Opinions on Enhanced Premium Sound ?

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by Minimization

It is that good? Okay, you guys might have me almost convinced. I am not buying the tech. pac. though. Only EDC stand-alone. OEM sat./nav. sucks IMO. I'll buy a portable (better and cheaper too) to share between me and the GF's 335i.

Sorry to break the news, but the high end sound requires iDrive, since that's how it's controlled.

[bsatestb]

I have a kendwood navigation/cd/sat/dvd with 8 inch screen. It is brand new. It retailed for about $1100.00. I really like it and I was wondering what do u guys think about installing it into my M3? If I go with it I could cut down on some of the option costs when I order my M3. My concern is compatibility with a bmw. It is a "double decker".

[Keto]

Originally Posted by Stahlgrau

What's your opinion of the bavsound systems? I'm debating whether or not to get one for my E46 M3.

I've never heard them, so I can't comment there. I like the philosophy -- look stock, quality drivers, drop-in parts, etc.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by bsatestb

I have a kendwood navigation/cd/sat/dvd with 8 inch screen. It is brand new. It retailed for about $1100.00. I really like it and I was wondering what do u guys think about installing it into my M3? If I go with it I could cut down on some of the option costs when I order my M3. My concern is compatibility with a bmw. It is a "double decker".

Don't think it will fit; especially up high where it should be.

[devo]

Originally Posted by Minimization

It is that good? Okay, you guys might have me almost convinced. I am not buying the tech. pac. though. Only EDC stand-alone. OEM sat./nav. sucks IMO. I'll buy a portable (better and cheaper too) to share between me and the GF's 335i.

From what I understand, you can't get M-Drive or Comfort Access as stand alone options, right? The CF isn't that important, but I do want M-Drive.

[Big Windy]

BMW schemes so bad when making these packages....

[Technic]

Originally Posted by bsatestb

I have a kendwood navigation/cd/sat/dvd with 8 inch screen. It is brand new. It retailed for about $1100.00. I really like it and I was wondering what do u guys think about installing it into my M3? If I go with it I could cut down on some of the option costs when I order my M3. My concern is compatibility with a bmw. It is a "double decker".

Installation of a Double DIN in the E9x will be kind of intensive (you will need to relocate/re-wire the center console), but it is possible...: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...9&postcount=33

... or you can go full blown with moving/re-wiring the whole Climate Control unit to the armrest bin for the closest OEM look using aftermarket components: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35209

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by Technic

Installation of a Double DIN in the E9x will be kind of intensive (you will need to relocate/re-wire the center console), but it is possible...: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...9&postcount=33

... or you can go full blown with moving/re-wiring the whole Climate Control unit to the armrest bin for the closest OEM look using aftermarket components.

The position of those screens is really poor for the front seat--way too low. Hardly seems worth the effort and expense.

[bsatestb]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

The position of those screens is really poor for the front seat--way too low. Hardly seems worth the effort and expense.

thx for the information...looks like just going to go ahead and order tech. package. btw, anyone interested in a kenwood nav system..lol.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by devo

From what I understand, you can't get M-Drive or Comfort Access as stand alone options, right? The CF isn't that important, but I do want M-Drive.

Correct, MDrive w/ MDM and Comfort Access are only available as part of the ZTP Technology Package in the US. 223 Electronic Damping Contgrol (EDC) is available as a stand alone option.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

The position of those screens is really poor for the front seat--way too low. Hardly seems worth the effort and expense.

It shows that because something is possible it doesn't mean that it will work as required...

[IbanezGod]

what is so terrible with the standard M3 stereo vs. the $1900 option. I'm having a hard time justifying the price.

[Richbot]

I have the standard system. It's okay. Comparable to the HK system in my '00 328i, which didn't get great reviews but was fine for me. Wife's 335xi has Logic7 and it's on a totally different planet. I'm sure the extra coin goes somewhere good on the M system. For me, as long as I can listen to the music I want to listen to occasionally, and it doesn't make me want to barf, I'm fine. The engine is all the soundtrack I need 99% of the time.

If I had to deal with iDrive, I would be pissed if I didn't have the good stereo though. Something has to make it worth that stupid screen and loss of the center console hole and goofy dash and nav that never quite works as advertised (speaking from experience here, not just being a luddite).

[FredVMI]

I have the EPS option on my E92 and love it. As with most elements of the M3, the system's performance has been optimized for this car by the designers. Sure, you can probably buy separate components yourself and build a great system (which will likely cost more), but, the aftermarket system will never look factory, you'll likely consume valuable usable space mounting the components, the system won't be covered by the factory warranty and the system may not even sound as good (much less, better). If you want to upgrade from the standard system without the negatives of an aftermarket system, the EPS option is a great way to go!

[djse60]

I am looking at a pre-owned 2009 M3 Cp with the stock system. Will I feel bad? I test drove an 08 M3 last week with EPS and loved it alot. But now looking at a diff car. Does anyone have stats on the standard sound system in an 09 M3? Watts - Speakers?

[duk]

not worth the price imo, the engine is enough music to my ears

[richardbb85]

same here, not worth the price IMO

[serge]

Originally Posted by Richbot

If I had to deal with iDrive, I would be pissed if I didn't have the good stereo though. Something has to make it worth that stupid screen and loss of the center console hole and goofy dash and nav that never quite works as advertised (speaking from experience here, not just being a luddite).

I like the stupid screen and the goofy dash/nav on the M3. The M3s dash looks too plain and unattractive without it.

JMHO

[smmmurf]

You guys who say it's not worth the price are entitled to your opinion obviously, but I would pay $1k to not have to cut and splice into the harnesses of my M3 to get decent audio. Hence, the EPS is easily worth the money for me. It sounds excellent with tuned EQ settings. People are really impressed with the audio on my car.

[Doctor J]

I think the EPS system is awesome! Both in sound (I listen mainly to house music, pop and rock) and integration with the iDrive.

There is no way you can get an aftermarket system that will sound as good -- for the same money -- without any loss of trunk space to a sub enclosure

[m3convertdriver]

Originally Posted by Doctor J

I think the EPS system is awesome! Both in sound (I listen mainly to house music, pop and rock) and integration with the iDrive.

There is no way you can get an aftermarket system that will sound as good -- for the same money -- without any loss of trunk space to a sub enclosure

interesting Doctor J that you say this as you have a e93 (like me). I bot my car without the premium sound and have been struggling with whether I shld upgrade or not.

stock sounds ok.. not an audiophile, but I like quality. definitely sounds a little muffled on the treble and bass is a bit uggh... but ive not heard what premium sounds like in a convertible yet. i tlked to BMW and they say they can not upgrade for me... and thus id have to go aftermarket.... my old car was a 330 convertible (with the HK system) and so im used to sound not being great as that was a ragtop - but doing some soul searching now to see if it's worth it.

question to you, Doctor J.. have you heard stock before? and does it make that big of a difference with top down and top up? thanks..

[Doctor J]

Originally Posted by m3convertdriver

question to you, Doctor J.. have you heard stock before? and does it make that big of a difference with top down and top up? thanks..

I have not heard the stock system sorry. Sounds like you might have to trade in the car... j/k

The car I bought came with an "executive package" that included Nav and the premium sound system

I don't consider myself an anal audiophile -- but I have a great love of music and know what sounds good and what doesn't. Back in the day I used to compete in IASCA event (International Auto Sound Challenge Association) events with my '89 CRX Si that had over 1000 watts and 22 speakers. It had 4 12" subs mounted in isobarik enclosures in the back running at 1 ohm. Serious shit. I used to listen to 2 Live Crew and shit like that -- it would rattle your teeth out.

Then I came to my senses.... My next car (a Jeep YJ) -- only had an 800 watt system with 16 speakers. Then I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee and then an 01 BMW M5 that I installed the upgraded BSW speakers and sub enclosure.

Of all those cars -- my CRX pounded the most and had the best sound.

My new E93 takes me back to those days -- the premium system is so loud I actually have to turn it down at the stoplight so I don't piss people off.

I really like the subs mounted under the seats -- they really give a nice fill to the low end and the "imaging" of the sound is really nice -- quite centered for the driver -- which is what I like.

Everyone that has been in my car has been quite impressed with the sound system.

I have a 64 GB iPod touch in the center console that runs all my music. I use the AAC file type of compression which sounds pretty good.

If you are really picky -- then get a big iPod classic and burn all your music uncompressed