Upgrade to the Harman Kardon sound system

[MichaelInChicago]

Is there a relatively inexpensive, easy way to upgrade the Harman Kardon system in my 650?

Thanks

[vaio23]

I would say by replacing stock with bavsound speakers. I did that on mine along with aftermarket amp and small sub, very happy.

[vaio23]

I have seen people who tried to take on the retrofit of B&O and it is just too complex. Once you have all the components (Speakers and Amp) the most complicated part is the wiring harness. It is different than the one currently in your car (Need extra lines for leds) and more than likely will have to be custom wired. I remember seeing some post on it, not sure if it was this forum and not sure if they ever fully completed it. You would probably be better off doing a custom system.

[Mitaka]

Originally Posted by MichaelInChicago

Is there a relatively inexpensive, easy way to upgrade the Harman Kardon system in my 650?

Thanks

I thought all 650s come with Harmon Kardon. What do you currently have?

[E92TTCoupe]

Originally Posted by vaio23

I would say by replacing stock with bavsound speakers. I did that on mine along with aftermarket amp and small sub, very happy.

Did you have to cut any wires to add the aftermarket amp and sub?

[E92TTCoupe]

How about Tech PnP?

[ezmaass]

Originally Posted by rouger_bmw

I think it could be possible for sure, i know that the wiring is differente from hifi to B&O, but it is only add wiring and coding, no more, i did on my old bmw 1series, i retrofitted HK from stereo system and everybody told me the same that it could not be possible to do this.will do it and will post the results. Regards

Aside from the wiring, I also imagine the iDrive software needs to be changed - on my car, there's specific menus for the B&O to adjust things like the stage, equalizer, and lighting.

The B&O was a $3,700 option - so I have to assume the parts, alone, probably won't fall into the camp of "inexpensive" - but if you're willing to spend the money and do the work, it's a great sounding system. Likewise, it'll also be "factory correct" - won't look like an after-market system. At 1,200 watts, it's very powerful and clear, as well.

[vaio23]

Here is a link to some one selling harnesses that did retrofit.

https://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1520500