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      07-11-2018, 01:38 AM   #1
derek.megyesi
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Retrofitting the Harman Kardon system into my new (X1) F48

Hi all,

I have a new 2018 BMW X1, but I only have the base Hi-Fi sound system (which is quite good), but I am interested if BMW has a retro-kit for the Harman Kardon sound system upgrade.

From the posts here, it does seem that a kit(s) exists. I contacted BMW Gallery up here in Calgary, and they are checking with BMW Canada. I should know tommorrow, and will post the response, but I was wondering if anyone here knew the answer? Has anyone done this, and if so, is the sound quality vastly improved?

Also, I am leasing, so would this break the terms of the lease?

Cheers,
Derek

Last edited by derek.megyesi; 07-11-2018 at 02:47 AM..
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      07-11-2018, 06:45 AM   #2
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Hi Derek and welcome to the forum.

Re retro fitting the Harmon Kardon system - I wouldn't bother personally. I have that system but unless the basic system is pants then I dont think the upgrade will give you much benefit. It sounds ok but if compared to the Alpine speakered system i had in a Land Rover Freelander 2 it doesn't match up at all.

Another factor to consider is driver / listener age - and the issue of loosing top end high frequencies. All intelligence in speech and music is contained in a frequency band of 300 to 3400 hertz and with the compression used with mp3 there is a natural loss of higher end frequencies anyway.

Best bet would be to have a sample of your music on cd etc and to play it in your vehicle and then one equipped with the HK system and see if the benefit of upgrade is warranted.
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      07-12-2018, 01:42 AM   #3
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I’d personally go for a Rainbow audio upgrade speaker kit

Will sound better than the HK kit...
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      07-12-2018, 04:13 AM   #4
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Here in the UK, at least, we have three speaker options. The first is a base unit with only passive speakers which comes as standard, or at extra cost you can specify either Advanced or the top end Harmon Kardon. I'm not sure but is the Advanced system the starting point in your region?

I ended up with the Advanced speaker system and whilst I have not compared with the HK setup, it is as good as the Bose system I had in my previous Audi and at much lower price.

I think in a car there is that much other background noise that the fine detail of a high end system can be lost anyway.

I would suggest having a listen to the different systems if you can and then decide.
-
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      07-26-2018, 03:57 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Beast View Post
I’d personally go for a Rainbow audio upgrade speaker kit

Will sound better than the HK kit...
It doesn't look like they make one for the X1s yet?
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      07-26-2018, 10:30 PM   #6
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No luck yet...

Hi all,

I called around to about 5 BMW dealers all across Alberta, Ontario, and BC, and it seems that there is presently not a retro upgrade for the F48 line ...yet.
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      07-27-2018, 01:59 PM   #7
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The big question about doing an upgrade like this is whether or not the vehicle wiring harness supports the equipment. If it doesn't, then you are looking at potentially complicated and intrusive upgrade. Looking at realoem.com, there doesn't seem to be a separate wiring harness for the HK audio system, so maybe you will get lucky. I recommend you spend some time looking at the parts so you know what's required.
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      07-29-2018, 11:05 AM   #8
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https://f48.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1258862

The tweeters can easily be added and speakers easily replaced to HK. Less info about whether the amp and subs are plug and play or need some kind of coding work.

People who have done the speakers and tweeters seem to think it helps fill out the sound. I plan on adding them, but parts have been hard to find at a decent price.

A lot of people recommend other plug-and-play BMW kits like Bavsound, but they’re expensive for anonymous speakers.
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      07-29-2018, 02:37 PM   #9
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On the BMW accessories shop on their UK website they show an Alpine audio system upgrade for £560... I haven’t heard of anyone who has this so far. Does anyone here have any experience of it?
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      03-03-2019, 05:37 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by derek.megyesi View Post
Hi all,

I called around to about 5 BMW dealers all across Alberta, Ontario, and BC, and it seems that there is presently not a retro upgrade for the F48 line ...yet.
I bought the HK front door trims with HK tweeters, it is an easy home fit and I found this really lifted the high end sound. I then replaced the main front door speaker to HK versions (again easy retrofit) and this has really improved mid-range. I am no longer miserable as it has transformed overall sound. IMHO, unless you want really high volume, the HU will happily handle just this small upgrade. Except for BMW HK trim (80% of cost - BMW dealer) I got the HK speakers off eBay, so for total cost of approx GBP375. Full HK retrofit unnecessary, small upgrade - essential
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      03-06-2019, 01:07 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MJE60 View Post
I bought the HK front door trims with HK tweeters, it is an easy home fit and I found this really lifted the high end sound. I then replaced the main front door speaker to HK versions (again easy retrofit) and this has really improved mid-range. I am no longer miserable as it has transformed overall sound. IMHO, unless you want really high volume, the HU will happily handle just this small upgrade. Except for BMW HK trim (80% of cost - BMW dealer) I got the HK speakers off eBay, so for total cost of approx GBP375. Full HK retrofit unnecessary, small upgrade - essential
Where did you buy the HK front door trims with HK tweeters? My local dealer said they don't carry anything like this.
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      03-06-2019, 01:21 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jmhockey1920 View Post
Where did you buy the HK front door trims with HK tweeters? My local dealer said they don't carry anything like this.
Part numbers for trims and speakers are separate but you can get both tpgether from [I have given you a listing as they give the 4 part numbers and you can order direct from BMW]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Genuine...3f11%7Ciid%3A1

All BMW dealers can order the parts, they probably just did not want to. I picked up the tweeters and trims separately but the latvian supplier has trims and genuine tweeters together. The supplier is reliable. If you only fit HK tweeters then you will need a y splitter cable , if you also get HK door speakers for front then they have the two sockets.

The trims rarely come available used, although some currently on eBay, main door speakers and the HK tweeters regularly come up for sale (search part number).

Last edited by MJE60; 03-06-2019 at 01:34 PM..
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      03-06-2019, 02:15 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MJE60 View Post
Part numbers for trims and speakers are separate but you can get both tpgether from [I have given you a listing as they give the 4 part numbers and you can order direct from BMW]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Genuine...3f11%7Ciid%3A1

All BMW dealers can order the parts, they probably just did not want to. I picked up the tweeters and trims separately but the latvian supplier has trims and genuine tweeters together. The supplier is reliable. If you only fit HK tweeters then you will need a y splitter cable , if you also get HK door speakers for front then they have the two sockets.

The trims rarely come available used, although some currently on eBay, main door speakers and the HK tweeters regularly come up for sale (search part number).
Perfect! How do you like the HK door speakers? Did you buy those off eBay as well?
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      03-06-2019, 02:49 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jmhockey1920 View Post
Perfect! How do you like the HK door speakers? Did you buy those off eBay as well?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-G30-G11...YAAOSwVA5aAhVM

These have the mounts which is useful (I had to modify the existing mounts which is not ideal) , should be a straight swap.
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      03-06-2019, 02:53 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jmhockey1920 View Post
Where did you buy the HK front door trims with HK tweeters? My local dealer said they don't carry anything like this.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hochtonor-S...OSwxPNcGRyXP.s

If you buy new trims and get want to the tweeters pre-owned, this is what you need to look for (they can be much cheaper)
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      03-06-2019, 02:55 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MJE60 View Post
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hochtonor-S...OSwxPNcGRyXP.s

If you buy new trims and get want to the tweeters pre-owned, this is what you need to look for (they can be much cheaper)
Or these

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-GENUINE...AAAOSw229bUcBM
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      03-06-2019, 03:24 PM   #17
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You are like a baby Jesus! Thanks again!
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      03-07-2019, 01:48 AM   #18
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MJE60,
Thanks for the links. I just bought the Tweeters and Covers, as well as, the front speakers for a smooth installation, hopefully
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      03-07-2019, 02:00 AM   #19
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You are like a baby Jesus! Thanks again!
When you get the trim parts, PM me and I will advise how to install/fit. They are tricky with about 10 clips.
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      03-07-2019, 02:01 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 808X1 View Post
MJE60,
Thanks for the links. I just bought the Tweeters and Covers, as well as, the front speakers for a smooth installation, hopefully
When you get the trim parts, PM me and I will advise how to install/fit. They are tricky with about 10 clips.
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      03-07-2019, 02:33 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MJE60 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by 808X1 View Post
MJE60,
Thanks for the links. I just bought the Tweeters and Covers, as well as, the front speakers for a smooth installation, hopefully
When you get the trim parts, PM me and I will advise how to install/fit. They are tricky with about 10 clips.
Will do . Thanks.
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      03-07-2019, 06:54 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 808X1 View Post
MJE60,
Thanks for the links. I just bought the Tweeters and Covers, as well as, the front speakers for a smooth installation, hopefully
You dick! haha...I was about to buy those door speakers this morning . You beat me to it, well played!
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