Is my audio busted?

I'm the relatively new owner of a 2010 335d.
My car did not come with the upgraded logic7 system, and as it was hard enough to find a d with the options I wanted and in a color I liked, I didn't bother trying to find one with the better audio.

Comparing the stock system to both my 2010 Jetta TDI, and several 2010 Hyundai Sonatas (my rental car of choice), the BMW sounds far worse.

I have yet to go in for service, and when I do I will ask them, but since this is the audio forum I ask you guys - is the stock system really this bad? Not a lot of volume, not a lot of bass or treble. The biggest thing lacking seems to be separation - in the other two cars I can hear clear differences in left and right channels, but the BMW just seems kind of flat.

I've adjusted treble and bass, but that's about all I can see to adjust.

It's a leased car so I don't want to invest a ton in upgrades, but if there are simple upgrades (like you can add a stock DSP amp for example) I'd like to hear suggestions.

Thoughts?

The stock Hi-Fi system is rubbish. That's just the way it is.

Luckily, it is the easiest system to upgrade.

I did speakers/amp, and the difference is staggering.

Link: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...339&highlight=

Thanks for your reply. So, a $57k car has a rubbish audio system? Do most BMW owners never turn on their stereo? Sheesh.
I will check your post.

Hi Danix,

Essentially, yes! BMW historically haven't ploughed as much R&D into their audio setups, instead preferring to spend more on the car's driving, handling, chassis etc. Now that's a very broad statement, and some of the BMW higher range audio systems in their cars from 2004/5 onwards do sound much much better than their more basic variants. As above, look for some audio upgrades, although 'dmatre' and that post linked do sound like a 'self written advert from musicarnorthwest' .... that's the kind of lines you may wish to consider. I know there's quite a few specialist Audio shops in the Los Angeles area - so try Micheal Thompson of Method Sound - http://www.methodsound.com/

Cheers, Dennis!

Originally Posted by DennisCooper!

Hi Danix,

Essentially, yes! BMW historically haven't ploughed as much R&D into their audio setups, instead preferring to spend more on the car's driving, handling, chassis etc. Now that's a very broad statement, and some of the BMW higher range audio systems in their cars from 2004/5 onwards do sound much much better than their more basic variants. As above, look for some audio upgrades, although 'dmatre' and that post linked do sound like a 'self written advert from musicarnorthwest' .... that's the kind of lines you may wish to consider. I know there's quite a few specialist Audio shops in the Los Angeles area - so try Micheal Thompson of Method Sound - http://www.methodsound.com/

Cheers, Dennis!

Sorry if it sounded like an advert. I reviewed what I installed. I can't comment on other systems, 'cause I haven't heard them. Yes, I am pleased with the results.

When I was searching the forums for info on which system to buy, I appreciated the fact that others had reviewed what they had installed. It made the process a good bit easier, and I didn't have to re-invent the wheel (or suffer any mistakes).

Cheers, Doug

As others have confirmed, the 2010 base audio system is horrendous. When I had my 2010 335d I installed the BSW speaker upgrade which includes the front and rear tweaters and the mounting pods for the front door frame. It made a very noticable improvement in sound quality and was well worth the cost.

Graham

Originally Posted by dmatre

The stock Hi-Fi system is rubbish. That's just the way it is.

Luckily, it is the easiest system to upgrade.

I did speakers/amp, and the difference is staggering.

Link: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...339&highlight=

The base stereo system in 2010 is NOT the same as HiFi

Originally Posted by DennisCooper!

Hi Danix,

Essentially, yes! BMW historically haven't ploughed as much R&D into their audio setups, instead preferring to spend more on the car's driving, handling, chassis etc. Now that's a very broad statement, and some of the BMW higher range audio systems in their cars from 2004/5 onwards do sound much much better than their more basic variants. As above, look for some audio upgrades, although 'dmatre' and that post linked do sound like a 'self written advert from musicarnorthwest' .... that's the kind of lines you may wish to consider. I know there's quite a few specialist Audio shops in the Los Angeles area - so try Micheal Thompson of Method Sound - http://www.methodsound.com/

Cheers, Dennis!

They also have lousy cupholders. But the ashtrays are great...also the cigarette lighter. Take a look at them in the dark (with your lights on). They are awesome.