[tatoweb]

I'm ready to order a 24' X7.

I'm thinking in going with the standard sound system as this will be a family hauler listening to kids stuff 80% of the time . How bad or good is it?.

[khai37]

Think HK comes standard. Think you referring to B&W.

[Delrazdan]

I have base system in x5 n hk in x7. Hk is better

[thenew3]

Originally Posted by khai37

Think HK comes standard. Think you referring to B&W.

HK does not come standard on the 40i, it is standard only on the M60i.

Base on the 40i is a 10 speaker system. HK is 16 speakers and B&W is 20.

If you get the 40i with either premium or executive pkg, then HK will be included in either one of the packages.

It is night/day difference from base. I would do no less than HK

[crackerjack15]

I had a base stereo on one of my X5's. Yuck. The HK should be standard on the X7. But, if you could care less about sound quality and Soundstage, then the standard stereo might be ok for you. It plays plenty loud enough and has a good amount of bass. Only way to really answer is to find an x5 or x7 with base stereo and see if you care.

[entendu]

B&W sounds really great, and I am pretty picky with audio. The lit speakers are cool, too.

HK seemed fine but nothing special.

[Orient330iNYC]

the base system is pretty terrible. very low power. actually shocking that its the base option on the X7. its low powered (205W) its ok for talk radio. anything like actual music it just sounds hollow. you probably need to experience it to hear the difference, be aware that most lot cars will have premium package which will be HK.

i would get the premium package, besides the harman kardon stereo you get:
- Soft Close doors (nice to have)
- Rear sunshades (very useful if you have kids in the back)
- gesture control (meh)

[streborx]

Go with the HK and pass out earbuds to the kiddos -- everyone's happy.

[EWL5]

Let me put it to you this way: I was looking at used X7s that folks were turning in at lease end. Most of them had the crappy HiFi base audio and maybe only about 5-10% of the cars I looked at had HK. The market has spoken!

[keg97]

Originally Posted by EWL5

Let me put it to you this way: I was looking at used X7s that folks were turning in at lease end. Most of them had the crappy HiFi base audio and maybe only about 5-10% of the cars I looked at had HK. The market has spoken!

I'd say that's more indicative of the lease market and folks being price driven and not caring since it's only a lease.

I believe there is still a sizeable part of the public who will lease a BMW merely for the badge. I'm always struck by the new BMWs with halogen headlights....hello rental grade!

[Saejin]

Originally Posted by EWL5

Let me put it to you this way: I was looking at used X7s that folks were turning in at lease end. Most of them had the crappy HiFi base audio and maybe only about 5-10% of the cars I looked at had HK. The market has spoken!

Keep in mind there was a period of time that only the hifi system was available on the X7 due to supply chain and covid. Could have impacted what you were looking at.

[MystroX5]

There should never have been a “base audio” system offered in any BMW with a “7” in it. The HK is a good entry level audio system for a vehicle in this price point but the B&W is in another zip code of audio bliss.

[keg97]

Originally Posted by MystroX5

There should never have been a “base audio” system offered in any BMW with a “7” in it. The HK is a good entry level audio system for a vehicle in this price point but the B&W is in another zip code of audio bliss.

You're not wrong at all!

[Caveno]

I have the B&W upgrade as I’m a bit of a sound weenie. But my kids don’t know the difference, so do what you like, it won’t matter to your kids

[Phasers]

HK is the lowest acceptable audio system in the X7.

I've had both "base" (goddawful terrible) and HK (decent).

Obviously B&W is top tier, but for best value for the buck I would get the premium package which includes HK.

[Orient330iNYC]

there's only one thing worse than the hifi, the abomination bmw put onto the US market for 2010, the real base system. got a lot car that had every option ticked but the HK. thought i would be ok. it was terrible. no tweeters in the upper doors, no amp, six speakers driven by the head unit. thankfully the euro market had an OE alpine upgrade that added the tweeters, better speakers for the front, and an amp.
but i digress.

you will tell yourself hifi is ok, but you'll regret it later. the premium package gives decent value for its contents... the hifi system is really an embarrassment to have been specced in a car at this level...

i actually regret not getting the B&W system but at least the HK is decent enough.

[Jbird73]

Piling on here. I have an X5 with the base (wife's car) and she is fine with it but I would be REALLY disappointed with that in my X7. You have to crank up the volume setting as the output is weak and it just lacks any richness/depth.

The HK in my X7 is totally serviceable. Is it outstanding? No. Not close. I couldn't get B&W at the time I got mine in '22 so while I would enjoy the B&W I'm sure I have no overall complaints about the HK. Most of the time I have plenty of other noise in the car (windows open, etc) so I'm not worried about missing out on the superiority of the B&W.

[Bimmerfun82]

B&W!
At minimum HK
Kids love the B&W for their music even
And when they’re out of the car, I get to enjoy my music

[EWL5]

Originally Posted by keg97

I'd say that's more indicative of the lease market and folks being price driven and not caring since it's only a lease.

I believe there is still a sizeable part of the public who will lease a BMW merely for the badge. I'm always struck by the new BMWs with halogen headlights....hello rental grade!

Agreed that if the car is owned for a limited time, no need to increase monthly payments.

If it was me, I'd just have the HK system as a bare minimum bc the package that comes with it has worthy features and will only increase the resale value of the car down the road (if owned and not leased).

[Phasers]

Originally Posted by EWL5

Agreed that if the car is owned for a limited time, no need to increase monthly payments.

If it was me, I'd just have the HK system as a bare minimum bc the package that comes with it has worthy features and will only increase the resale value of the car down the road (if owned and not leased).

Spot on. 100% spot on.

[chicagox7]

Piling on to go with the HK at the minimum. If keeping for a while (or even leassing), then think about the BW. We went with the BW as we hope to have it for a while and the kids taste in music will change. As a bonus, the kids love the light up speakers; still fun after 9 mos in it.

[Bimmerfun82]

I just listened to the HK for a couple hours on a drive (in my Z with upgraded system - added sub and amp) and then hopped in my X7 with B&W to run some errands.

What a difference! The B&W is a no brainer if you can pony up the cash.