Factory Sound System Sucks

[omknj]

I am appologizing in advance if this is the wrong place for this query, however...

I just took delivery of my 128i (M Sport) coupe.

On the advice of my brother, whom I THOUGHT to be an audiophile, I did NOT order the upgraded sound system - and just went with the basic BMW stereo.

I also own a 2007 Mini Cooper S Cabrio (in Hot Orange) which I had ordered with the Harmon Kardon system - a really fantastic sound system I might add.

Now, coming from that sound system into the 128i leaves me very dissapointed.

Can any of you (or ALL of you) let me know what the options are for upgradig at this point?

Should I go aftermarket?

If so, where?

Cost-to-value on aftermarket systems vs. BMW installed systems?

Will or will not void Warranty?

Any help will be appreciated...and BTW - the ONE ROCKS!!!!! (Big praise coming from a MINI Cooper Racing Driver!)

-OMKNJ

[dragon1761]

Refer to the audio/DIY section. There is someone that installed aftermarket sound system and they show you step by step of how they did it.

[GtiGyver]

the standard audio systems on the 1 series suck, but I'm sorry to say, the 2010 model is even worse. You don't even have a stand-alone amplifier.

[emtrey]

2009 base system is pretty good. Better then HK upgrade that was in my 2004 Mini and base system in 2007 Mini. Sorry--have not heard the 2010 base sytem yet. A friend just got one but I have not been in his car yet.

How much could it cost per car for BMW to NOT have downgraded the OEM audio system or just looking to sell more high profit options? It'll be interesting to hear the 2009 and 2010 sytems back to back.

[BroDoze]

Yup, took one listen to the std. base 1er audio system and about puked. I had to order my car with the hi-fi JUST to get by... I've got it dialed in so it sounds pretty decent, but nothing like my past systems.

[bradford]

Fade it *way* forward (like 6-8, the rear should be barely perceptible) and it sounds much, MUCH better.

[///M1]

I actually think the stock system in my 08 135i is very decent, in fact miles better than my upgraded BOSE (Buy Other Stereo Equipment) system in my RS4. Sound is more crisp, base firmer and deeper, overall way better.

The 2010 base audio system is not the same though as in the 08s and 09s, believe there are several speakers less (2 tweeters and mids IIRC)

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by ///M1

I actually think the stock system in my 08 135i is very decent, in fact miles better than my upgraded BOSE (Buy Other Stereo Equipment) system in my RS4. Sound is more crisp, base firmer and deeper, overall way better.

The 2010 base audio system is not the same though as in the 08s and 09s, believe there are several speakers less (2 tweeters and mids IIRC)

I sorta disagree. The Bose sound systems in both the RS4 and the A3 that I test drove were far better than the system in my 135i. I used the same CD for all tests as sound quality was was thing that I weighed highly.

After a few days worth of playing with it in decently happy with my stock system, however there is some distortion in some of the heavier music that I listen to and there is a massive lack of base as there arent any decent subwoffers in the car.

[omknj]

Originally Posted by bradford

Fade it *way* forward (like 6-8, the rear should be barely perceptible) and it sounds much, MUCH better.

I have already tried that, thanks.

Better, but not the results I am looking for.

Also, I am not trying to sound like sour grapes here but, although i appreciate the 'co-miseration' - I still would like to know if ANYONE has a SOLUTION?

I looked up the Alpine upgrade system, but do not quite "get it" as far as what this syste actually is.

Is it something my dealer can install?

Is it something that I can get done at one the of the many "pimp my ride" centers around NJ?

It might seem like it shouldn't be SUCH a concern, but I have recently figured out that I have 102 hours (4-plus days) of music on my ipod - which puts me in the category of "nutcase" when it comes to wanting a VERY pleasurable auditory experience.

Has anyone here gotten an aftermarket upgrade?

Thanks (again) in advance...

BTW - these forus are great! And I am glad to have found them, as I was when I found the MINI forums online.

-OMKNJ

[x5mad]

From the numerous reviews on this site it looks like the Alpine kit would be best suited to your needs. While not a high end system, it will be an upgrade, you will retain your warranty and is a dealer fitted option - you can DIY also if you have time.

Do a search on the UK sub forums as I remember seeing a lot of reviews there with many people having installed it.

[hats4bats]

Don't know if anyone has experience with Bavarian Soundwerks, but I've been thinking about pulling the trigger on their speaker upgrade. They seem to have a pre-buy discount as the speakers aren't scheduled to be out until the end of Jan. They also are talking about an amp upgrade down the road . . .

[DBFIU]

I agree, the sound systems suck. Even the hifi system sucks.

By the way, how can someone check if they have the hifi system?

my 2008 honda civic SI came stock with a way way better system, it came with a dedicated 8" woofer. I miss that system.

[mineo77]

I agree the sound systems sucks with the base system...good news is that is also sucks with the upgragde. You could use the $$ you would have spent on the hifi and build a much better system. Depends on what you are looking for and how important audio is to you. I chose the standard system cause i didnt want to waste my $$ on that, and if you are upgrading it is a bonus not to have a OEM amp in the car. You can see my audio project in "my garage" if interesested

good luck. there is LOTS of info in the audio section

[///M1]

Originally Posted by hats4bats

Don't know if anyone has experience with Bavarian Soundwerks, but I've been thinking about pulling the trigger on their speaker upgrade. They seem to have a pre-buy discount as the speakers aren't scheduled to be out until the end of Jan. They also are talking about an amp upgrade down the road . . .

I've dealt with them in the past when I was looking to upgrade the audio in my M5. Nice guys, very knowledgeable, but also pricey. For example, the MB Quart speakers they sell are double what you can source them from a Canal Street store in NYC or Ebay. I suggest looking into what they have as a package for the 1-series, and then going about it on your own. Let them do the research for you, but you purchase it and save yourself some coin.

[///M1]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

I sorta disagree. The Bose sound systems in both the RS4 and the A3 that I test drove were far better than the system in my 135i. I used the same CD for all tests as sound quality was was thing that I weighed highly.

After a few days worth of playing with it in decently happy with my stock system, however there is some distortion in some of the heavier music that I listen to and there is a massive lack of base as there arent any decent subwoffers in the car.

Trust me, the BOSE in my RS4 is attrocious, I have done multiple comparos, radio, Sirius, iPod, Pandora internet radio (don't have CD in the Audi). The distorion at high volume in the Bose system is just horrific, the sound is much crisper in the 135i's stock system. Of course the 1- is smaller and a coupe, so the accoustics are better, but it is dispicable Audi chose BOSE for the RS4 when they have a brilliant B&O in the S8!

Maybe the system sounds different to you since you have a vert, perhaps the soft top creates different sound transmision characteristics.

[annsue]

I have the Premium HiFi in my 2008 135i convertible, and I think it rocks! Even Sirius sounds really good in it.

[hppypaul]

I think that the basic problem here is that BMW is so cheap they cant put a premium system in a "premium" car from the beginning. For $40K+ it should be standard equipment and not a $875 extra.

Before getting my 135 i recently looked at the new base Z4 which runs >$50k and the system was just horrible. Spending this kind of coin for a hard top convertible and then listening to distorted music with wind noise is disgraceful. When you are leasing something that has the base system, you are stuck since no one would aftermarket a lease, and believe me it was a deal breaker. I went with the '09 1'er which also has the base, but is ok so far.

[Year1of1]

i think the sound system in my 08 128 is great! I've heard the upgraded BMW sound system and couldn't tell the difference.

[BroDoze]

Problem is, I hate going with aftermarket amp with sub boxes and crap. That used to be my thing back in the day, not anymore. To do it right is a lot of time and money and taking the entire car apart. Also, the added weight from subs and crap.

A shame we don't get better systems for $40K+, but the premium system in my '10 will have to do I think. I may change my mind later, but with some heavy EQ and speaker level adjustments, it doesn't sound too bad.

I miss the BOSE system I had in my '07 Pathfinder. Lots of power, time aligned from the factory, and with a DDX-814 double DIN Kenwood HU, it sounded pretty freakin' good.

[Yes2m3cs]

I am very happy with my premimum Hi-Fi in my 2008 135i. I didnt want to bother with aftermarket parts either..

[backtoreality15]

The Premium Hi-Fi is a big a step up from the standard sound system in the 1ers. However, being an audiophile it is no where near a proper balanced Hi-Fi system. Nevertheless, it is very enjoyable while driving. Keep in mind that the car isn't the best place to music to music so you aren't losing much...

[Eyeman]

The stock U.S 135 stereo did not seem good at all to me when I first got my car, it seemed kind of muffled. I think it was a combo of my previous stereo and the fact that I was analyzing the sound quality when stopped of with the car off. For some reason I now feel the stereo sounds very good, especially while driving the car. I guess I sort of have gotten accustomed to the sound and also the sound is kind of "tuned" to work well with road noise.