[moldcad]

I think I saw several threads on how disappointing is the Harman-Kardon system in M235i. Is it really that bad? Will the base stereo suffice?

In my current F10 I have the base stereo system (the one with subs under the seats, but without the equalizer in iDrive settings), and frankly it's enough for me even though I'm an audiophile. But in the noisy car conditions to claim being a hard-die audiophile is an overstatement, IMHO.

So: configuring my M235i, add HK or save some money?

[zipphreak]

If I could change it I would've saved the extra money to just replace with better speakers / amp. But they are still not bad, just not a whole lot of mid-bass/bass . Barely any adjustability, just bass/treble setting.

[david.orr]

Originally Posted by zipphreak

If I could change it I would've saved the extra money to just replace with better speakers / amp. But they are still not bad, just not a whole lot of mid-bass/bass . Barely any adjustability, just bass/treble setting.

Agree with the performance and disappointment bits but would still opt for OEM HK. Just wish I have gotten better value. My previous AMG stereo kills this HK for sure. No improvement over 1M's.

I have the DAB too and it drops out very frequently. Again, AMG DAB did not.

[whoosh]

I haven't heard the base audio in the 2 series so I can't comment about the value proposition compared to the no-cost setup. As mentioned above, my biggest gripe is the lack of EQ, especially after my h/k equipped 335 with the L7 software.

I listen at normal levels and feel the sound overall is good to very good. But I'm not really a critical listener in the car with all the road noise and lack of hi-res digital format options. If you're looking for something that will rattle windows and overrun the stereo of the car next to you at the lights, you'll want to go aftermarket for sure.

[BEM-S4]

I think most of the complaints centered around the bait and switch in terms of what we were told we were paying for and what we actually got. The system is nice, maybe a bit overpriced but I'd probably do it again. I think with the rebate I ended up paying a fair price for what it is. That said it's not spectacular but a good upgrade. I am more excited about the B&O system in the Audi I just ordered, that was less $ and sounds really good.

[Ramos]

It's really underpowered so if you're leasing get it, if you're buying skip it and use the money for upgraded Focals and an amp

[DanG]

Originally Posted by Ramos

It's really underpowered so if you're leasing get it, if you're buying skip it and use the money for upgraded Focals and an amp

I just did the upgraded Focals. The stock amp has plenty of power for me.

[darkk]

The stock speakers suck and the upgraded ones were only slightly better, still pretty bad though. I decided it was not worth the cost.

[hoppy6698]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I think most of the complaints centered around the bait and switch in terms of what we were told we were paying for and what we actually got. The system is nice, maybe a bit overpriced but I'd probably do it again. I think with the rebate I ended up paying a fair price for what it is. That said it's not spectacular but a good upgrade. I am more excited about the B&O system in the Audi I just ordered, that was less $ and sounds really good.

Coming from a B&O sound system in an Audi, you will love it. I would recommend adding sound deadening to the trunk though, it really increases the bass feedback of the system.

That said, seeing BMW charge nearly the same amount of $ for half of the power, none of the EQ, and just a piss poor version of sound upgrade vs. its competitors is what stopped me from buying the HK. Like a few others here, I will put the $700 into Focal speaker upgrades. Not much we can do (HK or not) about the poor EQ in the OEM system.

[abp689]

The HK in the 235 sounds similar to the "professional" system in my 328 (haven't heard the base). The HK was not bad. If you search the threads, they are a good indication. Overprice upgrade, though not all bad, "All about that treble, no bass".

I don't like the idea of tearing apart the doors on a new car for speakers. So I would live with the HK upgrade begrudgingly. If you don't mind that, the Focals and Amp is the way to go.

I have an Acura 5.1 system which is a great example of a base car system. The 235 does not have that system.

It sounds like you are an audiophile. You could just save your money and invest in a nice Macintosh (...) home system.

[hyperzulu]

I have the HK on my 2012 e92 and the base system in my f22. I get a little more punch (from the increase in power) and an increase in clarity (from the separate tweeters), but ultimately not an $875 upgrade over stock. The stock is decent. If you think the base is horrible, the HK isn't going to save the sound.

[Kiwi]

You can make any sound system sound a lot better by playing high quality recordings.

[chaswyck1]

I wrestled with this one too and ultimately decided not to order it. I have the upgraded HK system in my MINI, also without an EQ, just bass and treble adjustments, and frankly, it's not all that good. I assumed that the HK in the 2 Series was probably the same system as the one in my MINI and that isn't worth the money they're charging. I don't understand why, for that money, they couldn't give us an EQ. The HK system in other BMW's have it.

[moldcad]

Just found this info; sounds impressive (pun intended). But It would be nice to have exact comparison of features with the base system... Like what is the base amp output in Watts?

[horsepower_and_hounds]

I did it...it added $14 a month to my payment (I bought) and my int rate is only 1.64% so it was worth it to me for the upgrade long term and I am not really experienced on the audio upgrading thing and tearing interiors apart.

[shazzy04]

I have the HK, and I enjoy it. Coming from base though in a 328

[akuan99]

It is worth it in term of the upgraded components received.
However you will have to listen it for yourself as upgrading from HK system is much harder and much more costly and you will likely replace all upgraded components that you'd paid extra for.
After market upgrades will always cost more but they are much better sounding.

[hoppy6698]

Originally Posted by moldcad

Just found this info; sounds impressive (pun intended). But It would be nice to have exact comparison of features with the base system... Like what is the base amp output in Watts?

The site is actually wrong. The largest complaint I have noted that the HK system in the 2 series does NOT have the Logic 7 EQ. Unless I am wrong, or maybe it gets a different version than every other BMW.

"The Harman Kardon DSP amplifier in Class-D technology delivering 360 watts possesses an efficient but dynamic authority. The positioning and tuning of all 12 speakers has also been meticulously adapted to the individual interior layouts. Two central bass units, ergonomically positioned beneath the driver and front passenger seats, pack a noticeable punch. The Harman Kardon Logic 7® surround-sound system provides the perfect soundtrack for any mood - energetic, rebellious, exciting, and passionate."

[hyperzulu]

Originally Posted by shazzy04

I have the HK, and I enjoy it. Coming from base though in a 328

Need to note that BMW at one time put their very lowest end system in the 3 series, which is worse than what comes as base on the M235i. There are four levels beside the B&O - base, professional (base), HK (2 series), HK (3 series). I do not find the HK to be much better than the professional.

[moldcad]

So - compared to the HK info I linked (whether right or wrong depends probably on the market) - how many Watts and how many speakers has the base M235i system? Does it still have subs under the seats?

[shazzy04]

Originally Posted by hyperzulu

Need to note that BMW at one time put their very lowest end system in the 3 series, which is worse than what comes as base on the M235i. There are four levels beside the B&O - base, professional (base), HK (2 series), HK (3 series). I do not find the HK to be much better than the professional.

Thanks for the info and it makes sense, I was just stating that for me its a nice little upgrade

[cw_itr_805]

The HK is much better than the standard stereo, especially in bass output, but definitely lacks over a system from a 335i or 435i. It was unfortunately a noticeable decrease in both volume/bass and clarity over my previous 335is with HK.