XBimmers X1   XBimmers X1
  XBimmers X1

Go Back   XBimmers | BMW X1 Forum > BMW X1 Forums > General BMW X1 (E84) Forum

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-21-2012, 09:10 AM   #1
RocGuy
Private
United_States
6
Rep
71
Posts

Drives: X1
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Rochester, NY

iTrader: (0)

Is there anything wrong with the regular headlights or regular stereo?

Do you think I NEED the Xenon headlights or the Harman Kardon sound system? Are the regular options for these sufficient? Are you glad you got these things or glad you did not?

I'm not an audiophile so I'm leaning towards not upgrading the stereo. And I'm really not sure about the Xenons. I think I could live without them? But I also wonder about how they would help in resale value down the road.


Thanks for helping me figure out what I need when I order my car next week!
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 09:18 AM   #2
mabrahams
First Lieutenant
74
Rep
318
Posts

Drives: X1 M-Sport 28i
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Fl

iTrader: (0)

I would say in regards to the lights; Xenon's are nice but the problem is you can't buy them as a stand alone option. If you wanted to upgrade, it would be expensive (but cheaper than buying the package).

I am uber impressed with the stock radio. It has a lot more bass and quality than my 2011 128i did. HK adds a center speaker on the dash (I believe) and better audio drivers... Is it worth the extra $695? I would see if you can compare the two. Everyone's ears are different.
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 09:41 AM   #3
Blue Bottle
Lieutenant
Blue Bottle's Avatar
United Kingdom
10
Rep
533
Posts

Drives: X1 x Drive 2.0L D
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Swindon

iTrader: (0)

Get the lights and stick with stock radio...
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 09:43 AM   #4
Irish-Texan
BannerMan
Irish-Texan's Avatar
Ireland
64
Rep
108
Posts

Drives: X3 35i MSport / X1 28ix MSport
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: West of the Westoplex, (Republic of) Texas

iTrader: (0)

Chose the lighting package because we regularly drive rural 2 lane roads at night. Lots of deer and other wild animals out and about here after dusk. Had not bothered to upgrade the lighting package on last car, and regretted that decision. The difference is substantial, and the peace of mind from the significantly improved illumination for night driving is worth paying extra $$. Worth the price? For me - yes. If you drive mostly city/urban miles it becomes a more difficult option to justify.
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 10:00 AM   #5
nyalpine90
Lieutenant General
nyalpine90's Avatar
7385
Rep
11,829
Posts

Drives: MY24 G01 AW Msport
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: L.I. NY

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2016 BMW X4  [9.33]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Bottle View Post
Get the lights and stick with stock radio...
+1
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 10:12 AM   #6
jnm
Second Lieutenant
jnm's Avatar
16
Rep
242
Posts

Drives: fast, but could be faster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: CA

iTrader: (0)

Base stereo (at least on US models) is really quite good.
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 12:21 PM   #7
edx1
Second Lieutenant
16
Rep
206
Posts

Drives: X1 xDrive35i
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Wasatch front

iTrader: (0)

I didn't know the Harman Kardon radio had a center channel, but if it does that would actually push me away from it personally. I'm an audiophile and videophile and listen to all types of music from classical to electronica but what you're paying for is mainly a no hassle, slightly better yet mediocre system. You can pssibly do better for the price elsewhere depending on what you're looking for. If you do plan on watching to DVD's in the car it might be worth it, but I think that market is small and mostly a fad.

Center channel audio is actually a step in the wrong direction for most audio listening. The exception is if you're listening to 5.1 channel mastered audio which I doubt less than 1% of X1 owners even own. Some Satellite radio stations do broadcast 5.1 but the selection is very limited and the bitrate is pretty lousy anyway.

The biggest pro for audio listening really depends on how many people will be in the car. 2 channel audio listening always has one and only one sweet spot. Adding more speakers though can help balance things out but it becomes a huge hack and mess. The ideal situation in a car is 2 speakers for each person and no sound leaking from one persons speakers to another part of the car (ie: what a pair of headphones for each person would do). 11 speakers can help balance sound out though and would be a plus if you want a good listening environment for multiple people. If it's just you then more speakers can be bad, but this might be more information than you're interested in, so lets jump back a step and just cover the first thought of audio aspects most car buyers thing about, speakers and head units.

There's a thread in the 3 series forum that lists speakers that are quick swaps and you're talking less than $200 to upgrade to some pretty decent speakers all around. I don't have my X1 yet and haven't seen specs posted on the speakers so I haven't been able to see what speakers they're using to offer a suggestion on upgrade routes.

Also, audio is so personal that some people might even pick the stock radio over the Harman. For example I can hear higher frequency than most people my age (I take care of my ears, avoid loud concerts or take ear plugs, use ear protection when using any gas or power equipment, and have lucky genes) and I prefer a very flat response from 22khz down to 60hz speakers (I use RBH reference in my home that are very flat, only a hint of treble biast which I'm fine with) and personally despise Bose (My father prefers them) that have a mid range biast. Many people over 40 can't hear above 18khz and don't have trained ears that can tell audio direction as low as 50hz. I also prefer sealed musical subs to single frequency ported high DB thumping subs which are popular in cars but offers less musical qualities. When I go to CES every year I always walk through the car audio floor to see what's new but in general, car audio is based on names and marketing first and quality and technology second. It really doesn't take much to upgrade car audio to 99% of the quality you can ever reach because of background noise, even if you're talking about a 7 series or other luxury cars that have special emphasis on acoustics and real sound panel treatments to reduce background noise.

Cars just aren't ideal for listening so depending on your disposable income there's a variety of paths that may suite your wants better. If you have money to spend and like the center channel for dvd video and won't be interested in getting into a more pure form of audio listening then the Harman Kardon stereo might be a good choice for you. If you want to tinker in the higher end audio world then I'd first need to know what you want to achieve before I could really offer a choice path for you.

PS. I went with Xenon lights not for the Xenon but for the adaptive feature. Having headlights that can turn a little makes a huge difference to me and offers a significant safety level in neighborhoods that require you to turn a lot and may have kids around. I wish BMW had the merc feature that detects people near the road and actually moves the closest headlight to focus on them and brights the person to help you see that they're there.

Last edited by edx1; 11-21-2012 at 12:26 PM.. Reason: Added PS
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 12:54 PM   #8
Grovsnus
Flight Lieutenant ≛
No_Country
18
Rep
918
Posts

Drives: Le Mans blue X1 35i
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: CT

iTrader: (0)

Doing lots of audio stuff, including mixing and synths, my initial thoughts is that Harman Kardon is low-end - it's more of a branding company than original equipment. I also don't like thumping bass, and that system comes with one woofer (they call them subwoofers, but there's nothing sub about them) under each seat.
Yet, I went for the HK option, because it does have better dome tweeters. Is it worth the price difference? Nope. But the work to get a decent stereo system installed is rather high, and it wouldn't interface with the iDrive.

As for the lighting package, I went with it because of the door handle lights and auto-dimming. I don't like Xeon lights. I prefer warm color temperatures over cold, so I don't lose my night vision, nor cause others to lose theirs. I know, I probably belong to a minority here.
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 12:59 PM   #9
3Bims
Private
0
Rep
62
Posts

Drives: XXX
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: US

iTrader: (0)

Agree with most everyone here...xenons (light pkg) and standard radio. Btw, the adaptive high beams are great.
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 04:18 PM   #10
Bill B.
Lieutenant
Bill B.'s Avatar
United_States
18
Rep
439
Posts

Drives: '18 M2, '13 X135i '15 S1000R
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Cary, NC

iTrader: (0)

I think it all depends on how much you listen to audio while driving, and of course, it, as others have said, is very subjective. The HK adds two tweets in the back, and the dash center speaker. Plus, the amp goes from 180W to 340W and all the drivers are upgraded.

We got the HK upgrade in the X1 because the wife listens to music all the time, and she LOVES it over the stock radio in my 135i. I've got the stock radio in 135i because I don't listen to music while driving.

However, for the Xenons, I, personally think they are a MUST have item. I will not buy another vehicle without them.

Here is a thread discussing the audio:

http://e84.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=740874
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 04:22 PM   #11
icemilkcoffee
Enlisted Member
1
Rep
42
Posts

Drives: Soon to be x1
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

I listened to both the base stereo and the HK one, and I went with the upgrade. The reason is that the HK one has a pretty decent Surround Sound. The base version has no DSP processing. It's kind of primitive in that respect. The HK version also sounds fuller because of better bass and better tweeters. Back in the old days, I would have gone for the base stereo and just do an aftermarket upgrade. But nowadays, the stereo head unit is so integrated into the whole IDrive thing that a replacement head unit would just ruin a lot of the functionalities. The stereo is something you use on a daily basis- so no sense skimping on that.

I didn't get the lighting package because we live in a well-lit urban area. Also- I've never been in a car (any car), and felt that I needed more light.
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 04:33 PM   #12
Dilbert2402
Second Lieutenant
Dilbert2402's Avatar
87
Rep
279
Posts

Drives: X3 G01 30e
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Hampshire, England

iTrader: (0)

Having had previous vehicles with xenon and without there is little difference between them if and only if you up-rate the standard ones with Phillips X-tremeVision lamps or an equivalent
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 05:57 PM   #13
Vertigo//SD
First Lieutenant
Vertigo//SD's Avatar
38
Rep
362
Posts

Drives: X1 xDrive28i (temporarily)
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: San Diego, CA

iTrader: (1)

Xenons are a must. That said, I had to order the premium pack to get the lighting pack. Lame! I bet it will be stand alone in the next model year.
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 08:44 PM   #14
dchao
Private
2
Rep
69
Posts

Drives: BMW X2 M35i
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: London

iTrader: (0)

I have both xenons and halogen lights before, and at one time, I had two type of lights on two different cars. And IMO, xenons look nicer, but it is not necessary.

Also my last bimmer E90, had HK, and I wasn't impressed, and my Merc C class, at the same time as well, so I could do A-B test, had a better sound system in her.

So for my latest X1, I did not order either of them. IMO, both options have zero resale value.
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 10:05 PM   #15
popopine
Private First Class
popopine's Avatar
United_States
58
Rep
128
Posts

Drives: Blk x3 m40eye
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: North East US

iTrader: (0)

of all the upgrades, Xenon lights may be the most important. It will change night driving-make it safer and easier and more fun.
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 11:03 PM   #16
08E92M3
Private
United_States
2
Rep
94
Posts

Drives: E92 M3 Coupe
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Dublin

iTrader: (0)

The price BMW is currently charging for HK in X1 wasn't bad, they charged $2k for a non-branded stereo upgrade in my E92 M3, I wasn't impressed for that price! Adaptive xenon was a much better upgrade than that stereo!!!
Appreciate 0
      11-22-2012, 05:01 AM   #17
Syle
Private
United_States
12
Rep
65
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW X1 -Mineral Grey
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Tomball

iTrader: (0)

stock radio is good enough
xenon lights =

1. depends if you live in the city or out in a farm/woodsy area where deers and animals are more to just show up out of nowhere...

* i didn't get the xenon lights.. i live in the city but do drive to our little farm and... i guess i am used to not having them before that it didn't really matter... just my opinion.

on the other hand: XENON LIGHTS.. yes, it illuminates more and perhaps benefits "US" so we see better... however, have ya'll thought about the in coming cars... Those lights are so bright that the in coming cars (drivers) can get "blinded even for just a sec. which can in return pose a risk for collision... not for your part but for the other car.
Appreciate 0
      11-22-2012, 06:51 AM   #18
RocGuy
Private
United_States
6
Rep
71
Posts

Drives: X1
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Rochester, NY

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Syle View Post
on the other hand: XENON LIGHTS.. yes, it illuminates more and perhaps benefits "US" so we see better... however, have ya'll thought about the in coming cars... Those lights are so bright that the in coming cars (drivers) can get "blinded even for just a sec. which can in return pose a risk for collision... not for your part but for the other car.
I actually think about this! As someone that's driven a small car for 10 years (mostly a Mini, currently a Fiat) I'm constantly blinded by SUV/Truck headlights. Not a fan. Lol

But I do live 20 miles outside of the city here and do a fair amount of driving on some country roads getting in and out of town. So based on what most people have said I'm leaning towards getting the light package.

Still torn about the radio. Most are saying no. But I DO listen to music constantly while in the car. And I'm in the car a lot. 15,000 miles in my current car that I got in March...
Appreciate 0
      11-22-2012, 09:21 AM   #19
M3tallicar
Lieutenant
273
Rep
515
Posts

Drives: ///M
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Sunnystate

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Syle View Post
on the other hand: XENON LIGHTS.. yes, it illuminates more and perhaps benefits "US" so we see better... however, have ya'll thought about the in coming cars... Those lights are so bright that the in coming cars (drivers) can get "blinded even for just a sec. which can in return pose a risk for collision... not for your part but for the other car.
I think it has more to do with the height and alignment of any headlamp, I find myself blinded by halogen headlights that are improperly aimed all the time, especially on high trucks/SUVs. A correctly aimed xenon won't dazzle others and in my experience illuminates better, I think it's worth it esp with adaptive
Appreciate 0
      11-22-2012, 09:22 AM   #20
dmegeath
New Member
3
Rep
15
Posts

Drives: X1
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Nor. California

iTrader: (0)

Test drive the audio

I use Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon' on CD as my standard - I took the CD to the dealer and sat in an X1 with the generic audio - and I was satisfied (am not an audiophile). Suggest you try the same thing with a mix of music of your choice.
Appreciate 0
      11-22-2012, 09:33 AM   #21
Bill B.
Lieutenant
Bill B.'s Avatar
United_States
18
Rep
439
Posts

Drives: '18 M2, '13 X135i '15 S1000R
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Cary, NC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by RocGuy View Post
I actually think about this! As someone that's driven a small car for 10 years (mostly a Mini, currently a Fiat) I'm constantly blinded by SUV/Truck headlights. Not a fan. Lol

But I do live 20 miles outside of the city here and do a fair amount of driving on some country roads getting in and out of town. So based on what most people have said I'm leaning towards getting the light package.

Still torn about the radio. Most are saying no. But I DO listen to music constantly while in the car. And I'm in the car a lot. 15,000 miles in my current car that I got in March...
Don't worry about blinding other drivers. These xenon lights are properly engineered with auto-leveling and an asymmetric pattern that illuminates the edge of the road more than the center. These lights usually get blamed by mistake when people are blinded by improperly installed after-market HID lamps in reflector housings, or after-market blue tinted bulbs that are running a very high wattage.
Appreciate 0
      11-22-2012, 10:11 AM   #22
stefan
Brigadier General
stefan's Avatar
No_Country
2347
Rep
4,250
Posts

Drives: M2 Comp
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North

iTrader: (2)

Remember it's not JUST xenon's.. that's trivial as you can add HID's to any car for about $55 for a quality kit. Putting them into your stock housings (e.g., the base X1's) is unethical though and you'll piss everyone off.

It's the housings which include projectors and adaptive headlights that really make it worth it. Hell the fact that they aim themselves is worth it! Aiming headlights is an unbelievable PITA. Also there is no amount of retrofitting you can do here; aftermarket projectors are unavailable, and even if they were, would not self level or turn.

The base stereo is sufficient and I would not upgrade it.
__________________
///M Power
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:33 PM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST