BMW and audio

[andrewlya]

Hi guys, I maybe getting "2021 (71) BMW 3 Series 2.0 330e 12kWh M Sport Saloon 4dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto Euro 6 (s/s)" but I’ve heard that the base audio system speakers has very little bass and sounds quite flat — is that actually true? At the moment I have a 2016 Passat with factory speakers, and I’m very happy with the sound quality. I expected that a BMW, given the brand, would have speakers that are at least as good, if not better.

I've spoken to a garage and they told me that if I wanted to upgrade the speakers, the entire BMW infotainment system would need to be replaced, which would be very expensive I guess. I explained that I only wanted to change the speakers, but they said everything would have to go, including the infotainment system, which is actually very good as it is. So now I’m unsure what to do.

I’m not looking for anything extreme — just clean, decent sound with reasonable bass. Nothing over the top. Are the speakers in the 2021 BMW 3 Series really that weak in terms of bass, to the point where it’s almost non-existent?

[bunchofkeys]

Basic BMW speakers audio configuration is utter dog turd and only good enough for podcasts. Any music played through it will be awfully flat and lacking, in every way. I think the HK option should be a minimum to have some "quality" and the B&W if you love your music.
However, I also believe that only upgrading the speakers, should not need a whole infotainment replacement.