M Enhanced Audio worth $$???

[chasem3]

I am thinking about adding this option but not sure it is worth it?

What does everyone think??

[darkalley]

I was on the fence but I had a 3 series loaner car for about 4 weeks (don't ask...) and I found the base stereo with my ipod and sirius to sound similar to my HK in my M3. just my two cents....

[KASM3]

Much better than the logic 7 system. Worth $$ depends on your point of view. The cost of a more powerful, high quality installed aftermarket system in a BMW will be more! If you want the glowing amps and fiberglass set up dont get it. I personally prefer the clean no hassles system. The bass is great. It wont smash your windows but the sound is great! NO DISTORTION at all. You wont be disappointed. High quality. I hope this helps.

[chasem3]

Thanks. I am wondering how good the stock system is?

[FifthStreetz]

This is more a question that is left to each person's discretion after hearing both regular and advanced. It is hard to make a decision by getting opinions if you never have heard either in real life. After hearing both regular/premium it will be easier to make the choice and to see if the 1,900 is justifiable with your standards.

[mduval1988]

I too wonder if I made a mistake by not ordering the upgraded sound system... I mean I will never be the guy who you hear the bass before you see the car type of guy but I do like clear crisp sound.
If anyone has an opportunity to report back on the reg sound system it would be a most welcome read.

[Technic]

I am thinking about adding this option but not sure it is worth it?

What does everyone think??

Get you best CD/mp3, go to your dealer and ask to listen to the Premium Sound system. Only you can decide if it is worth $1900.

For me it isn't.

[Gubbins]

I recently had the chance to hear the enhanced sound option for the E92 M3. Compared to the premium sound in my 2007 335i coupe, it is a WORLD apart. Now everybody has a different value system but I would predict that if you are someone who really appreciates an excellent sound system, this one will be a no brainer to you. I strongly recommend you go to your local dealer and listen to one.

[rai]

I typically would add a better speaker and amps. But with these systems being factory made, I think it's a good way to go getting the $1900 premium sound b/c I would say an aftermarket would be as much or more and then oyu have to go to all the trouble of getting it put in. This way it's all done for you.

I heard it today, can't say as an expert but to my untrained ears it sounded great.

[rvacha]

I think the system is worth the money, but I'm an audiophile and appreciate great sound. I have not heard the base system

[M3aHOLIC84]

I think it all matters once again like everyone says what best fits you...me personally i would care more for the exterior look of my car than how well my music sounds(knowing the reg system is not gonna be bad obviously). i would rather save me money by not getting the premium sound and 19''s because ima use that money for aftermarket wheels....so with that said you really cant look at others opinions unless money really is no option for you

[dawgdog]

Is the base system the Logic 7 of the 335? If so that is a pretty good system, light years ahead of the HK of the e46 m3 which I ripped out and replaced with aftermarket.

[///Mantis]

Is the base system the Logic 7 of the 335? If so that is a pretty good system, light years ahead of the HK of the e46 m3 which I ripped out and replaced with aftermarket.

no, the base system is NOT logic7. it's the crappy one. that's why you have no choice but get M audio!

[yahtzee]

I have L7 in my 08 535 (for sale, BTW) and the M3 enhanced Audio isn't close to it.

[GregW / Oregon]

I have L7 in my 08 535 (for sale, BTW) and the M3 enhanced Audio isn't close to it.
Are you saying it isn't as good, or that it is much better?

I got it, BTW, and think it's worth the money.

[yahtzee]

Are you saying it isn't as good, or that it is much better?

I got it, BTW, and think it's worth the money.

It isnt as good in my opinion...sounds like the stock version on the 5 series...I will, however, be ordering it when I get my M3. Not much choice.

[///Mantis]

u sure you set it up right?

i assume the M enhanced sound is the same from M6/M5? if that's the case they do kick major ass on L7. Can OC Kid confirm? he has M sound and had L7 on his 335

[chompino]

For reference, my 330i has L7 and my M3 has M audio. I don't necessarily consider myself to be an audiophile, but I can definitely hear the difference in the two systems. The M audio sounds much more crisp and clear, especially at higher volumes. I have no regrets in getting the enhanced sound. ;)

[jtown]

16 speakers is more than I can count on my hands ... so ya it's prob enough.

[Jack28]

I heard the Premium Sound in a AW/FR Extended at my local Dealership and
the SP is my Friend so we Really Turned it up and Bumped that thing and That
thing Really Bumps and even when its high its cristal Clear! It is a Must system
to have especially when your a music junky and like to hear your music really
loud just like me.
I am definalty going for it but I think its a little too much and wish it was less!
I also heard the Regular System in a Black M3 and its just like HK!
Not like Premium But its still VERY GOOD!
So if you dont wanna pay $1900, The Regular System is still VERY GOOD!

[jm1234]

I spent 30 min today in a 328 with the standard audio. I was hoping that it would be good enough to save me $1,900. I just couldn't see myself not regretting the decision every time I got in the car. The standard system lacks mid-base volume and seems to roll off in the high frequencies. The base itself is fine (if not very crisp or deep but definitely packing some punch) but the lack of linearity across the hearing range is annoying if you know what the music is supposed to sound like. I did not notice any distortion, which is a good thing. In my amateur opinion I'd say the problem is with the crossovers or speakers because I don't believe you can buy an amplifier with that non-linear a response. The amp had enough punch from my perspective but I'm 40 and don't listen to music that loud anymore. With that said, the weaknesses were much less noticeable with heavy metal music so if that is your cup of tea then perhaps you can happily enjoy this system. I found the standard system to be not as good as the upgraded audio in my 97 E36 M3. I was really disappointed, but glad I took the time to listen for myself as the standard audio would have been a disappointment. You might be able to "fix" this system with after market speakers if you really can't afford the premium system but with trial and error you could quickly find yourself at the $1000 point anyway...

Note: The standard system has two front speakers in each door (I believe a tweeter up high opposite the mirror and a mid-range lower). I believe there were sub woofers under each front seat. There were not speakers in the rear doors (this was a sedan). I assume there were four more speakers in the rear deck to get the total of 10.

I listened to the "premium" system for another 15-20 minutes and it seems to sound acceptable for a car of this quality. The mid bass region (100-500 Hz is what I'm talking about) seemed much stronger and crisp and the high frequencies were also louder. The bass response seemed improved but I was happy with the standard system's bass response. The amp puts out way more volume than I'll use but I would enjoy hearing good music (not my heavy metal crap) on that system.

IMO, neither system is really a high end system but the premium system sounds as good as anything I've heard in a car (not that I run in circles where I hear nice car stereos often). I could live with the standard system but I think I would notice it every day. As I sat in the car and contemplated ownership it seemed silly to spend nearly $70K on the car and then be irritated by a sound system that doesn't sound as good as my 11 year old car just to save $1900. Kudos to anyone to whom the standard system sounds acceptable. I wish I had your ears, I'd be able to save $1,900! :bow:

[mdrobc13]

jm1234
Great review...really helped. I had HK in my e46 M3 and spent probably just short of the $1900 mark upgrading that to a better standard and losing 1/3 of my trunk space on amps and speakers/subs in the process and definately would avoid going thru that again. I think I'll skip some Starbucks or sell my set of exta 18" Carrera wheels in my garage to make up the difference and go with the $1900 premium audio..esp since my ipod Touch and I are best friends in my car most of the time when I am driving IF Sat radio is not avail. :)

[M3Rob212]

100% Get it I listened to it today for almost an hour its awesome for a car stereo and if you like music even 50% as much as I do you will love it. I think there must be subs under the seats because i couldnt count as many speakers as they mention in the brochure where the hell are they?

I am now certain I will have to order another car with it or my dealer will have to swap with someone elses for this.

Once again the unknowledgable CA caused this mixup on my order. Even today my CA was off and another guy helped and he said the car has the standard stereo and after 5 min i didnt believe him i had to search for the window sticker and it was enhanced.

I listened to music ranging from Nirvana Live, Seal, U2, Depeche Mode, Alicia Keys, Sinatra and I know how to set the EQ and it really was enjoyable.

This is coming from an audiophile who has a home media sound room well over 75K in equipment. I love music!!!

They should make this a standard option as they do Logic 7 on the 335

[Blip Bavarian]

absolutely get it. it sound amazing. It is worth the money. you wont be disapointed.

I was happy with the logic 7 in my 335, but the upgraded sound in my M3 is out of this world.

:dance:

[Blip Bavarian]

I have L7 in my 08 535 (for sale, BTW) and the M3 enhanced Audio isn't close to it.

...WTF. either this dude is deaf, or all he listens to is polka.

[yahtzee]

...WTF. either this dude is deaf, or all he listens to is polka.

WTF is right. Maybe the "enhanced" sound part of it wasn't setup correctly. I hope it's better because I am about to buy it.

[rvacha]

I have L7 in my 08 535 (for sale, BTW) and the M3 enhanced Audio isn't close to it.

WTF did you listen to? FM?

[yahtzee]

WTF did you listen to? FM?

Jesus, people...back off. I have driven a 535 for almost a year and gotten completely used to the L7 with my ipod and then sat in an M3 and listened to HD radio as well as another ipod and IN MY OPINION, I didn't think it sounded better. If it does, that is really good news because I just put my deposit down on mine tonight and I ordered the enhanced sound. I obviously have to do some tweaking....

BTW, I believe I read that it has 16 speakers? Where the hell are they? I only counted 8, if I remember correctly.

Trust me, I hope to come back here next week eating crow and talking about how much better it is than L7.

[///Mantis]

oh, i had a test drive tonight. i put in my iPhone which has a few music files. all i have to say is those who say Logic7 => M audio are on crack. they are definitely deaf, dont have the right music file/CD to play, or dont know nothing about sounds

[jm1234]

BTW, I believe I read that it has 16 speakers? Where the hell are they? I only counted 8, if I remember correctly.


Some of the speakers are coaxial (two speakers in the same place, usually a mid-range and tweater). I think the speakers in the rear doors and rear deck are all coaxial. There are also subs under each of the front seats. There is a diagram here someplace that shows where the enhanced audio speakers are located.

The enhanced audio amp is listed having seven channels. I would guess one channel for the front center speaker and then three channels for each side (mid range and tweeter on each channel is my guess). There is a separate two channel sub amp.

[GregW / Oregon]

BTW, I believe I read that it has 16 speakers? Where the hell are they? I only counted 8, if I remember correctly.

You're not looking hard enough. Here's what I count:

Dash center, 1 coax - 2
Front door mids - 2
Front door tweeters - 2
Rear side mids - 2
Rear side tweeters - 2
Rear shelf, 2 coax - 4
Under front seat bass - 2

Total - 16

[Technic]

BTW, I believe I read that it has 16 speakers? Where the hell are they? I only counted 8, if I remember correctly.



There are 3 extra tweeters over the Logic7 setup (in addition to twice the amp power output and a different DPS programming).

[yahtzee]

There are 3 extra tweeters over the Logic7 setup (in addition to twice the amp power output and a different DPS programming).

Doesn't make it a better system. My buddy with the same car (JB 08 M3 with Enhanced Sound) said that his sound on his 2003 330i is better than this one....We are both far from audiophiles and are also both hoping that there are some settings tucked away in there that we just don't see.

[GregW / Oregon]

Doesn't make it a better system. My buddy with the same car (JB 08 M3 with Enhanced Sound) said that his sound on his 2003 330i is better than this one....We are both far from audiophiles and are also both hoping that there are some settings tucked away in there that we just don't see.
The Enhanced Premium Sound has a "Surround" setting, but so does Logic7. It also has a 7-band graphic equalizer, while L7 does not, I believe. I think it is very good, but have no comparison basis except to the E46 HK system.

Trouble is, Logic7 is not an option on the M3 for the US, so it doesn't come down to much of a choice.