X5 Premium Sound System?????

[apw2607]

The base system sounds terrible.

[robfix]

I just got the 35d a few weeks ago and I agree with everyone, the premium sound is absolutely worth it. You don't need to be an audiophile to appreciate good sound (I am one, however) and it is one of the real pleasures of having the X5.

I still think there's a way to go for BMW, and I'm surprised they haven't had better sound systems, but the X5 is a 7/10. That's not bad and WAY better than what they have had over the past few years. Too bad they can't strike a deal with Burmester, like Porsche did for the Panamera, and get with a true high end group to do the premium sound. (i.e. Mark Levinson for the Lexus....)

Cheers, Rob

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by robfix

I just got the 35d a few weeks ago and I agree with everyone, the premium sound is absolutely worth it. You don't need to be an audiophile to appreciate good sound (I am one, however) and it is one of the real pleasures of having the X5.

I still think there's a way to go for BMW, and I'm surprised they haven't had better sound systems, but the X5 is a 7/10. That's not bad and WAY better than what they have had over the past few years. Too bad they can't strike a deal with Burmester, like Porsche did for the Panamera, and get with a true high end group to do the premium sound. (i.e. Mark Levinson for the Lexus....)

Cheers, Rob

BMW does offer a higher end system, called the BMW Individual sound system, option code 752 listing for €2100 in Germany (includes 19% MwSt). It's supposed to be an incredible system, and a summary of its description includes things like DIRAC signal processing, 9 channel amplifier with a 825 Watt output. Whatever those mean.

However, the system is not offered on most BMW models in the US. It is offered on select models like the 3er sedan in Canada as part of the Executive Package.

[apw2607]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

It's supposed to be an incredible system

Its not. It sucks and is a complete waste of money. Had it in my M3.

[BGM]

I just got my '08 4.8 delivered late last night off the truck from Beverly Hills BMW (will post pics once I clean it up)---it has the Prem Sound and I can tell already it's way better than stock by far. You really can tell with the amp in it and the 2 subs.

[ukwildcat]

I did not evaluate the stock system carefully, but..

I have to admit, I am underwhelmed by this "Premium" system.

I had the Mark Levinson system in my Lexus GX470. It was very, very nice. I'm a little biased, in that I have Mark Levinson at home as well and it really (subjectively) doesn't get any better than that. (I also use Lexicon in my home theater and Arcam in a living room system)

If they offered the LOGIC7 system on the X5, it would be perfect, but I think they only offer this on the 5 and 7 series, which is really a shame.

This is one system where I'm going to have to sit down and fiddle with the equalizer a bit, and I don't like to have to do that - it should sound nice and clean right out of the box. It is not as dead and lifeless as many other car audio systems, but for a $1900 option, I feel a little cheated, sorry to say.

From what little I heard from the stock system, however, it's still an improvement. I'm not sure it's $1900 better, but you pays your money and you takes your chances.

I was actually very surprised at how reasonably priced most of the options are on this vehicle, compared to other makers (both luxury and otherwise). To be honest, though, this one is a little overpriced. For that kind of money, I want my CD changer back.

[TheWanderer66]

Originally Posted by ukwildcat

I did not evaluate the stock system carefully, but..

I have to admit, I am underwhelmed by this "Premium" system.

I had the Mark Levinson system in my Lexus GX470. It was very, very nice. I'm a little biased, in that I have Mark Levinson at home as well and it really (subjectively) doesn't get any better than that. (I also use Lexicon in my home theater and Arcam in a living room system)

If they offered the LOGIC7 system on the X5, it would be perfect, but I think they only offer this on the 5 and 7 series, which is really a shame.

This is one system where I'm going to have to sit down and fiddle with the equalizer a bit, and I don't like to have to do that - it should sound nice and clean right out of the box. It is not as dead and lifeless as many other car audio systems, but for a $1900 option, I feel a little cheated, sorry to say.

From what little I heard from the stock system, however, it's still an improvement. I'm not sure it's $1900 better, but you pays your money and you takes your chances.

I was actually very surprised at how reasonably priced most of the options are on this vehicle, compared to other makers (both luxury and otherwise). To be honest, though, this one is a little overpriced. For that kind of money, I want my CD changer back.

For what it's worth, the new 5 series does NOT have the Logic 7 system, it has the Dirac system.

[BGM]

Originally Posted by ukwildcat

I did not evaluate the stock system carefully, but..

I have to admit, I am underwhelmed by this "Premium" system.

I had the Mark Levinson system in my Lexus GX470. It was very, very nice. I'm a little biased, in that I have Mark Levinson at home as well and it really (subjectively) doesn't get any better than that. (I also use Lexicon in my home theater and Arcam in a living room system)

If they offered the LOGIC7 system on the X5, it would be perfect, but I think they only offer this on the 5 and 7 series, which is really a shame.

This is one system where I'm going to have to sit down and fiddle with the equalizer a bit, and I don't like to have to do that - it should sound nice and clean right out of the box. It is not as dead and lifeless as many other car audio systems, but for a $1900 option, I feel a little cheated, sorry to say.

From what little I heard from the stock system, however, it's still an improvement. I'm not sure it's $1900 better, but you pays your money and you takes your chances.

I was actually very surprised at how reasonably priced most of the options are on this vehicle, compared to other makers (both luxury and otherwise). To be honest, though, this one is a little overpriced. For that kind of money, I want my CD changer back.

I am coming from a stock '01 e53 sound system--I'm sure the stock e70 is close to in sound of my e53. Premium Sound is well worth it--if you care about music.

[LDVBMW]

Originally Posted by ukwildcat

If they offered the LOGIC7 system on the X5, it would be perfect, but I think they only offer this on the 5 and 7 series, which is really a shame.

OK, I am confused.

I thought the Premium Sound on the X5 was a Logic7 system.

That is how it is described on my list of options --- "Logic7 sound system with Surround Sound and Digital Sound Processing."

[TheWanderer66]

Originally Posted by LDVBMW

OK, I am confused.

I thought the Premium Sound on the X5 was a Logic7 system.

That is how it is described on my list of options --- "Logic7 sound system with Surround Sound and Digital Sound Processing."

I haven't been able to find a reference as yet for what it is. I've scoured the brochure, the owners manual, and BMW's USA web site and there is no reference to either Logic 7 or Dirac. I will check the UK site, sometimes details are offered there that aren't on the US site.

My build sheet says nothing either, and my build was completed only 15 days ago. I attached a clip showing what it actually says.

I'd love to know for sure...