[JupiterM418]

I’m looking at the options for speaker upgrade. Is the
Bowers/Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System
ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS for an extra $3,400 really worth it from the Harmon Kardon? Is it noticeable and worth it? Pros/cons? Thank you again.

[Paladin1]

Depends on your definition of "worth it." I have it on my current G05, and it was, to me. But my X5 has acoustic glass, and I often play uncompressed music files from a flash drive. The B&W is the first high-end system I've had in a car that was actually practical and usable as a consequence. It doesn't benefit you to put a high-end sound system in an open top convertible. BMWs in general are fairly well isolated from road and engine noise, but only you can judge. The HK system is a good system, and most drivers won't be disappointed with it. The B&W is the best system I've heard, including the top B&O in Audis I've owned - it's perfectly tuned to the interior of the car. But all that said, if you only listen to streaming audio, or are satisfied with lower bitrate recorded tunes and not uncompressed original files, you won't miss it.

[jiggie]

Originally Posted by JupiterM418

I’m looking at the options for speaker upgrade. Is the
Bowers/Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System
ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS for an extra $3,400 really worth it from the Harmon Kardon? Is it noticeable and worth it? Pros/cons? Thank you again.

For some, absolutely. For some, HiFi is more than adequate. It's a very personal decision honestly.

[JupiterM418]

Thanks so much to both!

[cellarrat]

Unanswerable question. As noted, it depends on how important music reproduction is to you. You absolutely would recognize the difference immediately. Is it "worth" $3k? Would be to me, and I am still unhappy it wasn't available w/the 45e. Between spending on the HK "upgrade" and my aftermarket fixes, I'll probably spend nearly as much and doubt the sound will be as good.

[FastMarkA]

I think only you can answer this question, based on your love (or lack thereof) of high quality audio.

The B&W is pretty incredible. I'd love to have it. I don't think I personally value $3.4k worth when HK is a totally suitable option.

But if I found a car on a lot matching most of my requirements, and it had the B&W, I'd open up my piggy bank a bit more and would be really happy to have it.

[iceRN09]

Originally Posted by JupiterM418

I’m looking at the options for speaker upgrade. Is the
Bowers/Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System
ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS for an extra $3,400 really worth it from the Harmon Kardon? Is it noticeable and worth it? Pros/cons? Thank you again.

I have B&W on my M50i. It sounds so amazing in high volume. I do uncompressed files to fully take advantage. It still makes me smile to this day. H&K is ok but needs a bit of tuning. I had one on my m340i. Less power and clarity but acceptable for daily. B&W also makes your interior look nicer.

[Aimster82]

The B&W lacks bass ... so if you do not care for bass then it is a great system.

[Aimster82]

The B&W lacks bass ... so if you do not care for bass then it is a great system.

[Paul-in-MA]

B&W wasn't available when I ordered, so I just spent $4K to have Focal speakers installed. I was disappointed with the HK system coming from a Meridian system.

If you are ordering the executive package, then get the B&W audio for $3400. But if you don't want the executive package, the Focals for $4K are an excellent aftermarket option.

[oldguy00]

I have the B&W in my new 40i. I haven't ever used the Harmon system, but compared to the hifi system in my wife's X4, and the hifi system in the X5's I test drove, the B&W seems like a big step up. That said, only you can decide if its worth the money to you. If you are someone that mostly listens to podcasts, news, etc, I don't think I'd spend the money. If you love music, then its a serious consideration.

[cellarrat]

Originally Posted by Paul-in-MA

B&W wasn't available when I ordered, so I just spent $4K to have Focal speakers installed. I was disappointed with the HK system coming from a Meridian system.

If you are ordering the executive package, then get the B&W audio for $3400. But if you don't want the executive package, the Focals for $4K are an excellent aftermarket option.

did you replace the amp as well? I have the 2-way door replacement spkrs in my shopping basket while I try to figure out what I want to do w/the woofers and amp

[Paul-in-MA]

Originally Posted by cellarrat

did you replace the amp as well? I have the 2-way door replacement spkrs in my shopping basket while I try to figure out what I want to do w/the woofers and amp

Kept the amp, but replaced all the speakers including the center dashboard speaker, door speakers, rear pillar speakers and the subs under the front seats. Those under seat subs really crank up the bass. Here is the list of items from the invoice:
- Focal Inside ICC BMW 100 5” center channel dashboard speaker
- Focal Inside IS BMW 100L 5” component speaker system (front doors)
- Focal Inside IS BMW 100L 5” component speaker system (rear doors)
- Focal Inside IC BMW 100L 5” 2-way speakers (rear pillars)
- Focal Inside ISUB BMW 8” 4 OHM subwoofer speakers (under front seats)

[Paul G29]

I had HK in my 40e and now B&W in my 45e (because I was forced to - HK not available). The B&W is a step up, but pushing 55 I guess my ears are the weak link here. The HK is a very good option and better value in my opinion. But, I would probably go for the B&W again. Gotta have the best...

[dombi]

Hello... have you guys read this thread?
https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2039216

Are you guys also affected by the issue mentioned there?
If you upgraded the speakers to other than stock, is the Assisted Driving function still operational in your car?

[playswcars]

It is absolutely worth it. Always get the B&W when you can.

[smbsocal]

Originally Posted by JupiterM418

I’m looking at the options for speaker upgrade. Is the
Bowers/Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System
ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS for an extra $3,400 really worth it from the Harmon Kardon? Is it noticeable and worth it? Pros/cons? Thank you again.

We have a '21 M5 with B&W and a '23 X6 with HK. We HAD a '22 X5 with Hifi.

The B&W has a crisp sound and more clarity. It has more simulated sound modes which is more of a gimmick. You also get the lighted speakers.

The H&K has a warmer sound skewed to mids.

The B&W can get louder but not much and only in the high range of sound.

The Hifi shouldn't be installed in any BMW period.

[FCX5]

Originally Posted by jiggie

For some, absolutely. For some, HiFi is more than adequate. It's a very personal decision honestly.

HK is a good middle ground. IMHO. If you’re listening to music via CarPlay or Android, the marginal benefit of B&W is limited by your source. I personally found the base HiFi pretty bad. Have had it on my loaners and rentals a few times. For this class of car, I’d definitely go with at least the HK. The B&W looks and sounds beautiful. At $3,400 it is actually pretty good value for what you are getting. The speakers, the amp and DSP. JMHO. Although, if you are not an audiophile or you plan to keep the X5 for 3 years or less, then $1K+/year seems like a high price to me. I don’t think you can get the value back when you sell the X5.