[emeadow]

I was looking at 2019-2020 X4's, but have an opportunity on a low miles 2021 that I need to move fast on if I want it. Problem is, it's running the base speaker system (626 on the spec sheet).

I was trying to hold out for at least the HK upgrade (knowing that still wasn't great) but the used car market has been super slim pickin's so not sure if I should keep this on the must have list.

Would it be possible to upgrade the base speaker system for under 2k and get at least some decent sound? I have never upgraded a system, I don't do a ton of driving, so I don't need a crazy system, just something reasonable for a chick going for her midlife crisis car.

[Acc-Risk]

I've installed the BavSound upgrade on 4 cars so far and have been pleased. One X2, M2, 330 and a 328. From Base to Bav it was pretty extreme, (this was my X2, 330 and 328.) Upgrading an H/K system to Bav was a waste of money IMO.

[Alias1431]

Yes it's very possible. First step is amp. Second step is speakers. If you still have money, buy a powered sub.

[xylodan]

Originally Posted by Acc-Risk

I've installed the BavSound upgrade on 4 cars so far and have been pleased. One X2, M2, 330 and a 328. From Base to Bav it was pretty extreme, (this was my X2, 330 and 328.) Upgrading an H/K system to Bav was a waste of money IMO.

Does anyone have any comparison between the HK system sound vs the base system upgraded with BAV speakers?

[Rottley]

i purchased a 2021 x3 M40i with the base high fi system. would grade it a D.
spent $1300 on a jl audio W3 10 inch sub, sealed box, xd600 amp and an amp volume control. Would grad it a B- now and Im happy. Took up some space in the back, but mine is empty all the time anyway. 63yo, dont golf or bike.
maybe 14X14 inches. (guessing)

[pneumodoc]

I have a 330 with hifi-added full bavsound system and then added a matchup 7 dsp. The amp makes a huge difference. Speakers helped, but amp is definitely the most cost effective/important change.

[Tchgrif]

I have a 2019 X4 m40 with HK and it sucked, i upgraded to bavsound subs and full 14 mid range and tweeter upgrade and it was worth every penny and every minute of the install. i wish they had the revinant amp for this vehicle but BMW has some sort of proprietary cable link that they wont let bavsound replicate so we wait. when I removed my HK speakers it was easy to see what was wrong they were cheap paper super light weight with very thin magnets. I wouldn't even try to "upgrade" to HK just see whats available from bavsound or someone else as the bmw HK is a total waste of money.

[neilr_]

Originally Posted by Tchgrif

I have a 2019 X4 m40 with HK and it sucked, i upgraded to bavsound subs and full 14 mid range and tweeter upgrade and it was worth every penny and every minute of the install. i wish they had the revinant amp for this vehicle but BMW has some sort of proprietary cable link that they wont let bavsound replicate so we wait. when I removed my HK speakers it was easy to see what was wrong they were cheap paper super light weight with very thin magnets. I wouldn't even try to "upgrade" to HK just see whats available from bavsound or someone else as the bmw HK is a total waste of money.

The HK setup has more speakers than the HiFi (16 vs 12), right? If you were configuring your car again, and knowing that you were going to install the Bavsound kit, would you have skipped the HK option or does it give you something over the HiFi despite the speaker swap? Beyond the additional 4 speakers, that is.

[GS - X3]

I have the HK upgrade system, and I will say this again.
Harmon Kardon did the best they could with the design parameters that BMW set for them.
But you can only do so much when BMW limits the weight of your system.
An aftermarket system without those restraints will blow the HK system away, and not for an unreasonable sum of money.

[jerad951]

I’d recommend the Match UP7DSP. FYI, Crutchfield lists the Match UP7BMW as compatible but it’s not compatible with the ‘21 with RAM. You’ll need these items below and will have to run your own power and ground, which is simple with the battery in the rear.

I also chose to install a separate sub for additional thump.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_975UP7...DSP-MEC-A.html

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_975PPB...MW-1-7RAM.html

[neilr_]

Originally Posted by jerad951

but it’s not compatible with the ‘21 with RAM

I'm not familiar with this. What does RAM mean in this context?

[neilr_]

Originally Posted by GS - X3

I have the HK upgrade system, and I will say this again.
Harmon Kardon did the best they could with the design parameters that BMW set for them.
But you can only do so much when BMW limits the weight of your system.
An aftermarket system without those restraints will blow the HK system away, and not for an unreasonable sum of money.

Redirecting my earlier question to you. If you were doing it over, would you choose the HK or upgrade the HiFi system after the fact?

[Acc-Risk]

Originally Posted by neilr_

Redirecting my earlier question to you. If you were doing it over, would you choose the HK or upgrade the HiFi system after the fact?

The problem with the base audio setup is there are no upper tweeter locations, so the Bavsound upgrade makes use of coaxial speakers in the doors. Imaging is poor. People have retrofitted the H/K grill pods in the A pillars to give them a location to install.

My own personal experience with Bavsound is this. Underseat woofers roll off a little higher than stock, but output is higher. The tweeters, being silk dome, are smoother than the H/K which honestly is the biggest plus for me as I find the H/K system to be very harsh.

Having JUST gone from a base system upgraded with Bavsound in my X2 to the H/K in the X3, the X2 sounded good and was very livable after breakin.

[neilr_]

Originally Posted by Acc-Risk

The problem with the base audio setup is there are no upper tweeter locations, so the Bavsound upgrade makes use of coaxial speakers in the doors.

Perhaps my understanding is wrong. I though that in the US, the HiFi system is the "base" system (unlike the rest of the world, which has a tier below HiFi) and that it includes these tweeters in the front doors:



This is taken from the Bavsound install video. The rear doors show a similarly separated, but differently laid out, tweeter (per the video).

I'm pondering the Bavsound upgrade for my 2019 X3 with HiFi, but audio isn't something I've done much of (the Bavsound kit seems pretty straightforward).

[jerad951]

Originally Posted by neilr_

I'm not familiar with this. What does RAM mean in this context?

BMW changed from IDrive6 to IDrive7 in 2020, I believe. The change added a RAM module, complicating the amp upgrade.

I believe 2019 has IDrive6 and should be compatible with the Match UP7BMW amp.

This thread has some good info.

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1709661

[Acc-Risk]

Originally Posted by neilr_

Perhaps my understanding is wrong. I though that in the US, the HiFi system is the "base" system (unlike the rest of the world, which has a tier below HiFi) and that it includes these tweeters in the front doors:

Nope I stand corrected you're completely correct. I was basing my knowledge off the X2 which doesn't have pillar mounted tweeters.

[Alex C.]

Originally Posted by jerad951

BMW changed from IDrive6 to IDrive7 in 2020, I believe. The change added a RAM module, complicating the amp upgrade.

I believe 2019 has IDrive6 and should be compatible with the Match UP7BMW amp.

This thread has some good info.

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1709661

Yes. RAM was implemented in 2020 models, although earlier 2020 did not I believe. Easy way to check is to look in the back.

[GS - X3]

Originally Posted by neilr_

Redirecting my earlier question to you. If you were doing it over, would you choose the HK or upgrade the HiFi system after the fact?

Not having heard an aftermarket upgraded system, that’s an impossible question for me to answer. I must admit that I was a little disappointed in the HK system when I first got it, but in its defense, it has improved with age. Given the option cost of the HK upgrade, I think it was worth getting.

[emeadow]

Thanks everyone for the input (I know the thread went off on its own a bit...but it was still helpful!)

Decided not to pass up on the really good deal, should be driving a new x4 M40i by this weekend......have to wait for some paperwork to finalize before I could drive the thing home unfortunately, impatiently waiting.