Buying an X5 - buy without Premium Sound?

[jiggz]

So I've been searching for the perfect X5 for nearly a year - yes…a loooong time. Though worth mentioning, my parameters keep changing so the search has started over several times.

Anyhow, I've found a really nice CPO'd X5 that meets all my criteria except….it doesn't have the Premium Sound Package

I've test driven many of these and have heard 1st hand the base 'Hi-Fi' system (S676A) vs. the Premium Sound (S677A) system. I ended up passing on it because this package has been a non-negotiable for us, but it sucks because Premium Sound is so common…most X5's have it. I never would have thought I'd pass on one because of the audio system, or lack thereof….

Should I re-consider and just upgrade aftermarket? I'm second guessing myself right now…thinking this X5 has everything else I want.

Confused…

[W84IT]

The premium system is nice to have but a good aftermarket system will be much better as far as sound quality goes...I have the premium system in my X5 but I plan on adding an aftermarket amp and subwoofer

[mitch808]

I personally think our premium sound system, sucks. Very soft highs, muddy bass, and lack luster bass.

[P1]

My father's X5s have had Premium Sound. Mine doesn't. I can honestly not really hear the difference.

[PAX5]

It is indeed rare to find an X5 without premium sound, but yet has any of the other desirable features that most seek.

What is it that you must have in the X and what have you found?

[RWilky]

I say don't buy. You will regret not getting exactly what you want regardless what others say. Your on the fence enough to make this post, so I say hold out for all that you want and don't take anything less.
Cheers

[x5joe2013]

Premium sound is not impressive.

I'd say go for it.

[jiggz]

Thanks for all the replies everyone - much appreciated. I was figuring most would say Premium Sound is a must, but that doesn't seem to be the case? I guess when I drove them I had noticed enough of a difference to warrant finding one with this package.

I've phoned around to a few reputable car audio shops in my area and I'm hearing pretty much the same info from all of them - $2000 and up to do it right (amplifier, sound processor, replace all the speakers, labor). Of course this # would fluctuate depending on which speakers, which shop, etc.

[larryv]

I have the premium sound and i am not impressed at all. I rented vehicles that are a 1/4 of the price of the X5 and there stereos sound so much better. I would love to upgrade the sound system in the future.

[hd2000fxdl]

Originally Posted by RWilky

I say don't buy. You will regret not getting exactly what you want regardless what others say. Your on the fence enough to make this post, so I say hold out for all that you want and don't take anything less.
Cheers

While I agree 99 times out of 10 with this line of thought, I have the Premium in mine and if I held out and that's all I got, I'd feel jaded I held out.

I say go for it and not be disappointed..

Harry

[Poppyboy]

If Premium Sound is all that's missing, I say go for it. Sound can be easily upgraded...Option packages such as Cold Weather, Convenience, Technology, etc. cannot.

[johnnyBMW]

I have a 2011 X5M fully loaded without the premium package. The standard audio is not great and very "hollow." I've upgraded my speakers to BSW - while much butter, still feels very hollow.

Also, while swapping out the factory speakers, I noticed entire tweeters were completely missing from the setup. Horrible!

[jiggz]

Well, after some further research I found the 2012 X5 Press Kit highlighting changes for 2012 model year X5's - same year as the one I'm looking at. They indicate the 'Hi-Fi' system became standard for all X5's, meaning in 2011 and earlier there was a base system, the 'Hi-Fi' (S676A) and then the Premium Sound (S677A). At least that's my interpretation…?

I just ran several 2011 VINs and it appears the 35i when not optioned with Premium Sound just has the basic 'BMW US radio' (S645A) while the 50i when not optioned with the Premium Sound had the 'Hi-Fi' (S676A).

So where I am I going with this? Most of the 2011's I drove were 35i's without the Premium Sound, meaning they didn't even have the 'Hi-Fi' system. I was probably listening to the base stereo when I concluded it was pretty terrible.

Oh well, either way it sounds like I'd need to upgrade either of them to be truly happy with the sound. All you're replies have been very helpful, so thank you all!

[Draper]

I have the S677A option in mine, and to my ears it sounds fine - it's definitely not terrible enough to make me want to spend $2k+ on replacing it.

If you can source the components, maying buying an X5 with base audio and retrofitting the M's Individual Audio package might be your best option? I had Individual Audio (S752A) in my M3 and it was fantastic.

[kskpsu]

Originally Posted by mitch808

I personally think our premium sound system, sucks. Very soft highs, muddy bass, and lack luster bass.

This. Premium sound is hardly premium.

[jiggz]

I started this thread and ended up buying this X5 in question w/o the Premium Sound Package. The 'Hi-Fi' setup doesn't sound much different to me than the Premium Sound so really glad I proceeded with the purchase.

[kskpsu]

Congrats and enjoy! I ordered a '15 X5 50i MSport which comes standard with the Harmon Kardon..I'm praying it's better than the optional radio on the X5M.

[beemster]

Premium in this case is not even close. More like substandard and borderline laughable given how much it costs.

[JDAURIA]

Sweet a 7 year thread bump

[Nyc Dito]

Originally Posted by JDNY516

Sweet a 7 year thread bump

I've been noticing (and on other forums as well) that new members come in and revive an OLD thread, and can be pretty rude in their comments.. I wonder what gives?