My 2011 e92 Sound System:...

[John Tanglewood]

IS GREAT!

I was skeptical after reading all the posts of the shitty stock stereo system, with no bass and bad treble.

I don't know if they changed any specs on the system (I heard they are using Harmon Kardon for the premium now), but I have the standard and it sounds great! Great mid-range bass, good low and high ranges, and treble is just fine. Turn it up, and it sounds crisp and deep.

Would love to meet up with a 2010 owner to compare. I was ready to take it straight to the aftermarket audio shop, but there is absolutely NO NEED!

I'm just sayin, all i'm sayin.

[Alex1911]

This is good to hear, hope I'm as pleased with mine as you are.

[TheRealOrosie]

Originally Posted by John Tanglewood

IS GREAT!

I was skeptical after reading all the posts of the shitty stock stereo system, with no bass and bad treble.

I don't know if they changed any specs on the system (I heard they are using Harmon Kardon for the premium now), but I have the standard and it sounds great! Great mid-range bass, good low and high ranges, and treble is just fine. Turn it up, and it sounds crisp and deep.

Would love to meet up with a 2010 owner to compare. I was ready to take it straight to the aftermarket audio shop, but there is absolutely NO NEED!

I'm just sayin, all i'm sayin.

While I am pleased overall with the premium audio in my 2011, I am a bit surprised at the lack of low-end bass. My 08 335i with logic 7 seemed to have better bass (extended deeper).

Maybe it is because of the subs (if you can call them that) being under the seats...and not having the proper amount/type of enclosed area to create the lows?

[Richbot]

logic7 definitely blows the stock system in my '08 out of the water (wife's car has logic7). But I've been very surprised with the quality of the base system. It's clearer than my H/K system was in my E46, with the same bass response and better midrange.

The difference between the base system and the enhanced/M/individual/whatever audio is the difference between a good stock system and one of the best systems offered on any car at any price. The base system doesn't compare well when you put it up against something like that.

[datalink7]

Glad to hear something positive about the sound system. I just got the base system because I'm not a big audio guy (recently I went on a road trip and didn't have the radio on for two hours). But I've heard so much "trash talking" about the base system lately that I was kind of regretting not getting it (my car comes in on the 20th of this month).

[John Tanglewood]

Originally Posted by datalink7

Glad to hear something positive about the sound system. I just got the base system because I'm not a big audio guy (recently I went on a road trip and didn't have the radio on for two hours). But I've heard so much "trash talking" about the base system lately that I was kind of regretting not getting it (my car comes in on the 20th of this month).

I mean I listen to everything (classic rock, rap, techno, blues, everything), so I have already heard a wide range of audio through the base system. I really would like an EQ, and I couldn't shell the extra out for the premium system, so I am just happy that my sound seems to be better than most earlier model owners have DESCRIBED (would like to see how they really sound for comparison).

Sure, it could probably use a bit more here and there, but unless you are turning it up so high that you can hear it 3 blocks away, I think it's fully capable of performing at high levels.

[UltimateBMW]

I also am pretty happy with the 2011 premium sound. Though I am still working on getting my equalizer settings just right to my taste. My speakers also are no where near broken in.

[808MGuy]

Originally Posted by John Tanglewood

I mean I listen to everything (classic rock, rap, techno, blues, everything), so I have already heard a wide range of audio through the base system. I really would like an EQ, and I couldn't shell the extra out for the premium system, so I am just happy that my sound seems to be better than most earlier model owners have DESCRIBED (would like to see how they really sound for comparison).

Sure, it could probably use a bit more here and there, but unless you are turning it up so high that you can hear it 3 blocks away, I think it's fully capable of performing at high levels.

This is a common misconception in terms of evaluating audio. People always think that they don't need upgraded sound because they only listen a lower volumes. Well, that's really where more power and better speakers really make a difference. While you do get the ability to play louder, an OEM system is never meant to be played at "heard down the block" type levels so it will sound bad trying to do that no matter what system you have. At lower volumes the difference is significant and easily distinguished. So if you feel that good sound is something that you're willing to pay for even if you don't listen at high volumes, get the upgrade. If not, stick with the base system.

As always, if you're used to high end aftermarket systems, don't expect the same kind of performance from the upgraded system. You'll be disappointed. In that case, just get the base system and do an aftermarket upgrade.