BMW G30 - HK needed or not?

[spud_9]

Hi

Looking for a BMW 5 series, have found several cars within budget but the only thing always missing is Harman Kardon.

I’m into my music and like it bassy and loud - My current F30 hasn’t got it and it is *fine* but not great. Loud volume makes the sound a bit muddy and distorted and the bass is weak.

Is the G30 standard system just as bad? Is the HK upgrade worth it on these cars? I’ve found so many cars in the perfect spec but haven’t pulled the trigger because of the missing HK

[stevemcs]

You would be better off spending £1000 on an aftermarket system than holding out for HK. I haven't heard it in the G series but in the F seroes and Mini's its ok but far from great.

[spud_9]

stevemcs said:

You would be better off spending £1000 on an aftermarket system than holding out for HK. I haven't heard it in the G series but in the F seroes and Mini's its ok but far from great.

I was leaning toward this too - but not sure I’m too keen on taking bits of trim off etc and then ending up with rattles and such.

Maybe that’s not really an issue nowadays, so could be worth looking into.

[Rob 131 Sport]

I had a G30 530d Sport with the standard Hifi that I’ve recently changed to an M440d with HK. There is a noticeable, although not massive improvement in sound quality.

I would go and listen to them both or as others have suggested have the Hifi upgraded. I certainly wouldn’t dismiss a car over the Hifi. BTW G30’s are great and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

[J1990]

spud_9 said:

stevemcs said:

You would be better off spending £1000 on an aftermarket system than holding out for HK. I haven't heard it in the G series but in the F seroes and Mini's its ok but far from great.

I was leaning toward this too - but not sure I’m too keen on taking bits of trim off etc and then ending up with rattles and such.

Maybe that’s not really an issue nowadays, so could be worth looking into.

There's an array of companies around the UK that will professionally upgrade the audio for a fairly reasonable price, you don't necessarily need to do it yourself and a decent company isn't going to leave you with any rattling trim panels from their work.

Saw a lot of positive reviews for work done by these guys and for a G30 it looks like upgrade prices start at £799 fitted. Probably a worthwhile investment rather than hunting for a HK car and hoping that it's 1) As good as you'd like and 2) Priced reasonably

https://www.audiofile-incar.co.uk/audio-upgrades/b...

[sunnyb13]

couldn't have another bmw without the HK audio system now. its a huge upgrade over the stock tinny speakers.

[Stillstand]

I recently had the same scenario when looking for a G31. Lots of cars available with M Sport but otherwise basically no options. HK was a non negotiable for me, not because they are an especially great system, but because the standard systems in BMW's are very poor.

The HK in my F31 was decent enough + powerful amp with logic 7, you could set it up well enough but the hardware isn't that good. I changed all the mids to Eton B100ws and it really improved it.

Luckily they will also work in G31s so I'll be installing them and hopefully once setup it should be decent.

[Pica-Pica]

Stillstand said:

I recently had the same scenario when looking for a G31. Lots of cars available with M Sport but otherwise basically no options. HK was a non negotiable for me, not because they are an especially great system, but because the standard systems in BMW's are very poor.

The HK in my F31 was decent enough + powerful amp with logic 7, you could set it up well enough but the hardware isn't that good. I changed all the mids to Eton B100ws and it really improved it.

Luckily they will also work in G31s so I'll be installing them and hopefully once setup it should be decent.

I have an F30 with HK and logic 7 - it came with my pre-reg’d 335d. I wouldn’t want less.

Interesting about the ETON B100w mid-rangers, where they easy to fit?

[GR_TVR]

I had the HK in a G20, I've never heard the stock to compare it - it's OK...but not great. I've had experience of stock systems in previous BMW's and they were always woeful.

B&O in a previous A4 and Meridian Surround in a new Discovery are much, much better in comparison.

[Stillstand]

Pica-Pica said:

Stillstand said:

I recently had the same scenario when looking for a G31. Lots of cars available with M Sport but otherwise basically no options. HK was a non negotiable for me, not because they are an especially great system, but because the standard systems in BMW's are very poor.

The HK in my F31 was decent enough + powerful amp with logic 7, you could set it up well enough but the hardware isn't that good. I changed all the mids to Eton B100ws and it really improved it.

Luckily they will also work in G31s so I'll be installing them and hopefully once setup it should be decent.

I have an F30 with HK and logic 7 - it came with my pre-reg’d 335d. I wouldn’t want less.

Interesting about the ETON B100w mid-rangers, where they easy to fit?

Yeah very easy to replace mids and tweeters if you are confident removing and reinstalling door cards. The speakers themselves are plug and play and mount in the exact same way as the OEM ones, at least with Eton.

Some people change the subs and dash board speakers in addition. I never felt the need to, the mids are the weak point of the HK system.

You can also really change a lot in logic 7 equaliser depending on what you are listening to. Bimmerpost has a few threads where people share their settings, so worth trying a few.

[_Rob]

I’ve had HK in a G30 and now in a G20. It’s much better in the G30 and a must-have for me. The G20 is fine, but not amazing and not as good as the G30.

[cerb4.5lee]

sunnyb13 said:

couldn't have another bmw without the HK audio system now. its a huge upgrade over the stock tinny speakers.

Same. I thought HK was brilliant in my brother in laws old G30 530i. HK is pretty decent in my F82 M4 as well.

[Ted H]

spud_9 said:

Hi

Looking for a BMW 5 series, have found several cars within budget but the only thing always missing is Harman Kardon.

I’m into my music and like it bassy and loud - My current F30 hasn’t got it and it is *fine* but not great. Loud volume makes the sound a bit muddy and distorted and the bass is weak.

Is the G30 standard system just as bad? Is the HK upgrade worth it on these cars? I’ve found so many cars in the perfect spec but haven’t pulled the trigger because of the missing HK

I have a G30 with the bog standard sound system, it's okay.

Recently I got a G30 courtesy car for a couple of weeks, and it had HK. It was a noticeable step up. Not amazing by any means, but better than the standard.

[ZX10R NIN]

spud_9 said:

stevemcs said:

You would be better off spending £1000 on an aftermarket system than holding out for HK. I haven't heard it in the G series but in the F seroes and Mini's its ok but far from great.

I was leaning toward this too - but not sure I’m too keen on taking bits of trim off etc and then ending up with rattles and such.

Maybe that’s not really an issue nowadays, so could be worth looking into.

Get it installed by a decent firm & this won't be an issue & you'll have a better sound quality.

[spud_9]

Seems to be a mixed consensus then on HK. I think if I find the perfect spec car without HK I’ll take the plunge on it - seem to be some reputable guys out there who can do an upgrade for about £800 so not too bad.