BMW M3 Forum (E90 E92)

BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   M3Post - BMW M3 Forum > E90/E92 M3 Technical Topics > Coding / ConnectedDrive / Audio-Video / Electronics / Bluetooth / I-Drive & Nav
 
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-12-2008, 04:08 PM   #1
darkalley
Captain
United_States
82
Rep
655
Posts

Drives: Gone- 08 DCT SSII, 2006 SMG
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Current: 2014 BMW 4-Series Convert for the fiance w M Package, F150, 06 S2000, 08 911 c4s

iTrader: (0)

Base Stereo

Well I have had my car now for a week and I must say that the base stereo is more than fine for the average ear. I played the bass guitar for 12 years and have spent many hours in a recording studio, so I think my ear is probably above average. I have to say that, although I have not hear the upgraded stereo, I can't imagine the sound is $1900 apart. For those on the fence, if you aren't insanely anal about your music, you will find the base stereo perfect. The speed of the ipod is a little slow so I think I may try a flash card.....
__________________
2008 SSII DCT M3/Peapack/Parsippany NJ
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2008, 04:41 PM   #2
JEllis
Major General
JEllis's Avatar
529
Rep
5,498
Posts

Drives: E36 M3, E92 M3
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dallas/Ft. Worth

iTrader: (4)

Just curious what other cars you have owned or if you have ever been an audiophile and have had upgraded sound systems in the past.

Base BMW systems are not known for being any good....

Jason
__________________
http://www.m3post.com/forums/signaturepics/sigpic14547_7.gif
Instagram: jellismotorwerks
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2008, 04:58 PM   #3
J08M3
Major General
J08M3's Avatar
United_States
285
Rep
6,007
Posts

Drives: 2011 M3 COUPE
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NEW YORK

iTrader: (8)

Quote:
Originally Posted by darkalley View Post
Well I have had my car now for a week and I must say that the base stereo is more than fine for the average ear. I played the bass guitar for 12 years and have spent many hours in a recording studio, so I think my ear is probably above average. I have to say that, although I have not hear the upgraded stereo, I can't imagine the sound is $1900 apart. For those on the fence, if you aren't insanely anal about your music, you will find the base stereo perfect. The speed of the ipod is a little slow so I think I may try a flash card.....
I used to have a recording studio in my basement and I've played guitar for 17 years. I think my ear is pretty good. I listened to both the base stereo and the upgraded stereo. In my opinion neither one is great, both are decent. The upgrade is definitely not $1,900 better in my opinion at all, it's only slightly better and to most people probably not even noticeable. What I do find funny is the people who spend extra money for a good stereo then play MP3s on it. That's a waste if you ask me because MP3s have horrible sound. A better stereo only makes a poor format sound worse.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2008, 06:47 PM   #4
chili cheese
Major
chili cheese's Avatar
100
Rep
1,086
Posts

Drives: '16 Corvette Z06
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Southern CA

iTrader: (6)

Quote:
Originally Posted by darkalley View Post
Well I have had my car now for a week and I must say that the base stereo is more than fine for the average ear. I played the bass guitar for 12 years and have spent many hours in a recording studio, so I think my ear is probably above average. I have to say that, although I have not hear the upgraded stereo, I can't imagine the sound is $1900 apart. For those on the fence, if you aren't insanely anal about your music, you will find the base stereo perfect. The speed of the ipod is a little slow so I think I may try a flash card.....
I was also wondering if the upgraded stereo in the M3 was worth the price. I haven't heard either of the two systems. Does anyone know if the base stereo in the M3 is the same as the upgraded stereo in the 335i? If so, I think the base would be more than adequate.
__________________
2016 Z06 current
2013 M3 gone
2011 M3 gone
2007 335i gone
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2008, 07:12 PM   #5
Big Windy
Major General
Big Windy's Avatar
United_States
150
Rep
5,124
Posts

Drives: None
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Bay Area

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chili cheese View Post
I was also wondering if the upgraded stereo in the M3 was worth the price. I haven't heard either of the two systems. Does anyone know if the base stereo in the M3 is the same as the upgraded stereo in the 335i? If so, I think the base would be more than adequate.
This has been discussed ad nauseam...the base stereo in the m3 is NOT the same as the upgraded stereo in the 335i. It is worse.
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2008, 07:30 PM   #6
ismelllikepoop
First Lieutenant
26
Rep
365
Posts

Drives: m3
Join Date: May 2008
Location: pooptown

iTrader: (1)

i havent listened to either, just the logic 7 but in my experience the upgraded stereo usually just has more bass so ppl are like wow it sounds great. Everyone raves about the Mark Levinson in lexuses, but i dont think it sounds that great at all, aftermarket systems i've heard sound a lot more crisp and defined but then again cost a ton to get done right. At 850, the B+O in audi is a lot more reasonably priced, but overall car stereos for me personally are a low return investment, it's nice to have but the difference is marginal.
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2008, 07:59 PM   #7
Sedan_Clan
Law Enforcer
Sedan_Clan's Avatar
Brazil
24810
Rep
22,222
Posts

Drives: '22 Chalk Gray Porsche C2S
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: ..in your rearview!!!

iTrader: (26)

Quote:
Originally Posted by darkalley View Post
Well I have had my car now for a week and I must say that the base stereo is more than fine for the average ear. I played the bass guitar for 12 years and have spent many hours in a recording studio, so I think my ear is probably above average. I have to say that, although I have not hear the upgraded stereo, I can't imagine the sound is $1900 apart. For those on the fence, if you aren't insanely anal about your music, you will find the base stereo perfect. The speed of the ipod is a little slow so I think I may try a flash card.....
I agree with both J08M3 and darkalley. While I'm not an audiophile by any means, I don't consider the upgraded stereo to be worth another $1900.00. The base system is fine for my tastes.


Quote:
Originally Posted by ismelllikepoop View Post
i havent listened to either, just the logic 7 but in my experience the upgraded stereo usually just has more bass so ppl are like wow it sounds great. Everyone raves about the Mark Levinson in lexuses, but i dont think it sounds that great at all, aftermarket systems i've heard sound a lot more crisp and defined but then again cost a ton to get done right. At 850, the B+O in audi is a lot more reasonably priced, but overall car stereos for me personally are a low return investment, it's nice to have but the difference is marginal.
I agree! The Logic 7 in my 330i has less bass tone than the upgraded system in my ///M3, but without the sub-woofers turned on, the systems sound comparable.

Last edited by Sedan_Clan; 06-13-2008 at 10:34 AM..
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2008, 10:25 PM   #8
darkalley
Captain
United_States
82
Rep
655
Posts

Drives: Gone- 08 DCT SSII, 2006 SMG
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Current: 2014 BMW 4-Series Convert for the fiance w M Package, F150, 06 S2000, 08 911 c4s

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by JEllis View Post
Just curious what other cars you have owned or if you have ever been an audiophile and have had upgraded sound systems in the past.

Base BMW systems are not known for being any good....

Jason
I've had the typical upgraded stereo's-bose, hk, etc. I am not saying it is a concert stereo but for an ipod and sat radio, the base stereo is more than adequate. I guess I was expecting a muddy mess based on previous posts but I was pleasantly surprised.

Jim
__________________
2008 SSII DCT M3/Peapack/Parsippany NJ
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2008, 10:47 PM   #9
Big Windy
Major General
Big Windy's Avatar
United_States
150
Rep
5,124
Posts

Drives: None
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Bay Area

iTrader: (0)

i originally thought that there was no way that i could live without the upgraded stereo, but now i think that i am going to steer clear...
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2008, 11:27 PM   #10
AZ-BMW
Captain
AZ-BMW's Avatar
United_States
48
Rep
965
Posts

Drives: 2009 M3 E93 w/DCT
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Sunny, Warm AZ

iTrader: (0)

Food for Thought: If you buy it with the base radio and then hate it, you'll be in the after-market picking out a system and may pay more than $1,900 to get what you want (and it may not integrate with i-drive/screen)

[this could be one of those Pay Me Now or Pay Me Later dilemmas]
__________________

2009 AW M3 E93 - Black Novillo|DCT|ZTP|ZPP|752 Enh Audio|4UT|Heated Seats|6FL|6NF|
For jpg's: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...=186382&page=4
Traded: 2007 335i E93
Appreciate 0
      06-13-2008, 12:10 AM   #11
MagicMtnDan
E92 wiithout iDrive (excellent)
MagicMtnDan's Avatar
United_States
9
Rep
54
Posts

Drives: 2008 M3 Coupe Silverstone/blk
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

I'm another M3 owner with the base stereo and I'm quite pleased (and surprised) with the quality of the system. It's much better than I expected it to be - decent base and clarity. I've also got the iPod/USB/Satellite radio options and it's a nice setup including the HD radio for those times when AM radio is required.

For those who hammer and bash the base system and/or the upgraded system: blah, blah, blah. There's always some snobs whining about any sound system including custom setups because theirs is better. Whatever. It's such a waste of time to read that crap.
__________________


2008 E92 M3 Silverstone II
2006 MB G500 Gelandewagen Irridium Silver
2006 MB SL500 Irridium Silver (wife's)
Appreciate 0
      06-13-2008, 02:53 AM   #12
808MGuy
Colonel
808MGuy's Avatar
218
Rep
2,339
Posts

Drives: 2009 E90 M3
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Oahu, Hawaii

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by AZ-BMW View Post
Food for Thought: If you buy it with the base radio and then hate it, you'll be in the after-market picking out a system and may pay more than $1,900 to get what you want (and it may not integrate with i-drive/screen)

[this could be one of those Pay Me Now or Pay Me Later dilemmas]
I disagree that you have to spend more than $1900 to get a better system than the stock. You can build sound quality competition winning systems for $1900 depending on how crafty and creative you are.
Appreciate 0
      06-13-2008, 04:51 AM   #13
midlifecrisis
Major
midlifecrisis's Avatar
804
Rep
1,206
Posts

Drives: 2017 X5 35d, 2019 230i X
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (0)

I also have the base stereo, and I was pleasantly surprised when I first tried it. (To tell you the truth, I don't use it that much because the engine makes such sweet music.)

I agree with comments that base BMW systems used to be lacking - I have a 2000 328i with the base unit offered at the time, and it's not very good at all - very thin bass.

I don't feel that way about the e90 M3 base unit. The bass is good and solid, although you may want something more if you want to rattle your fillings. The unit sounds great to me - I don't need anything more. I used to consider myself an audiophile, but I probably did too much damage to my hearing cranking up Freebird, Springsteen and Led Zep in the '70's. I haven't heard the upgraded system, but I can't imagine it's a quantum leap better than the base unit.

(I also have a 2007 X3 with the base unit, and it sounds pretty good, and the M3 is better.)
Appreciate 0
      06-13-2008, 05:56 AM   #14
Panerex
Enlisted Member
Panerex's Avatar
Belgium
2
Rep
39
Posts

Drives: M340I X
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Belgium

iTrader: (0)

I have the individual high end sound system. No idea if it's available in the states or if it's called differently.

Sounds very good for a car stereo but it's no 'high-end'.

In the end, when you're under the shower, singing along with that $25 portable radio : That's high-end.

P.

Front doors :





Rear :



Subwoofers under the front seats :




--

Last edited by Panerex; 06-13-2008 at 07:08 AM.. Reason: Added pictures.
Appreciate 0
      06-13-2008, 08:31 AM   #15
mkoesel
Moderator
United_States
7506
Rep
19,370
Posts

Drives: No BMW for now
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Canton, MI

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chili cheese View Post
Does anyone know if the base stereo in the M3 is the same as the upgraded stereo in the 335i?
The 335i has no stereo upgrade option, it is only available with the Logic 7 system.

The M3 base stereo is the same as the 328i base stereo which is one step below Logic 7.
Appreciate 0
      06-13-2008, 08:46 AM   #16
barnei7
Registered
Germany
0
Rep
4
Posts

Drives: Porsche Boxster S(M3 E90-May)
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Germany

iTrader: (0)

tbh , i bought the M3 to listen to the lump under the bonnet not the stereo
Appreciate 0
      06-13-2008, 09:57 AM   #17
GregW / Oregon
Commander-In-Chief
2067
Rep
8,898
Posts

Drives: 2023 M2 Coupe, 2020 GLE 450
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lake Oswego, OR

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Panerex View Post
I have the individual high end sound system. No idea if it's available in the states or if it's called differently.
Individual High End = Enhanced Premium Sound in the US. I waffled on ordering it, but am glad I did. It really only sounds great when played loud with good program material, though. Otherwise, I'm sure the base is fine. Too bad we don't get Logic7 for $700 like some others.
__________________

Greg Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA
2023 M2 Coupe - Brooklyn Grey/Cognac/CF, 6MT; 2020 MB GLE 450
Appreciate 0
      06-13-2008, 10:33 AM   #18
Sedan_Clan
Law Enforcer
Sedan_Clan's Avatar
Brazil
24810
Rep
22,222
Posts

Drives: '22 Chalk Gray Porsche C2S
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: ..in your rearview!!!

iTrader: (26)

Quote:
Originally Posted by AZ-BMW View Post
Food for Thought: If you buy it with the base radio and then hate it, you'll be in the after-market picking out a system and may pay more than $1,900 to get what you want (and it may not integrate with i-drive/screen)

[this could be one of those Pay Me Now or Pay Me Later dilemmas]
That issue is easily rectified...

...play your favorite CD/IPOD playlist in an ///M3 at the dealership. If one is not available at the dealership, choose your nearest 335i and play it.


Quote:
Originally Posted by mkoesel View Post
The 335i has no stereo upgrade option, it is only available with the Logic 7 system.

The M3 base stereo is the same as the 328i base stereo which is one step below Logic 7.

Although the Logic 7 is adequate for my needs, I'm not all that impressed with the Logic 7 in my 330i. The overall sound quality in the E46 ///M3 is better.
Appreciate 0
      06-13-2008, 10:40 AM   #19
icemang17
Captain
icemang17's Avatar
37
Rep
644
Posts

Drives: 2008 E92 M3 DCT
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Stockton CA

iTrader: (0)

I ordered the enhanced on mine....ya its $1900 which does seem steep and honestly I like the plain black speakers better on the base stereo.... I'm sure both sound fine...& after I have mine for a while I'll try listening to a base stereo at the dealer to see if I can tell a difference.....
__________________
Brian
2008 E92 M3, MR, DCT, extended BB leather, loaded!
1988 Porsche 928S4, Guards red/Champagne leather
1989 Porsche 928S4 track beast!!!
Appreciate 0
      06-13-2008, 10:43 AM   #20
911 Now
Private First Class
8
Rep
125
Posts

Drives: 08 E92 m3
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Tampa

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon View Post
Individual High End = Enhanced Premium Sound in the US. I waffled on ordering it, but am glad I did. It really only sounds great when played loud with good program material, though. Otherwise, I'm sure the base is fine. Too bad we don't get Logic7 for $700 like some others.
+1 I was also on the fence about E.P.Sound but glad that I got it. Yes $1900 is a bit overpriced but I think it's worth getting.
Appreciate 0
      06-13-2008, 10:55 AM   #21
valeram
Major
37
Rep
1,413
Posts

Drives: 992 TTS, 991.2 GT3 T, F80 M3 C
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dublin, OH

iTrader: (0)

Glad to hear that the base sound system of the M3 is adequate enough. As other the poster said, it serves the purpose and the engine sound of the M3 is worth more than $1900. As mentioned also, getting this upgrade but playing an MP3 defeats the purpose of getting an upgraded sound system.
Appreciate 0
      06-13-2008, 11:30 AM   #22
stevehifi
Captain
526
Rep
855
Posts

Drives: 17 F80 M3 ZCP
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Irvine,CA

iTrader: (5)

Garbage in = Garbage out

Majority of people will listen to the radio or MP3s which are very compressed and lack alot of definition and range of frequencies. What's the point of buying a high end system if the material that you mostly listen to is poor quality in the first place?
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:41 AM.




m3post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST