Does anybody have the enhanced sound option on their M3? Is it worth it?

montreal red · 12-08-2009, 09:55 PM

i have it and i think its worth it... just cos the standard system is so crappy. if u are going to go aftermarket then save the 2k and buy something aftermarket. but i didnt want the hassle of having to shop for parts so just took the option of the upgraded sound.

SpencerM3 · 12-08-2009, 10:46 PM

I have it, and though it does sound nice, I don't think it's worth the $1900 price.

JohnnyRoaster · 12-08-2009, 11:48 PM

I am with PG and there should be a third option. I don't regret buying it but was hoping for a bit crisper sound. It is a huge improvement over the stock system and doesn't have the potential hassles of going after market.

M3 vert · 12-09-2009, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpencerM3

I have it, and though it does sound nice, I don't think it's worth the $1900 price.

+ 1 I read somewhere its like 825Watts Individual Audio System with Dirac Technology, for such a small car, it does wonders!

And even with top down the sound is awesome, i love it, i think they should charge $4000 for it

kloh · 12-09-2009, 12:37 AM

Is it worth 2k? Probably not. Am I glad I got it? Yeah...

I wouldn't say it's a great system, but it's good. Not like other crappy OEM systems. I can't really say how much better it is than the standard one though. If you don't want to hassle with aftermarket systems and like the OEM integrated dash look, then it's a good investment. I still find it to be lacking...but I kind of feel the same way about pretty much ALL car audio.

One thing that made a slight difference to me was, turning surround OFF for music. It just made the slightest improvement IMHO.

Bluesummer · 12-09-2009, 01:21 AM

i never heard the standard one on M3 but the standard audio on regular 335 sounds worse than my Camry.

quality_sound · 12-09-2009, 01:24 AM

Both systems are garbage. The EP system is just more expensive garbage. You can spend FAR less than $1900 and get much better sound than the EP system.

M-Tuned · 12-09-2009, 01:25 AM

I don't have it cause I don't really care about the audio part...
I'd rather use that $2k and get extended leather or cold weather package.... unless it's B&O..

White Shark · 12-09-2009, 01:38 AM

"No Audio Unit/Speakers" option would worth 2k IMHO

Finnegan · 12-09-2009, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRZ06

It's decent, I wouldn't call it great. You could do a lot better with $2K of aftermarket.

Basically, it includes a hi power amp and speakers that can handle a higher volume without distortion.

The sound quality really isn't any better then the base system, it just can be played at a higher volume without distortion. It would be worth the $2K if it actually had a hi fidelity sound.

This sums it up pretty well. I've had both systems--the Premium is better than the base system, but not 2K better. The money would be better put towards upgrading the base system (as several have) with better components if you're really interested in a quality for your dollar.

VanM3Lover · 12-09-2009, 02:17 AM

It's just OK, nothing too impressive. Bose is not the best OEM in car stereo but I could clearly hear the difference between the BMW Individual Sound and the Bose on the other car. Very often I could hear tones that are new to me in the same music with the Bose system. (BMW sound with pencil geek's setting, a lot better than stock setting).

VanM3Lover · 12-09-2009, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluesummer

i never head the standard one on M3 but the standard audio on regular 335 sounds worse than my Camry.

A couple years ago I rode in a friend's Camry, I was so surprised by the sound quality of the stereo. It was lot better than the Harman Kardon in my E46. The HK in the E46 is same quality as the base system in the E90.

gemini330zhp · 12-09-2009, 02:47 AM

Not worth it rather get an exhaust!!!!! The standard system is just fine.

kloh · 12-09-2009, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VanM3Lover

It's just OK, nothing too impressive. Bose is not the best OEM in car stereo but I could clearly hear the difference between the BMW Individual Sound and the Bose on the other car. Very often I could hear tones that are new to me in the same music with the Bose system. (BMW sound with pencil geek's setting, a lot better than stock setting).

I hate Bose. Had the OEM Bose system in my G35 and while I've never done a side by side comparison, it seems the EP system is way better than what the stock Bose was.

I'm gonna try out Pencil Geek's settings today. I never did since I thought it would be too heavy on Bass, but it's worth checking out based on many recommendations on this site.

Singletrack · 12-09-2009, 10:35 AM

I have the enhanced audio, but have not heard the "stock" system. When I first listened to it I was kind of shocked at how bad it sounded. After applying PG's settings I am much more happy with it, but it is still too weak in the bass department in my opinion.

Templar · 12-09-2009, 10:55 AM

I did the sound system in my current car and I love it. It sounds amazing. Pull open the hatchback and open the doors and you can hear it from a ways away, as if there was a concert going on.

Would I rip apart a $70K+ car the way I tore into my $20K car? Hell no... Do I trust someone else to? Probably not. I plan on getting the enhanced premium sound and just dealing with it. If it really doesn't sound right, I might take it to another level with a few small upgrades, however I will most certainly take my time to ensure it's done right (either by me or someone who I can trust).

ep99 · 12-09-2009, 12:15 PM

Can't say i can tell the different between a regular sound system (had a 330xi with Logic7) and the Individual Audio System when listening to music.

The only time i am impressed is when i put in a DVD and watch a movie in the new iDrive system. The movie sound is not bad and you can feel the subwoofer going.

But then stock system is never as good as aftermarket.

ocgasman · 12-09-2009, 12:47 PM

It's not worth $1900. I have it and have no regrets ordering it, but it would be a much better value proposition at half the cost. I have sirius and ipod integration also, so I def did not want to go aftermarket which I'm sure for the same amount of money would sound much better, but without the idrive integration. Just to put this in perspective, I know good sound, I have arcam electronics with vandersteen speakers at home. The upgraded sound is ok and acceptible for a car. Just remember it's an automobile interior not a controlled environment like in your living room.

mPlasticDesign · 12-09-2009, 01:31 PM

I'm guessing that most people with the base Professional system will vote it's not worth it and everyone with the uprgaded Premium system will vote otherwise.

kloh · 12-09-2009, 11:33 PM

FWIW, I tried PG's EQ setting this morning and personally, I didn't like it. Mine looks more like this:

++++++++
+++++++
++++++
+++++
++++++
+++++++
++++++++

I found that anytime any of the settings got below halfway, the sound started getting flat and hollow. But everyone has their own preference so fiddle and find what works best for you.

ase2dais · 12-18-2009, 09:03 PM

definitely thers a difference, well worth it if you can stretch it.

Technic · 12-19-2009, 01:38 PM

The Enhanced Premium Audio (Individual) is only worth $1900 if you like it exactly like it is from OEM, i.e., don't want to mess with any aftermarket audio upgrade.

Otherwise, it is a waste of money. Period.

View Poll Results: Answer only if you have
Yes It is worth 2k, I love it.	38	62.30%
No It isn't worth 2k / I don't care	23	37.70%
Voters: 61. You may not vote on this poll

12-08-2009, 09:55 PM	#23
montreal red chris 278 Rep 12,144 Posts Drives: White Boat Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (31)	i have it and i think its worth it... just cos the standard system is so crappy. if u are going to go aftermarket then save the 2k and buy something aftermarket. but i didnt want the hassle of having to shop for parts so just took the option of the upgraded sound. __________________ Current: 2013 F10 M5 & 2016 Mini JCW 2013 GLK350 (gone), 997.1 GT3RS (gone), 2009 WRX STI (gone), e92 M3 (gone)
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12-08-2009, 10:46 PM	#24
SpencerM3 Sauce 75 Rep 2,023 Posts Drives: 2009 SSII E90 M3 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	I have it, and though it does sound nice, I don't think it's worth the $1900 price. __________________ 2009 E90 M3 \| Silverstone II \| Black Novillo \| HRE P40's \| Akrapovic Exhaust \| Eibach Pro Kit \| Jet Black Kidney Grilles \| SSII Side Reflectors \| SSII Side Gills \| LUX H8 Angel Eyes \| Macht Schnell Filter \| Tecnocraft Envy Charge Pipe "M3 drivers have no friends." - Jeremy Clarkson
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12-08-2009, 11:48 PM	#25
JohnnyRoaster Captain 42 Rep 959 Posts Drives: 09 Jerez Black M3 Sedan Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Outside Beantown iTrader: (0)	I am with PG and there should be a third option. I don't regret buying it but was hoping for a bit crisper sound. It is a huge improvement over the stock system and doesn't have the potential hassles of going after market. __________________
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12-09-2009, 12:37 AM	#27
kloh Lieutenant 48 Rep 420 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 E92 M3 [0.00]	Is it worth 2k? Probably not. Am I glad I got it? Yeah... I wouldn't say it's a great system, but it's good. Not like other crappy OEM systems. I can't really say how much better it is than the standard one though. If you don't want to hassle with aftermarket systems and like the OEM integrated dash look, then it's a good investment. I still find it to be lacking...but I kind of feel the same way about pretty much ALL car audio. One thing that made a slight difference to me was, turning surround OFF for music. It just made the slightest improvement IMHO. __________________ ED Vehicle: 2009 E92 M3 6MT \| Space Gray, Fox Red Ext, Carbon Leather \| Mod Progress: Flickr Photos ED Tour: Aug 3 - Aug 10 2009. (Trip Blog \| Route map). ED Progress: Delivery Aug 4th; Drop off at Frankfurt Aug 10th; Redelivery Oct 9th.
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12-09-2009, 01:21 AM	#28
Bluesummer Lieutenant General 588 Rep 15,818 Posts Drives: slower than Ayrton Senna Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: SoCal iTrader: (15) Garage List 2017 BMW X5M [0.00] 2015 M4 [0.00] 2011 E82 135 [0.00] 2011 M3 [0.00] 2007 335 [0.00]	i never heard the standard one on M3 but the standard audio on regular 335 sounds worse than my Camry. __________________ IG:d.violet.m3 Last edited by Bluesummer; 12-10-2009 at 12:45 AM..
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12-09-2009, 01:24 AM	#29
quality_sound 8 tracks of madness 62 Rep 2,735 Posts Drives: Slowly Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: At home iTrader: (1)	Both systems are garbage. The EP system is just more expensive garbage. You can spend FAR less than $1900 and get much better sound than the EP system.
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12-09-2009, 01:25 AM	#30
M-Tuned JOY IS BMW. 20 Rep 335 Posts Drives: 2010 AW/FR E92 M3 & 2018 X5 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	I don't have it cause I don't really care about the audio part... I'd rather use that $2k and get extended leather or cold weather package.... unless it's B&O..
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12-09-2009, 01:38 AM	#31
White Shark First Lieutenant 33 Rep 307 Posts Drives: M3 Civic (Non-ZCP) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: East Coast iTrader: (3)	"No Audio Unit/Speakers" option would worth 2k IMHO __________________
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12-09-2009, 02:17 AM	#33
VanM3Lover First Lieutenant 20 Rep 395 Posts Drives: 4.0 V8 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Van iTrader: (0)	It's just OK, nothing too impressive. Bose is not the best OEM in car stereo but I could clearly hear the difference between the BMW Individual Sound and the Bose on the other car. Very often I could hear tones that are new to me in the same music with the Bose system. (BMW sound with pencil geek's setting, a lot better than stock setting).
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12-09-2009, 02:47 AM	#35
gemini330zhp Major 34 Rep 1,181 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 E90 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: BergenCo NewJersey iTrader: (0)	Not worth it rather get an exhaust!!!!! The standard system is just fine. __________________ 2008 Jet Black E90 M3 6SPD no sunroof and 18s to my specs
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12-09-2009, 10:35 AM	#37
Singletrack 4th down; 4th quarter? Renegade. 87 Rep 3,850 Posts Drives: 09 SSII E92 M3; 19 FG M5C Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (3)	I have the enhanced audio, but have not heard the "stock" system. When I first listened to it I was kind of shocked at how bad it sounded. After applying PG's settings I am much more happy with it, but it is still too weak in the bass department in my opinion.
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12-09-2009, 10:55 AM	#38
Templar Lieutenant Colonel 266 Rep 1,883 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: One of the coasts... iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [10.00]	I did the sound system in my current car and I love it. It sounds amazing. Pull open the hatchback and open the doors and you can hear it from a ways away, as if there was a concert going on. Would I rip apart a $70K+ car the way I tore into my $20K car? Hell no... Do I trust someone else to? Probably not. I plan on getting the enhanced premium sound and just dealing with it. If it really doesn't sound right, I might take it to another level with a few small upgrades, however I will most certainly take my time to ensure it's done right (either by me or someone who I can trust). __________________ '11 BMW E92 ///M3 - ZCP and DCT '15 Ford F-250 - Lariat, 6.7 Powerstroke Turbo-diesel
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12-09-2009, 12:15 PM	#39
ep99 Second Lieutenant 41 Rep 200 Posts Drives: 2024 M4 Competition xDrive Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Can't say i can tell the different between a regular sound system (had a 330xi with Logic7) and the Individual Audio System when listening to music. The only time i am impressed is when i put in a DVD and watch a movie in the new iDrive system. The movie sound is not bad and you can feel the subwoofer going. But then stock system is never as good as aftermarket.
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12-09-2009, 12:47 PM	#40
ocgasman Private 3 Rep 92 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 M3 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: orange county iTrader: (0)	It's not worth $1900. I have it and have no regrets ordering it, but it would be a much better value proposition at half the cost. I have sirius and ipod integration also, so I def did not want to go aftermarket which I'm sure for the same amount of money would sound much better, but without the idrive integration. Just to put this in perspective, I know good sound, I have arcam electronics with vandersteen speakers at home. The upgraded sound is ok and acceptible for a car. Just remember it's an automobile interior not a controlled environment like in your living room. __________________ 2010 E90 Space Grey \| Fox Red \| DCT \| Tech \| Premium \| Cold Weather \| 19's \| Moonroof \| Premium Sound \| Ipod \| Sat \| Shades \| PDC 2007 X5 3.0 Titanium Silver-Black Nevada-Premium-Sport-Tech-CA-Rear Climate-3rd Row-Rear Entertainment-Running Boards (Wife's DD) 2000 RAV4-trips to home depot
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12-09-2009, 01:31 PM	#41
mPlasticDesign Major General 684 Rep 5,069 Posts Drives: BMW 230i Msport w/LSD Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Astral Projecting: ∞ 23.516 -122 02.625 0242.101 ĕv'rē-hwâr' iTrader: (16) Garage List 2009 Porsche 911 997.2 [10.00] 2019 Hyundai N (Sold) [10.00] 2013 BMW M3 (Sold) [10.00] 2011 1M Coupe (Sold) [8.78] 2008 E90 M3 (Sold) [8.60] 2007 Z4 Mcpe (Sold) [9.50] 2005 BMW M3 (Sold) [10.00]	I'm guessing that most people with the base Professional system will vote it's not worth it and everyone with the uprgaded Premium system will vote otherwise. __________________
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12-09-2009, 11:33 PM	#42
kloh Lieutenant 48 Rep 420 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 E92 M3 [0.00]	FWIW, I tried PG's EQ setting this morning and personally, I didn't like it. Mine looks more like this: ++++++++ +++++++ ++++++ +++++ ++++++ +++++++ ++++++++ I found that anytime any of the settings got below halfway, the sound started getting flat and hollow. But everyone has their own preference so fiddle and find what works best for you. __________________ ED Vehicle: 2009 E92 M3 6MT \| Space Gray, Fox Red Ext, Carbon Leather \| Mod Progress: Flickr Photos ED Tour: Aug 3 - Aug 10 2009. (Trip Blog \| Route map). ED Progress: Delivery Aug 4th; Drop off at Frankfurt Aug 10th; Redelivery Oct 9th.
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12-18-2009, 09:03 PM	#43
ase2dais //Mdicted 346 Rep 9,988 Posts Drives: a Cop Magnet Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 495 Ring iTrader: (18) Garage List 2009 e92 M3 DCT CF ... [10.00] 2015 S-Works Roubaix [0.00] 2013 Trek Madone 5.9 [9.50] 2012 Scott - CR1-Pro [10.00] 2008 e92 M3 6MT (Up ... [10.00] 2002 e46 M3 Cabriol ... [7.00] 2006 e90-325i (DD) [7.00] 2002 e39 M5 (retired) [9.50]	definitely thers a difference, well worth it if you can stretch it. __________________ Oo\(lll)'(lll)/oO : 2009-e92 ///M3 SpaceGry DCT CF Rf/Trim ZTP ZPP ZCW Sat/PrmSd : \_lOOl___lOOl_/<< Clickies
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12-19-2009, 01:38 PM	#44
Technic Lieutenant General 2276 Rep 12,994 Posts Drives: 2021 i3S, 2024 i4 M50 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Florida iTrader: (18)	The Enhanced Premium Audio (Individual) is only worth $1900 if you like it exactly like it is from OEM, i.e., don't want to mess with any aftermarket audio upgrade. Otherwise, it is a waste of money. Period.
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