[dananelson1]

FYI: My SA just informed me BMW NA expects to have HK Sound available again on 45e or 40i builds starting in Jan/Feb.

I have a build order that should be ready in 6 weeks, he knew I was bothered by the options supply chain issues, and asked if I wanted to wait - I'm NOT going to wait - rather life with hifi or get Bavsound/Focal upgrade down the track. But someone on the fence or about ready to put an order in, this could be valuable...just an FYI. Of course, this info is subject to change thought my SA is seasoned and generally knowledgeable . . . take it for what its worth.

[mereso]

I did not wait either - will look to Focal/Bavsound/bimmertech upgrade (gotta make up my mind on which). My lease is up in Jan so no choice really. My SA is equally seasoned and he did say while BMW may msg it will do one thing or another with all the supply chain issues, it will always be subject to change.

[allinon72]

With the way the supply chain is right now, January might as well be 5 years from now in terms of an accurate forecast. BMW may hope to have those features back by then but I wouldn't hold an order up because of it. Way too many variables.

[taek]

I think there's some risk to waiting. The X3s have lost HUD, shadowline, hitch, Sirius, who knows what else will be deleted. The shortage may start start working it's way up to the X5s. Or things may get better. It's just unknown at this point.

[dananelson1]

Yes, indeed there are risks in waiting. And, perhaps my SA was only speculating based on some conversations, but he appeared to have quality information (whatever that means today?). My build was on a priority list for HK Sound and today, he informed me that basically my build would push to early Jan build for Feb Delivery if HK sound was a must. That's all I know. But indeed, it's a risk waiting. I was only relaying it in case anyone was, say going to order in Dec vs waiting a few weeks. All of this will pass . . . eventually.

[silverstar335]

A Focal upgrade of the HiFi system will sound better than HK, especially if you get the ES100K speakers.

[mar_carol]

Originally Posted by dananelson1

FYI: My SA just informed me BMW NA expects to have HK Sound available again on 45e or 40i builds starting in Jan/Feb.

I have a build order that should be ready in 6 weeks, he knew I was bothered by the options supply chain issues, and asked if I wanted to wait - I'm NOT going to wait - rather life with hifi or get Bavsound/Focal upgrade down the track. But someone on the fence or about ready to put an order in, this could be valuable...just an FYI. Of course, this info is subject to change thought my SA is seasoned and generally knowledgeable . . . take it for what its worth.

Good to know...I wonder what else (if anything) may be returning. I contemplated holding off on my order...but ultimately decided on going through with it and doing the Bavsound upgrade, which I'll likely install soon. This is my second week with the vehicle and I mostly listen to Sirius XM, and it's actually not as bad as I expected, for my needs that is. Regular radio stations don't sound as good though. Anyway, congrats on your order.

[shatty]

Guys, I heard the BLAM system is better than Focal and all the others. With the MATCH 10 CH with DSP. You also get a special harness and the optical input. I heard thats the way to go. At least the AMP and then choose ur speakers. I am a Focal fan also. I just ordered a X5 M50i and Bowers and Wilkens is not available. Im very upset to say the least but with the Match 10 amp you will get a few extra watts to the speakers. Amp is expensive but I heard its worth it. I would consider doing the Focal speakers with the Match amp or the Blam speakers with Match Amp. Dont forget to code out the Active Sound if your car has the engine sound coming thru the speakers. Could be overly loud and annoying. There is a dealer/installer in the NYC area that does all those brands and specializes in BMW PnP installs. AllBoro Custom. Ask for Jack.

[clbeerguy]

If they are bringing back the Harmon Kardon option I hope they also bring back the Bowers & Wilkins stereo. Patiently waiting...

[evodz]

Should first cross check this with other dealers before committing to waiting. These dudes at the dealership do not hold insider information

[5pacey]

Originally Posted by dananelson1

Yes, indeed there are risks in waiting. And, perhaps my SA was only speculating based on some conversations, but he appeared to have quality information (whatever that means today?). My build was on a priority list for HK Sound and today, he informed me that basically my build would push to early Jan build for Feb Delivery if HK sound was a must. That's all I know. But indeed, it's a risk waiting. I was only relaying it in case anyone was, say going to order in Dec vs waiting a few weeks. All of this will pass . . . eventually.

Huh? So when did you put the order in? They seem to be extremely flexible with what they let you have / not have in your order... to the point that if you want X they'll pull it out of the queue to wait for some parts? Do you have merino leather by any chance in your order?

[5pacey]

Originally Posted by silverstar335

A Focal upgrade of the HiFi system will sound better than HK, especially if you get the ES100K speakers.

They have different mounting rings / screw pattern, but I saw some adapter rings on eBay though they seemed a bit sketchy and not exactly for G05. Do you know of a good source of those?

[silverstar335]

Originally Posted by 5pacey

They have different mounting rings / screw pattern, but I saw some adapter rings on eBay though they seemed a bit sketchy and not exactly for G05. Do you know of a good source of those?

I was going to suggest eBay.

[Ledwinka]

Thanks so much for sharing! This could mean good news to those who wait for the (possible) return of B&W systems as well. B&W audio for BMW is provided by Harman group, as they have been collaborating on development and sales of B&W systems since 2008. This clarifies why B&W option was gone, and then all the Harman options in succession, as they are all provided by Harman (and all impacted by the chip shortage.)

https://www.twice.com/news/bw-harman...oem-deal-22235
(and many more regarding the two companies collaboration with other OEMs including BMW).

Hence, one can assume that the systems are developed by B&W but manufactured and sold by Harman. The recent reveal of iX also shows that this arrangement continues. All in all, I'd wait a bit more

[simonelwell]

I was a bit upset as they didn't tell me up front about the HK deletion - I saw it on the order form - not that bothered as I listen to a lot of talk radio and I'm not a hifi buff - decent sound is good enough for me. More p***ed off about wireless charging deletion - I use that every day in the current car

[dananelson1]

If it's any consolation, I was bitter about wireless charging also, but then read the gobs of complaints that it was/is SLOW to charge AND made their phones get very hot....so maybe old fashioned cords are better? And, some folks have retrofitted an aftermarket wireless solution if of interest. Anyways, it's all we got for now - cheers.

Originally Posted by simonelwell

I was a bit upset as they didn't tell me up front about the HK deletion - I saw it on the order form - not that bothered as I listen to a lot of talk radio and I'm not a hifi buff - decent sound is good enough for me. More p***ed off about wireless charging deletion - I use that every day in the current car

[E91toG05]

Any news on HK availability? Thanks!

[bimmer_fast]

Originally Posted by eitingon

Any news on HK availability? Thanks!

What will be the code for HK? I can check mine VIN for January production

[jiggie]

When I talked to my SA yesterday, he informed me HK is still a no go. I only placed an order last week, but that was one of the things he told me was still not available.

[audionutty]

I put an order in this week so I am also trying to find out when HK will be available for the 40i. Since I saw a thread that B&W became available for the X5M on 1/4/2022 I was hoping that HK would become available, but have not heard anything yet.

[calbears]

Originally Posted by audionutty

I put an order in this week so I am also trying to find out when HK will be available for the 40i. Since I saw a thread that B&W became available for the X5M on 1/4/2022 I was hoping that HK would become available, but have not heard anything yet.

B&W not available and neither is HK for the 40i or 45e

[simonelwell]

if wireless charging pad is deleted does that mean my phone won't connect to the car's antenna also? Or are the charging and antenna connection separate systems?