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BMW 5-Series (G30) Forum iDrive, Audio, Bluetooth, Phone, Cameras, Electronics + Coding Drop In Sound Quality of G vs. F 5 Series

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      10-18-2017, 01:45 AM   #1
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Hi there,

Prior to upgrading to g30 540i i did own a 2014 528i.

Although 528i had stock sound system, I was very impressed with audio quality and bass. Therefore, when I was purchasing the 540i, I thought stock sound should be perfectly fine.

However, new 2017 540i stock sound seems to be a complete downgrade compared to its prior generations. Specifically I feel it no longer has a sub and I am missing that overall crisp surround sound.

As I still own both prior and new generation cars, its really easy for me to compare the same song on both cars.

I was wondering whether anyone else also experienced a downgrade to stock audio of g30 models, or it could possibly be a defect with my car and I should take it to dealer?

In case the quality is indeed downgraded, any recommendations on after market alternatives that will sound better,

Thanks in advance for your time and help
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      10-18-2017, 02:22 AM   #2
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      10-18-2017, 09:49 AM   #3
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Stock system does not have underseat subs. Personally, I always found it inadequate. Best to upgrade system rather than downgrade.
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      10-18-2017, 10:02 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Almaretto View Post
Stock system does not have underseat subs. Personally, I always found it inadequate. Best to upgrade system rather than downgrade.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Almaretto View Post
Stock system does not have underseat subs. Personally, I always found it inadequate. Best to upgrade system rather than downgrade.
Thank you for your response and help.

Did stock F model sound systems have it and under seat subs were removed starting from 2017 G series?
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      10-18-2017, 11:10 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ssahba View Post
Thank you for your response and help.

Did stock F model sound systems have it and under seat subs were removed starting from 2017 G series?
I do not have a lot of experience with the stock system, but do not believe so. Here are components.

The other thing that matters is music source (BT vs radio vs CD & flac audio vs mp3, etc).
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      10-18-2017, 05:06 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Almaretto View Post
I do not have a lot of experience with the stock system, but do not believe so. Here are components.

The other thing that matters is music source (BT vs radio vs CD & flac audio vs mp3, etc).
CORRECTION: It does come with underseat woofer.

But to answer OP's post. Comparing between my F06 650GC w/ HK and my G30 540i w/ HK, the G series have better bass.
The BavSound techs who used my G30 for testing said that BMW improved the enclosure of the underseat woofer for better sound delivery.
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Last edited by r33_RGSport; 10-18-2017 at 05:17 PM..
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      10-18-2017, 05:15 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by r33_RGSport View Post
Wow, you are right. Just took a look at the parts catalog, they remove the underseat woofer for base sound package.

I wonder if it possible to retrofit it.

But to answer OP's post. Comparing between my F06 650GC w/ HK and my G30 540i w/ HK, the G series have better bass.
The BavSound techs who used my G30 for testing said that BMW improved the enclosure of the underseat woofer for better sound delivery.
There are different Bavsound kits for Base and HK system, so I imagine a full OEM retrofit would take more work on base hi-fi.
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      10-18-2017, 05:18 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Almaretto View Post
There are different Bavsound kits for Base and HK system, so I imagine a full OEM retrofit would take more work on base hi-fi.
Just corrected my post after second look in the parts catalog.
It does have underseat woofer. Most probably is the 2OHM.

Another thing that just came up to my mind.
Sound maybe different since OP's new car speaker still brand new. Still need to be broken in.
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      10-18-2017, 05:53 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ssahba View Post
Hi there,

Prior to upgrading to g30 540i i did own a 2014 528i.

Although 528i had stock sound system, I was very impressed with audio quality and bass. Therefore, when I was purchasing the 540i, I thought stock sound should be perfectly fine.

However, new 2017 540i stock sound seems to be a complete downgrade compared to its prior generations. Specifically I feel it no longer has a sub and I am missing that overall crisp surround sound.

As I still own both prior and new generation cars, its really easy for me to compare the same song on both cars.

I was wondering whether anyone else also experienced a downgrade to stock audio of g30 models, or it could possibly be a defect with my car and I should take it to dealer?

In case the quality is indeed downgraded, any recommendations on after market alternatives that will sound better,

Thanks in advance for your time and help
G30 audio starts with HK at my opinion
I had standard audio in my f30 and belive me its a joke compare to the HK
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      10-18-2017, 09:20 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by r33_RGSport View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Almaretto View Post
There are different Bavsound kits for Base and HK system, so I imagine a full OEM retrofit would take more work on base hi-fi.
Just corrected my post after second look in the parts catalog.
It does have underseat woofer. Most probably is the 2OHM.

Another thing that just came up to my mind.
Sound maybe different since OP's new car speaker still brand new. Still need to be broken in.
Quote:
Originally Posted by r33_RGSport View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Almaretto View Post
There are different Bavsound kits for Base and HK system, so I imagine a full OEM retrofit would take more work on base hi-fi.
Just corrected my post after second look in the parts catalog.
It does have underseat woofer. Most probably is the 2OHM.

Another thing that just came up to my mind.
Sound maybe different since OP's new car speaker still brand new. Still need to be broken in.
Dear R33_RGSport,

Thanks so much for your helpful inputs.

New 540i has 3000 miles on it and i would imagine its speakers should break-in by now.

I did reach out to a local dealer to upgrade to Bavsound and I was told the following:

"According to your vehicle order you have the 676 HiFi sound system.
Bavsound unfortunately does not carry a speaker upgrade kit for you vehicle at this time."

Does this mean that I am out of luck, are there any upgrade options for my new 540i that would sound better than 676 HiFi sound system?

Thanks again for your time and help
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      10-18-2017, 11:33 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ssahba View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by r33_RGSport View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Almaretto View Post
There are different Bavsound kits for Base and HK system, so I imagine a full OEM retrofit would take more work on base hi-fi.
Just corrected my post after second look in the parts catalog.
It does have underseat woofer. Most probably is the 2OHM.

Another thing that just came up to my mind.
Sound maybe different since OP's new car speaker still brand new. Still need to be broken in.
Quote:
Originally Posted by r33_RGSport View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Almaretto View Post
There are different Bavsound kits for Base and HK system, so I imagine a full OEM retrofit would take more work on base hi-fi.
Just corrected my post after second look in the parts catalog.
It does have underseat woofer. Most probably is the 2OHM.

Another thing that just came up to my mind.
Sound maybe different since OP's new car speaker still brand new. Still need to be broken in.
Dear R33_RGSport,

Thanks so much for your helpful inputs.

New 540i has 3000 miles on it and i would imagine its speakers should break-in by now.

I did reach out to a local dealer to upgrade to Bavsound and I was told the following:

"According to your vehicle order you have the 676 HiFi sound system.
Bavsound unfortunately does not carry a speaker upgrade kit for you vehicle at this time."

Does this mean that I am out of luck, are there any upgrade options for my new 540i that would sound better than 676 HiFi sound system?

Thanks again for your time and help
No, you are not out of luck yet.
BavSound tested the fitment and quality on my G30 already.
As of last week, they said the G30 kit should be ready anytime soon.
I have a few sets on order with them already. Just waiting on the delivery date currently.

You are not far from me. Just let me know if you are interested in getting them done.
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      10-20-2017, 12:08 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChristoHUN View Post
G30 audio starts with HK at my opinion
I had standard audio in my f30 and belive me its a joke compare to the HK
This exactly. My E90 was HK, F30 was base.. would absolutely not get anything without HK or higher again.
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      10-22-2017, 11:24 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ssahba View Post

"According to your vehicle order you have the 676 HiFi sound system.
Bavsound unfortunately does not carry a speaker upgrade kit for you vehicle at this time."
They have the system announced on their website.
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      10-22-2017, 11:27 AM   #14
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They even have the subwoofer upgrade.
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      10-22-2017, 01:53 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Grumpy View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ssahba View Post

"According to your vehicle order you have the 676 HiFi sound system.
Bavsound unfortunately does not carry a speaker upgrade kit for you vehicle at this time."
They have the system announced on their website.
Yes, I have a few set otw already.
Some are pre-sold.
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      10-24-2017, 07:29 AM   #16
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You should NEVER order the 5 Series or any more expensive BMW without the HK system, just doesn't make any sense.

Looking forward to some feedback on the upgraded Bavsound systems...
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      10-24-2017, 11:46 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Laki021 View Post
You should NEVER order the 5 Series or any more expensive BMW without the HK system, just doesn't make any sense.

Looking forward to some feedback on the upgraded Bavsound systems...
BavSound has been great. Had them in my G30 for about 5 months already. Can't stop cranking it up when I drive alone.
I had the first testing set.
The car in the installation video that BavSound made is mine.
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      12-11-2018, 07:26 AM   #18
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How does the Bavsound compare with HK and B&W?

Last edited by Farravi; 12-11-2018 at 07:27 AM.. Reason: Grammar
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      12-11-2018, 11:58 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by r33_RGSport View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Laki021 View Post
You should NEVER order the 5 Series or any more expensive BMW without the HK system, just doesn't make any sense.

Looking forward to some feedback on the upgraded Bavsound systems...
BavSound has been great. Had them in my G30 for about 5 months already. Can't stop cranking it up when I drive alone.
I had the first testing set.
The car in the installation video that BavSound made is mine.
Is it only the speaker swap on your car or were any other changes made(amp etc...)?
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      12-11-2018, 12:06 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bimmertrashjr View Post
Is it only the speaker swap on your car or were any other changes made(amp etc...)?
Only speaker swap, not amp upgrade or anything else.
If you are in town, feel free to swing by and listen to my car.
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      12-11-2018, 04:12 PM   #21
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Here is a diagram of speaker placement for all 3 sound systems.
G30 Audio system Diagrams https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1343257
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