M3 "standard stereo" vs. premium sound

[dardeca]

Does anyone know if the standard M3 sound system is a harmon kardon? At $1900, I did not opt for the premium sound system, but I'm sure there a differences between the 2 systems. Just curious how good the standard system is.

[kaykay]

The standard system (in my buddy's 2011 E92) is honestly not that good.

I would get amps + a sub or two maybe even tweeters if I had the stock system.

The premium system sounds incredible, it's much better than any premium system I've heard in BMW/MB/Audi, etc. before.

The closest I've heard to the premium sound is the Naim optional system on my buddy's Bentley Continental.

Major win for the Premium Sound on the M3

[jdgamble]

Originally Posted by dardeca

Does anyone know if the standard M3 sound system is a harmon kardon? At $1900, I did not opt for the premium sound system, but I'm sure there a differences between the 2 systems. Just curious how good the standard system is.

It's so so... I have the basic system, and while the sound isn't bad, it lacks range... no real highs or lows... and it isn't very loud. That said, I find myself driving pretty frequently with the stereo off just listening to the engine, which sounds pretty

[VonSwoopington]

Originally Posted by kaykay

The standard system (in my buddy's 2011 E92) is honestly not that good.

I would get amps + a sub or two maybe even tweeters if I had the stock system.

The premium system sounds incredible, it's much better than any premium system I've heard in BMW/MB/Audi, etc. before.

The closest I've heard to the premium sound is the Naim optional system on my buddy's Bentley Continental.

Major win for the Premium Sound on the M3

How difficult is it to put in aftermarket stereo equipment without changing the headunit? For example what if you want to just replace the speakers and add a sub?

[Cptn Mo 703]

since i didnt order my car, i was stuck with the upgraded sound!! not worth the $1900 imo. When im on the highway and i turn the music up all the way its not like i can hear it over my exhaust!! (miestershaft + catless xpipe).

I would think if someone isnt going to put an exhaust on to get the prem. sound, but as soon as that exhaust goes on it just over powers the music.

[kaykay]

Originally Posted by VonSwoopington

How difficult is it to put in aftermarket stereo equipment without changing the headunit? For example what if you want to just replace the speakers and add a sub?

Not difficult at all.

Everything can be wired in your trunk and connected to the iDrive unit, any decent autosound shop can do it for you.

Search the forums for other members' setups, browse Crutchfield.com to see components you like, ask around and tailor a custom-system for your car.

For maybe $1,500 you can have a very nice custom system in your car.

[Finnegan]

I have the Premium. It's quite good, better than the Logic 7 I had in the 335, but I wouldn't say it's "fantastic". On the downside the bass is a bit weak to my ear and the eq isn't consistent in how it sounds across volume levels.

It is, however, much better than the basic which lacks range and doesn't have enough guts to overcome road noise IMO. If you plan on listening at road speeds with the windows open, or are are buying a vert, the Premium is probably a must if you want to hear anything.

There are a lot of threads on this topic on the forum. Here are some fairly recent threads where folks have voiced lots of opinions about the two sound system options....

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=389046

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=402887

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107395

Like Kay Kay said another option is to go aftermarket. No lack of threads on that topic either...from what I've read (I'm no expert on this) it seems it can be done but it's not a piece of cake.

[henryyxyu]

IMO, The base system is good enough for me (then again I'm by no means an audiophile). Most of my friends say it the base system is actually pretty decent! The premium (IMO again) is worth the extra coins. OF course you can get more bang for buck going aftermarket, but I prefer keeping my car factory. Either way though, if you listen to your system enough, your ears eventually get use to it and it gets better

[Zeus69]

The M3 tester on the lot had the base system, which sounded so-so (I always take a favorite CD to a test ride). I sprung for the Premium Sound on my M, and it has turned out to be better than the base unit IMO.

Overall, though, I am a bit disappointed at the overall sound and lack of low end for $1900. The Mark Levinson system in my prior Lexus was far better.

[VonSwoopington]

Originally Posted by kaykay

Not difficult at all.

Everything can be wired in your trunk and connected to the iDrive unit, any decent autosound shop can do it for you.

Search the forums for other members' setups, browse Crutchfield.com to see components you like, ask around and tailor a custom-system for your car.

For maybe $1,500 you can have a very nice custom system in your car.

Thanks.

Does this involve a lot of wire cutting? I see people mention some harness that allows you to just plug and play. I want to keep it as stock as possible and not damage any of the wiring.

I have heard the premium sound and its okay. I'm coming from an aftermarket alpine+jl audio system and the premium sound just didn't cut it for me.

[3M TAPE]

A little off-topic,
Does anyone know what the best setting is for preminum speaker's equilizer?

[BMWMFAN27]

I thought the premium sound was clearly superior coming from the Standard sound in the 500i. I just felt since I was getting a vert to I might as well have upgraded sound for when top is down.

[kaykay]

I can't find Pencilgeeks posts because he has been BANNED???

LOL

There are EQ settings somewhere on the forums...

[RevFreak14]

I have the standard system and it gets the job done for me. Then again, I'm past the stage in my life where I like to blast music with the windows down so the whole neighborhood can hear me. I had 2 12 inch Kicker Comps in my first car and then put them in the Lexus GS. After that I had a 10 inch Bazooka sub in the 330. Never did anything in the E46. Don't plan on doing anything to the E92.

I'm sure the Logic 7 system is better than the standard, however $1900 better?? I'm going to say probably not. If you're going to spend $2k, go to a car audio shop and spend it there. You'll get more for your money IMO.

[mrkbbd]

I wasn't aware the premium sound was logic 7, I thought it was something entirely different. A friend of mine has the logic 7 in his 335i coupe, it sounds like there is more bass but definitely not as "good" of sound quality wise compared to the premium system in my car

[Technic]

Originally Posted by mrkbbd

I wasn't aware the premium sound was logic 7, I thought it was something entirely different. A friend of mine has the logic 7 in his 335i coupe, it sounds like there is more bass but definitely not as "good" of sound quality wise compared to the premium system in my car

It is not... http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=414662

[kaykay]

Originally Posted by mrkbbd

I wasn't aware the premium sound was logic 7, I thought it was something entirely different. A friend of mine has the logic 7 in his 335i coupe, it sounds like there is more bass but definitely not as "good" of sound quality wise compared to the premium system in my car

Yeah, it's not the Logic 7. It's the same as the BMW Individual Sound system, from what I've read and spoken to people about.

I had the Logic 7 in my 550i, sounded much better than any 3-series I've ever been in.

The M3 Premium Sound (aka Individual Sound system) tops all.

[Dice13]

I would like to know. If I have a earthquake amp is in sub can it be hooked up without ruining anything. Car is a lease and don't want any dealer problems.

[double eagle]

Originally Posted by kaykay

...
The premium system sounds incredible, it's much better than any premium system I've heard in BMW/MB/Audi, etc. before.
...
Major win for the Premium Sound on the M3

Best factory system I've heard in 48 years of driving!

[adc]

Stock system sucks.

IN an effort to improve the sound, I've replaced the rear speakers and door speakers. At some point I'll replace the amp in the trunk and the subs under the seats (there are components out there that will fit the factory locations for all speakers, search in the audio forum).

So far I've spent around $150 and got a small improvement, but I'll need to spend another $5-600 if I want to have a decent system.

[J-9]

I guess I'm in the minority of those who like the base system. Went on a road trip after taking delivery and it was killing the road noise with windows and moonroof open. The lower end could get lower, but that's the case with almost every system, aftermarket or stock. By far the best factory system I've had, but then, the M3 is the best car I've had, too.

[F15-31]

Originally Posted by Cptn Mo 703

since i didnt order my car, i was stuck with the upgraded sound!! not worth the $1900 imo. When im on the highway and i turn the music up all the way its not like i can hear it over my exhaust!! (miestershaft + catless xpipe).

I would think if someone isnt going to put an exhaust on to get the prem. sound, but as soon as that exhaust goes on it just over powers the music.

Odd, I have a very aggresive Exhaust and my Pro Logic system comes thru Loud and clear.