Hi-Fi now standard for 2012; opinions?

[Marauder73]

I had heard many negative things about the 2011 and older "stock" audio system. So I was very interested to hear from 2012 owners with the new Hi-Fi stock system. Has anyone here done an apples to apples comparison between last years and this years stock audio systems?

Please don't turn this thread into "Premium is 1 billion times better and you are a loser if you take the base Hi-Fi."

[8ball]

I just went with the upgraded system...

[miamipanther]

We have 2012 X5 with Hi-Fi but it's our first X5, so I cann't comment on either old stock system or premium system.

IMO, the Hi-Fi system in 2012 X5 is a OK system, especially for MP3 music; it's definitely not a high end system, but it can't be rated as bad either.

For me, the Hi-Fi sound system meets my expectation for a sound system in a car. I won't upgrade to premium considering road noise could compromise any good sound system.

Any way, it's personal perference, my 2 cents

[Marauder73]

Originally Posted by miamipanther

We have 2012 X5 with Hi-Fi but it's our first X5, so I cann't comment on either old stock system or premium system.

IMO, the Hi-Fi system in 2012 X5 is a OK system, especially for MP3 music; it's definitely not a high end system, but it can't be rated as bad either.

For me, the Hi-Fi sound system meets my expectation for a sound system in a car. I won't upgrade to premium considering road noise could compromise any good sound system.

Any way, it's personal perference, my 2 cents

So it's a 10 speaker system, including 2 subs under the front seats right? At least that's what I've heard, but of course even the dealer here isn't sure... I'm often surprised how little the dealers know about new model changes. It seems we, the consumer, do a lot more research than they do.

[miamipanther]

Originally Posted by Marauder73

So it's a 10 speaker system, including 2 subs under the front seats right? At least that's what I've heard, but of course even the dealer here isn't sure... I'm often surprised how little the dealers know about new model changes. It seems we, the consumer, do a lot more research than they do.

Right; It's high-fidelity 10-speaker sound system with 2 subwoofers under the front seats and digital 7-channel amplifier with 205 watts of power

[BGM]

Originally Posted by miamipanther

Right; It's high-fidelity 10-speaker sound system with 2 subwoofers under the front seats and digital 7-channel amplifier with 205 watts of power

Unless they changed it I thought the amp was 600 watts ? I love mine--especially the twin subs. Edit: ok I see you are talking about the base.

[Marauder73]

Originally Posted by miamipanther

Right; It's high-fidelity 10-speaker sound system with 2 subwoofers under the front seats and digital 7-channel amplifier with 205 watts of power

After doing a bit more looking around on the Net, it looks as though the pre-2012 Base audio system had 12 speakers, and they dropped that down to just 10 speakers for the 2012 Base system?

I keep reading that it's supposed to be an improved system for the 2012, over the 2011, but it seems impossible to find anything in writing from a reputable source.

[CarsRmyVICE]

Tell you what base and premium audio in BMW's aren't a strong point and can't really be justified by the price. We all deserve a premium hi-fi from a name brand in sound.

With that said I refuse to order one without the premium sound because it is suitable and the stock is just that bad to my ears. Aftermarket is hardly worth it either with all the electronic issues the dealer could surely ram you in the a$$ on.

[Marauder73]

So I guess last year's Premium is this year's base stereo with an entirely new Premium version for 2012?

[BGM]

No according to BMWUSA.com the base sound is 10 Speakers, 2 Subs and a 7 channel amp with 205 watts. Premium Sound package is still the same--- has 13 speakers, 9 channel amp with 600 watts.