Regret made me do it...

Originally Posted by djsaad1

I give it a month before I forget I even have it, that is until I look at the front grill.

I just noticed how visible the night vision camera is, I thought it was more hidden than this.

http://www.netcarshow.com/bmw/2013-6...llpaper_07.htm

http://www.netcarshow.com/bmw/2013-6...llpaper_29.htm


Also to add to the subject of the B&O, after seeing how high the residual is and how low the money factor currently is on the gran coupe. I decided to pretty much fully load the car this time since I am guessing the interest rates will be higher 3 years from now. If you are leasing, this would be a good time to click on some of those unnecessary options.

Yeah, I'm not a fan of the camera in the front grille, either. Who knows, though... maybe it will be a feature you end up loving.

Originally Posted by southern6er22

I'd really like to see a completely objective comparison between the Premium and the B&O. I'd like to see some blind comparison reviews from true audiophiles as well as a group of Joe Blow listeners. On this forum it's pretty hard for any of us to be completely objective, particularly after spending this kind of money on our toys - i.e. those who got the B&O want to hear a $3700 worth difference, and those of us who skipped it, to some degree, want to think it isn't THAT good and we were right to skip it.

The reason I bring this up is because today I was listening to a variety of genres at a decent volume (not blasting, but relatively loud) and I found it hard to find fault with the Premium system. I freely admit that I'm no audiophile, and I've had a limited time to spend with the B&O. However, I'm just curious about how much better the B&O really is if you hide the pretty, pretty aluminum and LEDs and go strictly on sound quality alone. I also wonder if the compression of songs on your average iPod brings the B&O down closer to Premium level, meaning that you have to decompress all of your music to hear a difference with the B&O whereas your average iPod will sound very similar on the two systems under normal volume levels (i.e. turning the B&O all the way up where the Premium just can't compete).

I stand by my initial post that I seriously regret passing up the B&O system, but I wonder if - money and shiny bits aside - the B&O is really worth it if you plan on listening to compressed iTunes music at socially acceptable volumes lol. I'm thinking that the B&O serves two audiences: 1. The music enthusiast who will truly appreciate the capabilities if the system behind the aluminum grills and 2. those like me who find the capabilities a feature worth investing in but it's really all about the looks and the Bang & Olufsen name plastered across every speaker.

My point behind this long, babbly post is that I don't want to make the Premium sound all that bad when it is probably sufficient for 95% of 6er buyers (which I think works out to 99.99999% of the world lol) if you go solely on hearing and disregard site, touch, and the (all-important) snob factor

+1 love for someone who has experienced both to do a mini comparison

We originally ordered our Coupe with the premium sound system. After reading a bit on this board, as well as listening to both systems, we opted to add the B&O system. There really is an appreciable difference in the quality of the sound. And given that I got the system at dealer invoice, it was a bit less (though not that much) less than $3700.

We'll pick it up in Munich next Wednesday...

Mike

Having tinkered around with both, I do certainly think there's a difference. Whether it's a $3700 difference is a matter of personal preference. Had I skipped it, I'm sure I would have been fine with the premium system. After having it, though, I notice the lack of it when I get in our 5er.

Sound quality aside, I'd almost check the box just for the aesthetics of the speakers, lighting, etc. Gorgeous.

One of the problems is that we do not know what exactly comprises the premium stereo (eg brand). I am under the impression that it is sometime an Alpine system and other times it is Blaupunkt.

The B&O system is as much aesthetics as a new level of the sound experience. I would argue that if BMW put the brand name on their premium speakers like MB does, peoples' opinions would change.

I would rather put the money toward an individual merino interior. Most people will value this selection much more than an unappreciated upgrade to the premium stereo system. Due note that most 2012 5-series did not come with a premium stereo.

Bmw seems to be able to get their price for the B&O because of how much it adds to the look of the interior. I would say it almost adds as much to the interior as the individual merino does. From the replies here, and my opinion, if it wasn't for the looks most people wouldn't have gotten it.

Here is a gran coupe with individual interior without B&O - http://www.cstatic-images.com/supers...3/14088/12.jpg


Here is a gran coupe with individual interior with B&O - http://image.motortrend.com/f/371777...or-details.jpg

Originally Posted by djsaad1

Bmw seems to be able to get their price for the B&O because of how much it adds to the look of the interior. I would say it almost adds as much to the interior as the individual merino does. From the replies here, and my opinion, if it wasn't for the looks most people wouldn't have gotten it.

Here is a gran coupe with individual interior without B&O - http://www.cstatic-images.com/supers...3/14088/12.jpg


Here is a gran coupe with individual interior with B&O - http://image.motortrend.com/f/371777...or-details.jpg

Yep. And in my current car with black interior -- or in my ordered GC with dark brown interior -- the speakers REALLY stand out.

Southey. I read this whole thread. You're a ****. :-)

I guess I'll have to use my imagination to fill in the "****."

Rhymes w Shlomo...

Hey!! That's my brother's name!

lol

Southern,

Just want to let you know that I hold you personally responsible for my reconsidering the B&O system. Was honestly ready to pass on it, but these posts got me thinking again. Showed the brochure to my wife and she said " if your spending that much anyway why not get the better stereo and be happy" My goal now to find a 6er with the B & O and ACTUALLY hear the dam thing before I check that option box.
These forums are costing me money..............

Wow!! You've got a great wife! Just forgetaboutit doing a side-by-side comparison, and just ink the box. Your ears and brain will not discern the difference that quickly. The B&O is as much aesthetics as quality of sound. Check it out at night when the speakers glow.

Are you leasing or buying?

Originally Posted by Ace535i

Wow!! You've got a great wife! Just forgetaboutit doing a side-by-side comparison, and just ink the box. Your ears and brain will not discern the difference that quickly. The B&O is as much aesthetics as quality of sound. Check it out at night when the speakers glow.

Are you leasing or buying?

I am buying, this will be a keeper for 8-10 years. Pleasure/weekend car. I still would REALLY like to hear and see this thing. Frustrating that there is not, and has not been one at any dealer in my area.

I would think in FL you should find several in order to experience and drive.

Do note if you go for it, the B&O will not be a valued feature upon resale as evidenced by your difficulty in finding one. Most people don't care about premium sound regardless of model. The choice is very personal with marginal ROI. That said, if I could get it, I would get it for the aesthetics, especially if you select an aluminum interior trim. A very beautiful integration of materials.

Originally Posted by Ace535i

I would think in FL you should find several in order to experience and drive.

Do note if you go for it, the B&O will not be a valued feature upon resale as evidenced by your difficulty in finding one. Most people don't care about premium sound regardless of model. The choice is very personal with marginal ROI. That said, if I could get it, I would get it for the aesthetics, especially if you select an aluminum interior trim. A very beautiful integration of materials.

Nope, I am in the Gainesville area, with 3 dealers within 100 miles, none has had a B & O equipped 6er. Hell, have not even seen one in Imola, my color of choice. On the ROI, I think it's not too bad a investment. Someone who wants this level of used car will probably appreciate it's added value. I like the fine line oak trim, and think it will be a good combo with Ivory white interior.(and of course the B&O)

I'm sorry for feeding the fire behind your internal debate, but I don't think you'll regret it if you get it. I wish I could turn back the calendar 342 days to when I signed off on the final order form - and yes, I know it is pathetic that I know that figure - and tick that box. I chose to skip it because I thought it was the "grown up" thing to do. Maybe it was, but it wasn't the right choice given the amount of money I was already throwing into this car.

Again, I really don't want to sound like I'm p!ssing on the 16 speaker Premium system in this car - it is really good.

I find it interesting that you can't find a B&O equipped car anywhere. The cars at my dealer tend to be fitted with a conservative options list (i.e. most 6ers sans full Nappa and full LEDs), yet many of the still have the B&O. We just got our first M5, and it has the B&O but not too loaded as it is only about $105k.

Was just making a joke here, because you made me focus on the B&O again. I'm sure I would not regret it. And it's true that given the base amount we are already paying for a 6, $3400 more is not earth shattering.
I guess dealers order them based on their area, sales history, ect. Every one I have seen has LED's and Nappa ( can't get a 650 without it) only a 640 I believe. Only one M5 in the area, no B & O. For some reason
around here they don't want to order it for stocked cars.

The words Car and Investment do not go together. It's about other things.

@

Originally Posted by 640GC

The words Car and Investment do not go together. It's about other things.

These cars could be classics worth a bundle one day... not that any of us will be holding on to them long enough to see that day and see a return on our money pits... I mean investments

Originally Posted by southern6er22

I think it comes down to personal preferences.

If you think about it logically, then you'll probably end up in the situation I'm in - my brain tells me I made the right choice because it's a lot of money when the premium is perfectly satisfactory, but my heart is nevertheless full of regret and disappointment. In the grand scheme of this car, it's not THAT much money and it is a very cool addition to the interior.

If I chose the car that was the all around beat choice, I'd probably end up with a Lexus. It may not look all that exciting or drive like a BMW, but it would be a good compromise of performance, luxury, and reliability. I know I'd be kicking myself if I bought a boring Lexus, and that's how I feel about the premium - it is a good compromise. Compromise isn't a word I'm all too fond of, particularly when discussing my $100k car. There is a place for compromise, but, in my mind, the sound system of my 6er is not it.

Sorry dude, those days of calling Lexus boring are gone. Every test comparison or publication I've seen says the new GS350 performs better than even BMW. If it was one or 2 testers it would be skeptical.....but its every one I've seen. Add in the aggressive looking front facia and boring is the last descriptor I could use.

With that being said....and don't tell any of my Lexus enthusiast friends I said this....I'd love to have a 650. Not instead of but in addition to my Lexus.











i

Originally Posted by habacomike

We originally ordered our Coupe with the premium sound system. After reading a bit on this board, as well as listening to both systems, we opted to add the B&O system. There really is an appreciable difference in the quality of the sound. And given that I got the system at dealer invoice, it was a bit less (though not that much) less than $3700.

We'll pick it up in Munich next Wednesday...

Mike

Mike, looking forward to your adventures in Munich and pictures... promises to be a stunner!

Tschuss, Alles Gute und "Noch ein Bier Bitte!!"