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      05-31-2008, 08:05 AM   #1
whym3
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Guys , what is the verdict on Premium Audio?

Is it worth the premium over Stock or does stcok sound pretty good?

There is till time to chnage options on my June build, please advise
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      05-31-2008, 08:53 AM   #2
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you in the USA ... so get the premium audio ... stock is sh1t ... if you had the logic7 id say logic 7 from the three ... but alas u not gots this option
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      05-31-2008, 08:58 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by adamr View Post
you in the USA ... so get the premium audio ... stock is sh1t ... if you had the logic7 id say logic 7 from the three ... but alas u not gots this option
what three?
i believe there are only 2 available in m3
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      05-31-2008, 09:05 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by slammedm3 View Post
what three?
i believe there are only 2 available in m3
stock, logic 7 and premium audio ... you guys DONT HAVE logic 7 as an option in the states
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      05-31-2008, 10:22 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by slammedm3 View Post
what three?
i believe there are only 2 available in m3
There are three options available everywhere else in the world (except North America I believe). We only get the stock (crap) stereo, and the option for the Enhanced Premium Sound (for $1900). The stock stereo is actually WORSE than the standard stereo offered in the 335. Once again, BMW gives North Americans fewer choices on an M-car. We're guessing it's to control costs since we get these cars for less money than the rest of the World. Anyway, since we don't get Logic 7, lots of people on the board have recommended stepping up to the EPS system, and those who have say they absolutely love it.

Can't wait to sample mine when my car arrives in SIX BLOODY WEEKS!
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      05-31-2008, 10:48 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by whym3 View Post
Is it worth the premium over Stock or does stcok sound pretty good?

There is till time to chnage options on my June build, please advise
I didn't like stock and I didn't want to spend $1900 on a stereo. I did wind up spending the $1900. YMMV, if 1900 sounds like a lot of money to you then you should listen to both yourself. If 1900 isn't a lot of money then just get the premium.
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      05-31-2008, 10:56 AM   #7
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i have the stock stereo and think it sounds pretty good. my usb inputs and CD's sound pretty crisp. I have long been a semi-audiophile (MB quart systems, multiple amp setups...) and planned on upgrading the system which is why I did not opt for the premium system. However, I have been pleasantly suprised with the stock system. I think I am in the minority, but just my opinion.
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      05-31-2008, 11:09 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by whym3 View Post
Is it worth the premium over Stock or does stcok sound pretty good?

There is till time to chnage options on my June build, please advise
As others have said, we don't get the reasonably-priced Logic7 upgrade choice here. I went for EPS and it's quite good, but really comes into its own at higher volumes. If you use the stereo as background music, go base. If you really like to listen to music, I'd say go with the upgrade. Improving the base system with aftermarket parts can be done, but you won't save much, if any, and don't get the 4-year warranty.
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      05-31-2008, 11:59 AM   #9
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The verdict is

There are countless threads on this topic.
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      05-31-2008, 01:00 PM   #10
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i'm a music freak, but am avoiding the premium sound. i totally agree with leewoods18, the stock sounds pretty good. it's very underrated and hardly sounds like "crap".

the main reason for me to go with the stock though is that i plan on going with a custom aftermarket solution towards the end of summer. in the meantime, i am going to be more interested in hearing/listening to the engine sounds.
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      05-31-2008, 05:51 PM   #11
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so is premium sound offered to us in North America better then logic7 for the rest of the world?
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      05-31-2008, 06:52 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by slammedm3 View Post
so is premium sound offered to us in North America better then logic7 for the rest of the world?
It is the top offering for all the world. It's somtimes called "Individual Audio" in other countries.
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      05-31-2008, 08:28 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moog55 View Post
i'm a music freak, but am avoiding the premium sound. i totally agree with leewoods18, the stock sounds pretty good. it's very underrated and hardly sounds like "crap".

the main reason for me to go with the stock though is that i plan on going with a custom aftermarket solution towards the end of summer. in the meantime, i am going to be more interested in hearing/listening to the engine sounds.
Nice to know that somebody (even if minority) like the stock sytem. I too ordered the stock sounds. I got the upgraded sounds in my E92 335i but I seldom listen to it so I might as well save the $1900 and put it in some options.
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      05-31-2008, 09:03 PM   #14
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Premium, it's great.
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      06-02-2008, 01:22 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by valeram View Post
Nice to know that somebody (even if minority) like the stock sytem. I too ordered the stock sounds. I got the upgraded sounds in my E92 335i but I seldom listen to it so I might as well save the $1900 and put it in some options.
Agreed. The stock sound system is more than enough for the casual music listener. The $1900 you'd save could be spent on a new exhaust system, for example.


However, if you are a serious music audiophile, the premium sound falls short in many areas. (Just search in some of the other forums/blogs for a complete rundown on the shortcomings) You're better off taking the stock system and installing all new components rather than trying to "bandaid" the EPS system to suit your needs.
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      06-02-2008, 08:43 AM   #16
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There do not seem to be a lot of people listening to the stock system. Seems there are three types of people:

1) Premium system
2) Stock system because they are going to upgrade (but it doesn't sound that bad).
3) Stock system, but they really don't listen to music much (but it doesn't sound that bad).

I wonder if anyone would categorize themselves as listening to music "often" and happy (long term, not just as a holdover) with the stock system?
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      06-03-2008, 10:59 AM   #17
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I love the premium system myself. It just sounds better and better the more you turn it up... though I spend more time listening to the engine than I do the sound system.
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      06-03-2008, 11:27 AM   #18
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Premium has been a disappointment for me - the only beef I have with the car really.

I suppose I was expecting brilliance - I didn't think it was better than any other stock system on any other luxury import.
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      06-03-2008, 12:49 PM   #19
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Okay... I've been upgrading all my car audio for a long time so I know the pros/cons of the aftermarket stereos.

If you're concerned with sound: Premium Audio is not your solve all. IMO, the premium audio package really should be the base system for a BMW. I dont' know what the actual base is like. You can spend less and get much fuller sound, much better customizability, and more punch.

If you're concerned with looks and integration, you can't beat it. Having everything look stock in an expensive car is important to me. If not stock, at least not out of place. If you have to change the head unit, the look goes out the window along with any integration with idrive and the steering wheel. I'm sure there are high end decks out there that could integrate, but chances are you'll be spending $$$$ for the same thing. You will most likely have integration issue with wires, fitting speakers in stock mounts, rattling, static in the signal, etc.

Bottom line, it will never be great. So decide if you want BMW to give you an okay system but have it integrated, or for you to take your chances on your own to do it aftermarket.

Here's a question for you. How do you scroll through your presets, and get to the HD channels w/o switching from preset to manual. Yes I know I asked this already, but got no answer. I've found voice commands and the idrive, but they all require switching modes.
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      06-11-2008, 10:20 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jm1234 View Post
There do not seem to be a lot of people listening to the stock system. Seems there are three types of people:

1) Premium system
2) Stock system because they are going to upgrade (but it doesn't sound that bad).
3) Stock system, but they really don't listen to music much (but it doesn't sound that bad).

I wonder if anyone would categorize themselves as listening to music "often" and happy (long term, not just as a holdover) with the stock system?
I listen to music all the time but i listen to mostly rock and rarely turn it up all that loud. I enjoy the stock unit but have never listened to an EPS system. I prefer listening to the engine scream though
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