Need more from audio system

[Kelvin]

Got to agree, the Bose system doesn't do the car justice. Sadly it's one of the reasons I had to let the Z go. Currently upgrading to the HK system in a 2026 BMW Z4. Don't get me wrong, I love the Z and I'm happy when I see one in the wild. I just miss the luxury and comfort plus performance of the BMW. Strictly a fun car and not a daily driver.

Bro are you buying the Z to get performance or for a stereo? I own a Z and could care less about the audio. I appreciate the look, performance, and its sub par Bose system.

 

[Kelvin]

P

Bro are you buying the Z to get performance or for a stereo? I own a Z and could care less about the audio. I appreciate the look, performance, and its sub par Bose audio.

 

[Kelvin]

P

And to say the least, if I start to dislike the Z that much, I’ll just buy something else until I start disliking it too.

 

[50thZ]

Installed these sound improvement Significant change , tune with the equalizer. I don't need the subwoofer ,they sound that good. They are the door speakers.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BH56NGBV?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

 

[Apex_Z]

Installed these sound improvement Significant change , tune with the equalizer. I don't need the subwoofer ,they sound that good. They are the door speakers.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BH56NGBV?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

How did your preferred EQ settings change with the new speakers? Do they just bolt in or were mods required?

 

[50thZ]

How did your preferred EQ settings change with the new speakers? Do they just bolt in or were mods required?

Direct factory fit Zero mods that is one reason I got them. No alterations what so ever. Remove the old install the new.

 

[JamesParks]

Direct factory fit Zero mods that is one reason I got them. No alterations what so ever. Remove the old install the new.

That's only the door speakers, right? Are the rear ones the same?

 

[50thZ]

That's only the door speakers, right? Are the rear ones the same?

Only the door. The rear speakers are junk. Which is why I use the settings to fade more to the front. I adjust so that the door speakers do the most sound. they sound way better than the stock speakers. I use the bass enhancement as well that is in the sound settings. If you adjust correctly the system sounds great.

 

[papozalsa]

I just don’t think a Z’s design was created to accommodate deep bass. It doesn’t reflect the music like a Bentley or large Lexus. That’s just my opinion. I’ve heard the Lexus’s Mark system and it’s just on a different playing field, and the car holds it well. Just my opinion.

I do not listen to deep bass that wants to crack the real window. I listen the the bass of the instruments.

 

[50thZ]

I do not listen to deep bass that wants to crack the real window. I listen the the bass of the instruments.

My thoughts exactly. Good luck.

 

[tractng]

I think the BOSE system is fine, it's just the spare tire sub that is terrible. I replaced mine with a cerwin vega spare tire sub and Hertz amp and the audio is vastly improved. For that install, you use the inputs for the Bose to connect to the amp and you can buy an amp that doesn't require a remote turn on. So in the end you are just running a power wire from the battery and a short ground wire. However, OP I'm not sure what you do in your situation where you don't already have the Bose wire harness to cut for signal.

I think the BOSE system is fine, it's just the spare tire sub that is terrible. I replaced mine with a cerwin vega spare tire sub and Hertz amp and the audio is vastly improved. For that install, you use the inputs for the Bose to connect to the amp and you can buy an amp that doesn't require a remote turn on. So in the end you are just running a power wire from the battery and a short ground wire. However, OP I'm not sure what you do in your situation where you don't already have the Bose wire harness to cut for signal.

Can he just use the wires from the rear speakers and connect to an external amp for the signal? From what people mentioned, the rear speakers are junk so might be a good idea not to have any sound.

 

[tractng]

Installed these sound improvement Significant change , tune with the equalizer. I don't need the subwoofer ,they sound that good. They are the door speakers.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BH56NGBV?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

Interested in these. So yours is the non Bose right. Just checking.

 

[50thZ]

Interested in these. So yours is the non Bose right. Just checking.

Yes, Non BOSE it is the Sport model.

 

[Mrdeep]

So, I have a 2024 MT Sport. That means I don't have the sub in the spare tire well and it is seriously lacking. I talked to a car audio shop and they have no info at all on what exists, electronically speaking, in the Z.

Anybody have any tips on what you've been able to do to add some bigger sound and at a minimum more bass and mid range without changing the head unit? I don't really want to change the factory look by changing that but anything else could be on the table.

I'd appreciate some details on anyone else's success.

Doesn't look like anyone has really answered your question.

First, you don't need to change the head unit to get better audio. You need better speakers, and possibly a sub/amp.

Second, the rear fill speakers are absolutely terrible, and there isn't a good way to make them sound better. taking them out would probably make the sound experience better.

Third, your budget is super important. you could drop a few hundred dollars, or a few thousand...

Finally, IDK why people talk about weight gain from adding to you audio system. the added weight will do almost nothing, unless you're tracking your car constantly and are an incredibly skilled driver already. It's your car, your money, and your experience.

Not knowing your budget, my suggestion is to upgrade to a set of mid-range speakers (Like the JL Audio C3 Components) with a 4 channel amp, and then get a spare tire sub, like the JBL BassPro Hub. that full setup should come in at like 1200 + Install. You could save by getting lower end components or skipping the Sub.

 

[Anneem]

Who else can chime in reporting the Bose sucks on the performance model?

Totally sucks. So disappointed. But I test drove the Sport first and it sucked even more.