[mariopl]

Hi guys,

I was today shortly at dealership, drove my 5 Series with HK sound and it played really nice using DAB stations.
Then I jumped into i5 e40 with B&W and I had feeling that audio works below my HK in 5. I tried with Logic7 and without and I could generate big impression of better audio.
Is it because, that e40 was stock car and audio didn't break in or is it because audio in i5 is worse comparing regular 5 series?

[epigram]

Based on what I've read here and elsewhere,
1. The specs of the G60 HK is similar to the G30 Hifi
2. The specs of the G60 BW is similar to the G30 HK

[mariopl]

Actually I am asking for comparison between G60 5 Series and G60 i5

[PsychDoc]

B&W is far better than the HK system. This true whether the car electric or ICE.

[Trevor G]

B&W has a much cleaner sound than the HK system. I stopped listening to music in my old 2020 Chevy Malibu after hearing the HK in wife's jeep. Now I do not even listen to music in the Jeep because the B&W has spoiled me. The Jeep has the HK system with 23 speakers but still no comparison. Also realize they are the same company B&W and HK. B&W is their higher model.

[lilstevie]

Originally Posted by Trevor G

Also realize they are the same company B&W and HK. B&W is their higher model.

HK is not the same company as B&W. HK is owned by Samsung, B&W is owned by Masimo

[rgw]

You're gonna want the Bowers and Wilkins system and the option is pretty affordable, so no point in not optioning it if you're looking to order a 2025. Would definitely try to find a 5er that fits your other needs but has the B&W option if you're looking to buy a 2024 off the lot.

[Trevor G]

DEI's former Sound United audio electronics division became the consumer audio part of Masimo including Denon, Marantz, Boston Acoustics, HEOS by Denon (under D+M Group), Polk Audio, Definitive Technology and Bowers & Wilkins.

Good companies.

[arkhi]

Originally Posted by lilstevie

HK is not the same company as B&W. HK is owned by Samsung, B&W is owned by Masimo

B&W is made by HK on BMWs through a licensing agreement. https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/nxoAA...Z/s-l1200.webp

As far as the difference between 5 EV and ICE, the EV version does not have subs under the seats on both B&W and HK due to the battery while the ICE version does.

[TLK]

More specifically: HK, B&W, JBL, Mark Levinson are all made by Harman. Harman is now owned by Samsung.

[Scrapula]

Originally Posted by arkhi

B&W is made by HK on BMWs through a licensing agreement. https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/nxoAAOSwbm9dkXnZ/s-l1200.webp

As far as the difference between 5 EV and ICE, the EV version does not have subs under the seats on both B&W and HK due to the battery while the ICE version does.

Where are the subs on the EV? I can definitely feel vibration in my seat from the bass.

[TLK]

Originally Posted by Scrapula

Where are the subs on the EV? I can definitely feel vibration in my seat from the bass.

In the doors?

https://news.harman.com/blog/harman-...0configuration.

[RichardInCA]

The subwoofer for the B&W in the i5 is in the trunk somewhere

https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/bow...-5-series-2023

[SkykingUSA]

Thanks for those links. Pretty cool stuff.

[Scrapula]

Originally Posted by RichardInCA

The subwoofer for the B&W in the i5 is in the trunk somewhere

https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/bowers-and-wilkins-surround-sound-system-bmw-5-series-2023

Thank you Richard!

[Trevor G]

So my i5 is in the shop to have a code investigated. First loaner was a 2024 740i which is very nice but a little to floaty for my likes. The B&W system in that car had more bass than my i5 but not by much. Sound was very clean. I didn't want an ice car as a loaner though so they gave me a 2025 iX the next day with H&K system. The sound was great there also. Big take aways are 1) H&K has more bass 2) The sound is not as crisp 3) Upper mid levels are muffled slightly 4) l wanted my i5 with B&W system back sooner than later.

[elbmw]

Originally Posted by TLK

In the doors?

https://news.harman.com/blog/harman-...0configuration.

Now it makes sense, I was really annoyed all summer long 'cause I could feel air hitting my leg while wearing shorts