How can I figure out what factory audio package I have?

Money_Shift · 02-20-2021, 02:31 PM

Hi all, I'm trying to figure out if my car's audio sounds terrible because something is messed up or if it's just the basic speaker package or something. It's a 2012 135i coupe with iDrive. It has tweeters on the A pillars, speakers in the front doors and speakers on the rear shelf and they all seem to work fine; they don't sounds blown out or anything. But music essentially has no bass, no low range at all.

Do all e82's have speakers under the front seats? If so, I tried listening and don't hear a single thing from under either seat, but I think I see a speaker grill? I tried looking up the audio options but didn't find much. Is there a way to figure out which speaker package I have so I can figure out what is/isn't working right?

Thanks!

tracer bullet · 02-20-2021, 02:39 PM

You can put your VIN into a decoder and see what packages it came with. I don't have a link but should be easy to find.

You're on the right track w/ speaker locations. Tweeters in the A pillars means you at least have the mid level package (of 3 levels total). If it doesn't say Harmon Kardon then that is probably it - level 2 of 3.

This can help: https://musicarnw.com/identifying-bm...audio-systems/

The rest of their site has some good info as well. I've dealt with the company a few times for stereo parts and kits and have always been really happy.

The simple thing would be to get a stronger amp for the woofers under the seats, and after that stick a sub in the trunk. Sky is the limit of course as there is always more you can do.

Money_Shift · 02-21-2021, 12:08 AM

Thanks for the info. I found a VIN decoder that works and showed that I do have the middle HiFi system. Which clarifies a few things, and brings me back to my real problem of the under-seat speakers not working. I'm pretty confident they're both dead because I can't hear or feel anything from them, even with the bass turned all the way up. I guess I can pull the seats to double check but I can't imagine they should be so weak I can't hear them with my head by the floor.

tracer bullet · 02-21-2021, 08:26 AM

I think you're right, even if they aren't totally / completely dead it doesn't matter because they aren't doing nearly enough. May as well start planning a repair / upgrade either way.

02-20-2021, 02:31 PM	#1
Money_Shift New Member 12 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 135 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: PHX iTrader: (0)	How can I figure out what factory audio package I have? Hi all, I'm trying to figure out if my car's audio sounds terrible because something is messed up or if it's just the basic speaker package or something. It's a 2012 135i coupe with iDrive. It has tweeters on the A pillars, speakers in the front doors and speakers on the rear shelf and they all seem to work fine; they don't sounds blown out or anything. But music essentially has no bass, no low range at all. Do all e82's have speakers under the front seats? If so, I tried listening and don't hear a single thing from under either seat, but I think I see a speaker grill? I tried looking up the audio options but didn't find much. Is there a way to figure out which speaker package I have so I can figure out what is/isn't working right? Thanks!
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02-20-2021, 02:39 PM	#2
tracer bullet Brigadier General 2406 Rep 3,535 Posts Drives: '11 135i , '15 X3 35i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Saint Paul, MN iTrader: (1)	You can put your VIN into a decoder and see what packages it came with. I don't have a link but should be easy to find. You're on the right track w/ speaker locations. Tweeters in the A pillars means you at least have the mid level package (of 3 levels total). If it doesn't say Harmon Kardon then that is probably it - level 2 of 3. This can help: https://musicarnw.com/identifying-bm...audio-systems/ The rest of their site has some good info as well. I've dealt with the company a few times for stereo parts and kits and have always been really happy. The simple thing would be to get a stronger amp for the woofers under the seats, and after that stick a sub in the trunk. Sky is the limit of course as there is always more you can do.
	Appreciate 1 Money_Shift11.50 Quote

02-21-2021, 12:08 AM	#3
Money_Shift New Member 12 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 135 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: PHX iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the info. I found a VIN decoder that works and showed that I do have the middle HiFi system. Which clarifies a few things, and brings me back to my real problem of the under-seat speakers not working. I'm pretty confident they're both dead because I can't hear or feel anything from them, even with the bass turned all the way up. I guess I can pull the seats to double check but I can't imagine they should be so weak I can't hear them with my head by the floor.
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02-21-2021, 08:26 AM	#4
tracer bullet Brigadier General 2406 Rep 3,535 Posts Drives: '11 135i , '15 X3 35i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Saint Paul, MN iTrader: (1)	I think you're right, even if they aren't totally / completely dead it doesn't matter because they aren't doing nearly enough. May as well start planning a repair / upgrade either way.
	Appreciate 1 Money_Shift11.50 Quote