Discussion
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?
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?
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.
However, I also believe that only upgrading the speakers, should not need a whole infotainment replacement.
I'd be using a different garage if they said the whole infotainment system needs replacing just to upgrade speakers.
As above comments, listen to them first and see if they are as good or better than your Passat, unless it's the high end option, decent aftermarket speakers will always be an upgrade over base spec speakers.
Only you know your ears and what sounds good to you.
Even just adding some sound deadening like dynamat etc to doors/panels can enhance sounds on base speakers.
There's plenty of aftermarket speaker options that should just be simple plug and play for your car, even if not, you can buy speaker adapter wires for a few quid with the loom so you don't have to cut the wiring adapters off. Just make sure you check the size of the speakers and also the mounting depth. You don't want the speaker magnet fouling something.
Amps/DSPs can also be added if budget allows to go even further with it.
The below vid shows how easy it is to replace the speakers with a plug and play aftermarket version.
As above comments, listen to them first and see if they are as good or better than your Passat, unless it's the high end option, decent aftermarket speakers will always be an upgrade over base spec speakers.
Only you know your ears and what sounds good to you.
Even just adding some sound deadening like dynamat etc to doors/panels can enhance sounds on base speakers.
There's plenty of aftermarket speaker options that should just be simple plug and play for your car, even if not, you can buy speaker adapter wires for a few quid with the loom so you don't have to cut the wiring adapters off. Just make sure you check the size of the speakers and also the mounting depth. You don't want the speaker magnet fouling something.
Amps/DSPs can also be added if budget allows to go even further with it.
The below vid shows how easy it is to replace the speakers with a plug and play aftermarket version.
I've got a 22 plate g20 m340i. It's covid spec so no HK and I can confirm the standard audio is crap.
However, speaking to a few audio specialists and for circa £1500 they can get the sound to a better standard than the HK and that's the route I'll go later in the new year. That said, whilst rubbish the basic audio doesn't bother me and it's surprising how quick you just get used to it.
Try it and see what you think, if the car is the right price don't base a purchase purely on a stereo.
However, speaking to a few audio specialists and for circa £1500 they can get the sound to a better standard than the HK and that's the route I'll go later in the new year. That said, whilst rubbish the basic audio doesn't bother me and it's surprising how quick you just get used to it.
Try it and see what you think, if the car is the right price don't base a purchase purely on a stereo.
take a look at JohnKleis in Reading - they have BMW specific upgrade packages. They have done a few cars for me before and are top notch.
https://www.johnkleisaudio.co.uk/bmw-upgrades/
https://www.johnkleisaudio.co.uk/bmw-upgrades/
sly fox said:
take a look at JohnKleis in Reading - they have BMW specific upgrade packages. They have done a few cars for me before and are top notch.
https://www.johnkleisaudio.co.uk/bmw-upgrades/
That's really weird... this is the third recommendation I have had for them in 2 days!https://www.johnkleisaudio.co.uk/bmw-upgrades/
Shame they were not open when I swung by earlier, but it was only on the off-chance that they would be open.
Is it still the case that BMW offer two variations of audio below the HK system? That was certainly the case in the F series so best to confirm for G series. This matters as the truly base spec is hard to upgrade but the next level system is pretty simple - Just replacing the OE amp for a DSP makes a significant difference and is plug and play (albeit requiring configuration via a laptop).
After that, the next step is speaker replacement and sound deadening and speaker upgrades. But, in all honesty, I’d just find a car that has HK to start with.
After that, the next step is speaker replacement and sound deadening and speaker upgrades. But, in all honesty, I’d just find a car that has HK to start with.
The Gauge said:
Is there a way of getting a build sheet from a cars VIN to see what spec audio a car has?
I have a 2014 F01 730d and whilst the speakers sound ok, I have no idea what system was installed.
I have a 2014 F01 730d and whilst the speakers sound ok, I have no idea what system was installed.
Yes
https://bimmer.work/
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