Z4M Roadster Sound System

[SDW335]

I've been toying around with the notion of getting rid of my '07 335i coupe (lease), and get a CPO Z4M roadster. My question is what do expect from the sound system in this car as compared to the Logic7 in my car? Obviously the coupe will have better acoustics, but due to the amount of time I spend in the car, it could be a deal-breaker.

[dngrCharlie]

I have the premium sound system and I like it, however, it did take some breaking in/getting used to. Also, I suspect they designed with top-down driving in mind (duh) as it sounds better to me that way. FYI, I leave all the controls flat.

To give you an idea of speakers I like, I have magnepans at home.

[vicj]

the only gripe I have with the Z4 premium system is the use of metal midranges and tweeters. Otherwise, it's pretty darn good in the car. Once I replaced those drivers with some Morel drivers, it was even better. In stock form, it was already about the best factory system I ever heard. WAY better than the non-premium system in the Z4. Be sure it has Premium.

[jlstyle]

Logic7 sounds better than TXM?(forgot what it was called) in Z4.
But not too much.

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by jlstyle

Logic7 sounds better than TXM?(forgot what it was called) in Z4.
But not too much.

Agree, however, there is not much room inside the Z4, no matter what model, to move any air, so don't expect much bass. My 335i Logic 7 was a really nice setup, easy to tweak.

[jgorman13]

ehhh, i came from a bose system in a audi a4. the Z4 premium sound system sounds exceptional SOMETIMES. But for the most part it lacks the pin-drop clarity of harmon kardon setups in the 3ers

[Mikewarlover]

I am not a big stero guy but I do think my sound system in my current Z (non premium i think) sound worse than my old Harman kardon system in my E92

[218dhb]

since 2003 i have been well into High End home Audio but considering you can not focus on the music while driving the sound system in a car never has had to have the quality as my listening room does.

Audi has the best sound systems i have heard, esp in the TT where everything is front staged like in a two channel home setup. one small thing i wish the Z4 had would be a center speaker for vocals as any decently setup speaker setup should have by default. the upgraded sound system in the Z4 does give more then plenty of DB (don't ever look at how many watts or speakers, quantity is never quality and if only takes a few class A watts to get a setup to go loud and clear.). the separation between instruments are decent and the DSP tricks are fun to play with. its flat but not dead and has lots of warmth as you were driving the speakers from tubes. I do like the internal DAC that is used for the mp3/cd playback!

its not the best but its nowhere close to the worse, i am happy...

logic7 is more about surround sound as the Z4 has more front sound, either know there are back mids and lows. be prepared to hear infront of you instead of around you. Surround sound was only created to sell more mass market products for home theater so to music its useless when it comes to real life like playback. instead of listening where the guitar player is located listen to how long the strings vibrate after being hit..something like that..

[marcus1701]

due to high winds and convertible rigidity I don't think you should expect much from a roadster. The biggest thing that will annoy you is when the volume automatically adjusts for noise. You always could test the system at your local dealer.

[tom_48]

My bro's slk has got a harman/kardon logic 7 with 13 speakers, and compared to my coupe, it is just out of this world! It's amazing!!!

The sound system, even the txh or whatever, (i have that on mine) is the only but biggest pet peeve I have with my car i just wish it could be better

[Bossdog]

Hello all,
I just acquired a 2006 Z4M. I've only had it a week or so but I really love it. 38K miles on her. I have been poking around to see what is what and if all thing operate as intended. When I turned on the radio, I moved the balance and front/rear and found the speakers behind the seat had very little output and equally weak sound quality. I guess I expected those to Boom based on their size. Is that how they are supposed to be? Both sides were the same so its not a blown speaker. if anything the power to the rear channel is shot??
Any advice would be appreciated.

[deemo319]

I got an 07 E85 Z4 last month, and it has the HiFi Premium Sound DSP w/Navigation.

My friends told me about Tune2Air and I have it for my Z4.

It works very well for $90. When I first got it, I noticed the sound was low.

Later I discovered the sound volume on the is directly related to cars volume (stupid me).

I had an installer here in Orlando quote me a complete new sound system, and they hit me $4,388.

The car has a fiber optic cable in it, so you just can't replace parts it's either stock or a complete new system.

I just turn it up and drive with the top down, that's way too much money for a sound system.

Currently I am thinking of buying all of the components and finding an installer or just leave it alone and play with the settings.

If yours has DSP use the Jazz Club mode.

D

[pokeybritches]

The speakers behind the seats and the door speakers are the same. The crossovers are set for different frequencies.

Most of the people complaining about the stock system don't have it set properly. It's not amazing, but it's not bad either.

[Bossdog]

Originally Posted by pokeybritches

The speakers behind the seats and the door speakers are the same. The crossovers are set for different frequencies.

Most of the people complaining about the stock system don't have it set properly. It's not amazing, but it's not bad either.

OK, not set properly HOW?

[pokeybritches]

IIRC, I set the DSP to Jazz Club; add +1 or +2 bass and treble; and set the fader +1 or +2 to the front.

[chickdr]

www.bavsound.com has upgraded replacement door speakers on sale for $311 shipped right now. I have them in my car and they do improve the sound. Easy install as well. Plug n play.

[Vanne]

Once I heard that S54 tune, i had no longer much use for the radio.. it is in there for when the missus comes along once in a while..

reminds me to replace the blown door speaker thats been busted for over 2 years now lol..

the "Burble and Pop" soundtrack is intoxicating.

[dschultz]

Agreed. All-time greatest hit!

[elerner61]

I wasn't satisfied with the top end (DSP-NAV Carver) system in my roadster. The sound quality just wasn't there for me and it was out of breath and sounded strained when trying to play loud enough at highway speeds. Yes, I know it's competing with the aria from the S54 (as well as my Stromung exhaust) not to mention wind noise but I still gain immense pleasure from my music along with all that "beautiful noise".

I first added a DSP/Line Output converter (JBL-MS8) to the stock system. That made it sound better and gave it much more "life". Next, I swapped out all the drivers and ran it without the subs, it sounded markedly better (I really don't understand/agree with how the Carver subs were engineered to sound) but the inboard amps of the MS8 were not powerful enough (knew they wouldn't be, but did it to just theory). I finally added an amp into the equation and brought the subs (now JL 6.5"s in the stock enclosures) back into the picture and got it to sound great, a 9 out of 10. To me since I can't play my music at home at high volume (not a headphone dude) being able to rock-out in my car is one vice I must have.

So to sum up, the Zed's interior and even head-end is a usable platform for a great sounding system, but it'll take some work and some $$. I did my install myself so I can't quote what I paid. Hardware alone cost about $2,000.

[Diesel_d66]

I'm not a super audiophile but I appreciate good sound. I have B&W and Rotel amp and a turntable at home.

I think the THX premium audio on the z4 is fantastic for a roadster especially if you play higher bit rate mp3s. the jazz club setting is what i use and everything from 70s classic rock (floyd) to modern indie/dance music (jamie xx) sounds great on it.

[wasupdu]

My '05 roadster has awesome sound and bass response at highway speeds compared to my '00 s2000 that you could't even hear at 45 mph. Not much to compare to though...

[Nate4641]

IMO, if the sound system in a Z4M Roadster isn't broken and is still a deal breaker, the car probably isn't for you. A good stereo is important, but isn't what these cars are about.