[hwilson]

Hi - I am looking to purchase my first BMW x5 (first bmw period). Looking at 2020, so not building new.

The one I’m currently considering has the HK system S688. I found an article comparing the base vs HK system and it said there were 2 different HK systems, and that one is not much of an upgrade over the base. It also made it sound like the HK system changed at a certain point.

I’m just trying to figure out which system is in this vehicle. I’ve had a really hard time finding one that has the options I want plus a HK system. This one has it, but I don’t want to get it if it’s the “lesser” system.

Thanks.

[sebseb]

I don't think the HK package ever had versions. At some point early on there were conflicting information regarding the specs on BMW's website:

https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1701401

Maybe the article assumed that once BMW corrected the website, the specs were "upgraded" rather than "corrected".

[TurtleBoy]

Welcome to the forum. There has only ever been one HK system for the G05 as far as I know.

[shelbymaize]

I have the HK system on my 2023 X5 , I am not an audiophile, but the sound is wonderful

[hwilson]

This is the article I found - probably should have put that in the post

https://www.bimmer-tech.net/blog/item/143-bmw-harman-kardon-sound-system

It says
“ To complicate things even more the S688A Harman Kardon system is different (we wage to say better) in pre-iDrive 7 BMW’s like the F15 X5 or F10 5-Series compared to the 688 HK system installed in iDrive 7 equipped BMW’s like the G05 X5 or G20 3-series.”

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by hwilson

This is the article I found - probably should have put that in the post

https://www.bimmer-tech.net/blog/ite...n-sound-system

It says
“ To complicate things even more the S688A Harman Kardon system is different (we wage to say better) in pre-iDrive 7 BMW’s like the F15 X5 or F10 5-Series compared to the 688 HK system installed in iDrive 7 equipped BMW’s like the G05 X5 or G20 3-series.”

May be true but why care about it.

[hwilson]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

May be true but why care about it.

Because I don’t want to purchase a vehicle thinking I’m getting one thing and it end up being something different . The HKs aren’t in many of the options that have been listed for sale recently so, trying to determine if I’m chasing something worthwhile or not. If it’s the lower quality system, I’d rather just focus on the other options I want and do an aftermarket sound system.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by hwilson

Because I don’t want to purchase a vehicle thinking I’m getting one thing and it end up being something different . The HKs aren’t in many of the options that have been listed for sale recently so, trying to determine if I’m chasing something worthwhile or not. If it’s the lower quality system, I’d rather just focus on the other options I want and do an aftermarket sound system.

I don’t think you are following, there has only been one HK system used in the G05. It makes no difference whether it is different or not from previous generations. Look at the reviews from people who have it and base your decision on that.

[nZtiZia]

Originally Posted by hwilson

Hi - I am looking to purchase my first BMW x5 (first bmw period). Looking at 2020, so not building new.

The one I’m currently considering has the HK system S688. I found an article comparing the base vs HK system and it said there were 2 different HK systems, and that one is not much of an upgrade over the base. It also made it sound like the HK system changed at a certain point.

I’m just trying to figure out which system is in this vehicle. I’ve had a really hard time finding one that has the options I want plus a HK system. This one has it, but I don’t want to get it if it’s the “lesser” system.

Thanks.

real quick BMW-ese for you: chassis codes.for every model, there’s a chassis code that designates the version and corresponding years of that specific model. for example, the X5 has (not including the ///M models):
G05 (2018-present)
F15 (2014-2018)
E70 (2007-2014), etc

regardless of that article delineating HK systems 668 vs S668 vs S668A, the system that’s in the G chassis X5 (the one you’re looking at) is different from the HK system in the F chassis X5. there’s never been two versions of the HK system in the G05 chassis if that’s what you’re wondering.

from that article excerpt you provided, they say they like the HK system in the F chassis better than the one in the current G chassis. truth be told, I’ve read previous F chassis X5 pieces owners say the same, but there are many factors that go into that statement such as component quality and makeup of the speakers and the vehicle interior itself, the number and placement of speakers, EQ and amplifier settings, HK’s proprietary sound mapping, etc etc.

it is possible the quality and/or sound of the current system could be “less” than the previous (maybe due to COVID constrictions), and you’ve already hinted at your approach to buying: get the vehicle with the features you want regardless of the audio system. you can always upgrade it whether it’s the base system or the HK system. FYI, most reports state there is a clear improvement in the audio quality between the HK system and the base system in the G05. these came during the time when the HK system wasn’t available at all, and some got a newer G05 than their original (sold, accident, lemon, trade-in, etc), so they were able to immediately compare with some objectivity.

[BMPHIL]

I had base system in my 2022 G05 and have HK in my 2023, both adequate for my needs.

[Marty in NY]

Originally Posted by hwilson

Because I don’t want to purchase a vehicle thinking I’m getting one thing and it end up being something different . The HKs aren’t in many of the options that have been listed for sale recently so, trying to determine if I’m chasing something worthwhile or not. If it’s the lower quality system, I’d rather just focus on the other options I want and do an aftermarket sound system.

Others have already said it quite well, if you buy a 2019-2023 G05, the HK system in it is the same. Otherwise, go get an F15 if you think the write up is valid.
I have the HK in my '21 G05, it's quite flexible in its ability to be tuned to your liking via not only its tone controls but also by its built in equalizer and fader controls. You can probably go find a G05 on a dealers lot that has the HK and listen to it, adjust its controls and then decide whether you like it or not. You can bring your favorite music on a USB drive to listen to. However, if you do that and you don't like it no matter how you have adjusted the controls, you can always upgrade the speakers post purchase as there are a couple brands of after market speakers that owners on this forum have raved about. You have options.

[aaaaaaaaaz]

I remembered from G01 X3 forum there is a discussion that Harman Kardon audio hardware was downgraded sometime between 2020 and 2021, if that is sth OP is referring to

Never heard about the same for G05 though

[arRod1981]

Originally Posted by alanzyy

I remembered from G01 X3 forum there is a discussion that Harman Kardon audio hardware was downgraded sometime between 2020 and 2021, if that is sth OP is referring to

Never heard about the same for G05 though

The downgrade is from when it went from iDrive 6 to iDrive 7. The amp had a wattage downgrade.