Premium Soundsystems have been a feature of luxury cars for a few generations, and with technology always improving, today’s cars have some seriously impressive kit. With household names like Harman Kardon, Bowes & Wilkins, and Burmester, manufacturers have partnered up with these companies to create premium sound systems – and BMW is no different.
Across the current BMW range, most cars come with a standard Hi-Fi system, usually with ten speakers and a digital amp. This system works well but won’t impress anyone; many drivers want more.
That’s where the upgraded Harman Kardon system comes in. HK has been working with BMW for three decades now, and their latest system is a major upgrade on the standard Hi-Fi offering. Of course, that comes with a price, and you can upgrade your Soundsystem on most BMWs.
So, which BMW models include this option, and how much does it cost? In today’s article, we’ve covered which BMW models can be upgraded to Harman Kardon (and how much it costs) alongside a list of BMW models with the HK system already installed as standard. Finally, we’ll give you our opinion on whether it’s worth upgrading.
Is the Harman Kardon Soundsystem an upgrade?
The entry-level BMW Soundsystem includes ten speakers and a 250-watt amp. With a Harman Kardon system in your BMW, the number of speakers and amp wattage both increase.
These increases depend on the BMW model. Below we’ve summarised the current BMW range and what HK package you get if you upgrade:
| Model | Number of speakers | Watts |
| 2 Series | 12 | 360 |
| 3 Series | 16 | 464 |
| 4 Series | 16 | 464 |
| 5 Series | 16 | 464 |
| 8 Series | 16 | 464 |
| X1 | 12 | 360 |
| X3 | 16 | 464 |
| X4 | 16 | 464 |
| X5 | 16 | 464 |
| X6 | 16 | 464 |
| X7 | 16 | 464 |
| i4 | 17 | 535 |
| iX | 18 | 655 |
| XM | 16 | 464 |
These speakers are located throughout your BMW, from the doors, to under the seats, to the rear shelf. This creates a truly impressive surround sound feeling, and once you’ve tested the Harman Kardon system, you’ll notice the upgrade. My current 440i, and my previous 430i, both have a Harman Kardon system, and it would be one of the first options I’d look for in a future BMW.
Do all BMW models have a Harman Kardon Soundsystem?
Every model in the current BMW range can access a Harman Kardon system. On some models, this is standard, and on others, you will need to pay for an optional extra to include. On higher-spec models, you also have the option to upgrade again to a Bowes & Wilkins system.
Below we’ve covered which BMW models have an HK system at no extra cost and how much it costs to add to the other BMW models.
Harman Kardon Sound System as Standard
The below BMWs include an HK system as standard. As these are some of the higher-spec BMW models, you would expect most features to be standard, as these cars can start at over $100,000. You can upgrade to a Bowes & Wilkins system on some of the below models.
- X3 M
- X4 M
- X5 M50i
- X5 M
- X6 M50i
- X6 M
- X7 40i
- X7 M60i
- XB7
- M2
- M3
- M4
- M550i
- M5
- 740i (Bowers & Wilkins System)
- 760i (Bowers & Wilkins System)
- i7 (Bowers & Wilkins System)
- 840i
- M850i
- M8
- iX M60 (Bowers & Wilkins System)
- XM (Bowers & Wilkins System)
Harman Kardon Sound System as Optional Extra
Most current BMW models include the option to upgrade to a Harman Kardon system. The cost of an upgrade is usually $875. However, some models include the HK upgrade as part of a larger option pack, like the Premium or Convenience package.
- X1 28i – $4,200 (part of the Premium package)
- X3 30i – $875
- X3 M40i – $875
- X4 30i – $875
- X4 M40i – $875
- X5 40i – $875
- X5 45e – $875
- X6 40i – $875
- 230i – $875
- M240i – $875
- 228i – $875
- M235i – $875
- 330i – $875
- 330e – $875
- M340i – $875
- 430i – $875
- M440i – $875
- 530i – $2,250 (part of the Premium package)
- 540i – $2,250 (part of the Premium package)
- 530e – $2,000 (part of the Premium package)
- Z4 30i – $875
- Z4 M40i – $875
- iX 50 – $2,000 (part of the Convenience package)
- i4 e35 – $875
- i4 e40 – $875
- i4 M50 – $875
FAQS
Are there alternatives to the BMW Harman Kardon system?
There are companies that will install aftermarket audio systems if your BMW is missing the Harman Kardon setup or you want to upgrade. For parts and labor, these changes can be expensive.
Is the Bowers & Wilkins system different?
The Bowers & Wilkins BMW sound system is an improvement over the Harman Kardon setup. It includes more speakers and 3D & 4D surround sound. The Bowers & Wilkins system is only available on a handful of current BMW models though.
Why are there different speakers in each BMW model?
The number of speakers in the Harman Kardon system is based on vehicle design and cost. 2 Series models feature 12 speakers only, as the car is smaller and less expensive. Compare this to models like the X5 or X7; These are larger, more expensive SUVs and require more speakers.
Do older BMW models have a Harman Kardon system?
Most preowned BMW models will have a Harman Kardon system, particularly if they are higher-spec vehicles. You can easily check if a BMW has a HK system by looking at the front corners inside your car, next to the side mirrors. The speaker located there will say Harman Kardon if you have the system.
Is the Harman Kardon sound system worth adding to your BMW?
In our opinion, this is one of the best options to add to your BMW. Whether you’re listening to the radio or music apps, the improvement in sound quality from Harman Kardon is noticeable. There is probably the most significant improvement over the standard HiFi setup for rear passengers, but wherever you are in the car, you’ll get a crisper, better sound.
One area that I think BMW should correct is the cost. It’s a flat $875 fee to add the HK system, but as we saw from the table earlier, the number of speakers differs across the BMW range – so anyone buying a 2 Series is spending $875 to get a worse system than if you bought a 4 Series. It’s a small complaint, but BMW should scale the cost.
If you liked this article and want to learn more about the other packs and options available on your BMW, check out the links below:
Which BMW Models Come With Laserlights?
Which BMW Models Have Ventilated Seats?
BMW Convenience Package Explained
Which BMW Models Have Massage Seats?
Which BMW Models Have Heads Up Display?
The BMW Driving Assistant Package Explained
