What I hate about my new F85

[ItaliaM3]

I have had my F85 a month now and overall I really love the way it drives and looks - inside and out. But coming from a 2013 X5 5.0 with the standard sound system, here is where the F85 just does not compare:

Exhaust sound. I really cannot believe how anemic it sounds. It does not sound like a BMW V8 that's for sure. Cruising around town, it has no grunt or low rumble to it. Even at WOT, it still sounds weak. I'm on a lease so I can't justify an aftermarket exhaust. What a disappointment.

HK Sound System. It is completely inferior to the standard sound system in my previous X5. In my old X5, I used to beam and boast about how I didn't spend the dough on the upgraded sound system and yet the sound was so great. Then, moving to the F85 - I would now be upgrading to the HK system, which I had in previous BMWs, I was excited that it was going to be even better. Boy did that expectation fall right on its face. I think it sounds flat out terrible.

I want my old sounds back!!!

[MasterP]

It's still a lux SUV.

My SO would hate it if it were as loud as my E92M or my F80.

Should have ticked the B&O box. Especially if you're leasing, not like you pay the full price for that option since it's residualized.

[Hammmerhead]

I came from a '13 50I as well and I'm in total agreement on the sound system. I actually had bass in rock music with my old '13's H&K setup, but it is non existent with my '16 version. Sure you can put on some of this modern electric techno crap or Rap and it will boom, but the bass punch is gone for real music. At one point I thought the subs under the seat weren't working, but a hand on them confirms that they are.

The 50i has a serious American muscle car rumble that puts a smile on any ones face. The X5M exhaust sound is raspy and it has a little bit of rice tones in it, but a tad of Italy as well. Its growing on me, but I think the sophistication of its sound is better with the valves closed. I just wished I could hear the turbos more.

[jcfay]

Make sure u get ASD turned off. It's an abomination and can only make your exhaust and stereo sound worse

[dkhm3]

weird, my x5 m hk system sounds leagues better than my m3 hk and my '11 x5 standard system. did you turn on the graphic equalizer?

i love the exhaust, it sounds great to me. i had a 6.2 v8, and i thought it farted too much.

[ItaliaM3]

I did turn on the equalizer. Would love to see a pic of your settings if possible - or others that think the HK system is all that.

For me, there simply is no bass and the highs are muddy. Ordered the BavSound replacement subs, so we will see how it goes. I needed to do something, the quality of the audio constantly disappoints me every time I drive the car.

Sounds are certainly subjective for sure, but the car is just tuned way too high for me. No "throatyness" from the exhaust and the audio is flat with zero dimension - it's literally like I'm listening to AM constantly.

[UrbanExtant]

Originally Posted by ItaliaM3

Sounds are certainly subjective for sure, but the car is just tuned way too high for me. No "throatyness" from the exhaust and the audio is flat with zero dimension - it's literally like I'm listening to AM constantly.

It's been discussed here in the past, but over time, the exhaust sound deepens, and becomes more well rounded in its sound, once it gets broken in. While the exhaust note will never be as fantastic as some other cars on the market, it does improve. After a couple of months, I noticed a distinct improvement in my vehicle, and others on this forum commented that theirs did, as well.

[onfireX5]

After 4000 miles mine got deeper and louder in M.

[Ash777]

Please do note that the sound deadening in the car is quite effective at blocking out a lot of the exhaust sound. X5M is quite loud from a bystander's perspective, esp the nice bangs and pops on the gearshift and overrun. As for the tone its not a typical cross plane V8 sound, but nevertheless it has its own rawness and I agree a tad bit of "Italy" too. I never fail to turn heads above 2k rpm

To me it sounds like your speakers might be defected, or need a serious adjustment in the equalizer. The HK is not perfect, but I would say its at least good. Overall the sound is just a little bit recessed. The mids could be brighter and the highs could be more smooth.

[Kzang]

I agree with the Interior sound deadening in the new X5's are incredible..

but....

The exhaust sound from a 50i vs X5M is noticeably different from the outside even with aftermarket exhausts. IMO the 50i sounds more raw and what a true V8 should sound like...

While the X5M sounds like a high RPM tuned car.

[elisiX]

My brother in law came out with me in the car for the first time the other night. We went for a drive for a few hours and while he liked the sound of the M, when asked he did say it didn't sound very loud. When I dropped him home later that night I gave it a big across the next few streets towards my place. Minutes later I got a text and he was blown away by how the car sounds (stock). Basically, as others have said, the sound deadening 'ruins' the real sound. That's why I love car parks and narrow streets.