Harmon Kardon Radio?

[Bill97Z]

Was this an option in 06? I have not seen one of them that has it. Wonder why it wasn't popular.

[AzNMpower32]

The Premium Sound upgrade doesn't actually come from H/K in the X3. It's essentially an upgraded amplifier, 2 extra speakers, and the DSP capability which cost about $875. Dealers are usually afraid of optioning up inventory vehicles because the higher price scares away customers, so things like xenons, premium sound, and sport package are usually the first items to be omitted.

[Tolland Mark]

I had the HK upgrade on my '02 325XiT. Not sure it was worth the money but it definitely sounded better for the type of music I listen to.

[rs6655]

The Premium Sound upgrade doesn't actually come from H/K in the X3. It's essentially an upgraded amplifier, 2 extra speakers, and the DSP capability which cost about $875.

I got the premium audio in my 2009 and from what I can tell in realoem.....

It consists of the DSP head unit, upgraded amp, both underseat bass speakers are upgraded, all four mids are upgraded and the rear doors get tweeters.

This is how it's described in the brochure:

The premium anti-theft AM/FM stereo/CD/MP3 sound system offers outstanding sound through eight upgraded speakers and an upgraded amplifier, as well as vehicle-speed-sensitive equalization. Digital Sound Processor (DSP) can make the interior sound like a jazz club, concert hall or cathedral.

[AzNMpower32]

Apparently back in 2004, even the standard Hi-Fi sound system for the US came with an amp. Surprise surprise. It's not totally relevant though, since my X3 has upgraded speakers in the front because one of them mysteriously blew out a couple years ago. The result is clean, crisp sound that an OEM car just can't have.

Evl will tell you that the speakers on a lot of cars, including BMWs, are fairly cheap in quality to cut down on costs.

[rs6655]

Evl will tell you that the speakers on a lot of cars, including BMWs, are fairly cheap in quality to cut down on costs.

Thanks but I know what kind of speakers your average car comes with. Over the years I've replaced more buzzing, rotted out, brown cardboard, speakers than I can count. Something I don't want to do any more. Which is a big reason I opted for the premium audio when orderd my 2009.

Do you have any info on the quality of BMW's "upgraded" speakers? I would love to see what they look like.

Whatever their quality they are definitely better than the stock stereo in the '07 I test drove. I'm hearing all my music anew as it's never sounded better and I'm hearing things that I've never heard before. I've also learned I had been singing to the wrong words on a few.:D

Here is some info on one of their upgraded systems.

[Gadget]

I have an 06 330cic with the Harmon Kardon system. I have read that there are eleven speakers, but I can only find 9. 2 in each door, and two on each side panel in the back plus a sub between the seats on the passthrough. I don't have a subwoofer button on the dash, which makes me wonder if there were indeed 11 speakers in the pkg. Any ideas???