1M Speaker System option comparision

Tank · 02-19-2011, 09:41 AM

My salesperson told me BMW Professional with HiFi speakers is essentially a lower end system manufactured by Harmon Kardon for BMW. I was told that most BMW customers in Hong Kong do not bother paying for the Harmon Kardon option as a result. Could be total BS but if someone can shed some light, that would be awesome.

My previous E46 M3 had a Harmon Kardon system but I have to say the standard system in my VW Scirocco R sounds better. I'm sure technology has improved since but my ears aren't as highly attuned. Afterall, I survived the tinny base model 1-CD player on my GT3. Then again, the real soundtrack of the GT3 comes from the back of the car ... = )

Ohcrap · 02-21-2011, 12:14 PM

This may be a totally ignorant question as I know absolutely nothing about stereos, so don't anyone freak out but for $2000, would buying an aftermarket sat-nav with speaker upgrades be a good option? I want turn-by-turn sat-nav and good sound but don't want the dash clutter of the flip-up BMW unit nor the iDrive...

SamS · 02-21-2011, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ohcrap

This may be a totally ignorant question as I know absolutely nothing about stereos, so don't anyone freak out but for $2000, would buying an aftermarket sat-nav with speaker upgrades be a good option? I want turn-by-turn sat-nav and good sound but don't want the dash clutter of the flip-up BMW unit nor the iDrive...

The problem with after-market is that it is so hard to integrate Nav units and head unit upgrades into modern cars. Not only physically, but the OEM units just integrate with other aspects of controlling the car (iDrive) so much better than any after market unit could hope to do. How would you cut up the BMW console to support a double-DIN Sat/Nav? If you did, it would cost a fortune, and probably knock thousands off of resale value.

Ohcrap · 02-21-2011, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamS

The problem with after-market is that it is so hard to integrate Nav units and head unit upgrades into modern cars. Not only physically, but the OEM units just integrate

with other aspects of controlling the car (iDrive) so much better than any after market unit could hope to do. How would you cut up the BMW console to support a double-DIN Sat/Nav? If you did, it would cost a fortune, and probably knock thousands off of resale value.

Ahhhh, that's what I was afraid of. I guess I'll do BMW's sat-nav afterall. Thanks so much

JimD · 02-21-2011, 01:32 PM

My 09 vert has the mid-level BMW system. I like it a lot. It has enough power to play louder than I plan to listen. Quality seems good to me. I am sure the higher level system is better. It has better speakers and more power. But for me the mid-level is good enough.

Another option for navigation is the BMW portable - a rebranded Garmin. It is between the "stick on the windshield" system and the idrive both in integration and price. There is a good thread on this in the Technical section part about electronics.

Jim

Ohcrap · 02-21-2011, 01:46 PM

Cool, I'll look into that as another option. Appreciate it!

Grey Dove · 02-21-2011, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimD

My 09 vert has the mid-level BMW system. I like it a lot. It has enough power to play louder than I plan to listen. Quality seems good to me. I am sure the higher level system is better. It has better speakers and more power. But for me the mid-level is good enough.

Another option for navigation is the BMW portable - a rebranded Garmin. It is between the "stick on the windshield" system and the idrive both in integration and price. There is a good thread on this in the Technical section part about electronics.

Jim

Thanks , so it comes with 8 speakers and the prof. radio, yes?
just curious becouse I ordered the same

///M1 · 02-22-2011, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamS

The problem with after-market is that it is so hard to integrate Nav units and head unit upgrades into modern cars. Not only physically, but the OEM units just integrate with other aspects of controlling the car (iDrive) so much better than any after market unit could hope to do. How would you cut up the BMW console to support a double-DIN Sat/Nav? If you did, it would cost a fortune, and probably knock thousands off of resale value.

+1

It seems the doc is suggesting the base (for the 1 ///M) HiFi system is easier to integrate/upgrade with aftermarket solutions, so that is one other reason I am opting not to go with the HK. The cost of the option alone gets you quite a lot in the aftermarket. For example, I replaced the speakers on my E39 M5 with MB Quart ones for a total of $300, and people that had the ///M Audio option (something like $1300 at the time IIRC) were amazed how much better/crisper/cleaner my setup sounded.

IMO, unless you are getting a Bang & Olufsen type audio option in cars like the S8 (pop up musroom tweeters, etc.), paying for a manufacturer's stereo upgrade is throwing money away.

nachob · 07-03-2011, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eeghie

Thx,

Interestingly for the HiFi configuration RoelOEM and your private/PDF source show 10 speakers in total and BMW.de mentions 8 speakers!? I'm indifferent to having the tweeters in the back, this as these mostly benefit the rear seat passengers.

Actually, the REALOEM.COM only shows tweeters in the front. According to the parts diagram, the 1M HIFI comes with two tweeters behind the side mirrors up front, 2 Midrange speakers in the doors, two midrange speakers in the rear decklid (rear tweeters only on HK cars) and two subwoofers under the seats.

If the math is right, that makes 8 speakers and jives with your bmw.de source. So actually, I would get subwoofers!

evolution80 · 07-04-2011, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dick Brown

Would be nice if BMW offered a really excellent Hi Fi option like they do in the 5 and 7 series. I am sure some folks wouldn't mind paying 2k for a really amazing system considering the price of the M to begin with.

+1

speaking as an high end audio enthusiast (for home systems) i would even spend more if they offered a dynaudio system like bugatti, volvo, vw it is the best sound quality i ever had in a car - in a vw touareg and a volvo s60R - sure the bugatti will have an even better system but i guess ill never know

on the other hand as car enthusiast i also thought about ditching the hk option to save weight

but thats kinda ridiculous

i wonder what manufacturer makes bmws individual high end system? is it also hk?

M3Power79 · 07-04-2011, 11:05 AM

I think the HK sounds great in the 1M cabine. I can recommend it to everyone

02-19-2011, 09:41 AM	#23
Tank New Member 0 Rep 11 Posts Drives: C63 AMG/997.2 GT3 RS Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0)	My salesperson told me BMW Professional with HiFi speakers is essentially a lower end system manufactured by Harmon Kardon for BMW. I was told that most BMW customers in Hong Kong do not bother paying for the Harmon Kardon option as a result. Could be total BS but if someone can shed some light, that would be awesome. My previous E46 M3 had a Harmon Kardon system but I have to say the standard system in my VW Scirocco R sounds better. I'm sure technology has improved since but my ears aren't as highly attuned. Afterall, I survived the tinny base model 1-CD player on my GT3. Then again, the real soundtrack of the GT3 comes from the back of the car ... = )
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2011, 12:14 PM	#24
Ohcrap Private First Class 21 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 2011 135 M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Waco, TX iTrader: (0)	This may be a totally ignorant question as I know absolutely nothing about stereos, so don't anyone freak out but for $2000, would buying an aftermarket sat-nav with speaker upgrades be a good option? I want turn-by-turn sat-nav and good sound but don't want the dash clutter of the flip-up BMW unit nor the iDrive...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2011, 01:32 PM	#27
JimD Brigadier General 368 Rep 3,547 Posts Drives: 128i convertible Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lexington, SC iTrader: (0)	My 09 vert has the mid-level BMW system. I like it a lot. It has enough power to play louder than I plan to listen. Quality seems good to me. I am sure the higher level system is better. It has better speakers and more power. But for me the mid-level is good enough. Another option for navigation is the BMW portable - a rebranded Garmin. It is between the "stick on the windshield" system and the idrive both in integration and price. There is a good thread on this in the Technical section part about electronics. Jim __________________ 128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2011, 01:46 PM	#28
Ohcrap Private First Class 21 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 2011 135 M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Waco, TX iTrader: (0)	Cool, I'll look into that as another option. Appreciate it!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-04-2011, 11:05 AM	#33
M3Power79 Lieutenant 31 Rep 515 Posts Drives: 1M sold - M4 MW DKG ordered Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	I think the HK sounds great in the 1M cabine. I can recommend it to everyone __________________ "... on the smiles-per-mile charts, the 1-series M coupe can't be beat. It is a challenging piece, a triple-X-rated driver's machine for semi-professionals. Its handling balance provides an open invitation to indulge in latent oversteer, and provides an opportunity to separate the men from the boys. It is an absolute hoot on the track and an addictive plaything on your favorite twisty back road. "
	Appreciate 0 Quote