[gym_carrey]

Originally Posted by Jolbex

Did not read the whole thread but i got rear sound distortion when coded BW profile....

I haven’t coded anything yet.

Glad you mentioned, I was thinking to code B&W presets to see if that distortion goes away.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by gym_carrey

I haven’t coded anything yet.

Glad you mentioned, I was thinking to code B&W presets to see if that distortion goes away.

The MGU B&W preset is just a menu option change in the MGU with B&W branding, it doesn't change anything in the RAM that can't be set in the existing
MGU HK menu. The only difference is those same HK settings are just put in a set of presets with Logic 7, surround, fader etc, etc values set differently for each.

Even the official BMW ALEV4 B&W audio uses Harman Logic7 processing in SP15/18, but a different Harman booster than the ALEV3 HK G01 option.

[Jolbex]

....and you dont think there can be some "eq" settings that stock HK booster (and/or other hw eg crossover...) doesnt handle well?

[avi66]

Originally Posted by Jolbex

....and you dont think there can be some "eq" settings that stock HK booster (and/or other hw eg crossover...) doesnt handle well?

In my experience, some combinations of "EQ" settings can lead to audible artefacts, and that isn't limited to the HK system. The source can also play a huge role, as can the quality/spec of the content, and high playback volume.

It seems odd that the passive crossover and speakers in the G01 front and rear are the same spec AFAIK. However, according to the OP the front speakers sound fine, but the rears don't.

The G01 ALEV3 Harman booster only drives the two under-seat woofers and the ALEV3 RAM drives all the others. This is different to ALEV4 B&W which uses a more advanced Harman booster to drive more speakers and more channels i.e. each tweeter has a discreet channel from the booster rather than using a mid/high passive crossover on a single channel.

[Leem40i]

If you want to see something more odd about the H&K sound system try moving the fader to full front or full rear. You'll notice that if you have the sound faded to the front all the speakers play in the front and rear doors. If you move the fader all the way to the back the only speakers that play are the floor Subs and the two surround tweeters in the rear deck. The sound quality, speaker quality, and overall configuration of the HK system is a joke.

[Jolbex]

Originally Posted by avi66

In my experience, some combinations of "EQ" settings can lead to audible artefacts, and that isn't limited to the HK system. The source can also play a huge role, as can the quality/spec of the content, and high playback volume.

It seems odd that the passive crossover and speakers in the G01 front and rear are the same spec AFAIK. However, according to the OP the front speakers sound fine, but the rears don't.

The G01 ALEV3 Harman booster only drives the two under-seat woofers and the ALEV3 RAM drives all the others. This is different to ALEV4 B&W which uses a more advanced Harman booster to drive more speakers and more channels i.e. each tweeter has a discreet channel from the booster rather than using a mid/high passive crossover on a single channel.

So how can you say that coding BW onto HK hardware is just equiliser? Isnt it obvios that when all the speakers are amplified via booster there is different level/cut freq/etc taking place? My HK booster overheated every day and turned off (no bass). After coding back to stock all the problems went away, no more cracking, no overheating...for a year now.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by Jolbex

So how can you say that coding BW onto HK hardware is just equiliser? Isnt it obvios that when all the speakers are amplified via booster there is different level/cut freq/etc taking place? My HK booster overheated every day and turned off (no bass). After coding back to stock all the problems went away, no more cracking, no overheating...for a year now.

No, it's not obvious. Does every G01 owner who has coded the B&W MGU opinion as you did have the same issues you describe above? The OP has issues and hasn't coded B&W menu...... Maybe it's an issue with specific hardware or software in your respective cars.

I asked Bimmercode about the G01 B&W option and any changes it made to DSP RAM code. The answer is it doesn't alter the RAM module code, only the menu changes on the MGU.

The code driving DSP for channels etc i.e. B&W different level/cut freq/etc taking place as you put it, doesn't exist in the MGU, it's code in the RAM/booster modules that controls this. Hence, whatever RAM/booster you have works within the confines of its code/hardware.

[Jolbex]

Ok, im not saying that im right, but the effect coding had on my sound was way beyond setting eq to max...the level was something HK hw wasnt able to handle, and also other effects (studio/stage) was something you can not replicate with HK controls. Did you ever try/listen HK coded to BW?

[avi66]

Originally Posted by Jolbex

Ok, im not saying that im right, but the effect coding had on my sound was way beyond setting eq to max...the level was something HK hw wasnt able to handle, and also other effects (studio/stage) was something you can not replicate with HK controls. Did you ever try/listen HK coded to BW?

Does everyone have the same issue as you with the B&W menu code ?

That's really the simple question, if others don't experience the same issues there's a difference with your car somewhere.

Did you ask Bimmercode about the problem ?

[Jolbex]

No, my car has 1 year warranty left so as soon as my booster started shutting off i reverted to original settings. Ive never had booster overheating with stock settings, not even during summer with 42⁰C outside...

[avi66]

Originally Posted by Jolbex

No, my car has 1 year warranty left so as soon as my booster started shutting off i reverted to original settings. Ive never had booster overheating with stock settings, not even during summer with 42⁰C outside...

Yea, I get what you're saying, and I don't know why this is the case with your car, just like I don't know what the issue is with the OP systems.

There are lots of variables due to the RAM being different by region, and also differences in RAM/booster hardware revisions over time, and that's before factoring in any difference in versions of module software or ID OS version that may have some influence.

Still, it appears there are people happily using the B&W menu coding without the issues you describe, so it's difficult to pin down why.

PS You may already be aware that there was a PUMA issued for the ALEV3 booster around 2020/21. A new hardware revision of booster was fitted if the customer experienced issues, so clearly there is a history of a booster problem that could affect audio performance.

[Jolbex]

I know of some problem with mexico boosters being replaced by hungarian ones (or viceversa?), but my car is not covered since it is 10/2019. And also i can not replicate any problem when stock.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by Jolbex

I know of some problem with mexico boosters being replaced by hungarian ones (or viceversa?), but my car is not covered since it is 10/2019. And also i can not replicate any problem when stock.

It's discussed here - https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...ht=puma&page=3

The danger when discussing this stuff is that we assume everyone has the same hardware and software i.e. I have option S688 so it's the same as your option S688. I think it's reasonable to assume based on this that BMW implements different revisions of hardware (software?) over time, even in the same regions.

Who knows what changes in audio reproduction or other aspects this causes between cars with the "same" S688 HK option ?????

[gym_carrey]

Originally Posted by avi66

Yea, I get what you're saying, and I don't know why this is the case with your car, just like I don't know what the issue is with the OP systems.

There are lots of variables due to the RAM being different by region, and also differences in RAM/booster hardware revisions over time, and that's before factoring in any difference in versions of module software or ID OS version that may have some influence.

Still, it appears there are people happily using the B&W menu coding without the issues you describe, so it's difficult to pin down why.

PS You may already be aware that there was a PUMA issued for the ALEV3 booster around 2020/21. A new hardware revision of booster was fitted if the customer experienced issues, so clearly there is a history of a booster problem that could affect audio performance.

Shall I check with my dealer and ask them to cover it under this PUMA?

However they will still charge me for diagnostics which is $187/hr (cad).

If could get some hard copies of the abovementioned PUMA, I could request them for a net zero charge (all covered by the dealership). However, my local dealer isn’t the most supportive when it comes to warranty claims and waivers.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by gym_carrey

Shall I check with my dealer and ask them to cover it under this PUMA?

However they will still charge me for diagnostics which is $187/hr (cad).

If could get some hard copies of the abovementioned PUMA, I could request them for a net zero charge (all covered by the dealership). However, my local dealer isn’t the most supportive when it comes to warranty claims and waivers.

First I'd look at labels on the RAM and Booster for part numbers etc.

It's easy to take a photo of the RAM label, but the Booster is facing the side of the car behind a bracket, so may take a mirror or something.

[dinan5m3]

Originally Posted by gym_carrey

2020 M40i with 19,400kms.

Unless the OP lives in Canada (???) out in middle of nowhere (???), find out where your local PUMA source rep is from the local parts/service departments. Local dealer service/parts people work with their local PUMA rep(s) "all the time". And these PUMA rep(s) are helpful in diagnosing, troubleshooting symptoms in few cases far better than the techs at the service center.

And 2020 MY? If the warranty hasn't expired yet, why not have a visit with local service center to go over the issue(s) to see what is/are out of spec? Unless the OP is nowhere close to the service center. Discussing in the forum is helpful, but we are all comes down to it, "hobbyists". Unless you run into any forum member with bmw, b&w, hk, etc. badges on them, then they are "not" authoritative. Go talk to the authoritative sources (also).

Of course if no warranty, then sorry, SOL.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by gym_carrey

Shall I check with my dealer and ask them to cover it under this PUMA?

However they will still charge me for diagnostics which is $187/hr (cad).

If could get some hard copies of the abovementioned PUMA, I could request them for a net zero charge (all covered by the dealership). However, my local dealer isn’t the most supportive when it comes to warranty claims and waivers.

This is the original PUMA reference if your car fits the profile.

The PUMA measure for this is: DE 65463809-01 - 17.11.20

AFAIK this relates to the HK Booster only, which only powers the two under seat woofers, see pdf below. If your RAM is faulty it won’t be covered by this.

US based info https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...88953-9999.pdf

Please let us know how you get on talking to a HK specialist at BMW, and good luck. Just a suggestion but look at the RAM/Booster labels/part number as suggested, as you may be asked for this info.

[rux3m40i]

Hi - I haven't been able to read the entire page 2 and 3 - but I surely recognize the distroted sound on the HK speakers. I took delivery of my brand new 2024 X3M40i two weeks ago and it the issue started with my mid range speaker in drivers door: some songs at 60-70% volume very distorted/vibrating sound.

Took it to the dealer and they replaced the speaker - it's now good. I now found out that the mid range speaker on the passenger door starts acting the same.. Taking it back to the dealer next week to have that one replaced too.

Not sure about the quality control / durability of this system..

[BMWbiker]

Originally Posted by rux3m40i

Hi - I haven't been able to read the entire page 2 and 3 - but I surely recognize the distroted sound on the HK speakers. I took delivery of my brand new 2024 X3M40i two weeks ago and it the issue started with my mid range speaker in drivers door: some songs at 60-70% volume very distorted/vibrating sound.

Took it to the dealer and they replaced the speaker - it's now good. I now found out that the mid range speaker on the passenger door starts acting the same.. Taking it back to the dealer next week to have that one replaced too.

Not sure about the quality control / durability of this system..

Speakers are a bit like electronics: assuming that they’re not being abused, if theyre going to fail, they’re most likely to fail almost immediately.

[Rapcat]

Originally Posted by gym_carrey

I tried using iDrive only. USB and bluetooth.

Bluetooth made zero difference.

So did USB (start the video at full volume to hear the sound)


No difference at all.

Also, I wanted to add that regardless if your engine is on or just in ignition, this crackling sound is evident.

5/3/24
I just took delivery of my X3 last night. Blown mid speaker on drivers side door. I’m a music artist/producer/DJ/sound engineer and I noticed it right away. Blown speaker with only 18 miles on the car. Have an appointment for Tuesday to have fixed

[BlueBlackM40]

Originally Posted by Rapcat

5/3/24
I just took delivery of my X3 last night. Blown mid speaker on drivers side door. I’m a music artist/producer/DJ/sound engineer and I noticed it right away. Blown speaker with only 18 miles on the car. Have an appointment for Tuesday to have fixed

Took delivery of a brand new X3 M40 with HK about a month of ago. Something sounded off since the moment I drove off the lot, but I was in denial as it was a new car. It’s only gotten worse, so took it in…3 blown speakers (both front door mids and a rear tweeter). Needless to say BMW’s QC is… well what QC? Pathetic. I suspect this won’t be my last trip to replace parts of this sound system…

That being said, my loaner has the standard HiFi and it’s sounds >>$900 worse than the HK, so I guess I’m still better off paying for a broken (but under warranty) HK

[spangle1980]

If you took the speaker out and marvelled at the absolutely shite quality of the drivers this would not be a surprise. Which is why quite a few people have swapped out for better. It's gonna cost ya - but worth it :-?