Best Stereo/ Audio upgrades for E70?
 

I bought a 2013 X5 50i. Its loaded and awesome but the one option they didn't upgrade was the Audio. I am a bit of a snob (but not a professional) when it comes to great sounding music.

I read some good things about BavSound speaker upgrades but nothing really definitive comparing one speaker-set to another.

My local shop says they can improve the sound and wants me to just "trust" them...ahem, sorry.

Does anyone have guidance on aftermarket upgrades?

thanks ahead of time.

M

I have 2011 LCI with the "base audio" and it was SHITTY to say the least! I got a good deal back in December and upgraded to BavSound stage 1. The stage 1 is a good upgrade from the base and would recommend if you are looking for PNP and DIY. Definitely recommend for value and price.

I didn't want this to get crazy expensive but I am sure that other setups sound better but are in the $1000 range.

Good luck!:thumbup:

I have the prem audio package so cant comment on the base but I can tell you that the JL audio stealthbox made for the e70 is amazing. It fits under the back floor and doesnt eat the tire well. I dont have 3rd row seating btw. Pair it with an inexpensive mono sub amp, im using a sony 600W mono amp and its sounds amazing. Best bass Ive ever had in any car Ive owned.

Keep in mind you guys are talking 2 different 'base' audio systems here.

A 2013 50i has a different base audio setup than a 2011 35i - the 50i has S676A 'Hi-Fi' audio while the '11 35i has S645A base audio. There is a noticeable difference between the two. I would imagine the BAV sound upgrade would make a much bigger difference on the 35i in this case.

encapsul - I've heard mixed results on the BAV sound upgrade. I think it depends on the current system and the individuals ears. Just be clear on what people had before when they say the BAV upgrade is great, worth the $, etc.

If you're serious about upgrading the sound I'd do it right and piece a system together.

Look up musicarNW. Very knowledgable and the reviews have been completely positive. I have not purchased a new setup yet but when I do it will be thru them.

Call me a noob or something but I have the 35i and I think the base stereo sounds fine.

What year is yours?

2012.

2012+ 35i's have a different base audio package than the 2011 35i…it's a much better setup. Agreed with you as I have the same option (S676A) as you - it's good enough for most people. The base audio in the 2011 35i only has about 5 or 6 speakers as I recall.

Are you sure? I am pretty sure the 676A system has come standard in the US for years.

Chris