get 530. 3 series isnt exciting when you dont have twin turbo I6 underneath.

 

See the arrow buttons? Press those to change the radio station.

See the volume ****? Turn that to adjust the volume.

Really, it isn't that hard

 

I was under the impression if the car has idrive you have to use that to change the stations?

 

is the sound system on the 5 series that bad?

 

If you want to cycle through the presets, you can use the arrows - same with the CD tracks and what not.

 

Base BMW sound systems are horrible, worse than any system on the market. They are at the level of about mid 90ies Hondas, if not worse. However I don't know much about their Level7 system, but I'm pretty sure its nowhere near Lexus' ML or Acura's DVD-A Bose.

 

I disagree
You should go listen to them now. They are much improved. The L7 is as good if not better than the ML in the Lexus (some drivers prefer one over the other - both have their strengths).

The old 3-series sound systems were however horrible.

edit: worthless triva... both the Mark Levinson and Logic 7 systems are made by the same company

 

I mostly agree with your points on BMW but this I disagree.

I think both logic 7 and ML are made by Harman/Kardon but IMHO, ML blows away logic 7 system. I drove 330i with logic 7( i think it's stardard on 330i) and it's not even as good as standard pioneer system on the IS350.

 

I agree.The bass is more punchy than the Mark Levinson in the Lexus. Excellent sounding Even the stock "BMW Business" sound system has more bass than the Levinson.

 

Has anynone heard the Bang Olufsen system that Audi uses? Phenomenal system in my opinion. Audi and Lexus have the best audio systems of any manufacturer in my opinion.

Here's a Fifth Gear video on the system: http://youtube.com/watch?v=1-Utk2XaU10 I have to admit I hate the guy doing the review.

I'de really like them to do a review on the new LS's sound system.

 

keep the comments coming guys. i appreciate all the input. my father is pretty much set on a black 530i, preferably a 2005 with less than 30k miles for less than $40k. that may seem almost impossible but my father is in no hurry to buy the car. i checked bmwusa.com but couldn't find any. if anyone knows where one can be found within 50 miles of queens, ny that would be great.

 

I have never read any review or seen any overwhelming comments on BMW sound systems.
I would like to add Nissan/Infiniti Bose sound systems as horrible as well...

 

The only review I've ever heard on the Logic7 was from the owners on the various BMW forums. Most of them like it. Lots of them said at first they thought it sucked, but through the various adjustments tweeked it and now love it. Apparently with the stock adjustment setting it may not sound that great, but after you adjust the bass, DPS settings and such it sounds pretty good. Only one person I saw had the previous Mark Levinson system in which he thought the Logic7 was much better, but it was not the lastest multi channel ML that is found on the new 2006+ cars but the last version found in the GS I believe.

That said though from briefly looking at the system layout I kind of like that they have the 2 small subs under thr front seats. I have to really try it out first but as long as it doesn't rattle the seats I like the more up front bass set up. Too bad manufacturers can't get the subs up in the front dash somewhere

 

Of course owners will say the system is good. What I am saying is from audiophiles (I am not) and from professional reviews the BMW system is rarely mentioned as outstanding. I also am not saying its a poor system, but not one of the best.

 

BTW, ITS POLL TIME!!! And I would actually say E39 540....