Hi-Fi now standard for 2012; opinions?
 

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." :rolleyes:

I just went with the upgraded system...:dunno:

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.

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.

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

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.

I've noticed no difference in the base audio from my 2011 to 2012.

That's odd. BMW indicates that there was a change between 2011 and 2012 model years for the Base Audio System. Do you mean that it sounds the same to you, or is it exactly the same?