Wondering what the difference is between all the audio options and speakers for BMW? Don’t worry, we’ve explained everything you need to know right here. It’s important to keep in mind that with all the different models available, there may be minor exceptions to the information you’ll find in this post.
We’ve compared the three standard factory variants alongside the Bang & Olufsen system, and BimmerTech’s Premium Audio System Upgrade, in case you’re considering going aftermarket.
You can check which system you have by going on www.bmwvin.com and finding your audio option.
BMW speaker placement. Please note: The base and Hi-Fi options will not have the full amount (16). The base system does not include an amplifier.
Base (stereo)
Audio option: N/A
The base system as the name suggests is the most basic audio option for BMWs. In some countries (for example the US and Canada) it’s not even available and is replaced by the HiFi system as the standard option.
Equalizer settings here are very limited, with the only options available being:
Bass/treble
Front/back
Left/right
It’s usually composed of 4 mid-range speakers and 2 underseat woofers. Tweeters are nowhere to be found here (which can be observed by the missing mesh tweeter grilles inboard of the side mirrors), resulting in music that will likely sound dull.
There is no amplifier either; instead, the head unit is responsible for the amplification, further reducing audio quality and maximum audio output. This may result in a lack of sufficient volume, and wishing you could turn it up more than your BMW allows you. Towards the end of the volume scale you may start experiencing distortion, so you might want to refrain from going all the way up.
HiFi
Audio option: S676A
The HiFi system is a noticeable upgrade with tweeters (usually 2) and a 6-channel amplifier onboard. Still, the graphic equalizer option is missing and leaves the listener with the same options as the previous sound system - bass/treble, front/back, and left/right.
Higher series with the HiFi option will also include an additional midrange speaker for the center-channel dash.
With this system, you’ll get more volume thanks to the amplifier, and also a cleaner audio signal coming into it as a result of a higher quality head unit.
Speakers for this audio option are considerably better than for the base (stereo) option. Nonetheless, a lot of listeners are dissatisfied with the sound quality and seek aftermarket upgrades.
Top-Hifi (Harman Kardon)
Audio option: S674A
Top-HiFi is the best audio option out of all standard three and is branded as Harman Kardon in all the newer models. For older BMWs, naming will vary. However, all of these setups share a similar layout which has been described below.
With this sound system, you’ll find a surprising amount of speakers in your BMW - usually about 16. Two underseat woofers, and 7 mid-ranges along with 7 tweeters. One pair is installed in the front deck, while the remaining can be found in the rear deck and four doors.
The amplifier in the Top-HiFi system has 10 channels (of which 9 are active) and is connected to the head unit by a fiber optic cable. In the head unit’s menu, you’ll find a graphic equalizer, as well as a surround sound option.
Top Hi-Fi is a significant improvement with more amplifier power, EQ, and additional speakers that are better quality and have higher power handling.
Bang & Olufsen
Audio option: S6F2A
Bang & Olufsen offer a premium audio system for certain high-end BMW models, namely the 5, 6 and 7 series, as well as the X5 and X6 (and their corresponding M equivalents). It features improved amplification, speakers, and a few other cool features.
With 16 channels and 1200W of total output power, the B&O amplifier certainly packs a punch.
Speakers are located in the same way as in the top Hi-Fi system, also divided into 2 subwoofers, 7 mid-ranges, and 7 tweeters. To add to its premium appearance, the side tweeters are illuminated, and the center channel speaker extends out from the dashboard.
BimmerTech
Audio option: N/A
For BMW owners that need even better audio, BimmerTech provides an amplifier and speaker upgrade — the Premium Audio System and Alpha One Speakers.
The amplifier features 64-bit digital signal processing (DSP), which allows maximum customizability with options such as EQ, crossover, delay, and others. Another benefit of the Premium Audio System is an increased signal-to-noise ratio and a much higher output power, meaning more volume and clarity for the listener.
The Alpha One Speakers have the highest power handling and quality build compared to the BMW factory speakers. Mid-range and tweeter quantity will vary, and is dependant on the number of factory speakers in your BMW and additional speaker slots in your model.
Both the Premium Audio System and the Alpha One speakers stand their ground on their own, but when you combine both of them with a custom designed DSP tuning file for the Bimmertech amplifier — you’ll be in for a ride.
BimmerTech also offers ASD (Active Sound Design) deactivation. ASD is responsible for the artificial engine sounds, which may cause audio issues or simply be annoying to listeners.
It’s important to remember though, that with all the different audio options available, specifications only tell part of the story. You won’t truly know the difference an audio upgrade can make to your car until you hear it for yourself.
More details on the BimmerTech upgrade can be found here.