[bavarianboar]

I am debating getting the HK option on the F30 335i as I feel like I could get 19" wheels instead on my Msport line for that money. Trying to keep the payments within bounds, as you can almost build a60k 335i

I am not fully happy but don't find the E90 stock stereo to be limiting or annoying. Mostly masked by the quality of Mp3s I am playing from the iPod or listening to the radio, add to that some road noise.

How does the stock stereo compare to E90, would I really notice much of a difference or perhaps an improvement?

I have gone through some HK vs non HK threads for F30s but just wondering if the base stereo improved from E90 LCI era. Which in my case would be a safe HK skip!


Worth the upgrade for $875?

Thanks guys!

[ADRQ0811]

I say it's work it HK sounds much better well worth the price but the 19s do look great so that's kinda tuff I say just get both you only live once haha

[martyl]

Originally Posted by bavarianboar

I am debating getting the HK option on the F30 335i as I feel like I could get 19" wheels instead on my Msport line for that money. Trying to keep the payments within bounds, as you can almost build a60k 335i

I am not fully happy but don't find the E90 stock stereo to be limiting or annoying. Mostly masked by the quality of Mp3s I am playing from the iPod or listening to the radio, add to that some road noise.

How does the stock stereo compare to E90, would I really notice much of a difference or perhaps an improvement?

I have gone through some HK vs non HK threads for F30s but just wondering if the base stereo improved from E90 LCI era. Which in my case would be a safe HK skip!


Worth the upgrade for $875?

Thanks guys!

The stock stereo on the F30 is much better than the one in the e90. It's the premium stereo sold in other markets. Many others have commented on this. If you weren't all that bothered by the sound in your e90, I'd say stick with the stock system.

[300hp]

Originally Posted by martyl

The stock stereo on the F30 is much better than the one in the e90. It's the premium stereo sold in other markets. Many others have commented on this. If you weren't all that bothered by the sound in your e90, I'd say stick with the stock system.

Really!!!

I never had and E90 but if the F30 is better than the E90 then the E90 must have sucked big time. My E70 has the base system and it is better than the F30. My G37 had the BOSE system and its better than the F30, however I had the 750Li for a weekend and my G37's was not too far off if not at par with the 7. The 7 did not have the B&O system.

I guess all I am saying is the F30 base is not good, if you can get the HK go for it. I am considering the BSW once it comes out and has been tried and tested.

[btbossman]

HK is amazing and there is no need to upgrade anything including subs, I highly recommend it.

[Jer025]

I had the stock "junk" in my 2010 E92 and this is the year the BMW got really cheap with the system. From what I understand they improved the stock system for 2011 and 2012 base on all the complaints.

Anyway, the stock system in the F30 is a world of difference from the E90 stock system.

Hope this helps.

[Technic]

The USA E90 standard HiFi system was the HiFi (6-channel OEM amp, 10-speakers from MY2006 to MY2009/8-speakers from MY2011.5 to end of production).

For a single calendar year (MY2010-MY2011) that E90 HiFi system was replaced by the Stereo system (no OEM amp, 6-speakers).

For the USA F30, the standard HiFi is a 7-channel, 9-speaker system. Power output is the same as the E90 OEM amp but with the addition of a center speaker channel. OEM speakers are slightly improved in quality, with better magnets (neo) and cone material.

My suggestion is always to get the HiFi system and then replace the OEM amp. That will be cheaper than the OEM HK system and it will sound slightly better.

[R12ax7]

I had the Logic 7 in my 2008 335, then the base system in my 2011 328 and the base again in my current F30 335. The HK is obviously much better but I think of all the options this would be the one you can live with out (I wish i had gotten the 19" wheels!).

I noticed a step down for sure from the Logic 7 to the base in my e90 but there is definitely an improvement with the F30 base system. The only circumstance where you really wont be happy with the base system is if you like to crank it all the way up. It can get some distortion and there isnt enough bass when things get loud, but for normal operation its perfectly fine.

The silver/gray speaker/tweeter grills might be one aesthetic thing to consider though; I definitely think that looks cooler.

[andy79]

No brainer get the HK the wheels can easily be added later.......

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by andy79

No brainer get the HK the wheels can easily be added later.......

+1

[WilliCO]

If you skip the stereo upgrade now, there will no way to ever get it in that car.

On the other hand, at any time you could pick up a set of 19" wheels like these Avant Garde M355s that look fantastic on this dude's F30. Better than the OEM M Sport 19s, IMO.

Get the stereo upgrade.

[Pauleebe]

Got HK and never looked back. It's a LOT cheaper and easier to get it upfront, where as it can cost several thousand down the road.

Wheels can be added whenever and will be the same cost that they are at order time.

[bavarianboar]

Thanks a lot guys, I am going to stick to the stock stereo and put in money into either DHP or 19" wheels or both instead of a pricey $875 option which can be subjective.

I appreciate good sound reproduction but in a car, with road noise and everything else (like I mentioned in my post), I can 'live with' somewhat inferior sound quality.

Great sound is always available at home to enjoy.

Originally Posted by dwalls90

Got HK and never looked back. It's a LOT cheaper and easier to get it upfront, where as it can cost several thousand down the road.

Wheels can be added whenever and will be the same cost that they are at order time.

So are you buying your car outright? I don't plan to upgrade on a lease so that cost comparison is out of question.

I understand swapping wheels is much easier, but cheaper or same cost I have not done any comparison. Depends on what you buy really, the choices are numerous.

Thanks for the input!

[Bjornizz]

Originally Posted by ADRQ0811

I say it's work it HK sounds much better well worth the price but the 19s do look great so that's kinda tuff I say just get both you only live once haha

I think he should get the HK. He can buy some 19's later. (If it's rims your talking about) Much easier to install some new rims than putting some non original sound system in your car, wich I think looks ridiculous in a new car when you could for those money bought the best original system.

[Pauleebe]

Originally Posted by bavarianboar

Thanks a lot guys, I am going to stick to the stock stereo and put in money into either DHP or 19" wheels or both instead of a pricey $875 option which can be subjective.

I appreciate good sound reproduction but in a car, with road noise and everything else (like I mentioned in my post), I can 'live with' somewhat inferior sound quality.

Great sound is always available at home to enjoy.



So are you buying your car outright? I don't plan to upgrade on a lease so that cost comparison is out of question.

I understand swapping wheels is much easier, but cheaper or same cost I have not done any comparison. Depends on what you buy really, the choices are numerous.

Thanks for the input!

Leasing here, so if you're leasing ...

94% of sticker of option of 875 =

822.5 * 1 - residual of 64% =

296.1 / 36 months = $8 more a month, maybe $9-10 max including finance charge.

It was definitely worth it for me, but if you're on a tight budget (which it doesn't seem like, since 19" wheels are several thousands), then it's understandable to pick and choose!

[DSTJ99]

Originally Posted by andy79

No brainer get the HK the wheels can easily be added later.......

This was my path. I spend a lot of time in my car and would listen to the stereo much more than I would look at the wheels. But, i still bought new wheels after I got my car. I'm pretty happy with the HK. If you turn up your stereos and appreciate clarity with decent bass go with the HK.

[infinitigor]

i would have kept my e90 if it had HK in it, the stock systems are nothing special at all, bmw really tries to keep costs down these days and it shows

get the HK

[JFREEZISM]

Stock system isnt great but its plenty good enough for me. At decent volumes it plenty bassy and clear. Haven't heard the HK tho

[smallseafishie]

Well I'd say it depends on which e90. Pre-LCI e90 335i's came standard with logic 7 sound systems which I'd say is much better than the base F30's.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by Technic

The USA E90 standard HiFi system was the HiFi (6-channel OEM amp, 10-speakers from MY2006 to MY2009/8-speakers from MY2011.5 to end of production).

For a single calendar year (MY2010-MY2011) that E90 HiFi system was replaced by the Stereo system (no OEM amp, 6-speakers).

For the USA F30, the standard HiFi is a 7-channel, 9-speaker system. Power output is the same as the E90 OEM amp but with the addition of a center speaker channel. OEM speakers are slightly improved in quality, with better magnets (neo) and cone material.

Spot on! So, if you have a BMWNA MY10 without HK you live on an island. All other E90 MY cars had a better stock sound system.

My suggestion is always to get the HiFi system and then replace the OEM amp. That will be cheaper than the OEM HK system and it will sound slightly better.

I respect Technic on his audio prowess, but I'm not sure this is for everyone. Replacing the amp with quality aftermarket with parts and labor is unlikely to be significantly less than the upcharge for HK. Plus you'd still get the smaller woofer drivers.... And potentially have warranty grief from dealer if you ever had an issue with the stereo. My 2 cents.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by claykin

I respect Technic on his audio prowess, but I'm not sure this is for everyone. Replacing the amp with quality aftermarket with parts and labor is unlikely to be significantly less than the upcharge for HK. Plus you'd still get the smaller woofer drivers.... And potentially have warranty grief from dealer if you ever had an issue with the stereo. My 2 cents.

This is for anyone that wants to upgrade their OEM system. It is cheaper and simply better to start from the HiFi than with the HK.

And the HiFi has the same size 8" woofers as the HK -only the specs/impedance are different. Only the Stereo system has 6.5" woofers -not available in any USA F30.

[trpt]

Does anybody know if the radios are different on the stock and HK systems? A significant difference I've noticed is regarding the FM tuner, which seems more sensitive on the HK compared to the stock systems I've tried out (service loaners).

Obviously this only matters if you listen to a lot of FM radio, like I do.