E90 Stereo rubbish compared to E46

MMVI · 10-07-2005, 03:42 AM

Hi All...

Finally took delivery of my E90 last friday quite stunning except for one thing, the stereo is rubbish. One of the best things from my previous E46 was the sound system. It was just fab, clarity, power, volume, tone I loved it.

I picked up my E90 and surprised to see the Professional system as standard. Checking back in the catalogue confirms this, dont know how I missed it but they shouldnt have bothered.

The rear speakers particularly distort at quite low volumes and there are no tweeters in the front. Its bodering on rude to complain because I love the car it is simply awesome but I love to listen to music when driving.

Does anyone know if the rear speakers are easy to change, and from which approach (Inside/boot) that this is achieved I am so disappointed that I may seriously consider this.

BSM 325, 162, Grey interior, Sports Seats, Sports Wheel, Aluminium trim. Chrome exhaust tips (Confirmed... these are not standard in the UK), Rubbish stereo..

Thavash · 10-07-2005, 03:54 AM

I agree. I wish I upgraded - The Toyota I had previously had a better standard stereo system. :mad:

lakerz4sho' · 10-07-2005, 03:56 AM

should have gotten logic 7

E90Fleet · 10-07-2005, 04:11 AM

The "Professional" bit only refers to the headunits abilities and not to the output power or speaker power

You get 3 Systems in europe

1) Standard
2) Hi-Fi ( Standard in USA )
3) Logic-7

What system did your E46 have ??
Also give your speakers a little while to "run-in"

Jongi · 10-07-2005, 05:30 AM

You can't imagine how terrible it is having downgraded from my Alfa 147 with the Bose speakers

Thavash · 10-07-2005, 08:04 AM

Does anyone here have Logic 7 ? There must have been threads before but I'd like to have owners impressions of the system .

Broken1 · 10-07-2005, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jongi

You can't imagine how terrible it is having downgraded from my Alfa 147 with the Bose speakers

You should have then gotten Logic 7!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thavash

Does anyone here have Logic 7 ? There must have been threads before but I'd like to have owners impressions of the system .

I don't have logic 7 - but I have the cheaper Hifi Sound System Upgrade. I am quite happy with it. It's clear, full bodied and doesn't distort when turned loud (except for a few thudding house tunes). It's not quite as doof doof as my E46 with my amp and sub, but it has a more rounded sound!!

Listening to Jazz, R&B, Rock (and radio) it sounds excellent! It was definately worth the extra money!!!

Just by a show of hands - (South African Members) - who would be keen on a meet sometime? Maybe mid november?? (And any idea's on a venue? big car park? or something?)

Jongi · 10-07-2005, 08:36 AM

Broken1: I didn't expect it to be such a HUGE difference. I would most likely be able to make it to a meet.

David328M-Sport · 10-07-2005, 08:41 AM

logic 7 is very nice indeed, especially after the speakers have been run in a little. the equalizer and the tone adjustments make for personalising the sound a treat.

i also like the ability to adjust the amount of volume reduction when the car slow to a stop.

i highly recommend the L7.

Broken1 · 10-07-2005, 08:41 AM

Yea, I also expected the standard system to be better - but I was never happy with the standard system in my 2003 E46 (however in my 2002 E46 it was fine!!)

**hijacking this thread*

Jongi: What colour is your car? (inside and out)
You get any extra's (besides the exclusive pack)?

I am going to organise a meet, as soon as I can get an idea of where to have it and who will come! yay

Jongi · 10-07-2005, 08:48 AM

Broken1: The thing is I wouldn't consider myself to be the kind of guy that requires the best sound system. At the best of times i hardly pump the radio. But the difference is very noticeable.

My car is a sparkling graphite with iDrive (and Exclusive). I eventually went for the black leather and metal finishing. I was originally gonna go for the wood trimming and tan leather but due to the little one thought black leather to be a better option. I saw 2 with the black and wood trimming and thought they didn't quite go well together.

How easy is to have the bluetooth added afterwards. I thought I had said they must do that on mine but looking back at the correspondence between myself and the dealer i see I forgot. The bluetooth preparartion is already there.

benoitch · 10-07-2005, 08:59 AM

I used to have a E46 330xi 2001 with HK upgrade (until yesterday afternoon in fact). Now have the E90 330i with Logic 7. The difference is amazing. The bass kicks and the clarity of the sound is way better than my previous one especially at loud volume. Haven't made a real test using classical music yet, but I expect great things.

I had listen to the regular Hi-Fi (standard here in Canada) and an upgrade outside Americas. All can see is I felt it was slightly better than my E46 on some things like stereo spread (having more speakers) but lacking a little in frequency response (it was sounding a bit more midde range). Maybe with time and some adjustment i would have sounded better dunnno?? Nevertheless, it was really close.

Maybe you got the standard system not the upgrade, and obviously not the Logic 7.

davinet78 · 10-07-2005, 09:04 AM

i also have the hifi speakers and they seem to be working very good for me

davinet78 · 10-07-2005, 09:05 AM

how much is the upgrade from the middle of the range hi-fi speakers to logic 7 in europe

spydrz · 10-07-2005, 09:18 AM

The L7 is so much better than the standard audio was in my X5. Also, the radio with the (US-only) Sirius tuner is much more capable than the E53's...the display is much better as well. But the sound is excellent for OEM audio.

thd13 · 10-07-2005, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMVI

Does anyone know if the rear speakers are easy to change, and from which approach (Inside/boot) that this is achieved I am so disappointed that I may seriously consider this.

I think you can change them easily, but because of the interior wiring of E90s, they won't work. I have heard that if you want to change the speakers, you would have to change the HU and basically gut out the sound system. At least that how it is in the US, I believe. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

Choon · 10-07-2005, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakerz4sho'

should have gotten logic 7

the best stock stereo ive listened to in a long time

Meatnog · 10-07-2005, 02:25 PM

I have it. Great system. Having some issues with skipping MP3s and some goofy interface issues, but the stereo sounds magnificent. Better than my upgraded infiniti system on my last car.

jhbodle · 10-08-2005, 06:22 AM

I'm in the UK too and I can safely say the the stock sound systems they stick in BMWs over here do suck. We only get the 6 speaker setup as standard. My E36 was pretty poor, my 1999 E46 was woeful and my dad's 2000 E46 Cab was better but still a bit poor. That's why I went for the (£900 option) Logic7 on my 325i - worth every penny! Needs a bit of tuning to work at its best, but it's the first BMW i've owned where i'm not going to rip out the sound system and install my own - I simply don't need to.

There is one plus for ya - because you have the base 6 speaker setup I don't think you use the MOST wiring system, so you can mess with it all you want by adding speakers, amps etc.

Wounded Knee · 01-21-2006, 12:06 PM

I should have gone with the logic 7, but I couldn't find one in inventory with the color and options I wanted. Also, since my E36 died and had to be replaced, I did not have the luxury of time to place a special order. While I love the car (325i, silver, tan interior, premium package), I am disappointed with the muddy non-defined sound of the professional radio system (far less quality sound than the HK system in my 1996 E36). I am not one to blast the radio, in fact I usually listen to it at lower volumes. However, I greatly appreciate clear sound definition. I doubt that I can upgrade to the logic 7, but if I am wrong, please let me know.

Has anyone upgraded just the speakers? If so, was it worth it and how did you choose your speakers? Thanks.

10-07-2005, 03:42 AM	#1
MMVI Lieutenant 82 Rep 449 Posts Drives: 4 something Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	E90 Stereo rubbish compared to E46 Hi All... Finally took delivery of my E90 last friday quite stunning except for one thing, the stereo is rubbish. One of the best things from my previous E46 was the sound system. It was just fab, clarity, power, volume, tone I loved it. I picked up my E90 and surprised to see the Professional system as standard. Checking back in the catalogue confirms this, dont know how I missed it but they shouldnt have bothered. The rear speakers particularly distort at quite low volumes and there are no tweeters in the front. Its bodering on rude to complain because I love the car it is simply awesome but I love to listen to music when driving. Does anyone know if the rear speakers are easy to change, and from which approach (Inside/boot) that this is achieved I am so disappointed that I may seriously consider this. BSM 325, 162, Grey interior, Sports Seats, Sports Wheel, Aluminium trim. Chrome exhaust tips (Confirmed... these are not standard in the UK), Rubbish stereo..
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-07-2005, 03:54 AM	#2
Thavash Private First Class 23 Rep 166 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 320i Red Join Date: May 2005 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW 320M [0.00] 2005 320i [0.00]	I agree. I wish I upgraded - The Toyota I had previously had a better standard stereo system. :mad:
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2005, 03:56 AM	#3
lakerz4sho' Enlisted Member 2 Rep 32 Posts Drives: Hopefully a 330i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: The O.C. iTrader: (0)	should have gotten logic 7
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2005, 04:11 AM	#4
E90Fleet Lieutenant General 1351 Rep 10,187 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	The "Professional" bit only refers to the headunits abilities and not to the output power or speaker power You get 3 Systems in europe 1) Standard 2) Hi-Fi ( Standard in USA ) 3) Logic-7 What system did your E46 have ?? Also give your speakers a little while to "run-in"
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2005, 05:30 AM	#5
Jongi Private First Class 6 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 320i w/Exclusive Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa iTrader: (0)	You can't imagine how terrible it is having downgraded from my Alfa 147 with the Bose speakers
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2005, 08:04 AM	#6
Thavash Private First Class 23 Rep 166 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 320i Red Join Date: May 2005 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW 320M [0.00] 2005 320i [0.00]	Does anyone here have Logic 7 ? There must have been threads before but I'd like to have owners impressions of the system .
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2005, 08:36 AM	#8
Jongi Private First Class 6 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 320i w/Exclusive Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa iTrader: (0)	Broken1: I didn't expect it to be such a HUGE difference. I would most likely be able to make it to a meet.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2005, 08:41 AM	#9
David328M-Sport Brigadier General 107 Rep 3,566 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Melbourne Australia iTrader: (0)	logic 7 is very nice indeed, especially after the speakers have been run in a little. the equalizer and the tone adjustments make for personalising the sound a treat. i also like the ability to adjust the amount of volume reduction when the car slow to a stop. i highly recommend the L7. __________________ 328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2005, 08:41 AM	#10
Broken1 Addict 215 Rep 2,079 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 40i M-Sport Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	Yea, I also expected the standard system to be better - but I was never happy with the standard system in my 2003 E46 (however in my 2002 E46 it was fine!!) *hijacking this thread Jongi: What colour is your car? (inside and out) You get any extra's (besides the exclusive pack)? I am going to organise a meet, as soon as I can get an idea of where to have it and who will come! yay
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2005, 08:48 AM	#11
Jongi Private First Class 6 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 320i w/Exclusive Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa iTrader: (0)	Broken1: The thing is I wouldn't consider myself to be the kind of guy that requires the best sound system. At the best of times i hardly pump the radio. But the difference is very noticeable. My car is a sparkling graphite with iDrive (and Exclusive). I eventually went for the black leather and metal finishing. I was originally gonna go for the wood trimming and tan leather but due to the little one thought black leather to be a better option. I saw 2 with the black and wood trimming and thought they didn't quite go well together. How easy is to have the bluetooth added afterwards. I thought I had said they must do that on mine but looking back at the correspondence between myself and the dealer i see I forgot. The bluetooth preparartion is already there.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2005, 08:59 AM	#12
benoitch Captain 19 Rep 959 Posts Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Great white North of Montreal iTrader: (0)	I used to have a E46 330xi 2001 with HK upgrade (until yesterday afternoon in fact). Now have the E90 330i with Logic 7. The difference is amazing. The bass kicks and the clarity of the sound is way better than my previous one especially at loud volume. Haven't made a real test using classical music yet, but I expect great things. I had listen to the regular Hi-Fi (standard here in Canada) and an upgrade outside Americas. All can see is I felt it was slightly better than my E46 on some things like stereo spread (having more speakers) but lacking a little in frequency response (it was sounding a bit more midde range). Maybe with time and some adjustment i would have sounded better dunnno?? Nevertheless, it was really close. Maybe you got the standard system not the upgrade, and obviously not the Logic 7. __________________ E90 SG,SP, Manual,PP,Terra http://www.benoitchampagne.com
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2005, 09:04 AM	#13
davinet78 Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,832 Posts Drives: bmw e90 320d Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: gibraltar(europe) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 bmw 320d E90 [0.00]	i also have the hifi speakers and they seem to be working very good for me __________________ e90 320d,arktis,lumber support, hifi speaker, alarm, dakota beige, 162 18", xenon with washer spray,window chrome trimmings, professional radio, 6 cd changer wood trimmings 6 speed manual.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2005, 09:05 AM	#14
davinet78 Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,832 Posts Drives: bmw e90 320d Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: gibraltar(europe) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 bmw 320d E90 [0.00]	how much is the upgrade from the middle of the range hi-fi speakers to logic 7 in europe __________________ e90 320d,arktis,lumber support, hifi speaker, alarm, dakota beige, 162 18", xenon with washer spray,window chrome trimmings, professional radio, 6 cd changer wood trimmings 6 speed manual.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2005, 09:18 AM	#15
spydrz Captain 36 Rep 671 Posts Drives: '15 M4, '15 i3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: RVA iTrader: (2) Garage List 06 330i [7.00] 2002 X5 3.0i [0.00] 2001 525i [0.00]	The L7 is so much better than the standard audio was in my X5. Also, the radio with the (US-only) Sirius tuner is much more capable than the E53's...the display is much better as well. But the sound is excellent for OEM audio. __________________ 2002 X5 3.0i/man.* 2006 330i/man./Arktis/Grau* 2001 525i/step./Schiefergrün/Sandbeige* 2013 X1 xDrive35i Alpinweiß/Schwarz/M Sport/Dinan Stage 2 *retired
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2005, 02:25 PM	#18
Meatnog Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 202 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Sedan Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (0)	I have it. Great system. Having some issues with skipping MP3s and some goofy interface issues, but the stereo sounds magnificent. Better than my upgraded infiniti system on my last car. __________________ 2006 330i Sedan: Monaco Blue, Beige/Walnut, Premium Package.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-08-2005, 06:22 AM	#19
jhbodle Captain 155 Rep 905 Posts Drives: F90 M5 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 335i M-Spo ... [10.00] 2005 E90 325i SE (E ... [0.00]	I'm in the UK too and I can safely say the the stock sound systems they stick in BMWs over here do suck. We only get the 6 speaker setup as standard. My E36 was pretty poor, my 1999 E46 was woeful and my dad's 2000 E46 Cab was better but still a bit poor. That's why I went for the (£900 option) Logic7 on my 325i - worth every penny! Needs a bit of tuning to work at its best, but it's the first BMW i've owned where i'm not going to rip out the sound system and install my own - I simply don't need to. There is one plus for ya - because you have the base 6 speaker setup I don't think you use the MOST wiring system, so you can mess with it all you want by adding speakers, amps etc.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-21-2006, 12:06 PM	#20
Wounded Knee New Member 0 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Fort Lauderdale iTrader: (0)	I should have gone with the logic 7, but I couldn't find one in inventory with the color and options I wanted. Also, since my E36 died and had to be replaced, I did not have the luxury of time to place a special order. While I love the car (325i, silver, tan interior, premium package), I am disappointed with the muddy non-defined sound of the professional radio system (far less quality sound than the HK system in my 1996 E36). I am not one to blast the radio, in fact I usually listen to it at lower volumes. However, I greatly appreciate clear sound definition. I doubt that I can upgrade to the logic 7, but if I am wrong, please let me know. Has anyone upgraded just the speakers? If so, was it worth it and how did you choose your speakers? Thanks.
	Appreciate 0 Quote