Premium Sound 08 vs 12
 

Sorry if this topic has been talked about before. I couldn't find the answer to my specific question.

I just traded in a 08 X5 w premium sound and picked up a new 12 X5 also w premium sound. For some reason I cannot get the stereo in the new one to sound nearly as good as the old. Did they make any changes? I used to absolutely LOVE the stereo on my old X5 but the new one just is not right. It sounds plasticy. muffled and unbalanced.

Thoughts?

Other than that, no complaints. Love the car!

I happen to agree with you. I have a 2012 X6 w/premium sound and I thunk it's terrible. I would have been better off gettin the base audio and using the cash to get aftermarket stuff.

If its any consolation, the base does not belong in a 60k truck, it is the worst audio system I have EVER listened to in any car going back to 2008. That list includes an Elantra. Unfortunately I have the base audio system:(

Agree with you also. Audio system should be much higher quality.

Agreed...
 

I have a 2012 that i forked over big $$$ for the premium sound, and it's bad....and seriously no low bass response. Very disappointed. But maybe it's good I have the speakers spots already in place to upgrade them.

Thinking about getting a new speaker set from this company:
BMW Audio | Bavarian Soundwerks

Does anyone have any experience with them?

That's interesting because it "should" be the same amp and speakers as the 08. Only the head unit ... CIC was added, to replace the CCC.

I'm about to retrofit the CIC idrive into my 2009 with CCC idrive. It also has the premium sound so I will be interested if it "sounds" any different. I hope it doesn't sound worse. That would suck !

I installed their Stage 1 upgrade and Sub in my 2001 X5 that had standard stereo. All I can say is it was night and day difference. The bass was astounding and clarity of music so much better in mids and high's. I'm not an audiophile by any means but what came standard in the 2001 was junk and I could tell it when I removed the OEM speakers. I'm seriously considering doing the Stage 1 upgrade on my 2011 with Prem sound. Just need to save up some Yen to do it. :)