[norcal330]

Originally Posted by chumley

Well, to qualify my response, I was making a broad generalization about my sound impressions of Bose home stereo systems (which I have owned BTW), not comparing any other particular system in another car.

I've read all of your great contributions regarding the SWS's and have seriously considered them. I completely agree that tweets and subs would make this system perfectly acceptable for 99% of us but the topic wasn't "Can the L7 be made to sound good".

Also, for me it's a tough call. I was all set to try the SWS's, PAC and an amp, but I've have 2 instances in a month where I've gotten a loud hiss from the system at startup following by a blank display for a couple seconds from the head unit. Impossible to duplicate but I'm positive if I add an amp and subs my dealer will not want anything to do with replacing the head unit should it go bad. I have no idea what they cost but EVERYTHING seems to run through it.

Yeah, if I were you I would try my best to determine what circumstances lead to that noise so you can try to duplicate it at the dealer. I would not touch the audio system until you get that resolved under warranty.

And yes, unless you want to go the more involved route with an active processor/loc, and spec'ing out a sub + box (and apparently losing some functionality in your gas door), the SWS-8/passive LOC and tweeter upgrade will provide a significant upgrade to your sound quality. Certainly not audiophile quality, but for the $350 I spent, I'm more than happy with the sound. This is also nice b/c you maintain the stock look, and retain full use of your trunk, which for me was critical.

[shifterboy45]

given all the previous opinions -- ill toss in my $.03

ive been listening to the BMW sound systems for years now, and I have to agree -- total crap .. last year i turned in my 328i coupe and when i ordered the 335i i wanted L7 in the car, but the guy doing the order setup told me, save my money, with the new upgrades to the system you dont really need the DSP that L7 provides.. well i went for the okie doke....

i have always had custom systems in my previous cars multi amp, cross overs, equalizer and custom built sub boxes. and i more into quality than quantity. so this is not new to me, and can be sticking point when making a purchase.

long story short.. got another coupe, had all my goodies installed sat radio, i-pod interface, alarm and so on. the tech, how also drives a BMW, told me the car sounded great. i was skeptical .. so when he brought it over for pick up, he tested it with me. compared to the 07 coupe, it blew it totally away, bass is deep enough to rattle to mirror, mids and high are pretty clean and clear.. i have heard better.. but this was nice, nice enough to put a smile on my face and say they made a decent leap with this system. I have a tech who has an 07 coupe also (with L7).. and he will readily agree my car sound much much better. If you are getting a sedan.. i cant speak to that issue ... but if its a coupe youll like it.

so the call is yours