G42 Standard stereo system?

[25th QV]

I'm about to order a new M240i and I'm on the fence about whether to upgrade to HK or not, or whether the standard system is acceptable.

I hear very mixed reviews of the standard system, but appreciate this is very subjective and depends on what it's being compared to.

As a frame of reference for my own perception, here is a short list of stereo systems I've had in cars over the years from best to worst.

Lexus IS250 - Mark Levinson, awesome
Audi TT Coupe - B&O, very good, missing some very low end bass response
BMW E92 - Individual, good all round, bass a bit woolly
Skoda Superb - standard system - great all round with surprising bass and deep frequency response
Audi Q5 - BOSE - Fairly decent all round but not much bass considering it had a sub in the boot
Mazda 3 - BOSE - mediocre at best, lacking in many areas and could never get it dialed in
E90 - Standard system - did a job, but that's about it
Golf GTI Mk7.5 standard - pretty meh, but just about tolerable
Mercedes A-Class - standard system - woeful

For those with a G42, how do you find the standard system?

[tallpaul26]

My G42 has HK and it s pretty good (not amazing). My old F80 M3 didn t have HK and it was poor (I upgraded the amp which made a big difference). That experience meant HK was a must-have option when getting the G42

[MitchT]

I'm looking for an F32 440i and have been watching them for ages. Ones without HK take ages to sell. Rightly or wrongly, there's a negative perception of cars without HK and it becomes more acute the higher up the range you go.

[25th QV]

Thanks, what's the bass like with the HK?

[bigdom]

It's okay, but the speakers do lack clarity over decent aftermarket units. Base stereo is really, really bad though.

The main advantage HK gives over base stereo is more speakers, which gives a more rounded sound, the amp is alright, but nothing special.

Changing the front door speakers & underseat speakers really lifts the entire system (Audison handles more power, Blam/JL will run better off the HK amp). If you want more bass, then you're into piggybacking an amp and sub/active sub box.

[heisthegaffer]

I would def go aftermarket.

I just fitted a very neat and fairly compact 8" Alpine active sub in my S5 and after tuning it and the standard door speakers, its absolutely transformed the sound.

Yes it is a compromise in terms of boot space but it has quick release connections so i can whip out easily.

[bigdom]

BMW leaves a nice bit of room to house a custom sub with no impact on boot usability

[a340driver]

I've an 2019 F82 M4 and the stereo isn't great. I've spent ages trying to make it as good as it can tweaking the system but it is limited, good but not great.

My 2006 Z4M has a great stereo and after same tweaking with the graphic equaliser I would say it's really great. Best of any car I've owned and I've owned some stty cars!

Edited by a340driver on Monday 8th December 22:24