stereo issues

i8_it · 08-24-2010, 11:56 PM

Is it just me or does the z4's stock stereo just not cut it? Like seriously? My sister recently purchased the new z4 and me coming out of a 328i stock stereo can tell the difference. The volume does not adjust up to a decent level of volume, and lord forbid you raise the bass over 0...... can you guys chime in and tell me whats your experience, so far mine and hers are horrible.... oh yeah the service guys couldnt find a single issue

asty · 08-25-2010, 01:19 AM

I agree, it's the only bit of the car i don't like. I would love to find a local installer who can add me some upgraded speakers, 2 subs behind the seats where the BMW upgrades would be, and a PnP amp... Maybe the Blaupunkt people have recommended. The trouble is finding someone who has experience with the Z4.

siscobmw · 08-25-2010, 08:48 AM

my 11 speaker system works really good, I know that 6 speaker system is really poor.
what kind of stereo got your sister?
Francesco

Drjoeb · 08-25-2010, 09:15 AM

I've got a new 2011 Z stock stereo. Not impressed at all. Usable yes, exciting no. I wish oh how I wish B&W would make speakers for cars other then the Jag XF series. But I hear you the stock system is rather disappointing. It's good for news though.

RM-Z4 · 08-25-2010, 09:42 AM

I have the premium sound package on a 2011 Z4. With ipod sound, top down at 110-120mph in europe it sounded great. Did not realize it until my right seat passenger tried to tell me something and I could not hear him over the wind noise. Have not tried it w/ cd or radio audio, only ipod.

i8_it · 08-25-2010, 06:24 PM

other then it lacking DECENCY, i believe it has a issue of some sort. I mean it starts making that popping noise when the bass is at +1 with the treble up all the way... and it readjusts the volume almost as if it has a limiter on it... i just dont get it...

ttuner · 08-25-2010, 07:03 PM

yeah the stock speakers are terrible in this thing. i might hit up a local shop over the winter and see what they can do for me.

fisherman · 08-25-2010, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigpimper4lif

other then it lacking DECENCY, i believe it has a issue of some sort. I mean it starts making that popping noise when the bass is at +1 with the treble up all the way... and it readjusts the volume almost as if it has a limiter on it... i just dont get it...

If I'm not mistaken, there is a setting on the radio that automatically increases volume at higher speeds with the top down. If you have that setting enabled, you would probably see the volume automatically decrease when you slow down. Maybe this is what you are experiencing ?

BlueZ4AZ · 08-26-2010, 08:57 AM

Base audio system - sucks
Premium audio system - doesn't suck, too expensive

BMW offers no happy medium with the Z4 and they simply weren't getting my hard earned $2k+ for a stereo upgrade. Thus, I listen to the sucky base audio and thats that. However, since I have an extra $2k in my pocket, I bought a Plazma TV and various other personal electronic goodies with all the money BMW never got from me.

Love the car, hate the base stereo. Only complaint.

mcbeee · 08-26-2010, 10:17 AM

I have Premium Sound, 11 speakers (I found ten, still looking for the other one

) I set the speed volume control up a bit, set the equalizer the way I like it and it sounds good when cranked up. I notice a difference between iPod, Sirius, radio and CD's but that is signal strength/quality, not the system. There is also a setting for "Room" that seems to be a type of "surround" mode that works best with the roof up.

I NEVER get a car with a standard sound system in it, especially a convertible.

BlueZ4AZ · 08-26-2010, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigpimper4lif

... oh yeah the service guys couldnt find a single issue

The issue is that they put the stereo in the car in the first place. Not something the service guy can remedy.

It's like if you bought a piece of dog SH$% from the grocery store, then took it back to the store to return it, because it stunk. The store's response is going to be, "We smelled it, it definitely stinks, just like every piece we sell, nothing wrong with it. soooooo..... WHY are you bringing it back??"

Memphis1 · 08-26-2010, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcbeee

I have Premium Sound, 11 speakers (I found ten, still looking for the other one

)

There's two under the dash grill.

mcbeee · 08-26-2010, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Memphis1

There's two under the dash grill.

Those sneaky bas*ards ...

teagueAMX · 08-26-2010, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueZ4AZ

The issue is that they put the stereo in the car in the first place. Not something the service guy can remedy.

It's like if you bought a piece of dog SH$% from the grocery store, then took it back to the store to return it, because it stunk. The store's response is going to be, "We smelled it, it definitely stinks, just like every piece we sell, nothing wrong with it. soooooo..... WHY are you bringing it back??"

What are you saying when dog sh*t smells the way it's supposed to, it's not broken?

BlueZ4AZ · 08-26-2010, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teagueAMX

What are you saying when dog sh*t smells the way it's supposed to, it's not broken?

siscobmw · 08-27-2010, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcbeee

Those sneaky bas*ards ...

Mcbeee, don't even try to search for oil dipstick.....
Francesco

Silver-Bolt · 08-27-2010, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siscobmw

Mcbeee, don't even try to search for oil dipstick.....
Francesco

It's right next to the muffler bearing.

BlueZ4AZ · 08-27-2010, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver-Bolt

It's right next to the muffler bearing.

Is that above or below the carburetor?

Drjoeb · 08-27-2010, 03:24 PM

Wait a little longer and we'll have a potential alternative to the stock speakers.
Response I got from bavsound.com

>In our next batch of releases! We have finished development and just
>awaiting production!

>Best Regards,

>BSW | Audio Solutions for Your BMW
>www.bavsound.com

uslic001 · 08-27-2010, 07:14 PM

I would love to upgrade the stock system I have. It is starting to get on my nerves. It is a shame BMW puts such crappy stock sound systems into their fine automobiles.

teagueAMX · 08-27-2010, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueZ4AZ

Is that above or below the carburetor?

That's next to the flux capacitor and a little to the left of the heisenberg compensator.

08-24-2010, 11:56 PM	#1
i8_it Feeling Blue. 117 Rep 801 Posts Drives: I12 i8,f10 M5,e89 IS,F1 6S35i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E93 M3 [5.36]	stereo issues Is it just me or does the z4's stock stereo just not cut it? Like seriously? My sister recently purchased the new z4 and me coming out of a 328i stock stereo can tell the difference. The volume does not adjust up to a decent level of volume, and lord forbid you raise the bass over 0...... can you guys chime in and tell me whats your experience, so far mine and hers are horrible.... oh yeah the service guys couldnt find a single issue
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08-25-2010, 01:19 AM	#2
asty New Member 0 Rep 8 Posts Drives: Z4 35i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I agree, it's the only bit of the car i don't like. I would love to find a local installer who can add me some upgraded speakers, 2 subs behind the seats where the BMW upgrades would be, and a PnP amp... Maybe the Blaupunkt people have recommended. The trouble is finding someone who has experience with the Z4.
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08-25-2010, 08:48 AM	#3
siscobmw freude am fahren ....scheiden freude... 17 Rep 299 Posts Drives: Z4 Sdrive30i tiefseeblau Join Date: May 2009 Location: Italy iTrader: (0)	my 11 speaker system works really good, I know that 6 speaker system is really poor. what kind of stereo got your sister? Francesco
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08-25-2010, 09:15 AM	#4
Drjoeb Private 3 Rep 89 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Freehold NJ iTrader: (0)	I've got a new 2011 Z stock stereo. Not impressed at all. Usable yes, exciting no. I wish oh how I wish B&W would make speakers for cars other then the Jag XF series. But I hear you the stock system is rather disappointing. It's good for news though.
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08-25-2010, 09:42 AM	#5
RM-Z4 New Member 1 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 sDrive3.0i Red Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Roanoke, VA iTrader: (0)	I have the premium sound package on a 2011 Z4. With ipod sound, top down at 110-120mph in europe it sounded great. Did not realize it until my right seat passenger tried to tell me something and I could not hear him over the wind noise. Have not tried it w/ cd or radio audio, only ipod.
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08-25-2010, 06:24 PM	#6
i8_it Feeling Blue. 117 Rep 801 Posts Drives: I12 i8,f10 M5,e89 IS,F1 6S35i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E93 M3 [5.36]	other then it lacking DECENCY, i believe it has a issue of some sort. I mean it starts making that popping noise when the bass is at +1 with the treble up all the way... and it readjusts the volume almost as if it has a limiter on it... i just dont get it...
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08-25-2010, 07:03 PM	#7
ttuner First Lieutenant 67 Rep 378 Posts Drives: z4 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: phx iTrader: (0)	yeah the stock speakers are terrible in this thing. i might hit up a local shop over the winter and see what they can do for me.
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08-26-2010, 08:57 AM	#9
BlueZ4AZ Go SU 33 Rep 902 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 sDrive35i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chandler, AZ iTrader: (0)	Base audio system - sucks Premium audio system - doesn't suck, too expensive BMW offers no happy medium with the Z4 and they simply weren't getting my hard earned $2k+ for a stereo upgrade. Thus, I listen to the sucky base audio and thats that. However, since I have an extra $2k in my pocket, I bought a Plazma TV and various other personal electronic goodies with all the money BMW never got from me. Love the car, hate the base stereo. Only complaint. Last edited by BlueZ4AZ; 08-26-2010 at 02:11 PM..
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08-26-2010, 10:17 AM	#10
mcbeee Lieutenant 5 Rep 446 Posts Drives: '09 Z4 s35i & '03 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 Z4 3.0i [5.00] 2001 Z3 3.0i [0.00] 2009 Z4 s35i [7.00]	I have Premium Sound, 11 speakers (I found ten, still looking for the other one ) I set the speed volume control up a bit, set the equalizer the way I like it and it sounds good when cranked up. I notice a difference between iPod, Sirius, radio and CD's but that is signal strength/quality, not the system. There is also a setting for "Room" that seems to be a type of "surround" mode that works best with the roof up. I NEVER get a car with a standard sound system in it, especially a convertible. __________________ Member ZSCCA 2009 Z4 s35i with Dinan Stage II software, Sport and Exec packages, 19" 296 rims , a stubby and mud flaps '03 Z4 3.0i Sterling Grey (Hers) '01 Z3 3.0i Sapphire Black, M sport package (Mine)
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08-27-2010, 03:24 PM	#19
Drjoeb Private 3 Rep 89 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Freehold NJ iTrader: (0)	Wait a little longer and we'll have a potential alternative to the stock speakers. Response I got from bavsound.com >In our next batch of releases! We have finished development and just >awaiting production! >Best Regards, >BSW \| Audio Solutions for Your BMW >www.bavsound.com
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08-27-2010, 07:14 PM	#20
uslic001 Enlisted Member 7 Rep 44 Posts Drives: 2009 s35i Z4 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Fayetteville, NC iTrader: (0)	can't wait I would love to upgrade the stock system I have. It is starting to get on my nerves. It is a shame BMW puts such crappy stock sound systems into their fine automobiles.
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