[pdrf10]

For those of you contemplating an investment in Bavarian Soundwerks speaker upgrade for the F10, here's my two cents:

I did a fair amount of research (on this site, and other forums) before investing in the BSW Stage One upgrade, and in the end, am glad I made the switch. It's not that I was unhappy with my stock "premium" sound system - - I just wanted to kick it up a notch without messing with the wiring/amp/panel modifications/etc. For my listening needs, the 600W nine-channel amp in my car's sound system provides plenty of power, and the most noticeable improvement with the BSW speakers came in the form of greater depth and a much cleaner and smoother midrange response.

The BSW speakers are high quality units, and the magnets on their mids are the size of hockey pucks! (Much larger than the tweeter-sized magnets on the BMW mids - - I'm not an audiophile, but I have to assume much of the enhanced sound quality derives from this one feature alone). Also, their tweeters are beautifully machined out of aluminum, although unlike the BMW tweeters in the center dash and rear deck, they are not directional (aiming towards the center of the soundstage - - I can't notice a difference as a result, but was initially concerned during the installation).

I had a couple of questions and concerns related to the installation prior to my purchase, and the folks over at BSW were very responsive and friendly. They have a great video that covers the installation of their speakers in an F10 with the base sound system, and since my car has the upgraded version with extra mids and tweeters in the rear doors, I found a video on YouTube for the removal of the rear door panels. My car has the rear passenger privacy shade option, and as a result, I had to do a little more digging and a friend (former BMW technician) was kind enough to get me the instructions on removing the horizontal privacy screen which has to come off prior to the rear door panel removal.

The 14 speaker upgrade took me a little over five hours, and as previously mentioned, I'm glad I did it. Like others, I was a bit hesitant regarding the price point for the Stage One upgrade, as I was concerned the return on my investment wouldn't be noticeable. Not the case at all - - these speakers have exceeded my expectations and really come to life as you crank up the volume...

I purchased my system with a 10% off coupon, and got free shipping as well, so my net cost was $1,169. I'm sure there are other options at this price range, but I chose BSW because they were direct plug & play units. Also, my research and the quality of information found on their website (informational and instructional videos) made my decision easier. In my communications with BSW, I've learned they're in the final stages of developing/testing a subwoofer upgrade to complement their Stage One mid & tweeter package. Once they become available (hopefully a direct plug & play as well), I'll be replacing the OEM subs to complete the 16 speaker sound system enhancement.

On a side note, I highly recommend having a set of plastic interior trim removal tools on hand for this installation should you decide to tackle the project yourself.

Hope this helps!

[fung0001]

How can i get a 10% off coupon? Do you have any spare one?
I am interested thks

[pdrf10]

fung0001 -

The coupon code I used (RM10VAB) was part of a September promotion they were offering; I don't know if it still works, but give it a try...

If it doesn't, try contacting them via their website (bavsound.com). They're very responsive and easy to work with, and just may offer you another coupon code.

Good luck!

[fung0001]

Thks a lot

[Micah D. Cranman]

Thanks for the review -- we really appreciate it!

[Joe535iX]

Wonder how much if any improvement over the upgraded Harmon Kardon....

[Micah D. Cranman]

Originally Posted by Joe535iX

Wonder how much if any improvement over the upgraded Harmon Kardon....

Huge.

In the end I can sit here and repeat "Well it sounds great!" until I'm blue in the face, and even if it didn't, I'd have every incentive to do so, and of course I'm biased.

That being said, rather than try and convince you myself, let me point you to a few independent reviews of our products so you can get a feel for what unbiased, third parties think (some of these cars have HK, some don't, some are F10's, some aren't, but in all cases it's a very big improvement):

http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=910027
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=411465
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...Sub-is-Amazing!
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=565491
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e60...ml#post4362913

(If you want more, let me know -- there are tons!)

[Intricacy]

Is there a kit for the F01 yet?

[Micah D. Cranman]

Originally Posted by Intricacy

Is there a kit for the F01 yet?

We're very close. Basically all that remains is the production of the installation instructions, which is on the agenda for the next two weeks, and then we'll release the kit.

If you want to be notified when it comes out, sign up for our newsletter here:

http://eepurl.com/Kju6P

[Stormbitch]

Why would you not just focus on
a. Powering the existing speakers
b. Powering a component system for the front consisting of 4 new focal speakers
c. Powering 4 new focal speakers in the front and two under-seat 8 inch subs.

$999 for some speakers seems a lot to fit them yourself - when half the trouble is the amp. If you are good enough to fit them yourself, would you not be good enough to find equatable size drivers else where?

[Russkey]

Originally Posted by pdrf10

fung0001 -

The coupon code I used (RM10VAB) was part of a September promotion they were offering; I don't know if it still works, but give it a try...

If it doesn't, try contacting them via their website (bavsound.com). They're very responsive and easy to work with, and just may offer you another coupon code.

Good luck!

The coupon worked! Thanks!

[pdrf10]

[MBMW]

Folks

The website says 4 to 6 WEEKS to ship! how long did it take to get your speakers to be delivered?

[pdrf10]

My upgrade kit was in stock when I placed my order, and shipped out within 24 hours via FedEx. I suspect they've been pretty busy with increased publicity and having recently expanded their product line into the new 4 series, so they may be a bit backlogged...

Give them a call for clarification on your pending order - - great customer service!

[JazStar740]

Originally Posted by Stormbitch

Why would you not just focus on
a. Powering the existing speakers
b. Powering a component system for the front consisting of 4 new focal speakers
c. Powering 4 new focal speakers in the front and two under-seat 8 inch subs.

$999 for some speakers seems a lot to fit them yourself - when half the trouble is the amp. If you are good enough to fit them yourself, would you not be good enough to find equatable size drivers else where?

I have the HK L7 system in my 335is and it was not that the amp did not have enough power, if you listened, you would hear the speakers clip out at higher volume levels, but after the BSW Stage One upgrade, the sound was just amazing.... No more clipping except from the underseat midbass woofers. Just wish BSW had an upgrade for that already. Changing out the Amp with the HK L7 system will run you double the investment of getting the BSW Stage One, and from some of the post I have read on these forums, you still may not be as satisfied. With the BSW's, I must say they were a HIT!!!! And I have the pride of knowing I did it myself....

[JazStar740]

Originally Posted by MBMW

Folks

The website says 4 to 6 WEEKS to ship! how long did it take to get your speakers to be delivered?

When I ordered mine I read that also, but they arrived at my doorstep within the week and that was only because of communication back and fourth due to the extra set of tweeters I ordered for my center channel.

[Fast Intentions]

i am really considering the full speaker upgrade, is there any coupons available now? i see the price is at $899 currently due to them being out of stock, my question is will this still be the case come july 15th when i get paid . im iffy about ordering these but my stock systems is garbage!

anyone?

[tree]

I ordered the stage 1 upgrade over 2 months ago and still have not received them. They are telling me the tweeters for the back doors are back ordered. I'm looking forward to doing the upgrade, but somewhat frustrated and disappointed that it's taking so long. Their website says maybe another month until product is available! I sure hope it's worth the wait.

[Russkey]

They've told me the same thing and I finally received them 2 weeks ago. I waited around 8 weeks.

[tree]

Have you installed them yet? I'd be curious to know your thoughts.

[tree]

I finally got my stage 1 upgrade. Took almost 3 months. My car had the HK system. I have to say the improvement in sound quality is amazing. I am very pleased.
Thanks to PDRf10 I was prepared for the disassembly of the rear door panel. Bavsound's instructions do not include anything about rear door installation.

I found Bavsound's tool kit to be useful but it helped to have some extra plastic trim removal tools. I found a set at my local auto parts store. Installation was very straightforward and took about 3 hours. I used their sound deadening material, but it's hard to tell if that made any impact or not. I was impressed by the sound deadening material that comes stock in the f10.

The differences I am noticing are improved clarity at all frequencies, and markedly improved mid and bass response. When you turn up the volume, these speakers really come alive. I now take the long way home, and don't mind at all if I get stuck in traffic. It's fun rediscovering my music collection.

[BawstinMike]

As I understand it, the Stage 1 does make a noticeable improvement over the HK OEM speakers. However, BAVSOUND should step up and make a the sub woofer as well. Otherwise my guess is it will be slight unbalanced with clearer, highs, mids but clipping low end due to the OEM HK 8"s.

Right now 1299 for Stage 1 F10 with HK. seems a bit high.