Premium Sound Worth It?

[hammbone50]

I have searched and found several threads but it seems all go off topic about replacing certain parts in the system or upgrading the speakers and what not. For someone who does not listen to the radio very often and will put the iPod on for only log trips, is the enhanced premium sound system worth it? I would like to hear from people that have the stock hifi system as well to see their thoughts.

I rather blow $2,000 toward an exhaust which is more my kind of enhanced sound system anyway!!!

Thanks guys, appreciate the help in trying to get my 2011 M3 configured!

[Shake-N-Bake]

I would say don't get it if you are not a big stereo guy, your money will be better invested in a exhaust. I have the stock system and it is quite good, I would say it is better than the Harman Kardon system in my 330.

[FStop7]

I have it. It's nice but IMO not worth $2,000

[Technic]

Originally Posted by hammbone50

I have searched and found several threads but it seems all go off topic about replacing certain parts in the system or upgrading the speakers and what not. For someone who does not listen to the radio very often and will put the iPod on for only log trips, is the enhanced premium sound system worth it? I would like to hear from people that have the stock hifi system as well to see their thoughts.

I rather blow $2,000 toward an exhaust which is more my kind of enhanced sound system anyway!!!

Thanks guys, appreciate the help in trying to get my 2011 M3 configured!

You answered your own question.

[GT3 Tim]

I got it but ended up upgrading it....

In hindsight, I would not get it.

[Kyoshi71]

My premiun sound is the quad tips out the back.

[BCA]

I was worried that I'd regret not having it, especially given that I've had nice aftermarket systems in the past. But I've gotten used to the stock system and definitely don't hate it. It sounds like for your needs, it will be fine.

If I had it to to over again, I would absolutely get the premium because I like the idea of having the best OEM system and I dislike the idea of going aftermarket on a BMW.

[JCtx]

If you already listened to both systems, this thread is an absolute waste of everybody's time (including yours), so I'm going to assume you haven't . To me it was definitely worth the difference, but if you're already happy with the stock system, then you already answered your own question indeed. Good luck.

[Dascamel]

Just as a side note, speakers need to be broken in also, after 20-30 hours the sound will be richer on either system. At dealer they both sound like crap.

[Cab5er]

Originally Posted by FStop7

I have it. It's nice but IMO not worth $2,000

+1

[hammbone50]

Originally Posted by elp_jc

If you already listened to both systems, this thread is an absolute waste of everybody's time (including yours), so I'm going to assume you haven't . To me it was definitely worth the difference, but if you're already happy with the stock system, then you already answered your own question indeed. Good luck.

Thanks. I havent heard both, only the upgraded enhanced premium sound one.... hence the reason for my post. Was also curious what others opt'd for. Yes I get the whole its my car and do what makes me happy, just wanted to see how others in my shoes decided and what the determining factors was/were. Thanks everyone for your thoughts.... sounds like I will go with my original plan and get the stock stereo and spend the money on mods!

[hammbone50]

Originally Posted by Shake-N-Bake

I would say don't get it if you are not a big stereo guy, your money will be better invested in a exhaust. I have the stock system and it is quite good, I would say it is better than the Harman Kardon system in my 330.

Thanks now that helps alot as I currently am still driving my 2001 330ci and have the HK stereo in that car! That helps me out dramatically, thanks for posting that comparision!

[808MGuy]

Originally Posted by hammbone50

I have searched and found several threads but it seems all go off topic about replacing certain parts in the system or upgrading the speakers and what not. For someone who does not listen to the radio very often and will put the iPod on for only log trips, is the enhanced premium sound system worth it? I would like to hear from people that have the stock hifi system as well to see their thoughts.

I rather blow $2,000 toward an exhaust which is more my kind of enhanced sound system anyway!!!

Thanks guys, appreciate the help in trying to get my 2011 M3 configured!

What are your expectations of the system? A lot of people are disappointed in the enhanced system thinking it will be as good as an aftermarket system. It won't be so if that's what you expect, don't get it. I had the base system in my car for over a year until I upgraded it with aftermarket. The base system is pretty good for a base system. Its a little heavy in the midrange and the tweeters roll off very early but it can sound decent if you just play with the tone controls a little. Of course, if you listen to a lot of rap or techno that will require the system to reproduce heavy bass, its gonna sound like crap.

[CATCH_M3]

I would rather get an exhaust, but I am also very happy with my premium sound decision.

[mdernst]

As you can see from the wildly differing responses, this decision is purely personal.

Not having the premium/individual audio system would be a deal breaker for me. I want the best OEM sound system available and am not willing to mess with anything aftermarket.

[M3Bliss]

Originally Posted by CATCH_M3

I would rather get an exhaust, but I am also very happy with my premium sound decision.

So I gather that you feel the premium was a sound decision.