in my F80 - really good, loud, tight, very little distortion. Could use a touch more bass.
Had HK in my F90 - good once broken in and dialed in, not great. Not as good as my F80 but acceptable.
Have HK in my F97 - awful. tuning doesn't matter, no bass, very VERY muddy at anything more than mid volume. There's times I don't even turn music on because it's just not enjoyable in this system.

Ordering B&W in my next F90 - looking forward to seeing what all the talk of B&W being over the top good is about.

[Marcus1972]

Originally Posted by MackSea70

Some comments about HK being pretty terrible in this platform.

Had HK in my F80 - really good, loud, tight, very little distortion. Could use a touch more bass.
Had HK in my F90 - good once broken in and dialed in, not great. Not as good as my F80 but acceptable.
Have HK in my F97 - awful. tuning doesn't matter, no bass, very VERY muddy at anything more than mid volume. There's times I don't even turn music on because it's just not enjoyable in this system.

Ordering B&W in my next F90 - looking forward to seeing what all the talk of B&W being over the top good is about.

Exactly how I would describe it, and its not good enough, brand new car, worse stereo than I traded in, I agree, I dont listen to music now!

[Gsavarese]

Originally Posted by Marcus1972

Do you have details of how to try this please

It’s an app you download to your phone, iPad etc. there’s a fee. Take a look at
https://bimmercode.app/cars/ for the features. You’re interested in “audio”

[xcellr8tion]

Originally Posted by MackSea70

Some comments about HK being pretty terrible in this platform.

Had HK in my F80 - really good, loud, tight, very little distortion. Could use a touch more bass.
Had HK in my F90 - good once broken in and dialed in, not great. Not as good as my F80 but acceptable.
Have HK in my F97 - awful. tuning doesn't matter, no bass, very VERY muddy at anything more than mid volume. There's times I don't even turn music on because it's just not enjoyable in this system.

Ordering B&W in my next F90 - looking forward to seeing what all the talk of B&W being over the top good is about.

Exactly my experience. I see comments about needing to have sensible expectations, but the system on my recent F87 and F80 was definitely superior. I'm not expecting anything stellar at these price points, but I was indeed let down with the F97.

[Edgar_FriendlyX3M]

I don't think the BW option is available to code on MY2020. Doesn't show up anywhere on my app. Unless its hidden somewhere else.

[Marcus1972]

Originally Posted by xcellr8tion

Exactly my experience. I see comments about needing to have sensible expectations, but the system on my recent F87 was definitely superior. I'm not expecting anything stellar at these price points, but I was indeed let down with the F97.

Originally Posted by xcellr8tion

Exactly my experience. I see comments about needing to have sensible expectations, but the system on my recent F87 was definitely superior. I'm not expecting anything stellar at these price points, but I was indeed let down with the F97.

Exactly. I am not happy

[gapband]

Had the same reaction coming from my 2018 Audi S4 with the B&O system. I was very disappointed with the performance of the sound system in the X3M.

I ended up installing a powered subwoofer yesterday. Definitely fills up the non-existent low end of the factory setup.

[MackSea70]

Originally Posted by gapband

Had the same reaction coming from my 2018 Audi S4 with the B&O system. I was very disappointed with the performance of the sound system in the X3M.

I ended up installing a powered subwoofer yesterday. Definitely fills up the non-existent low end of the factory setup.

Love JL stuff. I built a whole JL system for my boat and that thing - despite being on a boat, which is not exactly friendly for audio. WOW!