upgrade to OEM premium sound?

ScheerSpeed · 07-12-2009, 11:21 AM

i have the normal standard sound system in my 08 M3. i am not very happy with the sound quality... i was thinking i could upgrade the system to the OEM premium sound system... anyone have any idea how much the whole system would cost? could it be done DIY, or should i look into an aftermarket system? i dont want a big sub in the trunk or anything... i need all of my trunk space.

TRZ06 · 07-12-2009, 11:49 AM

If you are a audiofile, then nothing that comes from OEM will do. OEM charges a premium while still using the cheapest components they can get a way with.

I have B&W speakers as my home system, so to me, I am really picky. The OEM premium system in my M3 is ok at best.

I used to have a Lexus GX-470 w/ Mark Levinson and it was the best I have heard from an OEM system. The premium system in the M3 is nowhere as good as that Mark Levinson system. The bass is weak (almost a given if you are going to put the so-called subs under the seats), and the system as a whole doesn't have much fidelity to it.

The biggest advantage of going from the base system to the premium system, is being able to play it at a louder volume without distortion due to slightly better speakers and a more powerful amp. However the QUALITY of the sound coming out is not much better then the base system.

ScheerSpeed · 07-12-2009, 11:54 AM

gotcha... i really don't even know where to start when it comes to car audio... i just know i want better sound in my car, and i sat in a car with the premium sound and it sounded MUCH better than mine...

TRZ06 · 07-12-2009, 11:57 AM

I don't spend a lot of time in my car, and since I have a high-end system at home, I get my musical fix there.

BUT, if I didn't have the system I have at home and spent more time in my car, I would have opted for the base system, and completely started from scratch with high end components. So for me the premium system was worth it for what I use it for, which is short trips that has decent sound, but it invokes no emotion.

Music for me is an emotional experience and to close your eyes and get enveloped into what you are listening to is bliss.

But again, I am an audiofile, for the casual listener I am sure the OEM premium system will be fine.

Technic · 07-12-2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScheerSpeed

i have the normal standard sound system in my 08 M3. i am not very happy with the sound quality... i was thinking i could upgrade the system to the OEM premium sound system... anyone have any idea how much the whole system would cost? could it be done DIY, or should i look into an aftermarket system? i dont want a big sub in the trunk or anything... i need all of my trunk space.

No.

What you can do is to buy the front and the rear shelf OEM Premium Sound speakers, a pair of SWS-8, a Matrix line driver and a 5- or much better a 6-channel aftermarket amp. A processor is optional.

That should cost you around $1300 in parts, labor extra.

07-12-2009, 11:21 AM	#1
ScheerSpeed Major General 415 Rep 5,768 Posts Drives: '13 F30 Estoril M-Sport 335i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (14)	upgrade to OEM premium sound? i have the normal standard sound system in my 08 M3. i am not very happy with the sound quality... i was thinking i could upgrade the system to the OEM premium sound system... anyone have any idea how much the whole system would cost? could it be done DIY, or should i look into an aftermarket system? i dont want a big sub in the trunk or anything... i need all of my trunk space.
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07-12-2009, 11:49 AM	#2
TRZ06 Lieutenant Colonel 629 Rep 1,755 Posts Drives: 16' M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	If you are a audiofile, then nothing that comes from OEM will do. OEM charges a premium while still using the cheapest components they can get a way with. I have B&W speakers as my home system, so to me, I am really picky. The OEM premium system in my M3 is ok at best. I used to have a Lexus GX-470 w/ Mark Levinson and it was the best I have heard from an OEM system. The premium system in the M3 is nowhere as good as that Mark Levinson system. The bass is weak (almost a given if you are going to put the so-called subs under the seats), and the system as a whole doesn't have much fidelity to it. The biggest advantage of going from the base system to the premium system, is being able to play it at a louder volume without distortion due to slightly better speakers and a more powerful amp. However the QUALITY of the sound coming out is not much better then the base system. __________________ 18? Camaro 2SS 1LE 16' M3 MG Ext. /SO Int. (DCT, Ohlin R/T, 19" wheels) 15' Audi S4 13' Audi TTRS (APR stage 1, MSS springs) 09' C6 Z06 08' M3 Interlagos Blue: 6sp, Tech.
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07-12-2009, 11:54 AM	#3
ScheerSpeed Major General 415 Rep 5,768 Posts Drives: '13 F30 Estoril M-Sport 335i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (14)	gotcha... i really don't even know where to start when it comes to car audio... i just know i want better sound in my car, and i sat in a car with the premium sound and it sounded MUCH better than mine...
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07-12-2009, 11:57 AM	#4
TRZ06 Lieutenant Colonel 629 Rep 1,755 Posts Drives: 16' M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	I don't spend a lot of time in my car, and since I have a high-end system at home, I get my musical fix there. BUT, if I didn't have the system I have at home and spent more time in my car, I would have opted for the base system, and completely started from scratch with high end components. So for me the premium system was worth it for what I use it for, which is short trips that has decent sound, but it invokes no emotion. Music for me is an emotional experience and to close your eyes and get enveloped into what you are listening to is bliss. But again, I am an audiofile, for the casual listener I am sure the OEM premium system will be fine. __________________ 18? Camaro 2SS 1LE 16' M3 MG Ext. /SO Int. (DCT, Ohlin R/T, 19" wheels) 15' Audi S4 13' Audi TTRS (APR stage 1, MSS springs) 09' C6 Z06 08' M3 Interlagos Blue: 6sp, Tech.
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