[avishhh17]

In my country there are three options for audio sound systems.

1. Standard 6 speakers

2. Hifi 205 watts 10 speakers - around $900 extra cost

3.Harman kardon hifi 464watts 16 speakers - around $2500 extra cost

Is it worth spending so much more to get the Harman Kardon over the midrange audio system?

All options can be added without any package.

[sspdw]

Originally Posted by avishhh17

In my country there are three options for audio sound systems.

1. Standard 6 speakers

2. Hifi 205 watts 10 speakers - around $900 extra cost

3.Harman kardon hifi 464watts 16 speakers - around $2500 extra cost

Is it worth spending so much more to get the Harman Kardon over the midrange audio system?

All options can be added without any package.

Where do you live? In sweden we pay about 350$ to have hifi and about 900$ to have h/k.
I specced Hifi, im no audiophile tho.

[StevenDS85]

An audiophile wouldn’t select HK, but the default audio system and upgrade later on. Difference between HK and hifi is not massive from audio quality perspective. Biggest difference are the visuals in the door panels I would say.

[nick776]

I just took delivery three days ago of my 330i M Sport. I opted for H/K. I have had many BMWs, all of which have had H/K. At first, I was exceedingly skeptical of the drop in wattage of the new H/K system (see my OP on the topic). However, now that I have it, I find that the texture of the sound comes through significantly better than on the old H/K systems. I don't think it gets as "loud" as the old H/K system IMO, but I think the nuances are dramatically increased (probably due to a quieter cabin). In sum, go for the H/K. To be sure, I am the type of person who would certainly opt for the B&W system if offered in the 3, but H/K is definitely sufficient.

[hans007]

I've tried out both the HiFi which is the base stereo in the US and the h&k at the dealers as I'm also looking to buy .

h&k just doesn't seem hugely different. in the US it forces taking premium package as well so it in some ways is an almost $2000 upgrade. the speaker covers do look nicer though.

[MT4life]

As mentioned, if picking up ZPP anyway then it’s a worthy upgrade.

[CasperS]

H/K has more speakers as you mention, and in my country it is similarly priced as in your country (=expensive).

I am not an audiophile, but I understand that the H/K system is more than just additional speakers, and that BMW have been tinkering with the amplifier stuff.

While not being an audiophile, I can still appreciate the difference between low and high end stuff, and think that:

1) you will appreciate the H/K system even if you are not an audiophile, you just don´t know why it is better;

2) What are you doing even caring about whether or not your BMW has HiFi or H/K, when you are such a wonderful place like Mauritius. Both are going to be loud and sound fine.

[avishhh17]

Originally Posted by sspdw

Where do you live? In sweden we pay about 350$ to have hifi and about 900$ to have h/k.
I specced Hifi, im no audiophile tho.

In Mauriitius. There is 300% tax on motor vehicles here.