had an X3 loaner, stereo question
 

I was just wondering: why is the basic X3 radio *SO* much better than the basic X5 radio?! The thing BUMPS!!

Huh? If you think that, then the basic radio in the X5 must REALLY suck.

I have the as-basic-as-you-can-buy 2006 X3 and the radio is the one thing I wish I would have upgraded. Sunroof open, windows down, radio all the way up = distortion. :thumbdown

hm. maybe it wasn't the basic radio then?! yeah maybe it wasn't basic: it HAD to have a sub in there ...

also, glad to hear it's not my imagination that there's more distortion with the car in "open" mode lol

I know my X3 has subs in the floor. The sound quality is good for me. :)

Mine has the upgraded stereo and it sounds great to me. Not bad for a factory system.

I got the premium sound sytem with a 12 inch sub for a little more bass thats all i need

yeah ........ i knew there had to be subs. i was really very impressed. well assuming the x3 is like the x5, is there a DSP and non-DSP system? because this one DEFINITELY didn't have DSP -- does this mean the non-DSP system comes with subs?! my x5 didn't!!!!!!! :(

The standard sound system on all X3s include 8 speakers and 2 subwoofers under the front seats. So yes, even the base sound sys on the X3 is better than the one in the X5. However, I do think that it's only acceptable and wish we had the premium sound system, and the regular sound system lacks clarity sometimes.

That said, my friend has an X5 3.0i and wishes he had my subwoofers. (I wish for his engine)