[M3maniac20]

Hey guys. I have a buyer for my M3 and am going to do an in and out through BMW to save taxes on a 3 series. Don't have time to order (which is what I always prefer to do) so I sent my CA a few builds, a new 335i sedan, 335i coupe, and 335is coupe. Or course the coupes are the "older" generation since the new ones haven't come out. My dealer has a 335is that has everything except the HK sound system...which kind of bums me out because I really like to have a nice sound system, especially coming down from the M3. I have also found a 335is in Denver that has it, but 2012 instead of 13, not a big deal.

So my questions...Has anyone ever gotten BMW to install the HK sound system? Is it a ridiculous question?
I need to go test drive the car tomorrow and see for myself what it sounds like. Is it decent? Is there a big difference between the base and the HK?

Another few questions...
My back up is a 335i coupe, has everything including HK sound system with a manual and a power kit that gives it as much power as the IS. Just need to put 19"s on it instead of the 18"s.

So between the IS and regular 335, what would you get?

[N55]

My History

08 335xi Sedan, No HK. It was decent sound... But car was a lemon.

Then got a 11 335xi with HK and It was worth the extra money.

I finally ended up with my 12 335is with HK.

The HK Sound System is worth it, but I wouldn't put it as the deciding factor.

The 335is always puts a smile on my face, compared the the two 335i that I had. I'm not sure it It will do the same for you since you are coming from a M3.

Sorry for grammar/spelling, on the pooper with iphone.

[M3maniac20]

Good to know. Might just get the one from CO

And coming from the M3.....yes and no....a lot more usable torque...it will be on a lease, so I'm not going to fret about it as much as I do/did the M. And personally, I never test drove a 335 before getting the M, and sometimes think i should have just gotten the 335 in the first place. But the M is still an amazing car.

[Mardio]

I can only base my experience on the difference from a 2006 325 base system to my current hk system. Night and day. I am no expert but the hk sounds amazing and probably the best I have heard. I listen to my music loud and it does not dissapoint. Worth getting... I am no audiophile though.

[koss2010]

Dont let the HK be too much of a deciding factory, If I was building a car I would obviously pay the 895 to get HK BUT you can always upgrade the system yourself, its really not that difficult.

[PKizzle]

Test drive both...the difference will be obvious. I switched from a 6MT N54 335 to a 6MT 335is and the very first time I drove my 335is I felt that the difference was stunning. The overboost in the 335is is just ridiculous and it will put a grin on your face every time. And that exhaust...you should hear this thing in the morning with the pops and crackles...it is just perfect! I've had it for close to 2 years and it still feels pretty special.

To get the standard 335 close to the 335is experience, you will have to get not only the Powerpack, but the Performance exhaust as well...so that's going to start adding up. Even then the powerpack will not have the overboost and that is a big difference - 337 lb-ft v 370 lb-ft. Other than these two items and the obvious DCT if you decide to go down that route, the 335is has a bunch of other changes as well...stiffer engine mounts, lighter flywheel, a more rigid clutch to handle the overboost, additional radiators for better cooling etc.,

Obviously, it will not handle anything like your M3 (heck, even my E36 M3 with basic suspension mods feels like it handles better than the 335is), but for a daily driver I would take the 335is over an E90/92 M3. In fact, made this very decision when getting the 335is, and have had no regrets. But then...my E36 is my track car...so the 335is being a bit on the soft side is not a concern.

[parky1215]

Definitely find one with hk system. I don't believe they can upgrade sound system.
IS is more powerful than regular 335i with power kit because of overboost function.
Exhaust on IS also sounds better than regular 335i.
With unique body kit and better components here and there (additional oil cooler, unique gauge, wheels, dct, and etc), I find IS more attractive than regular 335i.
They only produced 4k or so 335is, so there is also "uniqueness" to have it vs. regular 335i or even m3.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

The PPK & the IS package don't have the same power levels on a dyno even though BMW horsepower advertising does. IS is much stronger. Have both so no ax to grind.

[DML]

Had a 335 just picked my "Is" last week..."335Is all the way. I passed on the HK and got the standard which is unlike other standard Bimmer systems as it's really good and pretty close to my previous Logic 7,Truth.

[BQTuning]

@ OP

Depends on who you are:

1) Performance Sound Junky,
2) or music junky


Perhaps this thread should help you decide http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ening+to+music


...and yes I do have the HK sound

[ashmostro]

Do you intend to mod it for more powah? N54 vs. N55 engine comes into play then (the is uses the N54...)

[romanonj]

Don't let the sound system be the deciding factor. HK is great, I had it on my previous car. Base stereo is still pretty good, and very tunable! an easy upgrade in speakers BSW along with SWS underseats, having it all pushed through XD600 jlaudio amp will sound better, clearer and louder. If you want true logic 7, you can add JBL MS-8 and wire center speaker. There is no comparison with aftermarket quality hardware.

All of OEM sound packages are optimized to meet price requirements, and not the sound quality.

[N 5 4]

HK is notch for an OEM system and don't plan on modifying with the electronics. This is the only reason why I only would pay for the HK option for good sound without having the need to mod.

[N55]

Originally Posted by PKizzle

To get the standard 335 close to the 335is experience, you will have to get not only the Powerpack, but the Performance exhaust as well...so that's going to start adding up.

The 335is does not have the BMW Performance Exhaust. I just had the PE installed on my 335is a week ago. The PE has a deeper and louder grunt (I had the golf tee mod on my IS since day 1)

There are many differences between the PE and 335IS Exhaust. For example, look at the price difference. About a $800 price difference in MSRP....

[BEAR-AvHistory]

PE has less packing than the IS & no left side flap valve. IS has less packing than an I exhaust but has the same left side flap valve. Tee Mod, unplug or JB4 will hold valve open all the time.

Its just a case of pick how much noise suits you, no real measurable power increase among them. I am good with the IS & valve open.

[romanonj]

Originally Posted by BA335iS

HK is notch for an OEM system and don't plan on modifying with the electronics. This is the only reason why I only would pay for the HK option for good sound without having the need to mod.

Hk logic 7 is pretty good, but I wouldn't call it top notch. It lacks bass, so upgrading underseat woofers and pushing it with separate amp takes to another level. I also upgaraded to bsw set, it sounds better but not worth $750.. Adding more power required dynomatting underseat space to reduce rattling.

To the original poster, if you are an audio buff like myself than get base audio. HK set up limits your upgrade options.. If you are an average listener, than logic 7 will suffice..

Regardless I often find myself listening to is exhaust/intake sound..

[SilverII]

get it all so there is no regret

[qba335i]

Stock car ( OEM options):
335i + M sport + PPK + PE exhaust > 335is

Modded car (currently available options):
335is (N54) > 335i (N55)

[Marcadelic]

get the is and upgrade the sound system!

[DML]

Originally Posted by Marcadelic

get the is and upgrade the sound system!

Nice rims

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Originally Posted by qba335i

Stock car ( OEM options):
335i + M sport + PPK + PE exhaust > 335is

Modded car (currently available options):
335is (N54) > 335i (N55)

The PPK does not put out as much power as the N54IS its not the same tune.

[NoTempoLimitN54]

Originally Posted by BEAR-AvHistory

The PPK & the IS package don't have the same power levels on a dyno even though BMW horsepower advertising does. IS is much stronger. Have both so no ax to grind.

Are we talking N54+PPK or N55+PPK vs N54T (iS)?

Any dyno results you can link to?