What Audio System Comes Standard in BMW?
4 Answers
BMW utilizes audio systems from Harman Kardon in the USA and B&O (Bang & Olufsen) from Denmark. Here is some extended information: 1. Harman Kardon and B&O: Harman Kardon is a division of Harman International Industries (NYSE: HAR), specializing in the production of home and automotive audio systems, headquartered in Woodbury, New York, USA. Brands such as JBL, AKG, and Infinity also fall under the Harman group. Harman/Kardon was founded in 1953 by Dr. Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon, both passionate about music and art. B&O (Bang & Olufsen), produced in Denmark, is renowned for its aesthetically pleasing audio equipment. Denmark is also the country with the highest number of audio brands globally, with approximately one brand per 250,000 people. 2. Precautions: The temperature inside a car can get very high, so it is recommended not to turn the audio volume too loud. Doing so not only affects the sound quality but also reduces the lifespan of the audio system. Additionally, the mechanical parts consist of a combination of metal and plastic components integrated with circuit boards. Metals and plastics have different specific heat capacities, meaning they react differently to temperature changes. When the car interior is very hot, be patient when changing CDs—let the system operate automatically without forcing it. For multi-disc changers, avoid repeatedly pressing the disc change button; allow the system to control the process automatically. External high-power amplifiers are even more sensitive to temperature changes and require substantial heat dissipation. Therefore, during summer, ensure that any external amplifiers are well-ventilated when the audio system is in use.
I just picked up a BMW X3, which comes standard with a basic stereo system without any brand logo. To be honest, it's completely sufficient for casual music listening—playing some pop songs during commutes sounds clear enough. However, the difference is quite noticeable compared to my friend's optional Harman Kardon system. The bass isn't as deep, the highs feel a bit thin, and at higher volumes, the sound lacks layering. I've researched that the base audio usually has 6-8 speakers, tuned for a balanced sound. If you're particular about audio quality, I'd recommend opting for Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins—the surround sound experience is much richer, though it costs an extra ten grand or so. You can also retrofit it later, but make sure to go to a professional shop, or it might void the vehicle's electrical warranty.
The base audio system in BMWs is a standard configuration. Based on my experience driving three BMWs, the sound quality is adequate for daily radio and pop music listening, but don't expect audiophile-grade performance. The unbranded regular speakers perform decently with mid-range vocals, but lack sufficient bass depth and have weak high-frequency detail—playing symphonies results in a muddled sound. Interestingly, BMW tends to uniformly reserve hardware capabilities; upgrading to Harman Kardon later can directly activate the surround sound effect by flashing the factory program. For optional upgrades, it depends on the model: adding Harman Kardon to a 3 Series costs an extra 6,500 RMB, while the 5 Series comes standard with Bowers & Wilkins, improving sound quality by 80%. After driving for a long time, I've realized that a good audio system genuinely enhances driving happiness, especially on long trips where music helps reduce fatigue.
My sister's BMW 1 Series comes with standard audio system. Last time I took a ride, I specifically tested it for half an hour. It works perfectly fine for daily use, connecting via Bluetooth to play phone playlists is very convenient, and female vocals sound warm and pleasant. The biggest advantage is that it doesn't require extra spending. But when compared to the top-end Bowers & Wilkins system, its shortcomings become apparent: the soundstage is relatively narrow, instrument positioning is vague, and there's slight door panel resonance when volume exceeds half. Average car owners shouldn't worry too much about standard audio, but for audiophiles, BMW's basic system is about as good as phone speakers. The new models now support OTA updates for audio tuning - looking forward to potential software enhancements for basic configurations in the future.
