1M goes live on BMWUSA.com

[///M1]

Originally Posted by Papethova

I dont know a thing about car audio, its the one thing I have never been interested in. Would it be far superior and far cheaper than the HK option?

Is it just a simple speaker swap? I dont feel secure having all my panels ripped out by some guy at Al & Eds. How reliable is it?

Yes on both counts – you are likely to achieve superior results for less cost.

Car manufacturers are known to deliver very subpar systems in their cars, even the ones offered in the ‘Audio/Sound Upgrade Package’. I am talking about 99% of the cases, there are situations like the Bang and Olufsen system in the Audi S8 (with the pop-up mushroom tweeters) that is simply amazing, but then again, it is a $6K (or was it $8K) option. The upgraded BOSE (Buy Other Stereo Equipment) in my RS 4 for example downright sux – it is far worse than the base stereo in my 135i (granted the coupe has better acoustics). Ditto for the BOSE equipment on the multiple Porsche’s I’ve driven – extremely unimpressive. So I have learned that paying for a glorified car-manufacturer stereo option is not wise (but to each their own).

The base HiFi system that is stock in the 1 ///M (and was stock in 08 and 09 MY the 135i’’s but in later model yrs removed) is actually not bad, and a good start if you want to simply replace the speakers with aftermarket ones. You just need to do a small amount of research and decide which speakers suit you best, and not ‘over-speaker’ the car (e.g. buying speakers that outclass your amp).

A few years back, when I had my E39 M5 I was reluctant myself in going that route, thinking I don’t want to be ripping panels and all. But I did it anyhow, ended up buying MB Quart speakers (http://www.mbquart.com/ ) which were a direct replacement of the stock ones. Did it all myself, less than ½ a day (and there were 8 speakers from memory). Just need the plastic trim-removal kit from Bavarian Auto (19.95 which I have used for literally dozens of jobs since then), and it is a clean install/replacement. The sound quality was absolutely stunning. Keep in mind, at the time an M-Audio option was offered for the E39 M5, was about $1500 dollars, and real difference was the two rear standalone subwoofers (vs. a generic subwoofer box in non- M-Audio equipped cars, in fact speakers on both M-audio and stock cars were made by…Nokia!) I later ended up retrofitting those from a car that was totaled, and to this day I honestly have to say there are few cars out there that I’ve had a more pleasant, balanced, crisp audio experience. All for a few hundred dollars and little to no elbow grease.

This is why I will likely not opt for the HK option, but do my own down the line after some research and consulting with audio shops what suits the stock setup best for a quick no frills DIY replacement.

[M3 Adjuster]

Harman Kardon is an electronics company. Most of their speaker ventures have been failures, particularly in the home audio market. They don't manufacture car audio items for the aftermarket that I am aware of, while they do work with manufacturers to put " upgrade" systems in a vehicle.

As a person who has a lot of experience selling car stereos, I can assure you that you can do FAR better in the aftermarket with whatever funds you were going to pay the manufacturer. Since the 1M is based on the 135... should be no problem with installers being able to install speakers at a reputable car audio shop. For best service, I would recommend a specialty car audio place that carries mid to high end car audio such as Car Toys, Tweeter,hifi buys, etc.. Avoid big box places like Best buy etc.

[JasonCSU]

Originally Posted by ///M1

The base HiFi system that is stock in the 1 ///M (and was stock in 08 and 09 MY the 135i’’s but in later model yrs removed) is actually not bad, and a good start if you want to simply replace the speakers with aftermarket ones. You just need to do a small amount of research and decide which speakers suit you best, and not ‘over-speaker’ the car (e.g. buying speakers that outclass your amp).

I can vouch for the base HiFi system sounding pretty decent as I have it in my '08. I've had a couple of 1 and 3 series loaners with the new 'base' stereo, and there was a very noticeable difference in sound quality.

[UrHookUp]

Well, I went to the dealership planning on ordering the 1M, yeah. didn't happen yet. Someone else beat me by 2 days & took the one allocation the dealership had so far.
I could put a deposit down & wait, or I could just get a 2011 M3 & call it a day.
My other option is a 2011 Lexus ISF. Decisions, decisions.
I'll make a choice in about a week.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by UrHookUp

Well, I went to the dealership planning on ordering the 1M, yeah. didn't happen yet. Someone else beat me by 2 days & took the one allocation the dealership had so far.
I could put a deposit down & wait, or I could just get a 2011 M3 & call it a day.
My other option is a 2011 Lexus ISF. Decisions, decisions.
I'll make a choice in about a week.

You CAN'T go wrong with the M3. I think it's a better looking and sounding machine. I am thinking of a stripped M3 Sedan in Interlagos Blue. Before you buy the ISF, you HAVE to watch this. It's great:

let us know what you think after seeing it. : )

[hwelvaar]

LOL with video

[///M1]

+1 Never was a fan of the pregnant whale look of the IS-F, and the fake quad exhaust tip through which you can spot the meager real exhaust outlet. Too much of a kit car to me, trying hard to be something it is not. Should be noted that the new models now finally come with an LSD, so Lexus is finally catching up with the idea what a 'flagship' sports car in its lineup/class should be equipped with.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by nachob

You CAN'T go wrong with the M3. I think it's a better looking and sounding machine. I am thinking of a stripped M3 Sedan in Interlagos Blue. Before you buy the ISF, you HAVE to watch this. It's great:

let us know what you think after seeing it. : )

I meant you CAN'T go wrong with M3. Realized typo and fixed it. What did you think of the video. I love the M3 sedan. I think it actually looks meaner than the coupe. The squatty rear make the car look like a bulldog, whereas the coupe looks long and like it's missing something in the rear. Almost effeminate in the rear. I think the Coupe looks good in white, OK in Red and Jerez Black but doesn't look good in other colors. Bangle ruined many cars but the Sedan still looks good. There is a lot to like of the 1M but between a fully loaded 1M and a base M3 sedan with cloth and 18" wheels, I would take the M3.

I don't want all that crap on my car, so I would get a stripped 1M or stripped M3 but that is still $10K - 12K difference. I could do a lot with 12K. I am waiting to see one in person for final decision.

Anyone in San Diego getting one? I was wondering if they would be willing to send me a message when they get it, so I could see it in person? If I like it, I would want to get on the list as soon as possible.

I'll buy lunch just for a chance to check out your car???.

Thanks.

[UrHookUp]

Welp, I went today to test drive the Lexus ISF. Looks great, Seats fit great. guages are stellar. But then you drive it. Unless you have the Sport option turned on all the time & driving in manual mode, it is a turd.
All Glitz no glamour I guess. I went in with an open mind to give it a fair shake, yeah didn't happen.
So I guess i'll get the M3 next weel.

[EINSER M]

am i missing something here?

everyone says yes the 1M will have Split fold-down rear seats but it is not listed under interior seating and trim like it is on the 135....

had asked dackel about it when he went to the welt to photograph but he didnt get a chance to look at the interior.

[skyphab]

Originally Posted by kirkx5m

am i missing something here?

everyone says yes the 1M will have Split fold-down rear seats but it is not listed under interior seating and trim like it is on the 135....

had asked dackel about it when he went to the welt to photograph but he didnt get a chance to look at the interior.

I didn't look at it, but why should they fit different rear seats like in the 135?

[EINSER M]

Originally Posted by skyphab

I didn't look at it, but why should they fit different rear seats like in the 135?

beats me????!!?

why would they omit that line item on the 1M

[skyphab]

Originally Posted by kirkx5m

beats me????!!?

why would they omit that line item on the 1M

Are the separately foldable rear seats an optional extra?

[EINSER M]

they are standard on the 135

[///M1]

Originally Posted by skyphab

I didn't look at it, but why should they fit different rear seats like in the 135?

Better structural rigidity would be one reason. Perhaps less weight, but who nows, I still think they will be foldable like on the 135i

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by kirkx5m

am i missing something here?

everyone says yes the 1M will have Split fold-down rear seats but it is not listed under interior seating and trim like it is on the 135....

had asked dackel about it when he went to the welt to photograph but he didnt get a chance to look at the interior.

seats are 50/50 split fold down in the rear as per the preproduction model I saw.

[EINSER M]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

seats are 50/50 split fold down in the rear as per the preproduction model I saw.

so someone @ BMWUSA forgot to add it to the list?