[dlstipp]

Is the Bowers & Wilkens worth the cost? Or is the Harman Kardon sound system so good that it is unnessary?

[LSM]

Multiple threads on this topic, do a search

[bloozemanAZ]

As LSM stated, there are multiple threads regarding the B&W audio in a 8 series. Being a primary component of them as well as cross threads in the F90 and X5/X7 sites I can sum it up in two factors. #1 if you are an audiophile there is absolutely no comparison to the B&W vs stock H&K based on my audio shoot out utilizing HiRez FLAC sources on factory settings. Calibrate the B&W appropriately and it just adds insult to injury. #2 even if you are not an audiophile the B&W itself adds significant esthetic value to the 8-series via its add to the overall cabin ambient lighting at night. Hence my advice especially when leasing (which is the only way to go with a 8-series) is get the B&W as the difference in the payments is minimal vs the esthetic value add.

[Ozzie8]

bloozemanAZ bang on. Get the B+W.

[kitw]

I have the HK. The B&W is BETTER but not nearly as good as the real systems I've done in other cars. (really high quality aftermarket stuff with good amps, processors, etc). For me, it wasn't worth the extra $$$, although I wouldn't have refused a car with it, but the discount I got on my M8 Comp was pretty strong and I chose to take this car with the HK. As far as automotive sound systems, I'd say the HK is a 6 and the B&W is a 7.5, with a good well tuned aftermarket system as a 9-10 depending on the quality of install, etc.

For me, the HK has enough power to give me tunes top down, and enough resolution when I'm top up on the freeway, to keep me reasonably happy.

[Paolo73]

Originally Posted by kitw

I have the HK. The B&W is BETTER but not nearly as good as the real systems I've done in other cars. (really high quality aftermarket stuff with good amps, processors, etc). For me, it wasn't worth the extra $$$, although I wouldn't have refused a car with it, but the discount I got on my M8 Comp was pretty strong and I chose to take this car with the HK. As far as automotive sound systems, I'd say the HK is a 6 and the B&W is a 7.5, with a good well tuned aftermarket system as a 9-10 depending on the quality of install, etc.

For me, the HK has enough power to give me tunes top down, and enough resolution when I'm top up on the freeway, to keep me reasonably happy.

B & W is incomparable with HK.
I set studio effect and let it flow👍

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by kitw

I have the HK. The B&W is BETTER but not nearly as good as the real systems I've done in other cars. (really high quality aftermarket stuff with good amps, processors, etc). For me, it wasn't worth the extra $$$, although I wouldn't have refused a car with it, but the discount I got on my M8 Comp was pretty strong and I chose to take this car with the HK. As far as automotive sound systems, I'd say the HK is a 6 and the B&W is a 7.5, with a good well tuned aftermarket system as a 9-10 depending on the quality of install, etc.

For me, the HK has enough power to give me tunes top down, and enough resolution when I'm top up on the freeway, to keep me reasonably happy.

Agreed but I'd probably grade the B&W at a 8 but regardless to your point a high-end aftermarket system with proper install and tuning can easily surpass it. That said I've never done an aftermarket audio system in any of my cars to date as the seat time (aka listening time) just doesn't have an ROI to do so. However, on the flip side my home audio system is a different as animal and gets updates periodically to continuously drive improvement as audio is one of my core vices. When my wife found out that we have a specific homeowner insurance policy rider on it valued at more than her X5 needless to say I had some explaining to do.

[xmanpro]

Originally Posted by dlstipp

Is the Bowers & Wilkens worth the cost? Or is the Harman Kardon sound system so good that it is unnessary?

Just get the BW. You won't be bummed.

[FBMWWINS]

I love the B&W as well and I am glad I set it as one of my priorities when I shopped for an M850i though I am not an audiophile. Coming from an F06 650i with the B&O audio system, I wanted an upgrade or something at least as good as that. Thus I thought the H&K, regardless as to what degree, would have represented a downgrade. Compared to the B&O I would say the B&W IS better at least by my own judgement and audio listening skills. I also think aesthetically it complements the interior very well with those retro-illuminated panels and design wise all together. Also I think it may be an extra argument, or plus point when eventually reselling the car one day.

[fl650]

After purchasing my 650i coupe, my biggest regret was letting the sales manager talk me out of ordering a car with Bang & Olufsen audio. They didn't have one on the lot, and he argued that it wasn't worth the cost. (The vehicle was always going to be a custom order.) Shortly after taking delivery, I regretted my decision. The Harman Kardon audio was uninspiring and merely adequate at best. Not wanting to tear apart the door panels on a new vehicle, I replaced the under seat OEM subwoofers with Bavsound's 6-series offering and achieved some improvement. When it came to purchasing my M8, the absence of Bowers & Wilkins audio was a deal breaker. I haven't been disappointed, neither aurally nor aesthetically, and am confident that you won't be either. (Second deal breaker: ZDA Driving Assistance Package with 3D Surround cameras.)

[xmanpro]

Originally Posted by FBMWWINS

I love the B&W as well and I am glad I set it as one of my priorities when I shopped for an M850i though I am not an audiophile. Coming from an F06 650i with the B&O audio system, I wanted an upgrade or something at least as good as that. Thus I thought the H&K, regardless as to what degree, would have represented a downgrade. Compared to the B&O I would say the B&W IS better at least by my own judgement and audio listening skills. I also think aesthetically it complements the interior very well with those retro-illuminated panels and design wise all together. Also I think it may be an extra argument, or plus point when eventually reselling the car one day.

Have had the B&O in my previous M5/6/X6 and totally agree the B&W sounds better.

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by fl650

After purchasing my 650i coupe, my biggest regret was letting the sales manager talk me out of ordering a car with Bang & Olufsen audio. They didn't have one on the lot, and he argued that it wasn't worth the cost. (The vehicle was always going to be a custom order.) Shortly after taking delivery, I regretted my decision. The Harman Kardon audio was uninspiring and merely adequate at best. Not wanting to tear apart the door panels on a new vehicle, I replaced the under seat OEM subwoofers with Bavsound's 6-series offering and achieved some improvement. When it came to purchasing my M8, the absence of Bowers & Wilkins audio was a deal breaker. I haven't been disappointed, both aurally and aesthetically, and am confident that you won't be either. (Second deal breaker: ZDA Driving Assistance Package with 3D Surround cameras.)

Agreed on all counts. I have a buddy with a 650i coupe with H&K who's done the full Bavsound upgrade for an overall pretty decent sound. In fact he tried to convince me I should just go with the H&K on the M850i and do a Bavsound upgrade. I laughed him out of the room on that suggestion after doing the H&K vs B&W shootout with HiRez FLAC sources in a couple of 2019 M850i's on my dealers lot. I explained that there is no way the Bavsound upgrade will even get close to the B&K as it is more than just the speakers, i.e., amp, crossovers and DSP.

When ordering my wife's X5 I tried to audition the B&O but there weren't any on the local dealer lots to do so. One dealer even basically stated the same sentiment, i.e., "it's not worth it" and of course "we'll make you a great deal with one on the lot". Ultimately though when I did place the order I just paid for the H&K upgrade as it was better than stock and ultimately her DD vs any significant seat time for me. When we're together in it the H&K does fine but if it was my DD I would have ordered the B&O even without the ability for a demo prior to do so.

As for ZDA, it was a deal breaker as well and I walked away from my first M850i order due to it being stuck with ZDX. My dealer fought with BMW NA over it to the point they gave me an expedited build slot for the 2nd order with ZDA. Even after getting the build slot I still didn't let up on BMW NA as ZDX introduced with the 2020s should never have been on the 8-series period. My argument is whom in their right mind would want to spend $100K plus on a car just to save $600 on a watered down Driving Assistant package? The configurator (aka Build Your Own) at the time did not even support ZDA with ZDX as the only option. Finally in January 2020 after 8 months of stupidity BMW NA updated the configurator and replaced ZDX with ZDA as the only option.

[White8CAB]

I am ordering an 850M convertible and thinking about the Bowers and wilkens sound. I am on the fence as there is a lot of confusing info. Has anyone tested them side by side in an 8 series. Most dealers only have one in stock so it’s not likely. Also some reviews say 16 speakers but current spec’s in configuration for 8 series say 12 speakers.

[Accentu8]

The 8C I was so lucky to find on the dealer lot had the B&W. Honestly, if I’d had to go custom order route I probably would not have popped the $3.4k for it bc hubby was already bugging out at the price as it was. However we went ahead with the one we stumbled upon bc it is SSG which is by far, our preferred color and it has all the packages and options we want…then we heard the B&W and realized it is absolutely worth the cost.

The speakers that light up are amazing and for me is one of the factors that really elevates my interior over lower cost BMW models I’ve been in. Even on the rear deck where the speakers do not light up, but still have the stainless steel covers look gorgeous against the Anthracite Alcantara.

Definitely get the B&W.

And once you do, search the forum for bloozemanAZ B&W settings.

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by White8CAB

I am ordering an 850M convertible and thinking about the Bowers and wilkens sound. I am on the fence as there is a lot of confusing info. Has anyone tested them side by side in an 8 series. Most dealers only have one in stock so it’s not likely. Also some reviews say 16 speakers but current spec’s in configuration for 8 series say 12 speakers.

See the other thread you started as I replied back there already in regards to 16 speakers (coupe/GC) vs 12 (convertible), etc. As far as side/side comparison I did that in 2019 and there is no comparison as the B&W wins hands down.

[Kansr]

10/10 would not doubt opting in again.

[Bulent Ali]

Here in the UK , when you opt for B&W , you also get assisted plus inc . Can't opt B&W alone .

[Moopai]

I had a B&W in my previous 7 series, great system, I loved it. When I got my M850GC, I was worried about HK, as it might be a downgrade from B&W. It is not by any means, HK is as great, the only thing I'm missing is the light in the speakers... Those were nice at night especially when changing the interior colours with matching speakers.

If you are a musician, you are going to disagree with me 100%, otherwise you will like the HK just fine, just keep Logic 7 unchecked for best audio quality.

Originally Posted by dlstipp

Is the Bowers & Wilkens worth the cost? Or is the Harman Kardon sound system so good that it is unnessary?

[KB7]

I had the opportunity to listen to both prior to ordering my car and it wasn’t even a question after hearing the B&W. Do it!

[bloozemanAZ]

So my vote still stands with the B&W but now have HK in the wife's new X5 40i. Interesting that for 2024 BMW dropped B&W for an option outside of the M60i. Not like I would have bought it for her DD but just believe that is yet another BMW faux pas of ignorance.

That said I'm now about 80% there on dialing the HK to a more than capable sound. I'd be 100% there but had to go backwards as using SiriusXM given BMW killed off the USB-C data port in the console (charging only). So have to dig up my USB-C to A adapter to plug in my SSD into the USB-A port in front of the wireless charging tray.

Once done happy to share the calibration but the 8-series owners MMV as obviously a different cabin size. However, it will easily get you 80% of the way there and for anyone with a X5 and HK pure gold.

[Moopai]

It would be great if you can share your configs/callibration. Not sure if you've seen these setting as were done by someone on this forum.

Originally Posted by bloozemanAZ

So my vote still stands with the B&W but now have HK in the wife's new X5 40i. Interesting that for 2024 BMW dropped B&W for an option outside of the M60i. Not like I would have bought it for her DD but just believe that is yet another BMW faux pas of ignorance.

That said I'm now about 80% there on dialing the HK to a more than capable sound. I'd be 100% there but had to go backwards as using SiriusXM given BMW killed off the USB-C data port in the console (charging only). So have to dig up my USB-C to A adapter to plug in my SSD into the USB-A port in front of the wireless charging tray.

Once done happy to share the calibration but the 8-series owners MMV as obviously a different cabin size. However, it will easily get you 80% of the way there and for anyone with a X5 and HK pure gold.

[Beemer5to3]

Originally Posted by Moopai

It would be great if you can share your configs/callibration. Not sure if you've seen these setting as were done by someone on this forum.

Thought that driveway and garage looked familiar

Those were my HK settings on my G15, I’ve a different setup on my G16 with B&W