Hifi System issue

Socosurf · 09-27-2021, 08:00 AM

So I currently have a 2020 330xi with hifi. I just got a loaner today which is a 2021 330xi — also with a hifi system.

Since the day I got my 2020, I always noticed how terrible the audio quality was. To the point that I would make posts about how bad the hifi sound was with clarity, separation and bass.

Today, I'm driving this 2021 home. Same car. Same audio system. And the audio is so noticeably better, that I thought I had one of the upgraded premium systems. I even texted the dealer and asked. They confirmed it was hifi. The sound had separation, clarity, it was like I was literally driving a completely different car and sound system.

First, am I going nuts? Is the hifi system objectively better or different a year off from one another (2020/2021) or should both of these vehicles sound roughly the same?

It's throwing me off to the point where I feel like I either have a base system or my speakers / amp are honestly not working correctly.

R12ax7 · 09-28-2021, 01:16 PM

If you have the base system there would ne no tweeters on the A pillar.

gavinwong · 09-28-2021, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socosurf

So I currently have a 2020 330xi with hifi. I just got a loaner today which is a 2021 330xi — also with a hifi system.

Since the day I got my 2020, I always noticed how terrible the audio quality was. To the point that I would make posts about how bad the hifi sound was with clarity, separation and bass.

Today, I'm driving this 2021 home. Same car. Same audio system. And the audio is so noticeably better, that I thought I had one of the upgraded premium systems. I even texted the dealer and asked. They confirmed it was hifi. The sound had separation, clarity, it was like I was literally driving a completely different car and sound system.

First, am I going nuts? Is the hifi system objectively better or different a year off from one another (2020/2021) or should both of these vehicles sound roughly the same?

It's throwing me off to the point where I feel like I either have a base system or my speakers / amp are honestly not working correctly.

Are you using the same method to input the music? Eg I found there is a noticeable bass and volume difference on the hi-fi system in mine whether I stream through car play Apple Music; Spotify through Bluetooth, or usb connection.

ovesund · 09-29-2021, 12:43 AM

Yeah, like said, check for tweeters on the pillars.
But isn't HIFI the base system in the US market?

The base system here in Europe really sounds like crap

R12ax7 · 09-30-2021, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ovesund

Yeah, like said, check for tweeters on the pillars.
But isn't HIFI the base system in the US market?

The base system here in Europe really sounds like crap

Agree, I thought HiFi was the base system in US.

VipinLJ · 09-30-2021, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R12ax7

Agree, I thought HiFi was the base system in US.

HiFi used to be the base system (2019 and 2020 G20s got the HiFi with tweeters on the ORVM pod). Because of the shortage, they brought in the base music system Europe got (HiFi is one step above base there) to replace HiFi for later 2020 and 2021 models. So it's the European base system and HK now I think. I could be wrong.

Blado · 09-30-2021, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VipinLJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by R12ax7

Agree, I thought HiFi was the base system in US.

HiFi used to be the base system (2019 and 2020 G20s got the HiFi with tweeters on the ORVM pod). Because of the shortage, they brought in the base music system Europe got (HiFi is one step above base there) to replace HiFi for later 2020 and 2021 models. So it's the European base system and HK now I think. I could be wrong.

source?

ovesund · 10-01-2021, 12:01 AM

That would be a serious downgrade. I know some complain about the hifi system but it's a lot better than the base.
I suppose aftermarket is the way to go then.

VipinLJ · 10-01-2021, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blado

source?

Check this forum. It's been mentioned before. There are 3 series BMWs on the lot without tweeters on the ORVM pod and those had the downgraded HiFi system because of the source.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ovesund

That would be a serious downgrade. I know some complain about the hifi system but it's a lot better than the base.
I suppose aftermarket is the way to go then.

The HiFi BMW has is actually better than the base (non-B&O/Burmester) speakers in Audi and Mercedes. I haven't listened to the non-HiFi system so I'm not sure how that sounds.

times1 · 10-02-2021, 08:42 PM

Harmon Kardon Surround Sound was optioned in my new 2022 M340i

09-27-2021, 08:00 AM	#1
Socosurf Private 23 Rep 82 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW 330xi Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Philly iTrader: (0)	Hifi System issue — driving me crazy. So I currently have a 2020 330xi with hifi. I just got a loaner today which is a 2021 330xi — also with a hifi system. Since the day I got my 2020, I always noticed how terrible the audio quality was. To the point that I would make posts about how bad the hifi sound was with clarity, separation and bass. Today, I'm driving this 2021 home. Same car. Same audio system. And the audio is so noticeably better, that I thought I had one of the upgraded premium systems. I even texted the dealer and asked. They confirmed it was hifi. The sound had separation, clarity, it was like I was literally driving a completely different car and sound system. First, am I going nuts? Is the hifi system objectively better or different a year off from one another (2020/2021) or should both of these vehicles sound roughly the same? It's throwing me off to the point where I feel like I either have a base system or my speakers / amp are honestly not working correctly.
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09-28-2021, 01:16 PM	#2
R12ax7 Major 120 Rep 1,053 Posts Drives: 2021 340xi Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Philly iTrader: (3) Garage List 2011 328i [0.00]	If you have the base system there would ne no tweeters on the A pillar. __________________ Current: 2021 340xi Retired: 2018 330xi \| 2016 340i 6MT \| 2013 335i 6MT \| 2011 328i 6MT (N52) \| 2008 335xi (N54)
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09-29-2021, 12:43 AM	#4
ovesund Private First Class 82 Rep 170 Posts Drives: i4 eDrive40, i3 60Ah Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: . iTrader: (0)	Yeah, like said, check for tweeters on the pillars. But isn't HIFI the base system in the US market? The base system here in Europe really sounds like crap
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10-01-2021, 12:01 AM	#8
ovesund Private First Class 82 Rep 170 Posts Drives: i4 eDrive40, i3 60Ah Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: . iTrader: (0)	That would be a serious downgrade. I know some complain about the hifi system but it's a lot better than the base. I suppose aftermarket is the way to go then.
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10-02-2021, 08:42 PM	#10
times1 New Member 3 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2022 M340i xDrive Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: Florida iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW M340i [0.00]	Harmon Kardon Surround Sound was optioned in my new 2022 M340i
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